Doctor Who returned this week with a thrilling second episode of its latest season, titled "Lux," showcasing a masterful blend of animation and live-action storytelling. Directed by Amanda Brotchie, the episode features Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor and Varada Sethu as Belinda Chandra, embarking on a captivating adventure set in a haunted movie theater in 1950s Miami.
The episode opens with a nostalgic nod to the 1950s, as patrons gather in a cinema to watch a reel about the advent of the nuclear bomb. The theater, while not full, is populated by a diverse group of characters, all portrayed as white, reflecting the era's racial segregation. The narrative deftly addresses the rampant racism of the time, with the Doctor and Belinda subtly pushing back against it.
As the story unfolds, the projectionist makes a fateful decision to replace the nuclear film with a cartoon called "Mr. Ring-a-Ding," voiced by the talented Alan Cumming. However, this seemingly innocuous choice leads to chaos when the character springs to life, terrorizing the audience with his eerie insistence: "Don't make me laugh!" This chilling moment sets the stage for a gripping mystery that intertwines elements of horror and humor.
Back in the TARDIS, the Doctor is busy tinkering with the console, trying to understand why they keep bouncing off May 24th. Belinda expresses her desire to return home, sharing heartfelt stories about her family. The Doctor, however, is more interested in their next adventure and decides to land in Miami, Florida, in 1952. The vibrant setting is brought to life with colorful neon lights and palm trees, immersing viewers in the atmosphere of the time.
Upon arriving, the Doctor and Belinda discover a chained-up cinema with flowers and notes left at its door, hinting at the mysterious disappearance of fifteen patrons. The duo enters a diner across the street, where they encounter a young soda jerk and a distraught mother searching for her missing son, Tommy Lee. The mother’s poignant story highlights the emotional stakes of the episode, as she clings to hope that her son will return.
As the Doctor investigates, he learns that the caretaker of the theater was arrested for the disappearances but was released due to lack of evidence. This revelation propels the Doctor and Belinda into the heart of the mystery, as they seek to uncover the truth behind the eerie occurrences.
In a twist of fate, the Doctor and Belinda find themselves zapped into animated characters, a stunning visual feat that layers 2D animation into the live-action scenes. This creative approach not only enhances the storytelling but also pays homage to classic animation styles. As they navigate this animated world, the Doctor realizes that expressing their emotions allows them to regain their three-dimensional form, showcasing the episode's theme of love and connection.
The narrative takes a meta turn when the Doctor and Belinda meet a group of Doctor Who fans, including Lizzie, Hassan, and Robyn, who are watching the episode unfold in their living room. This clever inclusion serves as a commentary on fandom and the impact of the show on its audience, as the fans offer insight into the riddle posed by Mr. Ring-a-Ding: what does he not do? Their advice proves crucial as the Doctor races against time to defeat the cartoon villain.
As the tension escalates, Mr. Ring-a-Ding reveals himself as Lux Imperator, the god of light at the heart of the Pantheon. He threatens to drain the Doctor of his regeneration energy, leading to a dramatic showdown. The stakes reach new heights when the Doctor and Belinda realize the only way to escape is to stop the reel and burn the film they are trapped in.
In a moment of sacrifice, Reginald Pye, the projectionist, decides to burn the reels to save the Doctor and Belinda, allowing him to reunite with his deceased wife in a poignant and emotional sequence. As the film ignites, Lux is defeated, and the theater patrons are freed, bringing joy to the townsfolk, especially Tommy Lee’s mother, who is reunited with her son.
The episode concludes with a hint of the challenges that lie ahead, as Mrs. Flood, a mysterious figure who has been teasing viewers throughout the season, appears among the crowd. Her ominous presence suggests that the Doctor and Belinda's journey is far from over, setting the stage for future conflicts.
Overall, "Lux" stands out as a remarkable episode of Doctor Who, blending heartfelt storytelling with innovative filmmaking techniques. The chemistry between Gatwa and Sethu shines through, reminiscent of classic duo dynamics like Fred and Velma from Scooby-Doo. With its exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the power of hope, this episode resonates deeply with both new viewers and long-time fans of the series.
New episodes of Doctor Who air weekly on Disney+ and the BBC iPlayer, continuing to captivate audiences with its unique blend of sci-fi adventure and emotional depth.
