:Rogue (Doctor Who)
{{good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{italic disambiguation}}
{{Infobox Doctor Who episode
| number = 310
| serial_name = Rogue
| show = DW
| type = episode
| image = Doctor Who Rogue.jpg
| caption = Promotional title-card
| doctor = Ncuti Gatwa – Fifteenth Doctor
| companion = Millie Gibson – Ruby Sunday
| guests =
- Paul Forman – Lord Barton
- Maxim Ays – Lord Galpin
- Indira Varma – Duchess of Pemberton
- Jonathan Groff – Rogue
- Camilla Aiko – Emily Beckett
- Debra Baker – Housekeeper
- Ashley Campbell – Butler
- Nancy Brabin-Platt – Miss Talbot
- Michelle Greenidge – Carla Sunday
- David Charles – Mr Price
- Susan Twist – Portrait (uncredited)
- Richard E. Grant – Unknown Doctor (uncredited){{cite web|title=Doctor Who's Richard E Grant was "so up" for "last-minute" Rogue cameo|first=James|last=Hibbs|work=Radio Times|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-richard-e-grant-cameo-newsupdate/|date=12 July 2024|access-date=28 July 2024}}
| director = Ben Chessell
| writer = Kate Herron and Briony Redman
| script_editor = Scott Handcock
| producer = Chris May
| executive_producer = {{Plainlist|
- Russell T Davies
- Julie Gardner
- Jane Tranter
- Joel Collins
- Phil Collinson
}}
| composer = Murray Gold
| series = Series 14
| length = 44 minutes
| date = {{Start date|2024|6|8|df=y}}
| preceding = "Dot and Bubble"
| following = "The Legend of Ruby Sunday"
}}
"Rogue" is the sixth episode of the fourteenth series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. The episode was first released in the United Kingdom on BBC iPlayer on 8 June 2024 and was broadcast on BBC One the same night. It was released simultaneously on Disney+ in the United States on 7 June. The episode was written by Kate Herron and Briony Redman, and directed by Ben Chessell.
In the episode, the Fifteenth Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and his companion, Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) travel to 1813 where they meet a mysterious bounty hunter named Rogue (Jonathan Groff), who is trying to hunt and kill a criminal member of the shape-shifting Chuldur species.
"Rogue" was filmed in Wales in May 2023 and shared similar themes to the period drama Bridgerton in terms of production design, costumes, music, and choreography. The episode is dedicated to former Doctor Who star William Russell, who died in the week prior to its first broadcast. It received a positive reception from critics, with praise towards Gatwa and Groff's performances.
Plot
File:Doctor Who Rogue Trailer.webm
In 1813, the Doctor and Ruby visit Bath, England to attend a ball. The Doctor encounters a mysterious bounty hunter named Rogue, and the pair go outside to talk to each other. Ruby meanwhile finds a woman named Emily, and accidentally interrupts a proposal of marriage between her and another man, who rejects her. Ruby comforts Emily, while the Doctor and Rogue discover the dead body of the Duchess. Rogue captures the Doctor and traps him in a sealing device on his ship.
Rogue scans the Doctor, believing him to be a Chuldur (because the scan says the Doctor is a shapeshifter), a member of a race of shape-shifting avian humanoids. Rogue threatens to send the Doctor to an incinerator, but the Doctor convinces Rogue to spare him by showing him his Time Lord biology and past incarnations. The Doctor reconfigures Rogue's sealing device to send the Chuldur to an alternate dimension so that Rogue will not kill it, while also offering Rogue the opportunity to travel with him.
Ruby and Emily discover the dead body of a housekeeper and meet up with the Doctor and Rogue. The Doctor deduces that, like Ruby, the Chuldur are fans of Bridgerton and can be lured away by scandal. The Doctor accordingly asks Rogue to dance and stages an argument with him, with Rogue professing love and offering a ring. The pair storm off as part of the act, causing the Duchess to follow. The Doctor and Rogue realize there are actually four Chuldur and not just one, and flee from them. They reconfigure Rogue's sealing device to account for more Chuldur. Emily reveals herself to be a Chuldur and apparently kills and shapeshifts into Ruby.
The Doctor interrupts the Chuldur's mock wedding and uses the sealing device on them. Ruby reveals she was able to escape Emily, but is unable to escape the seal. Rogue arrives and knocks Emily into the seal. Rogue kisses the Doctor, but also steals the device used to activate the seal from him while doing so. Rogue jumps into the seal and throws Ruby out. Rogue asks the Doctor to find him as he and the Chuldur are sent to an unknown alternate dimension.
The Doctor sends Rogue's ship into an orbit around the Moon and tells Ruby that he may not be able to find Rogue due to the infinite number of alternate dimensions. He puts on Rogue's ring before departing.
Production
= Development =
The episode takes place in Bath, Somerset, and is set in 1813 during the Regency era. The episode has been compared to Bridgerton and Pride and Prejudice, the former of which is directly referred to in dialogue.{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a60989865/doctor-who-rogue-review/|title=Doctor Who's Rogue is a Bridgerton episode that changes the Doctor|last=Cook|first=Rebecca|date=4 June 2024|accessdate=6 June 2024|work=Digital Spy|archive-date=5 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240605194122/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a60989865/doctor-who-rogue-review/|url-status=live}} Russell T Davies, the Doctor Who showrunner, stated that he and Bridgerton{{'}}s executive producer Shonda Rhimes are fans of each other. He further explained that there was an episode of Grey's Anatomy (a television series created by Rhimes) where Doctor Who fans fight over his autograph in an emergency room. Davies said that he viewed the Bridgerton-themed episode as "repaying the compliment".{{cite web|url=https://www.tvinsider.com/1135391/doctor-who-bridgerton-one-who-waits-meep-boss-mavity-ruby-mother-points/|title='Doctor Who': Russell T Davies Reveals How 'Bridgerton' Episode Came Together|last=Jacobs|first=Meredith|date=11 May 2024|accessdate=6 May 2024|work=TV Insider|archive-date=16 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516154026/https://www.tvinsider.com/1135391/doctor-who-bridgerton-one-who-waits-meep-boss-mavity-ruby-mother-points/|url-status=live}} Phil Collinson, an executive producer on the programme, hired Jack Murphy as the episodes choreographer after finding out he worked on Bridgerton.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/mediapacks/doctor-who-rogue|title=Doctor Who's Jonathan Groff, Indira Varma and choreographer Jack Murphy talk ballrooms, Beyoncé and the mysterious regency Rogue|date=3 June 2024|accessdate=6 June 2024|work=BBC Media Centre|archive-date=7 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607045726/https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/mediapacks/doctor-who-rogue|url-status=live}} The British broadcast of the episode was dedicated to William Russell, who portrayed Ian Chesterton, one of Doctor Who{{'}}s original companions, following his death five days earlier.{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-william-russell-dedication-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who dedicates episode to William Russell after his death|last=Griffin|first=Louise|date=8 June 2024|access-date=8 June 2024|work=Radio Times|archive-date=8 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608090731/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-william-russell-dedication-newsupdate/|url-status=live}}{{cite episode | url = https://www.disneyplus.com/en-gb/play/af301c5e-a270-4258-8f46-8d3555ed0cb9 | title = Rogue | episode-link=Rogue (Doctor Who) | series = Doctor Who | series-link = Doctor Who | series-no = 14 | number = 6 | credits = Kate Herron and Briony Redman (writers), Ben Chessell (director), Chris May (producer) | network = Disney | station = Disney+ | airdate = 7 June 2024 | accessdate = 8 June 2024 | url-access = subscription}}
"Rogue" is co-written by first-time writers for the show, Kate Herron and Briony Redman.{{cite web |date=24 October 2023 |title=Writers Kate Herron and Briony Redman Join Forces for Doctor Who |url=https://www.doctorwho.tv/news-and-features/writers-kate-herron-and-briony-redman-join-forces-for-doctor-who |accessdate=24 October 2023 |work=Doctor Who TV}}{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2023/10/loki-kate-herron-doctor-who-sex-education-1235581368/|title='Loki' & 'Sex Education' Director To Co-Write Episode Of 'Doctor Who'|last=Goldbart|first=Max|date=24 October 2023|accessdate=6 June 2024|work=Deadline Hollywood|archive-date=7 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607045733/https://deadline.com/2023/10/loki-kate-herron-doctor-who-sex-education-1235581368/|url-status=live}} Herron had previously directed and produced the first season of Loki, which included the title character briefly mentioning his bisexuality. In 2021, Davies criticised this in the media as a "feeble gesture" to feature queer representation,{{Cite magazine |last=Walsh |first=Savannah |date=11 August 2021 |title=It's a Sin's Russell T. Davies Calls Loki's Queerness a "Feeble Gesture" |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/08/its-a-sin-creator-russell-t-davies-calls-lokis-queerness-a-feeble-gesture |access-date=12 July 2024 |work=Vanity Fair |language=en-US}} but later contacted Herron to apologise. This contact led to a friendship between the pair, and Davies later asked if she would like to write an episode of Doctor Who. Herron introduced Davies to her writing partner Redman, who had previously collaborated with Herron on a range of projects.{{Cite web |author1=Emily Murray |date=10 May 2024 |title=Russell T Davies explains how his "accidental" criticism of Loki led to the Marvel show's director writing a Doctor Who episode |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/sci-fi-shows/doctor-who-russell-t-davies-loki-kate-herron-exclusive/ |access-date=12 May 2024 |website=gamesradar |language=en}}
=Costumes=
Costume designer Pam Downe had recently worked on a regency-era film and aimed to dress the cast in a wider variety of colours than would be typical of the period. She took a mix of inspiration from her own paintings, Bridgerton, and more modern outfits. In the episode, Gatwa wears white trousers with a velvet jacket.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2024/artisans/global/doctor-who-ncuti-gatwa-skirts-costume-designer-1235988409/|title='Doctor Who' Costume Designer on What Inspired Ncuti Gatwa's Bold Look, From '70s New York to Men in Skirts|last=Shafer|first=Ellise|date=11 May 2024|accessdate=9 June 2024|work=Variety|archive-date=22 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522234025/https://variety.com/2024/artisans/global/doctor-who-ncuti-gatwa-skirts-costume-designer-1235988409/|url-status=live}} Downe viewed Gatwa's jacket as an acknowledgement to the outfits of the previous Doctor's, particularly that of Jon Pertwee's Third Doctor.{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-ncuti-gatwa-costumes-newsupdate/|title=Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor Who costumes will include "nods" to past Doctors|last=Griffin|first=Louise|date=29 February 2024|accessdate=9 June 2024|work=Radio Times|archive-date=11 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511123721/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-ncuti-gatwa-costumes-newsupdate/|url-status=live}}{{Cite episode |title=Rogue |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m00204dp/doctor-who-unleashed-season-1-6-rogue |access-date=9 June 2024 |series=Doctor Who: Unleashed |series-link=Doctor Who: Unleashed |last=Downe |first=Pam |network=BBC Three |date=8 June 2024 }} Groff's outfit included a navy blue tailcoat.{{cite web|url=https://www.pride.com/gay-tv/doctor-who-jonathan-groff-pictures|title=Jonathan Groff Wears Hot Period Piece Costume For Doctor Who|last=Messman-Rucker|first=Ariel|date=11 May 2023|accessdate=9 June 2024|work=Pride Magazine}}
= Filming =
{{multiple images
| direction = vertical
| total_width =
| caption_align = center
| image1 = Tredegar House, Wales (48721554268).jpg
| caption1 = Tredegar House
| image2 = Margam Park Orangery terrace, Port Talbot.JPG
| caption2 = Margam Park Orangery
| image3 = Leigh Court (geograph 4418338).jpg
| caption3 = Leigh Court
| footer_align = center
| footer = Filming locations for the episode.
}}
"Rogue" was directed by Ben Chessell, and filmed in April and May 2023.{{cite news |last1=Laford |first1=Andrea |title=Millie Gibson posts new Doctor Who Tredegar House filming photos |url=https://cultbox.co.uk/news/headlines/millie-gibson-posts-new-doctor-who-tredegar-house-filming-photos |access-date=8 June 2024 |publisher=CultBox |date=12 May 2023 |archive-date=20 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520235858/https://cultbox.co.uk/news/headlines/millie-gibson-posts-new-doctor-who-tredegar-house-filming-photos |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Laford |first1=Andrea |title=Doctor Who filming at Margam Park |url=https://cultbox.co.uk/news/headlines/doctor-who-filming-at-margam-park |access-date=8 June 2024 |publisher=CultBox |date=19 May 2023 |archive-date=20 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520235820/https://cultbox.co.uk/news/headlines/doctor-who-filming-at-margam-park |url-status=live }}{{cite AV media|title=Ncuti & Millie's Favourite Memories – Behind the Scenes – Doctor Who|type=Behind the scenes featurette|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0FuNnAXpAE|date=27 June 2024|accessdate=28 June 2024|publisher=BBC}} It was produced in the fourth filming block of the fourteenth series along with the second episode, "The Devil's Chord."{{cite web|url=https://bleedingcool.com/tv/doctor-who-production-notes-update-60th-anniversary-series-14-more/|title=Doctor Who Production Notes Update 60th Anniversary, Series 14 & More|last=Flook|first=Ray|date=28 May 2023|accessdate=6 May 2024|work=Bleeding Cool|archive-date=7 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607045722/https://bleedingcool.com/tv/doctor-who-production-notes-update-60th-anniversary-series-14-more/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-classic-actor-return-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who season 14 will see "unexpected" classic name return|last=Griffin|first=Louise|date=25 May 2023|accessdate=6 June 2024|work=Radio Times|archive-date=7 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607045733/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-classic-actor-return-newsupdate/|url-status=live}} Locations included Tredegar House in Newport, Wales, the Margam Country Park Orangery, and Leigh Court near Bristol.{{cite episode|title=Unseen|series=Doctor Who: Unleashed|date=22 June 2024|series-no=1|number=9}} 80% of Rogue's spaceship was recycled from previous sets including "Wild Blue Yonder" (2023) and "Space Babies" (2024).{{cite AV media|title=Behind the Scenes – Rogue – Doctor Who|type=Behind the scenes featurette|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UQk1gbTcaI|date=8 June 2024|accessdate=8 June 2024|publisher=BBC|archive-date=8 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608193214/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UQk1gbTcaI|url-status=live}} Only one final take could be used for the tango dance between the Doctor and Rogue because eye contact had to be maintained the entire time, limiting the amount of takes that could be edited together.
= Casting =
In May 2023 it was announced that Jonathan Groff had joined Doctor Who in an unnamed guest role.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2023/global/news/doctor-who-glee-frozen-jonathan-groff-1235604421/|title='Doctor Who' Reveals First Look of Jonathan Groff in 'Mysterious' Guest Role With Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson|last=Ramachandran|first=Naman|date=10 May 2023|accessdate=6 May 2024|work=Variety|archive-date=6 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506031147/https://variety.com/2023/global/news/doctor-who-glee-frozen-jonathan-groff-1235604421/|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/tv/jonathan-groff-doctor-who-first-look/|title=Make time for your first look at Jonathan Groff on Doctor Who|last=Collis|first=Clark|date=10 May 2023|accessdate=6 June 2024|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|archive-date=18 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118205146/https://ew.com/tv/jonathan-groff-doctor-who-first-look/|url-status=live}} It was speculated that Groff would replace John Barrowman as Captain Jack Harkness.{{Cite web |last=Joest |first=Mick |date=8 June 2023 |title=Doctor Who Fans Think Jonathan Groff Could Play A Familiar Character, And Russell T. Davies Isn't Exactly Squashing The Speculation |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/streaming-news/doctor-who-fans-think-jonathan-groff-could-play-a-familiar-character-and-russell-t-davies-isnt-exactly-squashing-the-speculation |access-date=8 June 2024 |website=Cinema Blend |language=en |archive-date=8 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608040902/https://www.cinemablend.com/streaming-news/doctor-who-fans-think-jonathan-groff-could-play-a-familiar-character-and-russell-t-davies-isnt-exactly-squashing-the-speculation |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Scott |first=Danni |title=Doctor Who sparks rumours of John Barrowman axe after 'flashing' scandal |url=https://metro.co.uk/2024/03/23/doctor-fans-predict-return-iconic-character-trailer-drops-20517116/ |date=23 March 2024 |access-date=8 June 2024 |website=Metro |language=en |archive-date=3 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603025024/https://metro.co.uk/2024/03/23/doctor-fans-predict-return-iconic-character-trailer-drops-20517116/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Flook |first=Ray |date=12 May 2024 |title=Doctor Who Releases New Series Images of Millie Gibson's Ruby Sunday |url=https://bleedingcool.com/tv/doctor-who-releases-new-series-images-of-millie-gibsons-ruby-sunday/ |access-date=8 June 2024 |website=Bleeding Cool |language=en |archive-date=19 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230519153402/https://bleedingcool.com/tv/doctor-who-releases-new-series-images-of-millie-gibsons-ruby-sunday/ |url-status=live }} Groff's role was later revealed to be the titular character, a bounty hunter named Rogue,{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/jonathan-groff-doctor-who-rogue-not-appears-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who star Jonathan Groff says Rogue is not 'who he appears to be'|last=Cormack|first=Morgan|date=3 June 2024|accessdate=6 June 2024|work=Radio Times|archive-date=7 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607045722/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/jonathan-groff-doctor-who-rogue-not-appears-newsupdate/|url-status=live}} though some critics did note the similarities between Rogue and Harkness.{{cite web |last=Joest |first=Mick |date=7 June 2024 |title=Jonathan Groff's Doctor Who Debut Was Incredible, But It Reminded Me Of Another Who Fan-Favorite Character |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/streaming-news/jonathan-groff-doctor-who-debut-incredible-reminded-jack-harkness |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608052636/https://www.cinemablend.com/streaming-news/jonathan-groff-doctor-who-debut-incredible-reminded-jack-harkness |archive-date=8 June 2024 |accessdate=8 June 2024 |work=Cinema Blend}}{{cite web |last=Bibby |first=Daniel |date=7 June 2024 |title=Doctor Who Just Replaced Captain Jack Harkness In The Most Perfect Way |url=https://screenrant.com/doctor-who-captain-jack-harkness-rogue-replacement-perfect/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608003030/https://screenrant.com/doctor-who-captain-jack-harkness-rogue-replacement-perfect/ |archive-date=8 June 2024 |accessdate=8 June 2024 |work=Screen Rant}} Groff said that he had never seen Doctor Who before and was sent five episodes by Davies, including An Unearthly Child (1963), before filming began.{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-first-episode-innately-queer-jonathan-groff-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who's first episode is "innately queer" says Jonathan Groff|last=Cremona|first=Patrick|date=7 June 2024|accessdate=7 June 2024|work=Radio Times}}
That same month Indira Varma joined the cast to play a character named the Duchess.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2023/05/game-of-thrones-star-indira-varma-doctor-who-1235378257/|title='Game Of Thrones' Star Indira Varma Latest To Join 'Doctor Who'|last=Goldbart|first=Max|date=24 May 2023|accessdate=6 June 2024|work=Deadline Hollywood|archive-date=27 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127204444/https://deadline.com/2023/05/game-of-thrones-star-indira-varma-doctor-who-1235378257/|url-status=live}} Varma had previously played Suzie Costello in the Doctor Who spin-off series, Torchwood.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2023/global/global/doctor-who-indira-varma-duchess-game-of-thrones-1235624006/|title='Game of Thrones' Actor Indira Varma Joins 'Doctor Who' as The Duchess|last=Ramachandran|first=Naman|date=24 May 2023|accessdate=6 June 2024|work=Variety|archive-date=28 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928203826/https://variety.com/2023/global/global/doctor-who-indira-varma-duchess-game-of-thrones-1235624006/|url-status=live}} Paul Forman guest starred as Lord Barton.{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/doctor-who-paul-forman-guest-star-exclusive-8637210|title=Emily in Paris actor Paul Forman to guest-star on Doctor Who|last=Coggan|first=Devan|date=23 April 2024|accessdate=6 June 2024|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|archive-date=7 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607014750/https://ew.com/doctor-who-paul-forman-guest-star-exclusive-8637210|url-status=live}} The likeness of actor Susan Twist appears in a portrait, continuing the pattern of her appearing throughout series 14 as seemingly disparate characters.{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-rogue-susan-twist-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who confirms Susan Twist's next role and new cast for Rogue|last=Mensah|first=Katelyn|date=30 May 2024|accessdate=6 June 2024|work=Radio Times|archive-date=5 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240605185310/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-rogue-susan-twist-newsupdate/|url-status=live}} The remainder of the guest cast included Michelle Greenidge appearing as Ruby's mother Carla and Ashley Campbell as a butler.{{cite web|url=https://cultbox.co.uk/news/doctor-who-rogue-cast-list|title=Doctor Who 'Rogue' cast list|last=Laford|first=Andrea|date=29 May 2024|accessdate=6 June 2024|work=Cultbox|archive-date=1 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601042706/https://cultbox.co.uk/news/doctor-who-rogue-cast-list|url-status=live}}
The episode includes a montage of the Doctor's previous incarnations. Among the images is the likeness of Richard E. Grant{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jenna |date=7 June 2024 |title=Doctor Who Just Canonized One of the Franchise's Weirdest Doctors |url=https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/doctor-who-richard-e-grant-doctor-shalka-rogue-spoilers/ |access-date=9 June 2024 |website=ComicBook.com |language=en |archive-date=8 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608025043/https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/doctor-who-richard-e-grant-doctor-shalka-rogue-spoilers/ |url-status=live }} who previously played a spoof version of the Doctor in the Red Nose Day special The Curse of Fatal Death (1999) and voiced an alternate Ninth Doctor in the animated serial Scream of the Shalka (2003). Grant previously appeared in the live action series as the Great Intelligence (2012–13).{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-rogue-richard-e-grant-newsupdate/|title=Did Doctor Who just drop a canon-shattering reveal?|last=Jeffery|first=Morgan|date=8 June 2024|accessdate=8 June 2024|work=Radio Times}}{{Cite web |last=Britt |first=Ryan |date=7 June 2024 |title=57 Years Later, The Oldest Sci-Fi Show's Biggest Mystery Just Got Even More Confusing |url=https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/doctor-who-rogue-new-doctor-face-valeyard-morbius |access-date=9 June 2024 |website=Inverse |language=en-US}} Grant participated in a photoshoot to capture the images necessary for this appearance; Davies described Grant as "so up for it", and described the inclusion of an additional Doctor as "enormous fun" and "a joke". Davies also viewed Grant's inclusion as a kindness to Paul Cornell, who wrote Scream of the Shalka, after Davies "replaced" Cornell's Doctor with Christopher Eccleston's Ninth Doctor, attributing his ability to do this to the revelations around the Doctor's origins as the "Timeless Child" during the Thirteenth Doctor's era.{{cite web|title=Doctor Who boss opens up about that surprising Richard E. Grant cameo that made an obscure Doctor canon|first1=Emily|last1=Murray|first2=Darren|last2=Scott|work=SFX|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/sci-fi-shows/doctor-who-russell-t-davies-richard-e-grant-cameo/|date=5 July 2024|access-date=5 December 2024}}
= Music =
The episode featured orchestral covers of contemporary popular music, a theme also used by Bridgerton, including "Bad Guy" (2019) by Billie Eilish,{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/07/arts/television/doctor-who-episode-6-recap.html|title='Doctor Who' Episode 6 Recap: A Charming Rogue|last=Lewis|first=Isobel|date=7 June 2024|accessdate=7 June 2024|work=The New York Times|archive-date=8 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608003657/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/07/arts/television/doctor-who-episode-6-recap.html|url-status=live}} and "Poker Face" (2008) by Lady Gaga.{{cite web|url=https://mashable.com/article/doctor-who-bridgerton-rogue-easter-eggs|title='Doctor Who's Easter eggs for 'Rogue,' far beyond 'Bridgerton'|last=Puchko|first=Kristy|date=7 June 2024|accessdate=7 June 2024|work=Mashable|archive-date=8 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608040805/https://mashable.com/article/doctor-who-bridgerton-rogue-easter-eggs|url-status=live}} These covers were performed by the Vitamin String Quartet.{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/doctor-who-2024-episode-6-recap/|title='Doctor Who' Season 1 Episode 6 Recap: Finally, the Gay 'Bridgerton' We Deserve|last=Coley|first=Samantha|date=8 June 2024|accessdate=9 June 2024|work=Collider}} The Doctor sings "Pure Imagination" from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971),{{Cite web |last=Tantimedh |first=Adi |date=8 June 2024 |title=Doctor Who S01E06 "Rogue" Reminds Us That Love Is Universal: Review |url=https://bleedingcool.com/tv/doctor-who-s01e06-rogue-reminds-us-that-love-is-universal-review/ |access-date=12 June 2024 |website=bleedingcool.com |language=en}} and the original recording of "Can't Get You Out of My Head" (2001) by Kylie Minogue is included in the episode.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/sci-fi-shows/doctor-who-rogue-queer-love-story-opinion/|title=Doctor Who's groundbreaking Bridgerton episode 'Rogue' finally gives us the queer love story fans deserve|last=Opie|first=David|date=7 June 2024|accessdate=8 June 2024|work=GamesRadar+|archive-date=8 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608054013/https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/sci-fi-shows/doctor-who-rogue-queer-love-story-opinion/|url-status=live}} An orchestral arrangement of Astor Piazzolla's "Libertango" (1974) is featured as the Doctor and Rogue dance.{{Cite web |last1=Cáceres |first1=Jorge Brizuela |last2=Rodríguez Ventura |first2=Iris |date=9 June 2024 |title=Dr Who en ritmo de tango a lo Bridgerton |url=https://elfederalnoticias.com.ar/dr-who-en-ritmo-de-tango-a-lo-bridgerton/ |access-date=12 June 2024 |website=El Federal Noticias |language=es}} An arrangement of Mozart's "Eine kleine Nachtmusik" (1787) is included.{{Cite web |last=Rouner |first=Jef |title=10 Random Thoughts on Doctor Who: Rogue |url=https://www.houstonpress.com/arts/review-doctor-who-rogue-18280914 |access-date=12 June 2024 |website=Houston Press |language=en}}
Reception
{{TV ratings
| aggregatenosort = y
| aggregate1 = Rotten Tomatoes (Tomatometer)
| aggregate2 = Rotten Tomatoes (Average Rating)
| rev1 = Digital Spy
| rev2 = Radio Times
| rev3 = Total Film
| rev4 = IGN
| rev5 =
| rev5score =
| rev6 =
| rev6score =
| rev7 =
| rev7score =
| rev8 =
| rev8score =
}}
= Broadcast=
In the United Kingdom, "Rogue" was first released on BBC iPlayer and aired on BBC One on 8 June 2024.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/doctor-who-release-schedule-disney-plus-bbc-episode-1/|title=Doctor Who release schedule: when is episode 6 on Disney Plus and BBC?|last=Russell|first=Bradley|date=4 June 2024|accessdate=9 June 2024|work=GamesRadar+|archive-date=8 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608060718/https://www.gamesradar.com/doctor-who-release-schedule-disney-plus-bbc-episode-1/|url-status=live}} It was released simultaneously on Disney+ in the United States on 7 June.{{cite web|url=https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/doctor-who-episode-6-release-date-time-trailer-plot|title=Here's Everything You Need to Know About Doctor Who Episode 6|last=Johnston|first=Dais|date=6 June 2024|accessdate=9 June 2024|work=Inverse|archive-date=8 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608045752/https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/doctor-who-episode-6-release-date-time-trailer-plot|url-status=live}} Disney also handled international distribution of the episode outside of the United Kingdom and Ireland.{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-season-14-release-date/|title=Doctor Who season 14: Release date, trailers, episodes and latest news|last1=Knight|first1=Lewis|last2=Griffin|first2=Louise|date=7 June 2024|accessdate=9 June 2024|work=Radio Times|archive-date=3 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403164015/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-season-14-release-date/|url-status=live}}
=Ratings=
"Rogue" brought in overnight viewing figures of 2.11 million, slightly down from the 2.12m who watched the previous episode, "Dot and Bubble".{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-overnight-ratings-rogue-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who overnight ratings confirmed for Rogue|last=Cremona|first=Patrick|date=9 June 2024|accessdate=10 June 2024|work=Radio Times}} The episode received a total of 3.52 million consolidated viewers.{{cite web|url=https://www.barb.co.uk/viewing-data/most-viewed-programmes/ |title=Weekly Top 50 Programmes |work= Barb Audiences |access-date=19 August 2024}} (No permanent link available. Search for relevant dates.)
= Critical response =
{{Rotten Tomatoes prose|100|8.3|10|consensus=An affectionate riff on a certain regency drama, 'Rogue' has a ball with its costumed hijinks.}}{{Cite web |title=Doctor Who: Season 1, Episode 6 |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/doctor_who_2023/s01/e06 |access-date=14 June 2024 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |language=en}} Gatwa and Groff's performances were widely praised by critics.Examples include:
- {{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Robert |date=7 June 2024 |title=Doctor Who Season 1, Episode 7 – "Rogue" Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/doctor-who-season-1-episode-7-rogue-review |access-date=8 June 2024 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=8 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608013857/https://www.ign.com/articles/doctor-who-season-1-episode-7-rogue-review |url-status=live }}
- {{Cite web |date=4 June 2024 |title=Doctor Who's Rogue is a Bridgerton episode that changes the Doctor |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a60989865/doctor-who-rogue-review/ |access-date=7 June 2024 |website=Digital Spy |language=en-GB |archive-date=6 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240606123536/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a60989865/doctor-who-rogue-review/ |url-status=live }}
- {{Cite web |last=Mohamed |first=Stefan |date=7 June 2024 |title=Doctor Who Series 14 Episode 6 Review: Rogue |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/doctor-who-series-14-episode-6-review-rogue/ |access-date=8 June 2024 |website=Den of Geek |language=en-US |archive-date=8 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608005217/https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/doctor-who-series-14-episode-6-review-rogue/ |url-status=live }}
- {{Cite web |last=Murray |first=Emily |date=3 June 2024 |title=Doctor Who season 1, episode 6 review: "Loki's Kate Herron works her magic on Bridgerton-esque episode 'Rogue'" |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/sci-fi-shows/doctor-who-episode-6-rogue-review/ |access-date=4 June 2024 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en |archive-date=4 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240604020611/https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/sci-fi-shows/doctor-who-episode-6-rogue-review/ |url-status=live }}
- {{Cite web |title=Doctor Who - Rogue review: Fun Regency romp sees the Doctor meet his match |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-season-14-episode-6-rogue-review/ |access-date=4 June 2024 |website=Radio Times |language=en-GB |archive-date=3 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603210802/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-season-14-episode-6-rogue-review/ |url-status=live }}
VG247{{'s}} Jim Trinca responded positively to the episode, praising the script as well as the episode's overall similarities to past episodes of the show, such as those in the second series of the show.{{Cite web |last=Trinca |first=Jim Trinca |date=7 June 2024 |title=Doctor Who's 'Rogue' is a welcome return to business as usual for RTD 2.0 - spoiler free review |url=https://www.vg247.com/doctor-who-rogue-review |access-date=8 June 2024 |website=VG247 |language=en |archive-date=8 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608014148/https://www.vg247.com/doctor-who-rogue-review |url-status=live }} Robert Anderson of IGN also gave a positive review, enjoying the usage of the Doctor's character, Groff's performance, and the Chuldur as antagonists, but criticised the episode leaning heavily on references to Bridgerton.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Robert |date=7 June 2024 |title=Doctor Who Season 1, Episode 7 – "Rogue" Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/doctor-who-season-1-episode-7-rogue-review |access-date=8 June 2024 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=8 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608013857/https://www.ign.com/articles/doctor-who-season-1-episode-7-rogue-review |url-status=live }} Louise Griffin of Radio Times stated that while the episode "isn't a classic for the ages", she found it to be a fun tonal change from prior episodes in the season. She criticised the Chuldur as antagonists and the references to Bridgerton.
Rebecca Cook of Digital Spy found the chemistry between Gatwa and Groff to be well done, while also commending the performance of Varma. Stefan Mohamed of Den of Geek found the writing to be sharp, replete with fun scenes and clever twists, and described the costumes as "sensational". He found the performances "on point", particularly Jonathan Groff, and also praised the chemistry and romance between Gatwa and Groff as the Doctor and Rogue, but criticised the ending, feeling that the Chuldur's sudden shift to a world ending threat was rushed.{{Cite web |last=Mohamed |first=Stefan |date=7 June 2024 |title=Doctor Who Series 14 Episode 6 Review: Rogue |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/doctor-who-series-14-episode-6-review-rogue/ |access-date=8 June 2024 |website=Den of Geek |language=en-US |archive-date=8 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608005217/https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/doctor-who-series-14-episode-6-review-rogue/ |url-status=live }} Emily Murray of Total Film also found Groff to be the star of the episode, praising the "electric chemistry" between Groff and Gatwa and the unique "tenderness" to this brought to the Doctor. However, Murray criticised the lack of involvement and interaction with Ruby's character as well as what she felt was a "sidelined" plot involving the Chuldur.
Conversely, some critics felt that Rogue was too similar to Jack Harkness, and felt that Rogue's and the Doctor's romance was rushed, and panned how the Doctor "never confronts the Chulder about what they’re doing, never puts himself into harm’s way to stop them", saying that this was similar for what showrunner Chris Chibnall had been criticised for.{{Cite web |last=Power |first=Ed |date=2024-06-08 |title=Doctor Who: Rogue review – Groundbreaking episode marks historic first for series |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/reviews/doctor-who-rogue-review-recap-kiss-b2558573.html |website=Independent}}{{Cite web |last=Brevoort |first=Tom |date=2024-06-08 |title=Doctor Who: Rogue |url=https://tombrevoort.com/2024/06/08/doctor-who-rogue/ |access-date=2024-11-29 |website=The Tom Brevoort Experience |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Alice |date=2024-06-14 |title=Doctor Who: Series 14 'Rogue' & Series 8 Rewatch |url=https://thewallflowerdigest.co.uk/tv-movies-games/tv/doctor-who-series-14-rogue-series-8-rewatch/ |access-date=2024-11-29 |website=The Wallflower Digest |language=en-GB}}
In print
{{Infobox book
| name = Rogue
| image =
| caption =
| author = {{Plainlist|
- Kate Herron
- Briony Redman
}}
| cover_artist =
| series = Doctor Who book:
Target novelisations
| release_number =
| release_date = 8 August 2024
| publisher = BBC Books
| pages = 192
| isbn = 9781785948831
| italic title = no
}}
{{see also|List of Doctor Who novelisations|l1=List of Doctor Who novelisations}}
A novelisation of the episode was written by Kate Herron and Briony Redman and made available for pre-order in June 2024.{{cite book |title=DWN 2 (Doctor Who Target Collection 2024, 4) |id={{ASIN|1785948830|country=uk}} }} It was released as both a paperback and audiobook on 8 August 2024 as part of the Target Collection.{{cite web|url=https://www.rarewaves.com/products/9781529942729-doctor-who-rogue|title=Doctor Who Rogue|via=rarewaves.com|access-date=14 May 2024|archive-date=10 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510155806/https://www.rarewaves.com/products/9781529942729-doctor-who-rogue|url-status=live}}
{{clear}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{wikiquote|Fifteenth Doctor}}
- {{BBC episode|m00204dk}}
- {{DoctorWhoTV}}
- {{TardisIndexFile|Rogue (TV story)|"Rogue"}}
- {{IMDb episode|28764089|Rogue}}
{{Doctor Who episodes|N14}}
{{Fifteenth Doctor stories|selected=Television}}
Category:2024 British television episodes
Category:Doctor Who pseudohistorical serials
Category:Fifteenth Doctor episodes
Category:British LGBTQ-related television episodes
Category:Television episodes set in England
Category:Television episodes set in the 19th century