Doctor Who airs Sunday nights on BBC One in the UK and BBC America in North America. Time slots may vary.
The series stars Jodie Whittaker as The Doctor, Mandip Gill as Yasmin Khan, Tosin Cole as Ryan Sinclair and Bradley Walsh as Graham O’Brien.
Synopsis
India, 1947. The Doctor and her friends arrive in the Punjab, as the country is being torn apart. While Yaz attempts to discover her grandmother’s hidden history, the Doctor discovers demons haunting the land. Who are they and what do they want?
Review
Where to start with “Demons of the Punjab”, this episode defied all expectations for me. The trailer felt like a simple tape of Yaz’s family with a little science fiction thrown in. But once again Doctor Who delivered a truly heart wrenching tale which is both culturally relevant and emotionally impactful.
Vinay Patel (Murderd By My Father) has taken an important point in history for India circa 1947 and crafted a story around it we can all identify with. As Yaz convinces The Doctor to take her back to see her grandmother as a young girl she is instead caught up in racial tensions between India and Pakistan. The definition of the border between the two countries brings out the best and worst in its border inhabitants.
First of all Patel is able to write in some further character development for Yaz. This is the second episode to revolve around her family this series. Could there be more to the story of why her family is so intrinsically tied to historical events? There’s plenty for Graham and Ryan to do but they are second string in this episode.
For much of the episode the intrigue comes in why Nani isn’t marrying the man Yaz knows as her grandfather. As the episode plays out it soon becomes clear Prem (Shane Zaza) may not be long for this world.
As with previous episodes there is some reliance on an eleventh hour twist. Setting up the Vajarian Hive as villainous intruders on this important historical moment only to later prove this to not be the cast. The reveal that the Vajarian’s have changed their ways and become protectors of the lonely dead isn’t quite on the same level as “Arachnids in the UK”. It’s still tinged with some serious emotional resonance and begins a crescendo towards the episodes climax.
As we realise the Vajarin’s have arrived to shepherd Premiere in to death the episode becomes a race towards heartbreak. The wedding of Umbreen and Prem gives Jodie Whittaker another chance to shine as The Doctor. Her portrayal has grown to become pleasantly nuanced and emotional. She doesn’t verge on over-the-top but also never plays it too subtle.
Rather than building to an exciting climax via action “Demons of the Punjab” relies entirely on its emotional impact. As Prem saves the family from invaders, including his own brother, you can see his heart breaking as does that of all the character and us as the audience. As the gunshot rings out and our cast leave the scene it’s hard not to get choked up.
Segun Akinola does another amazing job with the score. This episode features much more traditional music both for the series as a whole but also for the cultures it features. Replacing the end credit theme with a very poignant peace really drives home the episodes story.
Verdict
This episode may have been slower paced that recent outings but jeez does it pack an emotional punch. Taking an important point in human history and showing how relevant it still is to society today once again makes Doctor Who incredibly forward thinking but emotionally intelligent beyond any recent series.
8/10
Coming up next week “Kerblam”…
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