"Medical Doctor character 'Doctor Who' delivers an impressive African-themed episode in its entirety, leaving audiences in awe"
In a thrilling turn of events, the beloved character of the Doctor, played by Ncuti Gatwa, lands his TARDIS on the African continent for the first time in the series' history, in the episode "The Story & the Engine," which premiered on Disney+ and BBC on Apr. 12.
This momentous occasion takes place primarily inside a bustling barber shop in Lagos, Nigeria, a communications hub. The Doctor finds himself in this vibrant setting to help navigate Belinda's way home. Interestingly, the Doctor barely knew he was on the African continent in his previous visits to the continent in the show.
The barber shop in Lagos is a place where the Doctor feels at ease, a place where he can be himself without judgment. However, the peace is short-lived as the barber, in a twist of events, takes hostages and uses stories to power a journey through a unique realm known as the Nexus.
The Doctor, ever the problem-solver, defeats the barber by inserting his own "never-ending story" into the barber's engine, using just six words. This six-word story is reminiscent of the famous six-word story concept originated by Ernest Hemingway, who claimed the Doctor gave him the idea. Hemingway's six-word story is famously known as "For sale: baby shoes, never worn."
Inua Ellams, a Nigerian-British playwright and a fan of "Doctor Who" from his childhood in Nigeria, penned the script for "The Story & the Engine." Ellams built on his play "Barber Shop Chronicles" for the script, creating a fully BIPOC cast, with the exception of a brief flashback scene.
New episodes of "Doctor Who" Season 2 air weekly on Saturdays at 3 a.m. ET. For those who missed the premiere, or for fans who wish to rewatch the episode, "The Story & the Engine" is currently available on Disney+'s tenure for its second season.
Classic 1970s episodes of "Doctor Who" were shown in Nigeria via an ancient projector, hinting at the long-standing love for the show in the African continent. The Doctor's visit to Africa is not a first in the series, with episodes such as "The Chase" (1965) and "The Pyramids of Mars" (1975) featuring the Doctor's visits to the continent.
In a significant milestone, the Doctor, played by Ncuti Gatwa, shares his first ever six-word memoir in "The Story & the Engine," saying, "I'm born. I die. I am reborn." This poignant statement encapsulates the Doctor's eternal journey through time and space.
As the Doctor embarks on new adventures, it's clear that the show continues to push boundaries and bring fresh perspectives, making it a must-watch for fans of science fiction and beyond.
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