Warning: Spoilers for Doctor Who season 15, episode 2

The fifteenth season of things that always happen in Doctor Who, and the latest season feels like the first in a long time that changes this formula so brazenly.

This decision to change Doctor Who’s structure on a very small level feels intentional, as the show is clearly entering a new era and wants to separate itself from the stories of the past so as not to feel too repetitive. In order to achieve this, Doctor Who has made a habit of taking subtle swipes at its history and reinventing certain traditions, such as the Doctor’s classic post-regeneration costume change.

Doctor Who Is Giving Companions Their Own Wardrobe Change Sequences Now

Ruby And Belinda Got Period-Specific Costumes

“Lux” was a hugely important episode for many reasons, but perhaps the most underrated is the inclusion of Belinda Chandra’s own “costume change” moment, which has previously been reserved for post-regeneration Doctors. Throughout Doctor Who’s history, it’s an unwritten rule that the Doctor changes their costume after regenerating, sticking with their new clothes for sometimes an entire season. However, both Ruby Sunday and Belinda Chandra have been the stars of the last two costume changes, with each Doctor Who companion getting new threads in the second episode of their respective seasons.

Interestingly, these stylish costume changes have both happened at the beginning of the first historical episodes in Ruby and Belinda’s tenures on the show. Seasons 14 and 15 both opened with futuristic episodes set in space, which were directly followed by a brief trip back in time to mid-19th century Earth.

Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor Never Had A Costume Change Scene, But That Makes Sense

This Version Of The Doctor Changes His Costume All The Time

The reason for this change in the formula is obvious: the Doctor can’t have his own signature “costume change” moments anymore, because he wears something different in every single adventure. It’s been a somewhat polarizing choice, but there’s no denying that it’s allowed for some of Doctor Who’s most stylish outfits in a long time. Although fans have missed the whole-season costumes like Matt Smith’s tweed suit or Jodie Whittaker’s silver knee-length coat, there’s something equally fun about seeing Gatwa in a new costume each week.