'Doctor Who' Episode 3 Ending Explained: John Francis Vater saves the day
Contains spoilers for 'Doctor Who'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Disney+ just aired 'Doctor Who' Episode 3 titled, 'Boom' on Friday, May 17. This episode takes a straightforward approach, with the Doctor stuck in one place because of a landmine ready to explode. Here’s a breakdown of the climactic ending in ‘Boom’.
In this episode, the Doctor faces a tense situation, unable to move without triggering the mine. The tension builds as the Doctor and companions work against the clock to find a solution, leading to a dramatic and explosive conclusion, literally.
When the Doctor and Ruby Sunday land on Kastarion 3, a landmine quickly traps the Doctor. Unable to move, he and Ruby must save him and solve the mystery of the war between the human Anglican soldiers and the unseen Kastarions.
In the climactic 'Boom' ending, the Doctor uncovers the tragic truth behind the war while dealing with the stress of his situation and guilt over Ruby being mistakenly shot by a soldier. This tense 'Doctor Who' episode keeps the clock ticking, and here’s everything that happens in the dramatic 'Boom' conclusion.
How did 'Doctor Who' Episode 3 'Boom' end?
As the episode nears its end, things look grim. Ruby is gravely injured, shot by an Anglican soldier named Canterbury, and the Doctor is on the brink of triggering a catastrophic explosion. He's figured out the truth: there's no actual war with the Kastarions—they don't exist.
The Anglicans have been fighting an illusion, orchestrated by the Villengard algorithm to keep profiting from weapon sales. The Doctor explains to soldier Mundy Flynn that they've been fighting an empty battle.
However, to officially end the conflict, they need the Bishop to declare surrender, backed by evidence. So, the Doctor persuades the hologram of John Francis Vater, long deceased, to infiltrate the Villengard algorithm and gather the necessary proof.
Climatic battle and heartfelt farewells
While Mundy and Canterbury (nicknamed Canto) try to reconfigure the Villengard ambulance unit to save Ruby, Canto admits he likes Mundy. Suddenly, the ambulance’s defense system activates, blasting them both and killing Canto.
Canto's hologram appears, delivering a message to Mundy, his 'designated favorite person'. He tells her he loves her before the ambulance turns him into a casket, its way of disposing of bodies.
Meanwhile, the algorithm detects John Francis Vater’s actions and defends itself. The Doctor, Mundy, and John’s daughter, Splice, are soon surrounded by multiple ambulances ready to strike.
As the system tries to delete John Francis Vater, the Doctor’s landmine approaches its fail-safe, threatening detonation even if it can't detect him.
John Francis Vater to the rescue
He urges Mundy and Splice to flee, but they refuse, knowing they won't make it far enough in time. Feeling defeated, the Doctor apologizes and prepares for detonation.
Yet, as the countdown reaches its end, they hear John Francis Vater’s signature message to his daughter — “Kiss, kiss.” The ambulances soon join in, indicating his successful takeover.
Now with the system on their side, the ambulance revives Ruby. What’s more, the landmine deactivates, allowing the Doctor to step off safely. Overwhelmed with joy, the Doctor realizes that the powerful war algorithm was simply overcome by a father's love for his child.
The war comes to an end
John Francis Vater’s intervention brings an end to the war, bringing peace to Kastarion 3. The Doctor, Ruby, Mundy, and Splice gaze at the now clear sky, symbolizing the newfound tranquility.
Mundy pledges to care for Splice from now on, who insists that her father is still present despite his passing.
Heading back to the TARDIS, Ruby questions Splice's perspective on death, but the Doctor reminds her of the inevitable end for everyone. Quoting poet Philip Larkin, he asserts that "what survives of us is love," drawing on his encounter with the poet.
As they bid farewell to John Francis Vater’s hologram and enter the TARDIS, it vanishes, leaving behind a falling snowflake, hinting at the deepening mystery surrounding Ruby’s past.
And that’s the 'Boom' ending! For more on the latest season of 'Doctor Who,' check out our explanations for the endings of 'Space Babies' and 'The Devil’s Chord.'
Stay tuned for updates on the release of the new 'Doctor Who' episodes!
'Doctor Who' trailer
3 episodes of 'Doctor Who' are streaming on Disney+.