Here Are Our Thoughts on Episode 5: The Story and the Engine

Jack’s Thoughts

I believe this was another brilliant episode! I’ve always been a huge fan of episodes that weave in glimpses of the Doctor’s previous incarnations; it always brings a smile to my face and a real sense of the show’s rich history.

Once again, we’re seeing more and more of the Doctor’s darker, more intense side, which I am thoroughly enjoying. Setting the episode in Nigeria was a fantastic choice, lending the episode a unique and vibrant feel. I also appreciated the subtle use of the TARDIS’s visual cues, like the red warning lights signifying danger – a clever and effective detail.

The inclusion of the Fugitive Doctor in a scene was a complete and delightful surprise! It was a fantastic nod to a more recent part of the Doctor’s timeline and left me wanting more of her story.

Lastly, while Belinda didn’t feature as prominently in this episode, she still had a strong showing. Her interactions with the Doctor and her own quiet observations added a valuable layer to the narrative.

Overall, this is another strong episode in what’s shaping up to be a fantastic season. I found the whole concept behind the Story and the Engine to be incredibly unique and engaging. I’d give this episode a solid 8/10.

Daniel’s Thoughts

As we edge closer to the end of this second rebooted series of Doctor Who, the adventures we’re being treated to are a significant step up from what we experienced last year.

The opening credits sequence, beginning in the Barber Shop window, initially had me wondering if we were about to delve further into the Land of Fiction theory. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case! However, we were treated to a lovely little flashback montage of past incarnations, a subtle echo of last year’s ‘Rogue.’

It’s becoming increasingly apparent that there’s a deliberate sense of poetry within these two “rebooted” series, a feeling of thematic rhyming or perhaps a sense of comforting familiarity in their structure and pacing.

Notably, this week’s fifth installment felt like a departure from the previous pattern of the fourth episode being Doctor-lite. However, the inclusion of past Doctors continues a trend of acknowledging the show’s extensive history. While the absence of John Hurt’s War Doctor and Richard E Grant’s Shalka Doctor was noted, the pleasant surprise cameo of Jo Martin’s Fugitive Doctor was a welcome addition. I’d certainly be keen to see her return and perhaps explore that “unfinished story” further.

The narrative itself was engaging and kept me wanting to unravel the mysteries presented. I found myself constantly questioning the identity and motivations of “the Barber,” even briefly wondering if he could be a disguised Master with the barbershop serving as his camouflaged TARDIS.

However, my earlier prediction of the Barber being Anansi proved to be partially accurate, didn’t it? The character of “the Barber” was excellent, serving as a compelling antagonist throughout the episode. His arc, transitioning from a vengeful God to someone learning compassion from humans and a Time Lord, was particularly well-executed. It certainly reinforces the idea of mortals having the capacity to influence even the most powerful beings, perhaps explaining the Doctor’s enduring preference for human companionship over his own kind.

I am thoroughly enjoying the developing dynamic between Belinda and the Doctor. Belinda’s increasing impatience to return home and her easy camaraderie with Tegan, a delightful callback to everyone’s favourite Australian air stewardess, adds a relatable human element to their travels.

The central concept of stories powering the engine and the barbershop as a nexus of narratives was brilliantly executed. While I initially anticipated this theme playing a larger role in the overall season arc, it works exceptionally well as a standalone story. The sheer variety of excellent episodes this series is delivering is a welcome change, and surely makes any talk of cancellation seem even more absurd!

Amber’s Thoughts 

This episode is definitely my least favourite of the series. While it contained some brilliant ideas, such as stories powering the engine, which I thought was incredibly clever, the overall plot felt confusing and muddled. One of the biggest issues for me was the character of The Barber. Even by the end of the episode, I wasn’t entirely sure who he was or what his actual goal had been, which left me feeling a bit disconnected from the story. The concept itself had a lot of potential, and I appreciate the ambition behind it, but I believe it could have been executed more effectively. 

Despite these narrative issues, the climax was a standout moment. The music in that scene was stunning, especially the recurring theme associated with Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor, which has become one of my favourite musical pieces in the series. 

Another high point was the reveal of a character who remembered The Doctor, while The Doctor had no recollection of them. This created a compelling mystery and gave space for potential future storytelling. Jo Martin’s unexpected cameo as the Fugitive Doctor was a highlight. I thoroughly enjoyed her appearance. Her inclusion hinted at an unseen adventure, which could serve as an excellent setup for a future audio story. I also loved the brief scene showing the past incarnations of The Doctor. I admit, I always enjoy moments like this; they’re nostalgic and reinforce the idea that each Doctor is a unique story within a much larger narrative. 

That said, I did feel that Belinda’s arc lacked the emotional urgency it deserved. The marketing emphasized her need to get home, yet this thread hasn’t been strongly woven through the episodes. While hints of her growing impatience are present, I wish there had been more focus on her emotional journey and the stakes involved in her return. 

In terms of placement within the series, this episode functions better as a standalone story. It doesn’t tie closely into the overarching plot, which I actually don’t mind. With fewer episodes per series, it’s refreshing to still see self-contained narratives that allow for different storytelling styles. 

Overall, I did enjoy aspects of the episode, and it certainly had its merits, but in comparison to others in the series, it ranks lower for me due to its confusing plot.

Images courtesy of BBC Pictures