Summary
TheDoctor Whoepisode “Rogue” is full ofBridgertonreferences from start to finish. The most recentepisode ofDoctor Whoseason 14sends the Fifteenth Doctor and Ruby Sunday to 1813, where the pair encounters the mysterious Chuldur species. Alongside them is bounty hunter Rogue, with Jonathan Groff joining theDoctor Whoseason 14 castfor one adventure. However, the episode’s titular character, a possible interestingreplacement forDoctor Who’sCaptain Jack Harkness, is just as out of place in 1813 as Team TARDIS.
The exciting episode is packed with scandal, drama, and plenty of nods to the hit period dramaBridgerton. This is the perfect time forDoctor Whoto air such an episode, especially asBridgertonseason 3, part 2, is due for release in the near future. Throughout the episode,Ruby, a massive fan of the show, particularly notes the similarities between the real era andBridgerton. With the anticipation of the marriage season and the Chuldurs creating chaos, “Rogue” brilliantly merges the worlds ofDoctor WhoandBridgerton.
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7The “Duel” Reference Calls Back To Simon & Anthony From Bridgerton Season 1
Lord Galpin Calls Barton A Rake & Tries To Force Marriage
As soon as the episode begins, the first line of dialogue refers to Lord Barton as a “rake.“The term rake is used inBridgertonto refer to a person who doesn’t fit within society’s norms,usually avoiding marriage and engaging in womanizing behavior, so it makes sense that Lord Galpin calls Barton this.The two argue about Barton dishonoring Galpin’s sister, to which the latter eventually challenges a duel over.Interestingly, this opening scene mirrors a major storyline inBridgertonseason 1.Simon and Daphne’s story inBridgertonis overnow, but getting their happy ending takes time.
When Anthony catches Simon and Daphne kissing in the darkness of the gardens, he immediately tries to force his old friend to marry his sister. Simon refuses, and so Anthony is forced to duel him for the sake of Daphne’s honor. Luckily,Simon throws his shot inBridgerton’sduel scene. This is a fascinating moment in “Rogue” because itnot only gives a nod toBridgertonbut also highlights one of the show’s biggest storylineswithin a matter of seconds after the episode’s beginning, setting up the events of the story beautifully.
6Ruby Sunday Makes Her Societal Debut Like Bridgerton’s Leading Ladies
Bridgerton’s World Relies On The Anticipation Of The New Season & Marriage Market
When the Duchess first introduces herself to the Doctor and Ruby, she is quick to start discussing the trials and tribulations of the current season.As the pair are attending her ball, the Duchess is quick to acknowledge that it’s “the best of the season,“something every Lady inBridgertonwishes to achieve.Bridgertonhas plenty of spectacular balls in a majority of its episodes. They are often hosted by Lady Danbury, portrayed by Adjoa Andoh, who also plays Francine Jones, making her one of fewactors who are inDoctor WhoandBridgerton.
The Duchess takes a liking to Ruby and keenly encourages her to seek out an appropriate suitor for the evening. The Duchess' main priority for her party is to ensure that an exciting match is made. Naturally,Ruby loves the idea and thrives in her game of playingBridgerton, taking on the title of Lady Ruby Sunday of the Notting Hill estate.This is another small detail that referencestheBridgertoncharacters' ranks and titles, with Ruby intelligently knowing that being a Lady gives her more power than a standard civilian or a member of staff.
5Doctor Who’s “Rogue” Introduces Emily Beckett The Wallflower
Emily Beckett’s Character Contains Two Interesting Bridgerton References
One of the supporting characters in “Rogue” is Emily Beckett, whose characterization contains twoBridgertonreferences.Her surname, Beckett, is a possible nod to Sophie Beckett,who Benedict marries in theBridgertonbooks.However, the similarities between Sophie and Emily are only in surname, as Sophie’s storyline revolves around being the illegitimate daughter of an Earl who is forced to become kitchen staff by her stepmother. However, the more significant reference toBridgertonthrough Emily is that of Penelope Featherington.Nicola Coughlan will serve as a companion in 2024’sDoctor WhoChristmas special, but it’s unclear whether this is intentional.
In the later half of the episode, it’s revealed that Emily is, in fact, a secret Chuldur. But in the build-up to this startling revelation, Ruby comforts an upset Emily, who is falsely overwhelmed by the events of the evening.Emily refers to herself as a “bookish little wallflower, risking it all for a secret love,” which sounds suspiciously similar toPenelope and Colin’s love storyinBridgertonseason 3. Penelope is frequently called a wallflower, and thesecret identity of Lady Whistledownis a looming threat to any potential future for them, yet she continues to publish anyway.
4Doctor Who’s Duchess Is Very Similar To Lady Featherington
The Season Is Stressful For High Society’s Biggest Hosts, In Both Doctor Who & Bridgerton
Another key character in “Rogue” is the Duchess. Before the Chuldurs take her form, the Duchess establishes herself as an avid matchmaker.The Duchess knows everyone at her party, except for the Doctor and Ruby, and all of their best qualities, much likeBridgerton’sLady Featherington.The mother of three is always on top form when looking for matches, ensuring they’re paired off with the best possible person, but sometimes takes things to the extreme. For example,Lady Featherington gives her daughters mysterious drinksfor their fertility. However, one scene best highlights the similarities between Lady Featherington and the Duchess.
After making a snarky comment to a partygoer wearing a dress she’d already worn, a very Lady Featherington character trait, the Duchess crosses paths with her housekeeper. In this scene,Lady Featherington and the Duchess could easily be the same person,as the latter speaks down to her staff with utter disrespect and contempt. Both characters are obsessed with social standing, but the Duchess pays for her vanity. Thankfully, the Duchess gets her comeuppance when the housekeeper reveals its true self as a Chuldur, consumes the rude woman, and takes over her form.
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3Male Characters Can’t Be Seen Alone With Female Characters
Emily & Barton’s Secret Rendevous In “Rogue” Is Outrageous
One reference toBridgertonand the Regency era, in general, is that men and women aren’t to be allowed to be together without a chaperone.This is an important detail inBridgertonthat is reiterated in every episode,and some of the show’s most scandalous plotlines are a result of this.For example,Daphne and Simon are seen by Cressida Cowperin the gardens, and Anthony panics when Daphne catches him with Kate in the study. In “Rogue,” this same societal standard is replicated with Barton. The first scene establishes that Barton is far from gentlemanly, but there’s another moment.
Ruby watches from afar as Emily and Barton kiss in private but knocks over some books, which sends Barton bolting away in shame. Later, an emotional Emily keeps up theBridgertonact well by telling Ruby about Barton and her reputation. Emily fears that if they are found out, she will lose her standing and be exiled from society. She still hopes Barton will marry her, though. However,Emily doesn’t have a dowry, another trait this episode shares withBridgerton.Strangely, Barton does become a groom in the episode’s climax, but Emily isn’t the one joining him at the altar.
2Doctor Who Uses Bridgerton’s Love For Scandals To Save The Day
“Rogue” Borrows From Bridgerton’s Shocking Storylines To Protect Earth From The Chuldurs
The biggest scandal of “Rogue” is planned out by the Doctor and his newest accomplice.In an attempt to create a fuss and to draw the Chuldurs into a trap, the Doctor and Rogue take to the dance floor.This is a massive shock to the onlookers, who watch in a mix of awe and confusion at the two men in a loving embrace. Sadly, the crowd doesn’t see theDoctor Whoseason 14 iconic kiss scenethat happens later, butthe romantic tension between the two at this moment is still very much apparent.
The Doctor works out that this is the best plan of action because the Chuldurs are “playing Bridgerton.“Bridgertonis known for its shocking and gossip-worthy storylines,and its characters often use society’s watchful eye as a way to control their own stories. For example, Daphne and Simon’s initial courtship is a ruse so that other suitors will fight for the diamond of the season. The pair initiate this plan by publicly stepping onto the dance floor, knowing that everyone is watching them, which mirrors this particular moment in “Rogue.”
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1Doctor Who’s Soundtrack Uses Orchestral Versions Of Modern Songs
“Rogue” Remixes Hit Tracks For The Regency Era, Like Bridgerton
One ofBridgerton’sbest and most unique qualities is its use of music in particular scenes.TheBridgertonsoundtrack contains several hit tracks from recent years that are remixed to fit the style and tone of the era,a brilliant concept that combines traditional elements of the show with heartfelt and emotional present-day music to create a fascinating atmosphere. For example, themodern songs in theBridgertonseason 3 soundtrackinclude titles from BTS, Sia, and even Pitbull.Doctor Who’s"Rogue” replicates this sameBridgertonfactor, too.
When the Doctor first meets Rogue on the Duchess' balcony inDoctor Who, an orchestral version of “Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish plays. Interestingly, Eilish’s track “Happier Than Ever” also appears inBridgertonseason 3. During Ruby and Emily’s battle in the library, an arrangement of “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga scores the scene. However, it seems thatthese tunes aren’t coincidental and also add an extra layer to the narrative.Ruby pretends to be taken by the Chuldur, hence her “Poker Face,” and the Doctor and Rogue’s first interaction leaves them both believing they’ve found the “Bad Guy.”
Doctor Who
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Doctor Who: Released on August 12, 2025, this series follows the Doctor and their companion as they journey across time and space, encountering a range of extraordinary friends and adversaries, expanding the universe of the long-running British science fiction series.
