Bitter Dregs (Stranding “Orphan 55”)

Orphan 55 stands apart from the rest of Doctor Who canon in two key ways: First, its idea of an indeterminate always-in-flux future is at odds with virtually every other adventure set in the future. And second, probably no other episode has ever dared to spell out its message so explicitly, ending with an ominous speech from Jodie Whittaker’s Doctor about the terrible consequences of neglecting our planet. To be fair, the story is much more fun than that sounds, with jokes about speedos and bats, a three-layer cake of mysteries, and plenty of creepy monsters with big teeth. This one has more twists than a Blackpool roller coaster, although when it’s done you might question where you ended up.

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Story Essentials

• Series 12, Episode 3
• Story number: 291, per the The Pull To Open Codex
• Writer: Ed Hime
• Director: Lee Haven Jones
• Showrunner: Chris Chibnall
• Aired 12 January 2020

Pull To Open: Orphan 55

• Season 4
• Episode 10

Hosts: Pete Pachal and Chris Taylor

Music: Martin West/Thinking Fish