Psychopathic, insane but also very much in control, Sacha Dhawan’s new Master might be one of the most dangerous incarnations of the Doctor Who villain that we’ve had in years.
If there was one thing that stood out about Spyfall – Doctor Who‘s opening story for its twelfth series – it was Sacha Dhawan’s new take on the Master. Particularly during the second part of the story. While he featured in the first episode, he was also disguised as the endearing O for most of it, only revealing his true identity at the very end.
Initially, during his reveal, he seemed to be very similar to the incarnations played by John Simm and Michelle Gomez – very manic, full of energy, and utterly insane. Particularly in the moments when he couldn’t resist laughing.
Now, I’ll be honest – I was initially a little worried about this. I enjoyed Simm’s and Gomez’s takes on the role, but I also wanted to see something different. Perhaps even more old-school.
Thankfully, I got that wish in part 2. And honestly, I’m not even just talking about the use of the Tissue Compression Eliminator. While it was fantastic to see that for the first time in decades, that’s not what stood out about this new Master. Rather, it was how the character was handled, in terms of both performance and writing, that made this new incarnation stand out…
While he tried to be the Doctor’s friend in his previous incarnation, the Master is back to his old ways and could be the Doctor’s most dangerous enemy yet.
Photo Credit: Ben Blackall/BBC Studios/BBC America
A Master in control
In Spyfall: Part 2, we had a Master who felt in control. Hunting down the Doctor through multiple eras, this new Master was evil and sadistic. But, while he had his moments of anger and rage, he didn’t feel as insane as Simm and Gomez did.
This is hugely refreshing. The Master of the Classic Series did plan insane schemes to take over the universe on a regular basis. But he was also a planner. Someone who was always in control. And he was clever, dangerously clever. This was especially true of Roger Delgado’s incarnation, who was a perfect opponent for Jon Pertwee’s Doctor.
I’ve said before that Derek Jacobi is the closest we’ve had to a true successor of Delgado’s Master (yes, even taking into account Anthony Ainley’s distinctive take on the role). I still think that. But Dhawan feels like the right balance between a style as old-school as Delgado and as energetic as Simm and Gomez.
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Back to basics
Speaking of which: the Master feels like a true enemy of the Doctor, for the first time in a long while. One thing I liked about Missy was that, with her incarnation, at least, the hint of friendship between the Doctor and the Master was explored like never before. Her arc of redemption in Series 10 – or a chance of redemption, at least – was an interesting direction for the character.
However, since that angle has now been explored, I’m glad that things have been essentially taken back to basics with the Master. He’s not messing around, and in Spyfall, he’s genuinely trying to kill the Doctor, or even just trying to make her suffer. He’s tried to be friends with his archenemy in a past life, and that didn’t work out. Now, he truly wants to be the Master again: making plans to rule the universe and destroy his greatest foe, no matter what the cost.
Honestly, this new take on the Master is possibly my favorite one since Derek Jacobi was cast in the role. With the right balance of both Classic and New styles, we have an incarnation that feels dangerous. More than that: we have the perfect foe for the Doctor once more. I’m really excited to see more of this incarnation.
What are your thoughts on Dhawan’s take on the Master? Do you think he’s a strong incarnation already? Who is your favorite portrayal of the character? Let us know in the comments below.