Part 14/16:
Throughout the episode, the Doctor is depicted as a passive observer. He doesn't save anyone, instead offering vague plans and watching innocent people die. Despite his claim to be a "Time Lord," his actions reflect neglect rather than heroism. The episode culminates in him doing little more than watching characters kill each other, which undermines the character's core mythos: the hero who saves.
The theme of hope, pervasive in Doctor Who’s recent seasons, is repeatedly battered here with nihilism. Characters emphasize that "hope is irrelevant," a stark contrast to the original series' optimistic message. The subtext seems to suggest that heroism and morality are optional or non-existent, a sentiment that alienates longtime fans.