Doctor Who returned for a one-off special this New Year’s Day and, while there was a lot of fun to be had from the inclusion of John Barrowman’s Captain Jack and a Dalek Civil War, “Revolution of the Daleks” ended on a heartbreaking note as not one, but two of the Thirteenth Doctor’s best friends left the show. As we knew going into the episode, both Ryan (Tosin Cole) and Graham (Bradley Walsh) exited the TARDIS, breaking up the Time Lord’s so-called “fam” that has been at the heart of the series since 2018.
Though Ryan and Graham didn’t get killed, pulled into a parallel universe or have their memories wiped like some of the most devastating companion exits of the past, fans got pretty teary by the time the credits were rolling. Ryan was the one who first decided to leave, having realized that he could do more good on Earth, both in terms of growing as a person and helping humanity. Graham then made his mind up to leave, too, to be with his grandson.
Folks are “distraught” over the episode, then. Here are just some of the emotional reactions going around on social media.
“Two hearts: one happy, one sad.”
I’m distraught
#DoctorWho
— Rachael (@WordTourney) January 1, 2021
We’re going to miss the fam.
Going to miss @TosinCole and @BradleyWalsh on @bbcdoctorwho very emotional episode. Going to miss the Family! #DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/g1rdxmrZ9h
— kimkirtland (@kimkirtland1) January 1, 2021
The episode was “spot on really”.
I dunno if I’m just being soppy because it has been a weird time, but honestly tonight’s #DoctorWho brought me so much joy
it was just everything you want from Who – daft but exciting but emotional but fun throughout, spot on really. Best character story of this era by far
pic.twitter.com/mP0wgmTEL5
— KK
Emotions are running high.
RYAN AND GRAHAM PLEASE IM GOING TO MISS THEM SO MUCH #DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/qFhaJTpTvY
— tam
’s naj (@oxzuko) January 1, 2021
It was the perfect emotional send-off.
Top job, Chibnall, that was an excellent special. So good to have Captain Jack back, the Daleks were menacing again and the perfect emotional send off for Graham and Ryan. Can we talk about the post-credits scene and oh, getting a new series of Torchwood, too? Ta. #DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/UYNnHxWV7E
— Liam O’Dell (@LiamODellUK) January 1, 2021
The final scene saw Ryan and Graham recreating the opening of their first episode, which came with a callback to their late grandmother/wife Grace (Sharon D. Clarke). And the way her ghost appeared reminded some of Jenna Coleman’s last cameo on Who back in 2017.
how dare you remind me of this scene #DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/Z94FKpw7H1
— rowena
(@DrUnfuckable) January 1, 2021
“I’m not crying, you are!”
Just finished watching the Doctor Who NY Special. I’m not crying, you are!
Loved it, can’t wait for the new series @bbcdoctorwho @JohnBarrowman @TosinCole @MandipGilI @BradleyWalsh #DoctorWho #JodieWhittaker #DoctorWho2021
— Quynh Nguyen (@vieteskimoninja) January 1, 2021
After the episode was up, the BBC made a surprise announcement, revealing that British comedian John Bishop has been cast as new companion Dan, who’ll be joining Jodie Whittaker and Mandip Gill in the TARDIS for season 13. That’s filming now ahead of its release later this year. Let us know what you thought of the Doctor Who special in the comments.