Doctor Who’s Boldest Episode Ever Takes the Doctor to Lagos—And Fans Are Losing It

In the upcoming episode of Doctor Who, the Doctor, portrayed by Ncuti Gatwa, embarks on an extraordinary journey to the bustling city of Lagos. This exciting episode showcases and honors the vibrant culture of Nigeria in a truly remarkable way.

In a new twist, the Tale unfolds as the Doctor makes a visit to his preferred barbershop. There, he encounters the enigmatic Barber, played by Ariyon Bakare, and a fresh antagonist, who goes by the name of the Spider.

This episode is particularly significant for the show, given that it was penned by renowned Nigerian playwright Inua Ellams.

In response to criticisms from the previous season, showrunner Russell T Davies had pledged to assemble a more diverse writing crew for season 15, and “The Story and the Engine” seems poised to demonstrate why such diversity matters.

“It’s exciting to watch something so new and fresh,” Bakare explains.

As a cinephile, I must say that this particular production offers an unconventional take on the classic Doctor Who narrative. It’s a breath of fresh air, as I haven’t encountered one quite like it before. The unique aspect is its rich cultural tapestry, woven seamlessly into the plot without ever feeling alien or distant. In essence, it’s like listening to captivating bedtime stories, with cultural elements that feel remarkably close and relatable.

As a movie connoisseur, I couldn’t help but express my thrill upon learning that Inua Ellams has ventured into television and cinema. Reading the narrative, I found myself utterly captivated, thinking to myself, “What a deep immersion in his cultural roots he possesses!

The character feels incredibly vivid and authentic – a Nigerian immigrant who has moved to this new place, yet it seems like he is struggling to find his bearings, but at the same time, his tales in his writing suggest that he has discovered his path.

It seems he expresses a sense of liberation and curiosity in his writing, delving into his Nigerian identity and culture. His use of fables showcases the depth of his understanding and appreciation for African heritage and idiosyncrasies.

The character of Doctor Who sometimes faces criticism as being overly progressive, but as Bakare notes, there’s immense worth in portraying a more idealized world on-screen.

Our focus is on renewal and what lies ahead. In this current time, we’re moving forward while building upon the fantastic accomplishments of the past. However, it seems we’re being asked to gaze back at aspects that don’t truly reflect our present or future reality.

As a cinema connoisseur, I can’t predict what tomorrow brings, but shows like Doctor Who spark intriguing possibilities about our future. It’s crucial for us to continue embracing such diversity and boundary-pushing narratives. After all, the universe of storytelling is vast, let’s explore it together!

When I was younger, what drew me to Doctor Who was its portrayal of the future. It showed a vision of what the future could look like. And so, let’s work towards creating a future that fosters a feeling of belonging and excitement, where we can anticipate a harmonious tomorrow.

Even if things seem out of balance, goodness will ultimately prevail over wickedness – regardless of the color of one’s skin, their race, beliefs, sexuality, or gender identity. This is how it should be and something we should strive to uphold in our daily lives.

Ellams himself referred to the episode as a “complementary piece” to last season’s Dot and Bubble, reflecting his subtle approach to writing the script.

Ellams expresses a desire for additional narratives that offer depth, relatability, and complexity, yet do not impede the main goal of the character, which is consistently saving the day, no matter whom they encounter.

In “The Story and the Engine,” the destination that The Doctor reaches holds special significance for Bakare, since he had just visited Lagos on a mission with WaterAid.

Speaking about the deep significance of this matter, he shared: “Our very first journey took us to Nigeria, specifically Lagos. There, I had the opportunity to tour schools and even a maternity hospital.

I was astonished to find such an extensive infrastructure, yet the absence of clean drinking water was starkly different from our norms. It was a profound and emotional encounter.

“WaterAid does such an amazing job there, so it was something I was really proud to be part of.”

To support WaterAid, visit wateraid.org.

The television show, Doctor Who, will resume next Saturday (May 10th). In the United Kingdom, fresh episodes will be accessible from 8am on Saturdays on BBC iPlayer, and later in the day on BBC One. For viewers residing outside of the UK, the series can be found on Disney+.

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2025-05-09 10:17