Jodie Whittaker’s first season of Doctor Who was kept completely easily-accessible to new viewers by doing away with all classic monsters, something that came as a controversial decision for hardcore fans. Whovians were overjoyed, then, when a lone Dalek appeared in the New Year’s Day special “Resolution,” as it promised that more familiar foes would be filtered into the series again in season 12. Sure enough, an old alien has now been confirmed to appear in the next run.
The monsters in question are the Judoon, the rhino-headed race known for their short alien language consisting of “o” sounds. The creatures debuted back in 2007’s “Smith and Jones” opposite David Tennant’s Doctor. They then appeared in numerous smaller cameo roles after that – as well as in an episode of spinoff The Sarah Jane Adventures – but haven’t shown up since 2015.
Revealing the news this week, EP Chris Chibnall said the following in a statement to the Radio Times, as well as adding that the aliens are on a “deadly mission” in present-day England.
“No! Sho! Blo! The Judoon are storming back into Doctor Who in full force, and the streets of Gloucester aren’t safe.”
The BBC have also dropped this tease at what the Judoon will be up to in their season 12 episode. Other than the aliens’ involvement, the only thing we know is that Doctor Foster‘s Neil Stuke will guest star in an unknown role.
“If anyone has anything to hide, confess now. The Judoon are taking no prisoners, and will stop at nothing to fulfil their mission! The whole team on Doctor Who are delighted and scared in equal measure to welcome them back: one of many treats we’ve got in store for viewers next series.”
What’s interesting about the Judoon is that they aren’t evil or set on world domination, but are actually the galaxy’s police force. However, their brutal, thuggish ways often put them in conflict with the Doctor as their “shoot-first-think-never” approach conflicts with the Time Lord’s way of working. Fans will know that Judoon are not allowed on Earth, however, so it’s surprising that a platoon will be trooping around the UK. Could this be a rogue faction? After all, the mohawk of the Judoon captain suggests he’s not one to play by the rules. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
No release date has been confirmed for Doctor Who season 12 just yet, but it’s said to be planned for “early 2020,” so we should have a firm date soon.