DOCTOR WHO: Speculation Mounts About True Identity Of Susan Twist's Recurring Character In Recent Specials

DOCTOR WHO: Speculation Mounts About True Identity Of Susan Twist's Recurring Character In Recent Specials

Russell T Davies' return to Doctor Who has generated heaps of discussion, including why little-known British actress Susan Twist recently played two different characters...or were they, in fact, the same?

By JoshWilding - Jan 02, 2024 04:01 AM EST
Filed Under: Doctor Who
Source: SFFGazette.com

We'd be willing to bet that most of you probably haven't heard of Susan Twist. The British character actress has been performing since 1980, counting UK classics like Coronation Street, Brookside, The Bill, and The Archers among her many credits. 

She first appeared in Doctor Who in the second 60th anniversary special, "Wild Blue Yonder." There, she played Isaac Newton's housekeeper Mrs. Merridrew in a scene which saw the Doctor and Donna Noble inadvertently inspire the scientist to name "gravity" as "mavity" instead. 

We didn't give the character much thought after that, but eyebrows were raised when Twist appeared to return as an audience member in the club Ruby Sunday's band is playing during the opening few minutes of Doctor Who's latest Christmas Special. 

She's uncredited for that appearance in "The Church on Ruby Road," but loudly asks the band to play an obscure 16th Century Christmas carol called "Gaudete." 

Fans are also convinced they've spotted her in the trailer for Russell T Davies' new season 1, with the prevailing theory being that Twist could be the new big bad whom the Toymaker referred to as "The One Who Waits." Could the Doctor's inadvertent change to history with "mavity" have created a deadly new foe in this unassuming elderly woman? 

Another possibility, of course, is that the production was simply looking to save money by using the same actress for what are essentially a couple of bit parts! 

It's hard to say for sure, but as we first mentioned on SFFGazette.com, speculation is now running rampant about what Davies might be up to. There are even some undeniably compelling claims that she's the original Doctor's companion, Susan, who may or may not be the Time Lord's granddaughter. Has she waited all this time for him, only to break bad? If so, that would be a major deep dive into Whovian lore by Davies. 

A few weeks ago, the showrunner talked more about what he hopes to bring to this new era of Doctor Who:

"Jodie Whittaker was the first female Doctor, many years too late, some would say, but my goodness she arrived in style. Now Ncuti Gatwa is the first Black doctor. It’s always pushing forward, it’s always got something to say and has always tried to welcome people in. From my point of view, whatever I make on television, I try to embrace queerness and queer politics and that’s like breathing to me because that’s my world. That’s how I live."

Do you have any theories about who - or what - Twist could be playing? Let us know in the comments section. 

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DevilsDreams
DevilsDreams - 1/2/2024, 4:58 AM
Even the BBC themselves called out this new era, specifically the Star Beast as more about the message than the show itself... The BBC themselves have even said this in their review...

" this special is preachy, and by the end, little more than a delivery system for The Message."
Ginley
Ginley - 1/2/2024, 5:17 AM
@DevilsDreams -

... that's a review.

I don't know what you think you're trying to prove but that's a review - someone had a POV and articulated it.

The fact that the BBC didn't try to censor it is a good thing.

The other point is what is YOUR agenda and why are YOU so intent on bringing up this BORING culture war bullshit?
TheVisionary25
TheVisionary25 - 1/2/2024, 4:59 AM
It likely is just production saving money a bit by reusing her for different minor roles but I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s something more to it aswell…

This is the same showrunner behind Bad Wolf & Harold Saxon so he likes to seed things in the background.

Also , I think the “One Who Waits” is Suketh from Pyramid of Mars

Apophis71
Apophis71 - 1/2/2024, 6:59 AM
@TheVisionary25 - If it wasn't for the 21st century character requesting a 16th century carol I don't think I have ever heard of (may have but the name of it I certainly don't recall) I would tend to agree just double dipping with an extra. At minimum there was intent at a fun easter egg/red herring by having her in a role in the 1600 then asking for a song that would have been popular at that time.

There are a few I could think of that will be hinted at as returning character(s) until the reveal, if being specific to female ones still being female Susan and Romana would be a couple I could see implied or returning.

In the case of the latter there was in the books storylines where she went to other universes and found other alternate versions of Timelords which if brought into live action could explain how another main universe Timelord survived the shows current canon. I could see them trying to use something like that to introduce the new 'original' Timelord race the Doctor was retconned to have realy come from if they keep the Timeless child concept. In that Romana could return from where the Doctor originated from and setup a future appearance of the Doctor's actual race. I know folk have taken a dislike to multiverse stuff but would be a way to bring back a rebooted form of Timelords without worrying too much about prior history or having to undo them having been wiped out.
marvel72
marvel72 - 1/2/2024, 5:23 AM
I don't think there will be enough people watching to give a shit about this.

You've lost older fans and haven't gained any new ones.

Ginley
Ginley - 1/2/2024, 5:41 AM
@marvel72 -

The Star Beast achieved 9.5m in the 28-day consolidated viewing figures in the UK.

This is the third highest +28 day figure since records began with Last Christmas, and easily the largest increase from +7 to +28 in the show's history.
marvel72
marvel72 - 1/2/2024, 6:28 AM
@Ginley - Now list the 3 specials and the Christmas special which were watched live or recorded and watched the same day.

The numbers go down with each episode and then up slightly with the Christmas special.

The King's Speech on Christmas day got more viewers and that's on like 10 minutes.
Ginley
Ginley - 1/2/2024, 7:36 AM
@marvel72 -

Well, the 28+ ratings haven't been released ... because they can't, as you know.

And, if you know anything about the show's ratings, you know that the ratings tend to get lower before rising for the last episode before a break ... which is what happened again.

There is usually some political agenda in attacking "Who" - be honest and declare yours.
Apophis71
Apophis71 - 1/2/2024, 7:56 AM
@Ginley - Needs to also be noted that ALL live viewing numbers across the board have been in steady decline year on year since streaming became a thing and the number of channels available exploded. In fact even though undeniably viewing figures for Doctor Who declined over the course of Jodie's run the rate of drop in viewer numbers was low comppared to the industry average thus when compared to averages increased in % share of total live viewing numbers.

Also needs to be noted that although lower numbers the third special STILL secured higher viewing figures than the first episode of series two of Vigil meaning that the top three live viewing figures for any drama across all UK channels at that point were ALL Dr Who. I mean yeh can compare to the past and say low but highest viewing figures of any drama of any genre for the year and highest for the show in several years is still GOOD no matter how you spin it.
Twenty23Three
Twenty23Three - 1/2/2024, 9:47 AM
@marvel72 - if you don’t want to watch anymore that’s cool, but don’t just make things up
Apophis71
Apophis71 - 1/2/2024, 11:14 AM
Figured I'd pull up some official data on general viewing figure...

Keep in mind iplayer only launched in 2005 (and wasn't very good at first, not used by many as VERY slow and glitchy, constantly locking up) with the digital switchover in the UK starting in 2007 thru 2012 and likewise wide access to broadband fast enough for quality streaming being fairly recent across the nation.

In 2020 16-34yrs old spent more time watching Youtube than live TV.
Combining live, recorded and BVoD the key demo group for Dr Who only spent 32% of their time watching broadcast TV.

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/news-centre/2021/brits-spend-a-third-of-2020-watching-tv-and-video

In 2023, in part after a COVID spike, broadcast TV’s weekly audience reach sees steepest annual decline since records began, while older audiences’ daily viewing drops at fastest rate ever.

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/news-centre/2023/media-nations-2023-latest-uk-viewing-and-listening-trends-revealed

At the time of the 2005 Dr Who reboot most in the UK probably only had access to five free TV channels, now there is free access to over 200 channels with a total of nearly 500 available when inc subscription, satellite and cable services. Important to note that a lot of care is taken in official figures in the UK to ensure viewing numbers are accurate to number of actual people watching and not skewed by those repeat viewing on multiple platforms and the population is only 67m total before even looking into specific age ranges. IE the way UK figures work is likely to be very different to how they do in the US for instance where they may be inflated due to repeat viewing but aint getting into the weeds on all that.

Fine for folk to have never liked stuff or drifted from once loving to no longer enjoying but anyone reporting on viewer numbers be they considered good or bad need to be aware of context of general trends within the industry and the vast increase in available content and platforms viewers can choose from.
lazlodaytona
lazlodaytona - 1/2/2024, 5:43 AM
I've never seen a single episode of this epically long series and I never plan to. Just does not look interesting to me.

Am I wrong? I'll always accept constructive criticism; without attacking me please.
DevilsDreams
DevilsDreams - 1/2/2024, 6:09 AM
@lazlodaytona - If it doesn't appeal to you, then it doesn't appeal to you.

I went back to the newer series as when I was a kid I'd seen some of the earlier stuff with the likes of Jon Pertwee and Tom Baker, so nostalgia drew me back to it really. The first season was alright, his at miss in places, but enjoyable overall, it found it's stride more during Tennant's tenure, one thing my other half has said a few times as I've been re-watching it with her, is about how the stories can take on quite different tones between different episodes.

Personally if you like Sci-Fi, I would say the first few seasons are worth a go to see what you think of them. I don't think I'm alone in saying that the writing seemed to fall off a little bit after Capaldi took over, so I haven't watched everything from the latter seasons.
lazlodaytona
lazlodaytona - 1/2/2024, 6:17 AM
@DevilsDreams - I appreciate the info dude. Very helpful.
I have about 5 shows currently I am planning on binging so the doc will have to wait but I'll give it a shot per your advice. Thanks again.
marvel72
marvel72 - 1/2/2024, 6:17 AM
@lazlodaytona - Start at the beginning and stop watching when you reach The Timeless Children.
lazlodaytona
lazlodaytona - 1/2/2024, 6:19 AM
@marvel72 - Ok. Will do so. Thanks for the advice man!
DevilsDreams
DevilsDreams - 1/2/2024, 6:54 AM
@marvel72 - I wasn't as upset as I know others were with the basic premise of the episode, although it was certainly very ham-fisted as points.
There are elements that played into the Timelord's arrogance certainly, and the inclusion of a pre-Hartnell Doctor, was a bit of a strange decision, especially as they seemingly couldn't be bothered to do anything with it...
marvel72
marvel72 - 1/2/2024, 7:14 AM
@DevilsDreams - It rewrote Doctor Who lore,terrible.
Apophis71
Apophis71 - 1/2/2024, 7:14 AM
@DevilsDreams - Yup the concept of the Timeless Child is not an issue at all realy, the hendling of the story was not good however. The arroance of the Timelords, how they are with the Doctor in multiple past stories and them setting an artificial limit on regenerations they have now gone beyond makes a lot more sense if they know he is potentialy more powerful than them and who they stole their abilities from etc. It also allows for a total reboot of Timelords by bringing in the 'original' race the Doctor came from down the road rather than them having to undo them all being killed or have to never have any other Timelords bar the Master ever again.

I repeat however the handling of the storyline was not good, the writing subpar and the resolution of it weak but not game breaking with OOOD writing to build from that as tend to still feel the idea that there was more to the Doctor 'running away' with a stolen TARDIS than was in prior canon by 'revealing' there was a longer history before that point is sound and has potential.
DevilsDreams
DevilsDreams - 1/2/2024, 7:29 AM
@Apophis71 - Yeah, I think the subpar writing has been an issue for a little while.

I do also question if the "Doctor Ruth" should have had the same Tardis, as we've also seen footage of Hartnell's Doctor stealing a "base" Tardis without the Chameleon circuit having frozen to the blue police box that we know and love,
Apophis71
Apophis71 - 1/2/2024, 7:41 AM
@DevilsDreams - Yeh, even at the time I was like it shouldn't have been the same TARDIS but get why they always go back to it even when it shouldn't be the same TARDIS locked into the same exterior appearance.
MarvelousMarty
MarvelousMarty - 1/2/2024, 6:06 AM
I hope to see the day the BBC gets what it deserves.
harryba11zack
harryba11zack - 1/2/2024, 8:17 AM
@MarvelousMarty - Never gonna happen, the BBc is funded by UK taxpayers. We are forced to help fund this dog sh1t.
DevilsDreams
DevilsDreams - 1/2/2024, 9:47 AM
@harryba11zack - We need more people to stop paying the TV license... easier now that most things are on streaming services, I'm just waiting for them to try and change the rules for that...
Apophis71
Apophis71 - 1/2/2024, 9:49 AM
@harryba11zack - For the record although it is always understandable folk having issues with the TV licence with the vast majority at least wanting changes to the whole system...

...in specific regard to Dr Who they make more in overseas sales of the show than it costs to make (did so even prior to the deal with Disney) and make a ton of money from licensing for merchandise for it too. Thus disingenuous to say the public is paying for something they may not like or watch in regard to this specific show as if anything profits from Dr Who subsides costs for other content and services the Beeb pays out for from the licence fee.

So your opinion on the show is valid, remains valid, but as long as they are still making an overall profit from overseas sales/their deal with Disney and merch for the show...
Blergh
Blergh - 1/2/2024, 6:09 AM
With RTD that is certainly no coincidence, might be the new villain.
I would assume she could be the Doctors granddaughter he never picked back up?
DevilsDreams
DevilsDreams - 1/2/2024, 6:56 AM
@Blergh - I know there was speculation about her being an aged version of his "daughter" Jenny, with Ruby potentially being her descendent.
bobevanz
bobevanz - 1/2/2024, 8:11 AM
I stopped after the 12th doctor, and I feel I'm better off lol
TheFinestSmack
TheFinestSmack - 1/2/2024, 8:31 AM
"We'd be willing to bet that most of you probably haven't heard of Susan Twist."

Who is WE here?
Twenty23Three
Twenty23Three - 1/2/2024, 9:48 AM
He’s already set up so many future things that I’m sure some of them will never get addressed
Apophis71
Apophis71 - 1/2/2024, 10:08 AM
@Twenty23Three - I believe the current deal is for him to be show runner for four or five seasons of the main show plus there being spinoffs so more than enough time for addressing anything setup on four specials.

I'm not saying it will be, RTD tends to have a more clear well defined plan arcs he sticks to than most showrunners tend to have even if/when individual episodes are viewed as being not so good.

Hopefully at minimum they will clean up the mess in regard to canon over the past couple incarnations at least so that they satisfactoraly either retcon stuff out of canon (as in being part of the meddling of the Toymaker revealed to be false or fixed) or make what they keep from it work and be net positive moving forward (such as the Timelord/Timeless child stuff).

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