Hidden Detail Reveals How Much Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor Cares for Rogue

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Attention: Potential spoilers lie ahead for season 15 of Doctor Who, specifically episode 8 titled “The Reality War.” In this episode, Jonathon Groff’s character, Rogue, reappears and offers a subtle hint at the depth of his romantic bond with the Fifteenth Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa. Previously introduced in season 14’s episode 6, “Rogue,” Groff’s character swiftly emerged as a new romantic interest for the Doctor. Despite their relationship developing quickly and being abruptly ended due to Rogue being trapped in another dimension, he had a significant role in reviving the Doctor in the previous episode, “Wish World.

16th Doctor’s primary romantic interest after River Song (played by Alex Kingston) is Rogue. Their mutual affection develops rather swiftly, creating a unique dynamic last seen in River’s “Doctor Who” timeline which concluded in 2015’s “The Husbands of River Song.” By the finale of “The Reality War,” it remains uncertain when and how the Doctor and Rogue will reconnect, but an emotional scene in Gatwa’s last episode emphasizes the depth of the Doctor’s feelings for Groff’s bounty hunter character.

The Fifteenth Doctor Never Told Anita About Rogue

Fifteen still wasn’t ready in “Joy to the World” to talk about losing Rogue

In the upcoming series “The Reality War,” Anita Benn (Steph de Whalley) reappears for the first time since 2024’s “Joy to the World.” During one of the latest Doctor Who Christmas specials, The Doctor (Fifteen) spent an entire year on Earth with Anita and shared numerous stories about his journeys through time and space. As a result, Anita gains significant insight into the Doctor’s life, particularly his recent escapades. This makes it intriguing when Anita employs the Time Hotel in her quest to locate the Doctor, as she appears unaware of Fifteen’s connection with Rogue.

The loss of Rogue had a profound impact on the Doctor, as shown by Fifteen’s decision not to inform Anita about him. Given that it was only a short while ago from Fifteen’s point of view, and perhaps too painful for him to discuss, it’s understandable that Anita seemed taken aback by their reunion. It appears that Anita felt the deepest emotion of heartbreak in this situation. Her appearance in “The Reality War” subtly implies that she developed feelings for the Doctor during their time spent together and was saddened to learn he was already involved with someone else.

Anita understood that, although Rogue was absent, the Doctor’s silence about him suggested he wasn’t ready to advance their relationship. Given this realization, even though she had gathered the courage to approach the Doctor with her feelings, Anita recognized that the moment wasn’t right, and instead decided to move on. This decision is evident from the fact that she became pregnant soon after, suggesting a new chapter in her life.

Can Doctor Who’s Rogue Arc Be Resolved Without Ncuti Gatwa?

The Doctor & Rogue’s love story won’t be the same with Billie Piper leading the show

In “Wish World,” it appeared that Jonathon Groff’s character, Rogue, was set for a comeback, potentially reconnecting him with the Fifteenth Doctor. However, an unexpected plot twist revealed that “‘The Reality War’ was Gatwa’s swan song,” casting doubt on any future encounter between Rogue and his beloved Doctor version. The introduction of Billie Piper as the Sixteenth Doctor alters the relationship dynamics between Rogue and the Doctor, making it a different experience altogether.

In the realm of possibilities for Doctor Who season 16, it’s plausible that Rogue may continue to feel the same depth of affection towards Piper’s Doctor as he did for Fifteen. However, given that their relationship was portrayed as a gay romance, a shift from Gatwa to Piper could significantly alter the tone when they reunite. Yet, it’s worth noting that River’s love for the Tenth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Doctors persisted despite the Doctor’s ever-changing faces, suggesting that Rogue and the Doctor’s love might transcend physical appearances too.

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2025-06-07 15:19