Warning: Spoilers ahead for Doctor Who season 15, episode 5, “The Story and the Engine.”The enigmatic presence of Mrs. Flood in Doctor Who season 15 has sparked engaging discussions regarding the true identity of Anita Dobson‘s character, and a compelling theory has emerged. Even though Mrs. Flood’s appearance in Doctor Who season 15, episode 5, titled “The Story and the Engine,” is fleeting—characteristic of her role—it’s the surrounding context that amplifies her significance. Dobson has been featured more prominently in this season than during her initial appearance, and her character continues to be intricately woven into the overarching narrative.

While Jo Martin‘s unexpected cameo as the Fugitive Doctor may have garnered the spotlight for returning guest appearances in “The Story and the Engine,” the brief moments featuring Mrs. Flood are equally noteworthy. Dobson’s character has been consistently present in every episode of season 15 thus far, reminiscent of how Susan Twist accumulated numerous cameos before her true nature was finally revealed in the previous season finale of Doctor Who. There is a clear narrative trajectory suggesting a significant reveal for Mrs. Flood, and I believe I have discerned what that reveal might be.

Unveiling Doctor Who’s “Mrs. Flood as the Pantheon’s God of Stories” Theory

Understanding Anita Dobson’s Character as Part of the Pantheon

The character Sutekh (played by Gabriel Woolf) presented an extensive list of Pantheon Gods towards the conclusion of Doctor Who season 14. Initially, it appeared that the God of Death had named all deities within this sacred group. However, the introduction of Alan Cumming‘s Mr. Ring-a-Ding/Lux Imperator indicates that Sutekh did not disclose every member of the Pantheon. This suggests that there are additional Gods, beyond the God of Light, yet to be introduced. Consequently, I propose that Mrs. Flood is also a member of this divine assembly.

Members of the Pantheon possess the potential to instigate monumental changes or inflict significant harm with merely a touch and minimal exertion. While Mrs. Flood may not conform to this description, if she is indeed the God of Stories, as I suspect, then it would be logical for her to adopt the role of a passive observer. Her recurring appearances through different timelines as she trails the Doctor indicate that she is much more than an ordinary human. Being classified as a God aligns perfectly with the current narrative arc of the show.

One of the most intriguing and perplexing characteristics of Mrs. Flood has been her capability to communicate directly with the audience. Doctor Who characters typically do not break the fourth wall in this manner, yet similar occurrences have become more frequent since Dobson’s initial appearance in the 2023 Christmas special, “The Church on Ruby Road.” By the end of “Empire of Death,” she even concluded the episode as the narrator, which, if she is indeed the God of Stories, aligns perfectly with her character’s essence, as does her fixation with the Doctor, who possesses a rich and extensive narrative.

Building Conviction Around Doctor Who’s “The Story & The Engine” Theory

Investigating the Core Stories in Doctor Who Season 15, Episode 5

“The Story and the Engine” introduces Ariyon Bakare as the Barber, a character with a former human identity, tasked with collecting tales from his peers and binding them into books for the Gods. Although the episode does not clarify whether these deities are part of the Pantheon, it is reasonable to presume at least a peripheral connection. What unites the Gods referenced by the Barber is their close association with the concept of storytelling. This serves as a strong indication that Mrs. Flood may embody that role within the Pantheon.

“Hi, Belinda! Just picking up my pills.“

– Mrs. Flood in Doctor Who season 15, episode 5, “The Story and the Engine.”

The Barber recounts the names of several Gods he served under, yet Mrs. Flood’s name is conspicuously absent. This absence does not negate the possibility that Anita Dobson portrays the Pantheon’s God of Stories. Doctor Who has laid the groundwork for this plot twist, given that Sutekh’s incomplete list from season 14 indicates the Pantheon’s hierarchy is more intricate than initially apparent. Furthermore, Mrs. Flood’s cameo in “The Story and the Engine” is tightly interwoven with the Doctor’s narrative concerning Belinda Chandra (played by Varada Sethu), adding another layer of intrigue.

The Impact of Mrs. Flood as the Pantheon’s God of Stories on Doctor Who’s Narrative

Doctor Who Season 15’s Opportunity to Rectify Recent Narrative Missteps

As previously noted, Mrs. Flood’s series of cameos strongly echoes the role of Susan Twist in Doctor Who season 14. Ncuti Gatwa‘s initial portrayal as the Fifteenth Doctor appeared to set up Twist’s character for a more substantial narrative arc. Ultimately, she was revealed to embody various forms of Sutekh’s Angels of Death as he prepared for his return. While Sutekh’s resurgence was thrilling, it somewhat diminished the intrigue surrounding Susan Twist’s omnipresence. I had hoped for Susan Twist to be more than just another avatar of Sutekh, but this was not the case.

While this direction was somewhat predictable given the storyline’s trajectory, it serves as a reminder that Mrs. Flood’s true identity must be something of greater significance. If Dobson’s character reveals herself as the Pantheon’s God of Stories, it would not just be a gratifying twist but also a logical conclusion that aligns with the abilities displayed by Mrs. Flood throughout the series. Although alternative plotlines could be explored, I believe none would be quite as rewarding.

Doctor Who‘s Disney era has already delivered a major twist that, while heartwarming, felt somewhat unsatisfactory. The mystery surrounding the identity of Ruby Sunday’s mother loomed large throughout Doctor Who season 14. Unfortunately, the resolution revealed an unassuming young woman, which contradicted the trail of cryptic hints provided by showrunner Russell T. Davies.

Revealing Mrs. Flood’s true identity as the God of Stories, or an equally significant figure, would serve to redeem the disappointment surrounding the revelation of Millie Gibson’s character’s maternal lineage. Thankfully, Davies has provided an abundance of clues regarding Mrs. Flood’s true identity, making it unlikely for her to simply be another nondescript human character. Thus, I find myself optimistic that Doctor Who season 15 will culminate in a fulfilling and impactful conclusion.