It’s a great episode I think.
I’m going to float my theory:
The circle binds Mad Jack. Who Mad Jack is can change from person to person, but it is the politician for Ruby.
The Doctor steps in the circle and Ruby reads two notes. First note is “I’m lonely”. Second note is “RIP Mad Jack.” The Doctor disappears, Ruby gets a follower at 73 feet who wildly scares anyone who talks to her, but people only notice her if Ruby points her out first. 1/3 #73yards
2/3 73 Yards theories
The fae bind Mad Jacks—the Doctor mentions a Mad Jack at the circle, so that’s the one Ruby will “bind.” The circle is a spider web to catch and bind or release.
The fae needs a this world partner. So the herald & Spiteful One dynamic is Ruby & the follower.
The pub people know some folk tales.
The follower’s super power causes life changes & cutting out a part of one’s life: Brings down Mad Jack, Sends Ruby out of the loop to move on. 2/3
3/3
Irony: if Gibson (Ruby) had stayed, the follower could have become Ruby’s (wish god?)’s herald. Or Wish and Fear could have been polar opposites who can’t meet easily
I feel we also missed a plot line when the doctor is pulling around Sutek similar to how Ruby had the Follower
Ruby faces & triumphs over the Spiteful One’s message to her (I’m lonely), and that’s why her change/flight is out of the Mad Jack trap & back into sunlight and friendship. #doctorwho
Cate