The Talons of Weng-Chiang: A Doctor Who Episode That Still Sparks Controversy Today!

by

For more than six decades, “Doctor Who” has spearheaded contemporary science fiction. Not only has it sparked numerous successful spin-offs, but it has also set the fundamental guidelines for time travel within the genre. Although some tales from its early years might appear somewhat outdated to present-day audiences, these initial episodes of “Doctor Who” played a crucial role in shaping it into the influential series we know today.

Although some fans might not be familiar with “The Talons of Weng-Chiang,” this intriguing tale played a significant role in showcasing the charm of the Fourth Doctor, as well as his bond with Leela. However, this production was controversial for some, leading to its ban in Canada due to its portrayal of racially insensitive themes.

“The Talons of Weng-Chiang” is a Near-Perfect Serial

In the 14th season, episode 6 titled “The Talons of Weng-Chaing,” the story commences in Victorian London, a time period The Doctor adores. Initially, he intends to show Leela her forebears, but is diverted by an odd occurrence in the city involving several women vanishing without a trace. To gather more details, The Doctor seeks advice from a police pathologist named Professor Litefoot, who suggests that these incidents might be connected to Li H’sen Chang, a peculiar magician with links to a Chinese crime syndicate. As the plot unfolds, it is disclosed that Chang is a 51st-century war criminal, exploiting women in his magic acts for nefarious purposes. This includes abducting them and then draining their vitality. Consequently, The Doctor, Leela, and Professor Litefoot join forces to unravel the mystery behind Chang’s magical performances with the aim of halting his violent spree.

Written By Directed By Original Air Date IMDb Score
Robert Holmes David Maloney February 26–April 2, 1977 8.6/10

Despite not matching Modern Who in terms of special effects or action, “The Talons of Weing-Chaing” stands out as an exceptional tale of storytelling. It masterfully combines historical and science fiction elements to portray Chang as a cunning villain. Spanning five individual episodes, it manages to keep the narrative intriguing and captivating. The Fourth Doctor maintains room for his characteristic humor, but the tension never wanes, ensuring viewers remain fully engaged to avoid missing any twist in this thrilling unfolding storyline.

Discussing this serial without acknowledging the controversial giant rat character would be missing an essential aspect. These rats dwell within the sewers and attempt to kill Leela before The Doctor intervenes. Some viewers might think it’s the most unsuitable creature ever depicted, while others find its absurdity adds a unique charm to Doctor Who. Back in 1995, Steven Moffat, who was once involved with the production of Doctor Who, expressed his admiration for this peculiar character.

Regardless of personal opinions towards this notorious rodent character, identifying specific tales from the Classic Era of Doctor Who can be quite challenging due to its extensive format. While fans today recall scenes from episodes like “Doomsday” or “Blink”, the vastness of earlier serials often makes it tough for viewers to single out particular stories. However, the entirety of “The Talons of Weng-Chang” remains vivid in memory, making it all the more striking.

A Marginalized Group Grew Tired of How It Was Depicted by the Show

Although “The Talons of Weng-Chaing” has garnered much acclaim throughout its history, it also faces significant criticism for its portrayal of Chinese characters. While Li H’sen Chang is a time-traveler, the series often falls back on outdated and offensive stereotypes to emphasize his villainous nature. Many of the antagonists in this show belong to a gang, or Tong. Furthermore, many of the English characters within the serial appear to uphold these stereotypes without much effort to contradict them, as their attention is primarily focused elsewhere.

One concern raised about this episode is its repeated use of “yellowface,” where characters from East Asia are portrayed by white actors with excessive makeup and mannerisms to make them appear Asian. For instance, the character Li H’sen Chang, who should be played by an Asian actor, is instead portrayed by a Caucasian man named John Bennett, originally from Kent. This raises questions about whether the production team used harmful makeup and prosthetics to alter his appearance to look more Chinese. The show’s producer, Philip Hinchcliffe, mentioned that the character of Fu Manchu served as inspiration for this serial, a supervillain who has unfortunately evolved into a racially insensitive stereotype over time.

Despite the common perception that people from the past were more ignorant and such behavior was easily overlooked by modern audiences, the television series Doctor Who faced significant criticism for its portrayals during its original airing. The Chinese Canadian National Council for Equality claimed that these representations were harmful and perpetuated negative stereotypes of Chinese people. In protest, TV Ontario refused to broadcast the serial, standing up for their Chinese citizens. Furthermore, when the serial was released on VHS in the UK in 1988, certain fight scenes had been removed because chain-sticks, which were illegal weapons at the time, could not be depicted on screen.

The Talons of Weng-Chang Still Has a Lot of Influence Over the Canon Today

Many viewers find it challenging to accept the current transformation of the beloved series Doctor Who, given their perception of The Doctor’s character evolution. It’s indisputable that the show is increasingly embracing liberal ideals, which appear to be fitting for its narrative. Fans should recall that The Doctor is an old alien who yearns for universal harmony, and thus may not react strongly to topics like race or sexuality. However, portrayals such as in “The Talons of Weng-Chaing” can come across as oblivious to some viewers, causing a sense of disbelief. Despite its problematic undercurrents, the serial has managed to stay relevant amidst the emergence of modern Who. In 2008, a journalist accurately encapsulated this phenomenon by stating:

After achieving high ranks in multiple polls and assessments, the series has been praised for its exceptional storytelling, even though it has faced criticisms for its misrepresentation of Asian culture. However, this issue seems to have been addressed, as on Britbox, the show now carries a content warning. Furthermore, critics and fans of Doctor Who have acknowledged its past mistakes, and the series appears to be making strides towards improvement, notably with the introduction of the first black Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa.

It’s evident that the episode ban in Canada was justified, given the offensive portrayal of Chinese characters and the questionable use of “yellow-face.” Despite the widespread availability of the show on streaming platforms like Doctor Who, fans can seize this opportunity to demand accountability for future racial insensitivities. While it may sound idealistic or unrealistic, fans are learning that such stereotypes are not only harmful but also absurd – a lesson that aligns with The Doctor’s values of standing against the ridiculous and promoting equality.

Read More

2025-05-28 06:57