“She still exists”: Doctor Who showrunner explains why reviving this iconic character was a must

The Doctor Who series brought back a fan-favorite character in its latest episode, The Story and the Engine. The Fugitive Doctor, played by Jo Martin, appeared unexpectedly in an episode the creators described as essential to the character’s lore.

The Fugitive Doctor’s return to the critically acclaimed series might imply that her story is far from over. The fifteenth doctor, played by Ncuti Gatwa, remembers an experience as his past self (The Fugitive Doctor), suggesting the latter’s story arc may continue in future episodes.

The Story and the Engine episode featured elements of Nigerian culture and was set in the vibrant city of Lagos, the ethnic region of the Fugitive Doctor.

Russell T. Davies, head writer of the Doctor Who series, commented on the significance of Jo Martin’s return to the series:

"We've got a story that’s set in Lagos that’s kind of honoring the ethnicity of our Doctor. So actually, it felt like Jo Martin was missing. It’s just time to acknowledge her, and just time to say she still exists...

He continued:

“You needed to look at the Doctor’s life, and you needed to acknowledge that. So just a moment, and she’s so delighted to come to Cardiff and do it. So, it’s an honour."

More details on the Fugitive Doctor as she makes a return in the latest episode of Doctor Who

The Fugitive Doctor, played by Jo Martin, first appeared in the Doctor Who universe during the Timeless Child story arc in season twelve’s The Fugitive of the Judoon. Martin is the first non-white person and black woman to play the role of a doctor in the series.

Chris Chibnall and Vinay Patel wrote her incarnation as a Doctor who used to work for the division before taking refuge on Earth under the alias Ruth Clayton. Her memories returned, with the realization that she was a Doctor, although her time placement on the series remains uncertain.

Her appearance foreshadowed the story of the Timeless Child. In the Story and the Engine, it was revealed that the Fugitive Doctor has a history with one of the episode's antagonists, Abena, who calls out the Doctor for abandoning her.

In the Story and the Engine episode, The Fugitive Doctor revealed she was “busy in a different story”—suggesting that fans might see more of the character.

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