Does 'The Timeless Children' Retcon 'Lungbarrow'? A Comprehensive Analysis
As we delve into the intricate tapestry of Doctor Who's lore, it becomes clear that the ramifications of The Timeless Children extend far beyond its immediate narrative impact. This article explores how The Timeless Children contributes to a larger arc of Doctor Who, often referred to as a retcon, with specific focus on its relationship to the events of Lungbarrow.
The Evolution of Time Lord History
History in the Whoniverse is not static; it is a fluid concept that allows for significant changes and rewrites. Long before the events of The Timeless Children, the history of Gallifrey underwent numerous shifts and alterations.
The War in Heaven and Gallifrey's Founders
The War in Heaven, which occurred in the early days of the Eighth Doctor's adventures, fundamentally changed Gallifrey's foundational history. The war resulted in a reduction from six founders to three, and eventually to just one, thus altering the very identity of the Time Lords.
The Eighth Doctor's Influence on Time Lord History
Perhaps the most dramatic change came when the Eighth Doctor erased Gallifrey from history, transforming the Time Lords into what are now considered "elementals." This event not only reshaped the history but also created a narrative conflict where Time itself was rewriting its own story to include these new beings.
The Multiverse and Multifarious Realities
The notion of a multiverse adds another layer of complexity. Events such as the success of the Faction in reshaping the multiverse in Sometime Never... led to a scenario where a new uniform narrative took over, only to be challenged and reshaped once again by the Future Eighth Doctor's granddaughter, Zezanne.
The Emergence of New Gallifrey
After the final novels, the Doctor and Compassion used a stored copy of the Matrix to recreate Gallifrey. This galactic re-formation was not just an alteration but a complete reimagining, set against the backdrop of the Last Great Time War.
Rebirth and Erasure: Amy's Memories
The universe's destruction and recreation from Amy's memories by the Doctor further demonstrates the fluidity of history. This event marked yet another shift in the established timeline and reintroduced the concept of regeneration as a stolen technology by Rassilon, completely altering the origin of this key concept.
The Timeless Children and the Echoes of Change
The Timeless Children adds to this digital history by introducing new elements that challenge and shift the existing narratives. The scene where Tecteun stands alongside Omega and Rassilon instead of the Other is a dramatic retcon, indicating a shift in the Time Lord's origin story. Additionally, the role of the Timeless Children, a being capable of time manipulation, further retcons the traditional narrative around regeneration and the Great Vampires.
Ambiguity in Continuity
The events of Lungbarrow are often considered a retcon, with Larry Miles' continuities suggesting that it was a separate universe event. However, The Timeless Children arguably reinforces the idea that such changes are not isolated incidents; they are part of a larger, continually evolving narrative. The story's implications suggest that the Pythia's Curse and other retcons have been further intertwined into the Whoniverse's complex history.
Concluding Thoughts
When the Eleventh Doctor states, "History can change," it points to the transformative nature of Doctor Who. The time-travelling nature of the series allows for significant and sweeping changes, making events like those in The Timeless Children deeply interconnected with their predecessors, including the events of Lungbarrow. This interconnectedness is a fundamental aspect of the show's enduring appeal.
So, does The Timeless Children retcon Lungbarrow? While the answer may vary depending on one's interpretation, it is clear that both entries are part of a larger narrative of change and transformation in the Whoniverse. This continuous retconning is what keeps the show fresh, giving seasoned fans a myriad of new theories and young fans a rich tapestry to explore.