Death is not necessarily the end on Doctor Who. This series alone has featured several characters who either died or were knocking on death’s door. The Doctor used his regeneration energy to heal a dying Davros. Technology from the Mire and some quick thinking from the Doctor managed to bring Ashildr back to the world of the living. Throughout the entire series, characters who we thought were lost have returned. But is this always a good idea?
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Last week’s episode, ‘The Zygon Invasion,’ featured the welcome return of fan favorite Osgood, a character who was last seen in ‘Death in Heaven’ getting vaporized by Missy. This loss was arguably one of the most heart-breaking moments from the last series, as Osgood had already endeared herself to fans. However, having a duplicate has allowed the character to continue, and we don’t know if this double is the Zygon or the original article. While many fans are pleased to have Osgood back, this fan in particular sees it as a mistake that basically defeats the purpose of destroying the character in the first place.
Viewers were outraged by Osgood’s murder. Steven Moffat justified the decision by saying that it needed to be done to show just how evil Missy truly is. When questioned on the theory regarding the Zygon duplicate, Moffat of course lied that dead is dead. Despite the turmoil that was generated, Osgood’s death was a powerful moment in Doctor Who.
I’ve criticized the Moffat era in the past saying that there have not been enough genuine emotional moments. Osgood’s death counters this and provided the type of brave storytelling that sometimes Doctor Who desperately needs. Just like Donna Noble or Amy Pond, their fates are sealed and the Doctor is powerless to change them.
Bringing back Osgood defeats the entire purpose of her tragic fate. Since the original’s mind merged with her Zygon duplicate, she is basically the same character. In a sense, she never died in the first place. I realize this current series is about death and the boundaries of what can be reversed, but I think using Osgood to make that point was a mistake. This death was too important in the universe of Doctor Who. I think that if we continue to bring mourned characters back to life, then it all becomes a bit pointless.
Next: Doctor Who Preview/Synopsis: The Zygon Inversion
I know I’m in the minority on this viewpoint. So, I will be at the ready for feedback from my fellow Whovians. Please sound off in the comments below.