'Doctor Who' Episode 2 Ending Explained: Paul McCartney and John Lennon rescue the Doctor and Ruby

'Doctor Who' Episode 2 takes the Doctor and Ruby to a world where the Beatles never made music
UPDATED MAY 11, 2024
'Doctor Who' Episode 2 takes the Doctor and Ruby on a journey to 1963 (@Disney+)
'Doctor Who' Episode 2 takes the Doctor and Ruby on a journey to 1963 (@Disney+)

Warning: Contains spoilers for 'Doctor Who' Episode 2

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Doctor Who' Episode 2 premiered on Disney + on Saturday, May 11, 2024. Titled 'Devil's Chord,' it takes the Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) back in time to 1963.

In this alternate reality, the Beatles never create music, and a sinister figure known as the Maestro (Jinkx Monsoon) seeks to erase all music from the world.

The episode, directed by Ben Chessel, features Beatles members Paul McCartney (George Caple), George Harrison (Philip Davies), Ringo Starr (James Hoyles), and John Lennon (Chris Mason) as characters.

However, in this reality, they are ordinary working individuals who no longer create music.

The story revolves around a musician playing the devil's chord which unleashes Maestro who takes away music from the world. 

The Doctor deduces that Maestro is in a way the essence of music and could only be defeated by the perfect note. So can the Doctor defeat Maestro? Will the Beatles make music again?

The Doctor challenges Maestro to a music battle in Episode 2 of 'Doctor Who' 

Ncuti Gatwa in a still from 'Doctor Who' Episode 2 (@Disney+)
Ncuti Gatwa in a still from 'Doctor Who' Episode 2 (@Disney+)

The Doctor takes a significant risk by challenging the Maestro to a music battle, knowing he's facing an expert. The battle ensues with the Maestro playing the violin and the Doctor and Ruby playing the Piano. 

The Doctor delves into his deep emotional pain, channeling all he has lost in his life to uncover the lost chord. 

As the notes nearly decapitate the Maestro, a bad note resurrects her, and she retaliates by inflicting pain on the Doctor and Ruby.

John Lennon and Paul McCartney help the Doctor and Ruby

Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson in a still from 'Doctor Who' (@Disney+)
Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson in a still from 'Doctor Who' (@Disney+)

As the Maestro tortures the Doctor, a piano drifts into view. Ruby seizes the opportunity, persuading John Lennon to join her in the quest to discover the lost chord. Paul McCartney joins them, and together they unearth the perfect notes for the chord.

As the Maestro gets sucked into the piano, she issues a warning. She declares that the one who waits is almost here, signaling dark times ahead for the Doctor and Ruby.

Music returns to the world in Episode 2 of 'Doctor Who'

Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday in a still from 'Doctor Who' (@Disney+)
Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday in a still from 'Doctor Who' (@Disney+)

With the Maestro gone, music returns to the world, bringing joy to the Doctor and Ruby. However, the Doctor cautions Ruby that there's always a twist at the end.

This sets the stage for a finale song, where Ruby and the Doctor join the rest of the world in dancing and singing along, culminating in a memorable scene on the iconic Abbey Road as they make their way back to the TARDIS.

'Doctor Who' Trailer



 

'Doctor Who' is streaming on Disney+.

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