Stick a fork in it. “Doctor Who” might be finished. 

Going into Season 2 (also known as Series 15), it didn’t look good for the world’s longest-running science fiction show; its ratings were in the toilet and there was widespread speculation that lead Ncuti Gatwa was set to depart after his second season. 

Those fears were realized in the show’s latest episode, where Gatwa’s 15th Doctor regenerates into … Billie Piper. 

This is not a good look for the show. In fact, it actively harms any effort it has for a ratings comeback because it makes the show look desperate. 

I’ve enjoyed Gatwa’s Doctor and I wish we could get more of him. Russell T. Davies’ return as showrunner has also brought much-needed competence and direction behind the scenes that was sorely lacking during Chris Chibnall’s era of the show. But it hasn’t translated into views. 

Part of this can be attributed to the show’s move to Disney Plus. There’s also been a conservative backlash towards the show since Jodie Whittaker debuted as the 13th Doctor prior to Gatwa. But for whatever reason, “Doctor Who” is not connecting with as many viewers as it did during David Tennant, Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi’s eras. 

Some of this is undoubtedly residual from Chibnall’s run. It was terrible. The man picked bad scripts that hamstrung everyone involved. It’s hard for any show to come back from one bad year, let alone three. 

Davies has tried, but the show has been overly reliant on fan service and callbacks to characters from his initial run, which started with David Tenant’s return as the 14th Doctor. 

I liked 14’s three specials, though I admit they did little to bring new viewers on board. If anything, his return was geared towards reengaging old fans who might have skipped Capaldi or Whittaker’s run on the show. It was also mercifully short, tied up some loose ends with the fan-favorite Noble household and directly transitioned to Gatwa’s Doctor. 

Piper’s return does nothing for the show. It doesn’t signify the same return to form Tenant’s return did because Davies — a trusted skipper — has been at the helm this time around. It’s a desperate attempt to again re-engage fans of the 10th Doctor who never got on board with Gatwa. It feels like Piper was chosen in hopes that the shock value would get people to watch next season. 

I might be done with the show after this. “Doctor Who” needs to stop it with the fan service and focus on finding enthralling scripts by capable writers, as well as a promising showrunner with a fresh vision. 

I’m going to call it: This is no better than Emperor Palpatine returning in “The Rise of Skywalker.” 

“Doctor Who” tried to take the show in a new direction under Davies and Gatwa and it hasn’t worked out, despite the fact that both have delivered some of the best episodes in the series. It’s clear this show has a marketing problem, which Piper’s return does not fix. 

“Doctor Who” has had a fantastic run. It would be a shame if it ends like this.