Fugitive of the Judoon
"Fugitive of the Judoon" is the fifth episode of the twelfth series of the British science fiction television programme Doctor Who, first broadcast on BBC One on 26 January 2020. It was written by Vinay Patel and Chris Chibnall, and directed by Nida Manzoor.
For the eponymous character, see Fugitive Doctor.291 – "Fugitive of the Judoon"
Fiona McAllister
- Chris Chibnall
- Matt Strevens
50 minutes
26 January 2020
The Judoon search modern-day Gloucester for a fugitive, and the Thirteenth Doctor (Jodie Whittaker) and her companions Graham O'Brien (Bradley Walsh), Ryan Sinclair (Tosin Cole), and Yasmin Khan (Mandip Gill) regulate the situation. The episode sees the surprise return of John Barrowman as Captain Jack Harkness, and introduces Jo Martin as Ruth Clayton, a character revealed to be a previously unseen incarnation of the Doctor.
The episode was watched by 5.57 million viewers overall, and received positive reviews from critics.
Production[edit]
Development[edit]
"Fugitive of the Judoon" was written by Vinay Patel, who wrote an episode of the previous series, "Demons of the Punjab", as well as by showrunner Chris Chibnall.[1][2] An early version of what became Fugitive of the Judoon had been discussed as early as March 2016, in the very first writer's room sessions of Chris Chibnall's era as showrunner. Regarding the story’s origins, Vinay Patel remarked, “I have a real affection for cathedral cities… The idea of aliens in a lovely, genteel, prestigious British cathedral town feels very Who-y”.[3] As writer Vinay Patel was already friends with director Nida Manzoor, this influenced his writing process: "it was fun being able to write what I could to suit what I knew to be her strengths and interests."[4]