“The Devil’s Chord” takes the Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) back to 1963, where they find themselves at Abbey Road Studios during the recording of The Beatles’ earliest tracks. However, something is amiss: the power of music has been stolen, leaving the iconic band tuneless. The Doctor and Ruby must confront Maestro (Jinkx Monsoon), a villainous figure responsible for this musical crisis, and restore harmony to the world.
Themes:
- The Power of Music: The episode explores how music influences culture and emotions, underscoring its importance in human history and everyday life.
- Historical Figures in Sci-Fi: By integrating The Beatles and other historical characters like Cilla Black into the storyline, the episode blends real history with science fiction, creating a unique narrative experience.
- Restoration and Balance: The quest to restore music symbolizes broader themes of balance and harmony, both in the universe and within personal lives.
Characters:
- The Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa): Gatwa’s portrayal continues to captivate, blending eccentricity and depth, making each scene engaging and unpredictable. His interactions with historical figures add a new layer to his character.
- Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson): Ruby’s curiosity and resourcefulness shine as she navigates the challenges of 1960s London and aids in unravelling the mystery.
- Maestro (Jinkx Monsoon): As the antagonist, Maestro brings a blend of charm and menace, making for a compelling and multifaceted villain.
- The Beatles: Although depicted with some artistic liberties, their involvement adds authenticity and a nostalgic touch to the episode.
Production Facts:
- Director: Mark Tonderai continues to helm the series with a keen eye for balancing action and emotional moments.
- Writer: Russell T Davies, with his expertise in blending historical and sci-fi elements, delivers a script that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
- Special Effects: The recreation of 1960s London and the Abbey Road Studios is visually impressive, along with the unique portrayal of the musical “theft” and its consequences.
- Filming Locations: Filming took place at various locations, with significant attention to detail in recreating the historical settings, enhancing the episode’s authenticity.
Audience Reactions: “The Devil’s Chord” received positive feedback for its imaginative plot and the performances of Gatwa and Gibson. Critics praised the integration of historical events with the Doctor Who universe, highlighting the fresh yet familiar feel of the series under Davies’ direction. The episode’s blend of humour, drama, and nostalgia resonated well with both long-time fans and new viewers.
Overall, “The Devil’s Chord” successfully builds on the momentum of the series, offering a delightful mix of historical intrigue and sci-fi adventure. It sets a promising tone for the rest of the season, showcasing the dynamic partnership between the Doctor and Ruby while delivering an engaging and heart-warming story.