A Dive into "Doctor Who — Lux": A Journey Through Time and Animation
The 15th season of Doctor Who continues to captivate audiences, and its latest episode, "Lux", showcases one of the series’ most ambitious narratives in recent memory.
A Compelling Setup
Following a routine opening, the Doctor finds himself unable to return Belinda to 2025. Instead, they take a detour to Miami in 1952, where they stumble upon an abandoned movie theater shrouded in mystery. Several individuals have mysteriously vanished, piquing the Doctor’s insatiable curiosity. What unfolds next is both thrilling and intriguing, setting the stage for a memorable adventure.
The Allure of "Lux"
Among the episodes this season, "Lux" stood out due to its rich visual elements and its innovative character, Mr. Ring-a-Ding, brought to life by the talented Alan Cumming. With its trailer evoking a blend of Cuphead and Ringu, it immediately garnered significant attention. This episode boasts an impressive budget, featuring an array of visual effects, vibrant animation, and a highlight performance that makes it worth watching.
A Technical Marvel
The episode primarily unfolds in the confines of a movie theater, yet "Lux" stands out as a technical achievement for Doctor Who. The blend of live-action with 2D animated characters rivals family classics like Pete’s Dragon and Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Mr. Ring-a-Ding’s design draws inspiration from 1930s animation, particularly the enchanting works of Fleischer Studios. His transformation throughout the episode adds a layer of terror that could easily induce nightmares.
A Deeper Narrative
Diving deeper into the plot, "Lux" serves as a continuation of the Pantheon of Discord storyline. Here, Mr. Ring-a-Ding morphs into Lux, the God of Light, who craves illumination and power. Echoing past villains like The Toymaker and Maestro, Lux embodies a campy yet sinister essence, capable of transforming from whimsical to malevolent in an instant.
The episode cleverly mirrors themes from "The Devil’s Chord," another second episode featuring a villain intertwined with entertainment. Both episodes share a unique meta-approach, highlighting the Doctor and Belinda’s entrapment within a faux-movie universe. A particularly divisive scene showcases the Doctor breaking through a television screen into a living room filled with fans—a moment designed to elicit mixed reactions.
Self-Awareness and Narrative Growth
"Lux" marks a significant moment in Doctor Who’s rebooted series as it embraces self-awareness. Yet, it does tread familiar territory when depicting how the Doctor and Belinda triumph over their challenges. Some may argue that the resolution feels like a narrative cop-out, hindering the overall experience.
However, the episode cleverly allows the Doctor and Belinda to develop their relationship. Forced to embark on an adventure due to their circumstances, the narrative reveals the Doctor’s past—the emotional weight of being the last of his kind integrated seamlessly into the story. Ncuti Gatwa shines as the Doctor, exuding both enthusiasm and intellect, showcasing his ability to notice the small details that often elude others. Meanwhile, Belinda’s compassionate side surfaces when she reacts to the Doctor’s injuries, tapping into her nursing background.
A Fine Balance of Ambition and Familiarity
"Lux" strikes a delicate balance between being an ambitious exploration and adhering to familiar storytelling tropes. Overall, it succeeds in crafting an engaging experience, highlighting the Doctor’s investigative prowess against an extravagant villain. This episode is not just an adventure; it’s a family-friendly tale that improves upon previous installments, particularly "The Robot Revolution."
For fans eager for more thrilling adventures in time and space, "Lux" promises a unique blend of animation, mystery, and character development. Don’t miss this captivating chapter of Doctor Who!
