Doctor Who’s Latest Episode Reveals Mysteries About the Pantheon and the Doctor

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This article contains spoilers for the latest episode of Doctor Who, “Wish World.”

Summary

  • Desidirium, the god of wishes, is a new member of the Pantheon in Doctor Who’s latest episode.
  • The Rani uses the baby’s power, transferring it to others, perhaps through suggestion and physical contact.
  • There are parallels between Desidirium and the Doctor’s power being manipulated at a young age, which may hint at a deeper connection.

During Ncuti Gatwa’s tenure as Doctor Who, the Pantheon of Discord has been a significant influence. Since the comeback of the Toymaker, the entity known as the Giggle has tormented the Doctor and his associates across various cosmic realms. These deities have adopted numerous guises: human-like, a large canine creature, and even an enigmatic nonphysical being. However, the latest episode introduces perhaps the most intriguing depiction of a god so far: a baby. Born to an apparently common family, the unique circumstances surrounding this child’s birth make him the God of Wishes.

In the opening of “Wish World”, the Rani seizes the infant for her personal gain, sensing his potent abilities. However, it’s not the baby’s desires molding the fantastical realm; instead, it’s Conrad who wields this influence. The crux of “Wish World” revolves around a chilling premise: the gods’ might can be usurped or, alternatively, passed on. This could potentially forge an unforeseen connection between the Pantheon and the Doctor.

Desidirium, The Latest Member Of The Pantheon

In various European folklore stories, a man who is the seventh son of a seventh son is believed to possess unique abilities, often associated with good fortune or healing. In the initial scene of “Wish World,” the character known as the Rani arrives at a cabin in 19th century Bavaria. She addresses the homeowner as someone with such powers, calling him “a man born lucky.” Interestingly, the man’s wife has just given birth to a child – the seventh son of a seventh son, not just once but three times over! This suggests that these powers accumulate, leading us to believe that this exceptional child might even be considered a deity by the Rani. In her words: “This child is born not just lucky, but divine.

Your child is the fountainhead of a power from beyond this universe.

In the episode, it’s revealed later on that the baby belongs to the Pantheon. Up in the Rani’s palace, Conrad is engrossed in a book when Mrs. Flood delivers him a sandwich. Conrad shares his struggles with maintaining order in the world, hinting at his control over the distorted, dream-like realm beneath. He confesses that he brought this world into existence, but not alone; he had help.

As a movie lover, I cradle a tiny being from a nearby bassinet, reflecting on its profound impact on our universe. It’s remarkable how it doesn’t shed tears, instead, it emits soft chuckles – followed by a contagious giggle. Towards the climax of this fascinating tale, the Rani unveils her plan, and she acknowledges that this little one is none other than Desidirium, the deity of desires.

How Is The Rani Using A God’s Power?

As the Doctor listens to the Rani’s intricate plan, she clarifies that the vindicator amplifies the infant’s inherent power, establishing a vast energy grid across the cosmos. Yet, this doesn’t fully explain why Conrad’s desires are being fulfilled rather than the baby’s. Given the child’s tender age, it might be that the subtle influence of suggestion is sufficient. Interestingly, Conrad shares stories, forecasts weather, and broadcasts news from his quarters in the Bone Palace, where the infant resides as well. The language Conrad uses is basic, almost simplified – making it sound like he’s conversing with a child. However, it appears that he may indeed be speaking to one.

It’s noteworthy to mention that during the initial scene of the episode, the Rani gives a sweet kiss on the baby’s forehead before magically transforming his family into flora and fauna. Subsequently, we observe that this baby is kept inside Conrad’s room at the Bone Palace, and he is seen cradling the child in his arms. It’s plausible that this physical interaction might somehow influence the way his powers can be distributed among others.

How Does This Connect To The Doctor?

Based on the narrative of the Timeless Child, it appears that both the Doctor and Desidirium share a similarity: others found ways to harness their powers for personal gain. In the case of the Timeless Child, Tecteun was the one who discovered the child’s ability to regenerate and later applied this knowledge to the residents of Gallifrey, leading to the creation of the Time Lords. Although the Timeless Child wasn’t as young as Desidirium in “Wish World,” they were still quite young, making their circumstances remarkably similar.

However, it’s important to note that Tecteun wasn’t a solitary figure. She was among the trio who established the Time Lord society, partnered with Rassilon and Omega. Rassilon, holding the position of president within the Time Lords, has made appearances across the classic series, even featuring in the Tenth Doctor’s swansong. The Rani, in an attempt to remind the Doctor of forgotten events, shows him the “seal of Rassilon.” Lastly, thanks to the Rani’s machinations, Omega is on the verge of making a comeback.

To new viewers of Doctor Who, the name Omega might be unfamiliar, but for longtime fans, he is a terrifying adversary. Known as the “creator of the Time Lords,” according to Conrad, this aligns with his portrayal in the classic series. Given our current understanding, this strongly suggests that Omega played a role in replicating the power of the Timeless Child.

Due to the frequency of their encounters and battles, it appears as if destiny has brought The Pantheon and The Doctor together in an unusual bond. Now, there’s a striking similarity between The Doctor and the “mightiest deity” that is hard to ignore. Both of them have had their powers manipulated and exploited when they were too young, unaware of the circumstances.

Could it be that the Doctor is secretly part of the Pantheon? If this is true, might we learn about it when he encounters Omega, one of the original Time Lords who misused his power for personal gain? The Rani’s intentions towards Omega are uncertain, but it seems she may have more plans for the Doctor. The season finale has a lot to deliver, including resolving the mystery of the Timeless Child, the origins of the Time Lords, the Rani’s ultimate aim, and possibly the essence of the Pantheon of Discord.

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2025-05-27 00:05