5 Theories for What’s Inside Series 10’s Vault

Feature article by guest contributor Craig Sightings.

Most of you reading this will be aware that this weekend’s episode “Extremis” will see the Series 10 mystery of what’s inside the vault finally solved. I’ve come up with 5 possible theories I’d like to share with Doctor Who TV readers: From what I think is less likely to more likely.

So let’s waste no more time and begin!

5. Gallifrey

This theory is a little out there, but what if the Doctor’s home planet is the thing being protected, hidden from the universe once again? I know what you’re thinking – how is that even possible? But hear me out. Is it really that improbable when we consider that Time Lords have technology that can shrink a whole giant castle surrounded by a vast ocean into a small, circular disk you can fit into your pocket (see “Heaven Sent”)?

4. A Monster

When the vault was first shown in “The Pilot”, my initial thought was that the Doctor might have been guarding a monster. Perhaps to make sure it didn’t get out and destroy the universe! Something so powerful, it had to be locked away at all costs. I then wondered if the mysterious monks were actually the prisoners. However as the weeks have gone on and more clues have been added I have become less convinced of this theory. It’s still a possibility, but the monks don’t look like they enjoy playing the piano! And the Doctor seems to be pretty fond of what’s inside.

3. The Doctor

Although this would be far too similar to the reveal of the Pandorica from Series 5, there’s always a chance. It wouldn’t be the first time Moffat has repeated himself after all. In this case though, perhaps it could be another version of the Doctor that has done something bad and needs to be locked up, maybe even heading into Valeyard territory. It could also be a past incarnation that needs protecting or something like that.

Now, I’m putting the next two choices in joint first. I know it’s a bit of a cheat, but they’re the same person anyway (or so we think) and I’d say they are too close to call.

1= Missy

Missy is a very likely candidate, and from what I’ve seen on forums and social media, many fans agree. I think the biggest clue for it being Missy came at the end of “Knock Knock” when prior to the vault opening, the Doctor was talking to the occupant and the piano started being played when the Doctor said his ‘story’ involved people in danger. This sounds like classic Missy. We also know she is credited in the episode, and in the Series 10 trailers she looks like she’s imprisoned in a glass cage in some shots, and possibly on a piano in others. On the other hand, the fact that this is what most people are thinking would make it a bit of a predictable let down.

1= The Master

Any fan worth their salt knows that John Simm’s Master is making his triumphant return in Series 10, thanks to the Sun spoiling it and subsequently the BBC themselves! That much is clear, but fans haven’t been told when exactly he will show up. Many expect Missy this weekend, but what if that’s exactly what Moffat wants you to believe? Going so far to remove all credits of his appearance. Then viewers get a big shock as the vault opens and inside is the gloriously bearded Simm Master. If the publicity hadn’t spoiled it, it would have been a massive moment, and I doubt many would have seen coming.