In the latest episode of Doctor Who, titled "The Story & the Engine," viewers are taken on a vibrant journey to Lagos, Nigeria, showcasing the series' ability to adapt and thrive in diverse cultural settings. This episode, part of the show’s second season on Disney+, is notable for featuring a fully BIPOC cast and is penned by Nigerian-British playwright Inua Ellams, marking his debut in the Doctor Who universe.
The episode opens with the Doctor, played by Ncuti Gatwa, and his companion Belinda Chandra, portrayed by Varada Sethu, landing in Lagos. The Doctor's primary intention is to visit his favorite barbershop, Omo’s, where he can feel at home and accepted in a community that celebrates his identity as a Black man. However, the plot thickens when they discover that a mysterious barber, played by Ariyon Bakare, has taken the shop hostage, using the stories of his customers to power a sinister scheme.
Ellams, who previously explored similar themes in his acclaimed play Barber Shop Chronicles, brings a rich narrative that intertwines elements of African folklore with the broader mythology of Doctor Who. The barber's establishment becomes a setting where stories are not merely shared for entertainment but are instead used to fuel a giant spider-like machine traversing a metaversal web, known as the Nexus. This premise allows the episode to delve into deep themes of community, storytelling, and identity.
In a significant moment, the Doctor explains to Belinda that he enjoys visiting the barbershop because it is a place where he can be himself, free from the prejudices he faces in other parts of the world. This exploration of race and identity contrasts with previous episodes where race was often framed as a challenge or a negative aspect of the Doctor's travels. Instead, "The Story & the Engine" embraces the Doctor’s Blackness as a source of joy and connection.
As the plot unfolds, the barber reveals his nefarious plan: he has been capturing men and forcing them to tell their stories, which are then projected onto the shop's windows as a means to sustain his power. The Doctor, realizing the gravity of the situation, must use his own story to combat the barber's control. This leads to a clever twist where the Doctor inserts a six-word story into the barber's engine, a concept inspired by the famous anecdote often attributed to Ernest Hemingway: "For sale: baby shoes, never worn." This moment highlights the power of storytelling and its ability to reshape reality.
Throughout the episode, the performances are commendable, with Gatwa’s portrayal of the Doctor radiating warmth and charisma. His interactions with the barbershop patrons, including the character Omo, played by Sule Rimi, showcase a dynamic blend of humor and tension. The revelation that Omo has betrayed the Doctor adds emotional depth to the narrative, illustrating the complexities of friendship and loyalty.
Another standout performance comes from Michelle Asante, who plays Abena, the daughter of Anansi, the spider god from African folklore. Abena’s character brings an intriguing layer to the story, as she grapples with her own identity and the legacy of her father. Her ultimate decision to assist the Doctor in thwarting the barber’s plan serves as a powerful commentary on the themes of redemption and forgiveness.
The episode is visually striking, with its vibrant depiction of Lagos and the unique design of the barber shop, which operates almost like a TARDIS in its refusal to adhere to the laws of physics. The blend of magical realism and sci-fi elements creates a captivating atmosphere that keeps viewers engaged. However, some critics have pointed out that the episode's ambitious narrative sometimes feels overstuffed, with numerous themes vying for attention within the 45-minute runtime.
Despite these critiques, "The Story & the Engine" has been praised for its innovative storytelling and its ability to address complex issues surrounding race and identity in a thoughtful manner. The episode also marks a significant moment in Doctor Who history as it features the first fully BIPOC cast, a milestone that reflects the show's ongoing evolution.
As the episode concludes, the Doctor and Belinda manage to escape the barber's clutches, leaving the barbershop in the hands of the reformed barber, who vows to use his powers for good. This resolution encapsulates the episode's overarching message about the importance of community and the power of stories to heal and transform.
Looking ahead, Doctor Who continues its exploration of new themes and narratives with the upcoming episode, "The Interstellar Song Contest," set to air on May 17, 2025. With its commitment to diversity and innovative storytelling, the series appears poised to remain a significant fixture in the landscape of science fiction television.
