Reviews for episode ‘Sanctuary’ • Doctor Who

This review contains spoilers!

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“SANCTUARY – SECRETS, BETRAYAL, AND A LOOMING WAR”

The final Eternity Club box set kicks off with Sanctuary, an episode that perfectly balances the series’ signature humour with an escalating sense of dread. The Eternity Club members, normally bickering over trivialities, now find themselves facing a full-scale diplomatic crisis. A fleet of battleships hovers outside the asteroid, demanding that one of their own be handed over. The only problem? Nobody is sure which member is the target, leading to brilliantly absurd moments like Grizella and Starll sharing a romantic interlude while casually discussing the impending attack.

At the heart of the conflict is Benny, who is utterly convinced that the enigmatic Oldest One is actually the Master. She’s ready to hand her over to prevent further catastrophe, but the rest of the club refuses to comply. This creates a fantastic central tension, with Benny increasingly isolated in her stance and forced to challenge her own assumptions.

REVELATIONS AND DECEPTIONS

The long-standing mystery of the Oldest One takes a dramatic turn when the club’s seemingly inconsequential nurse finally steps into the spotlight. It turns out she is more than just a background character—she’s a nonfunctional shell of a TARDIS, acting as the Oldest One’s jailer. But here’s the real kicker: even she doesn’t know whether she’s guarding the Doctor or the Master.

This revelation adds a compelling layer of ambiguity to the story, forcing Benny to confront the possibility that she may be making a terrible mistake. The way the narrative weaves in past references while gradually piecing together the bigger picture is masterfully handled, rewarding long-time listeners with satisfying payoffs.

WAR, DEATH, AND CONSEQUENCES

As tensions within the club reach breaking point, an unexpected new threat emerges: a death cult, hell-bent on claiming the Oldest One for themselves. Their sudden, brutal attack shifts the tone of the story into something much darker. The club members, who have mostly been comedic foils until now, are forced into a desperate fight for survival, while Benny is sent to face their god—Death itself.

Despite the heavier themes, the story still maintains moments of levity, making the inevitable descent into darkness all the more effective. With a suspenseful build-up, sharp character work, and high-stakes drama, Sanctuary sets the stage for an explosive finale.

VERDICT: A STRONG START TO THE ENDGAME

Packed with intrigue, action, and a tantalising sense of mystery, Sanctuary is a gripping first step towards The Eternity Club’s grand conclusion. With the club divided, an unknown prisoner at the heart of it all, and the arrival of Death itself, things have never been more dangerous—or more exciting.

📝74/100