Why the Master’s Absence from Matt Smith’s Doctor Who
Seemingly, one of the most intriguing aspects of Doctor Who during Matt Smith's tenure as the Eleventh Doctor was the Master's conspicuous absence. Examining the reasons behind this absence involves delving into the narrative choices made by the showrunners and the thematic directions of the show during that period.
Steven Moffat's Narrative Choices
Steven Moffat, the showrunner during Matt Smith's incarnation, focused on developing unique story arcs and characters, particularly the Doctor's relationships with his companions Amy Pond and Rory Williams. The overarching themes and mysteries, such as the Silence and the Time of the Doctor, were centered in the narrative.
The Master had already been a significant villain in the Tenth Doctor's era, portrayed by John Simm. Moffat chose to incorporate fresh villains and narrative themes, such as the Weeping Angels, which added new dynamics to the series. Although the Master eventually returned in the Twelfth Doctor's era, brought back as Missy by Michelle Gomez, his absence during Matt Smith's tenure offered a stark change in the storyline.
The Master's Influence off-screen
The Master's absence isn't entirely due to a lack of writing; his impact was felt even when he wasn't physically present. The character continued to manipulate the timeline through the Characters of the Tenth Doctor, notably Clara, in episodes such as "The Snowmen" and "The Bells of Saint John." Even without direct appearances, his influence was palpable, proving that some villains are better in "small but devastating doses."
Revisiting the Master Post-Matt Smith
Post-Matt Smith, the Master resurfaces in various incarnations, each adding new complexities to the character. In Peter Capaldi's run, Michelle Gomez portrayed a female Master, Missy, in "Dark Water/Death in Heaven," introducing an unexpected twist. This change in dynamics was both shocking and refreshing, with Missy proving to be a formidable and unsettling presence. The subsequent episodes involving the Timeless Children further solidified the Master's impact on the series, providing a significant narrative shift.
Previous Appearances and Dynamics
Tracing the previous iterations of the Master shows a pattern of his frequent appearances and his significant presence in the series. From Jon Pertwee's era, where the Master was a recurring villain, to the impact of his portrayal by John Simm, the character's influence was undeniable. Even during the absence of a physical Master, his sly manipulations and indirect influence were felt, contributing to the show's suspense and intrigue.
Comparative Analysis
Reviewing the Doctor's encounters with the Master through different eras reveals a pattern. For instance, the Fifth Doctor (Peter Davison) saw the Master appear occasionally, while the Seventh (Sylvester McCoy) and Tenth Doctors (David Tennant) had the Master as a key antagonist. Matt Smith, on the other hand, faced no direct Master confrontations, leading to a different thematic and narrative structure.
Conclusion
The Master's absence from Matt Smith's tenure was a strategic narrative choice made to explore different storylines and themes. However, the character's legacy and influence was maintained through subtextual manipulations and future introductions, ensuring that his impact remained a critical part of the Doctor Who saga.