The latest episode of Doctor Who, reviewed by "reactormag.com," delivers a compelling blend of science fiction, metafiction, and period drama, set primarily in Miami, Florida, in 1952. This instalment features the Fifteenth Doctor and their new companion Belinda, unfolding a narrative that intertwines elements of light, animation, and historical context.
The episode opens in a Miami cinema showing atomic bomb newsreels and a cartoon featuring Mr. Ring-a-Ding, a character who mysteriously comes to life through the moonlight reflected by a spoon in the projector room. Meanwhile, the Doctor is plotting to send Belinda back to her own time, 2025, by using the Vortex Indicator as an anchor to gradually pull them through time. They land in 1952, disguised in period-appropriate attire, at a locked movie theatre that has been closed after fifteen patrons vanished three months prior. Despite the closure, films continue to play at night, maintained by Reginald Pye, the theatre’s projectionist, who is motivated by a personal desire to see a resurrected image of his deceased wife.
The Doctor and Belinda meet Renée Lowenstein, who frequents the theatre in search of her missing son. They also encounter Mr. Ring-a-Ding, who reveals himself as Lux Imperator, the god of light and a deity of chaos. Lux’s laugh, called "The Giggle," identifies him as a child of the Toymaker, a known figure within the Doctor Who universe. The Doctor and Belinda are pulled into the cartoon world, turning into two-dimensional beings, and only regain a semblance of humanity by discussing complex feelings – a clever representation of emotional depth restoring their three-dimensional form.
Their attempt to escape the cartoon realm leads them into the living room of three Doctor Who fans—Robyn, Hassan, and Lizzie—who reveal a metafictional twist: the Doctor is the fictional character, but the fans themselves exist merely as sideline characters within this narrative. Despite this, the fans express joy at their existence and newfound friendships. The Doctor then devises a plan to halt the film by burning a frame under the projector’s heat, pulling them back into reality.
The climax sees Lux capturing the Doctor to drain his regenerative energy to create a corporeal body capable of absorbing more light, even hoping to harness power from an atomic explosion. In a dramatic turn, Belinda and Reginald Pye work together to ignite the film stock, prompting an explosion that allows sunlight to flood the building. This reverts Lux back to his two-dimensional form, causing him to dissipate into nothingness. The missing theatre patrons are freed and reunited with their families. As the Doctor and Belinda depart, a character named Mrs. Flood hints that the show's narrative will conclude on May 24th.
A mid-credits scene revisits the three fans, now fully aware of their manipulations, as they critique the episode’s events, delighting in their continued presence.
The review emphasises the episode's use of metafiction, noting the clever layering and humour without feeling overly complex or self-congratulatory. A significant narrative nod is made to a past memorable episode, "Tooth and Claw," where a creature was defeated with focused moonlight, paralleling Lux’s defeat by sunlight, marking a clear parallel between seasons and episodes through a shared motif about water and vulnerability.
The episode's production is praised for its blend of high and low-budget aesthetics—expansive special effects for Lux balanced with a retro soundstage feel reminiscent of classic Doctor Who. Detailed animation styles correspond to distinct historical cartoon art. The review also applauds the show’s sensitive handling of 1950s racial segregation, acknowledging it within the story while not allowing it to dominate the plot unnecessarily. This is exemplified by Renée’s presence in a segregated diner and the symbolic use of a police officer as part of Lux’s ruse, which comments on simplistic portrayals of racism in popular fiction.
Noteworthy is the episode's reliance on investigation and puzzle-solving over typical action sequences, marking a refreshing departure from more visually explosive episodes. The metafictional treatment of fandom is also highlighted, describing how the three fans reflect real-life Doctor Who enthusiasts in appearance and knowledge, yet are given a narrative dimension only to ultimately allow the Doctor to return to the main story.
Additional reflections included observations on the episode’s meticulous costume design, the emotional impact of Belinda’s journey, and subtle references such as Rock Hudson, connecting the Doctor's character to queer cultural history. The inclusion of Hanna-Barbera animation styles and Scooby-Doo references adds a layer of nostalgic charm.
Moreover, the episode raises intriguing visual concepts, particularly how a two-dimensional being like Lux would appear in a three-dimensional environment, with shifting perspectives challenging spatial perception.
In summary, this episode of Doctor Who combines innovative storytelling, historical context, metafictional insight, and emotional depth, continuing to evolve the legacy of the beloved series. The review by "reactormag.com" reflects a deep appreciation for the show's creativity and nuanced handling of complex themes within a science fiction framework.
Source: Noah Wire Services