In recent years, Doctor Who has seen its budget soar, largely thanks to the collaboration between the BBC and Disney. This financial boost has opened the door for imaginative storytelling set against a backdrop of cinematic flair that the series has never quite realized before. This week’s episode, “Lux,” offers a fascinating premise that might have thrived under this new financial regime, but unfortunately, it struggles with a chaotic tonal mix.
Set primarily in 1952 Miami, the Doctor and his hesitant companion Belinda find themselves entangled in an intriguing mystery. As the Doctor searches for a way to return to modern Earth, they land near a cinema where patrons mysteriously disappeared months prior, adding a haunted twist to their arrival.
The pair’s investigation introduces us to Mr. Ring-a-Ding (portrayed by the charming Alan Cumming), a classic cartoon character brought to life by the moonlight. Mr. Ring-a-Ding’s awakening is not just a whimsical touch; he wields incredible power and can manipulate the very fabric of reality, drawing on the deep well of lore that has graced the 60th anniversary specials. The episode revels in flashy visuals, showcasing how well it can blend 2D animation into live action—but this spectacle can mask deeper issues.
Mr. Ring-a-Ding is visually stunning, embodying menacing charm that keeps the viewer on edge. But as he begins to manipulate the world around him, “Lux” spirals into an array of ideas without giving any of them sufficient time to resonate. The Doctor and Belinda are quickly transformed into animated figures, forced to confront their own fears in a gimmicky format that feels rushed and shallow. The narrative beams them through strips of film reel, racing against the clock towards a convoluted resolution.
One standout aspect involves the duo tumbling into the living rooms of Doctor Who fans, a clever meta-moment that could have sustained its own episode. However, this intriguing thread quickly morphs into an overstated emotional crisis, leaving viewers with little time to connect with characters who barely had a moment to breathe before their own existential threats kicked in.
Throughout its 50-plus years, Doctor Who has touched on serious issues, including racial discrimination, yet “Lux” glosses over these heavy themes rather casually. This half-hearted treatment feels like a checkbox in a larger narrative plan rather than a fully realized plot point. It raises questions but never provides the depth or engagement needed to explore their implications.
Furthermore, Belinda’s character arc, which revolves around her reluctance to join the Doctor, is splayed thinly under the weight of multiple rushing narratives. Her development resolves too quickly—flipping from uncertainty to total trust without the narrative pacing to make this transition feel earned. The thrilling tensions laid out in the premiere are brushed aside, losing an opportunity for rich character exploration.
Why does “Lux” feel so chaotic? The lack of time spent on each idea leaves its weightless moments void of impact. Viewers might find themselves overwhelmed, as key emotional scenes fall flat amidst the narrative overwhelming. This rush through various plots means that critical character developments suffer.
How does “Lux” treat its familiar themes? While familiar subject matter surfaces in the episode, the way they are addressed feels superficial and rushed.
What should fans expect from future episodes of Doctor Who? With the right balance between spectacle and storytelling solidified, upcoming episodes have potential to be more fulfilling, provided they slow down to dive deeper.
With each passing adventure, Doctor Who invites us back into its whimsical universe, even when the execution falters. The joy of the series lies in its ability to adapt and evolve, offering both thrilling escapism and opportunities for profound introspection. So, let’s keep tuning in, and who knows what wonders the next episode may hold.
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