"War of the Sontarans" is a standout of the Whittaker era because it remembers that Doctor Who is at its best when it uses the past to comment on the present. It balances the "mad man with a box" whimsy with a sobering look at the costs of war, all while revitalizing one of the show’s most iconic villains. It proves that even when the universe is ending, there is always time for a bit of history—and a lot of courage.

In many modern appearances, the Sontarans had devolved into comedic relief. "War of the Sontarans" successfully restores their menace. By exploiting the temporal chaos of the "Flux," they seize Earth in the past to ensure their dominance in the future. Their obsession with military tactics and "the glory of the kill" feels genuinely dangerous again, especially as they face off against the stubborn, misplaced pride of British officers like General Logan. Narrative Momentum

The second episode of Doctor Who’s thirteenth season (known as Flux ), titled "," serves as a quintessential example of how the series can blend high-stakes cosmic horror with historical drama. Written by Chris Chibnall, the episode pulls the Thirteenth Doctor (Jodie Whittaker) into the heart of the Crimean War, but with a science-fiction twist: the British and Russian armies have been replaced by the brutal, clone-bred Sontarans. Historical Subversion