In the expansive universe of Doctor Who, fear can manifest in various forms—from terrifying monsters to haunting unknowns. Our beloved hero often confronts dark impulses, offering a cerebral kind of terror. However, sometimes, the scariest thing can be a character who really, truly, really disappoints us.
This character is Conrad Clark, played brilliantly by Jonah Hauer-King. From the very start of “Lucky Day,” Conrad oozes terrible vibes. Initially, we’re introduced to him in a charming encounter in 2007, observing the Doctor and Belinda. This moment ignites a lifelong obsession that eventually leads him to Ruby, where he witnesses her confronting an alien predator known as the Shreek.
What starts as an awkward podcast interview transitions into a hopeful romance. Suddenly, Ruby imagines a bright future: a new relationship, a supportive family, and a cozy job with UNIT—a government agency steeped in thrilling adventures.
Things take a chilling turn during a countryside getaway when Ruby and Conrad are confronted by the Shreek. While Conrad’s irritating demeanor has been vaguely endearing, it shifts dramatically when he reveals that he intentionally avoided taking the antidote Ruby provided. The situation spirals further when Ruby’s call to UNIT uncovers a hoax: only Conrad’s friends, disguised in decent prosthetics, are behind the supposed Shreek appearances. They’re part of a conspiracy group called Think Tank that tries to expose UNIT as purveyors of misinformation regarding extraterrestrial threats.
This portion of “Lucky Day” raises significant questions, especially regarding the sinister undertones of Conrad’s character. Hauer-King does an exceptional job making Conrad genuinely loathsome, adding depth to the show’s exploration of toxic relationships. Furthermore, Doctor Who cleverly weaves a narrative reflecting current discussions around misinformation and radical ideologies, which feels exceptionally relevant today.
As the story progresses, Ruby faces escalating challenges as Conrad and Think Tank intensify their campaign. UNIT finds itself under scrutiny, and pressure rises on team leader Kate, especially as Conrad orchestrates a hostage crisis aimed at bringing UNIT down. This moment heightens the stakes dramatically, showcasing not just the vulnerabilities of the organization, but also the moral dilemmas faced by Ruby and her team.
But in a moment of desperation, Conrad insults a well-respected figure—the Brigadier—pushing Kate over the edge. It’s a thrilling moment as she contemplates unleashing the real Shreek to terrorize him. It’s a rare instance where Doctor Who permits its heroes to harbor real feelings of hatred towards their adversaries, making this moment feel significant and bold for the series.
While the episode showcases the righteousness of UNIT, it also hints at its flaws. It presents a world where moral ambiguity reigns. Kate’s actions, while exciting to watch, raise concerns about ethics, especially given the organization’s history of surveillance and overreach. In attempting to bring down Conrad, Kate risks crossing lines that could have grave implications for her and UNIT’s future.
What are the consequences for Kate’s drastic actions? While some characters express concerns, the episode conveniently avoids delving too deeply into these ramifications. Instead, it offers a fleeting redemption for UNIT, placing them in a favorable light compared to Conrad’s dubious motivations.
In a striking conclusion, Conrad is confronted by the Doctor within the TARDIS. Here, the narrative takes on a fierce tone, with Gatwa’s Doctor chastising Conrad for his failures, painting a bleak picture of his future. It’s an intense moment, emphasizing that while the Doctor champions saving lives, some individuals are beyond redemption.
However, in a twist that cheapens the narrative, Conrad is granted an unexpected escape by Mrs. Flood, undermining the weight of the episode’s tension. We are robbed of the chance to see true consequences for a character who has behaved abhorrently throughout.
Ultimately, “Lucky Day” highlights the necessity for Doctor Who to tackle real-world issues and moral quandaries while remaining unapologetic in its storytelling. By courageously confronting challenging topics, the series enriches the viewing experience and encourages dialogue about the complex world we live in.
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