In the ever-expanding universe of Doctor Who, where time and space bend to the whims of a Time Lord and his companions, the episode "Lux," aired on April 19, 2025, arrives like a comet—brilliant, bold, and occasionally veering off course. This second instalment of the season, set against the vibrant backdrop of 1950s Miami, is a visual extravaganza that pays homage to the golden age of animation while grappling with themes of reality, fiction, and fandom.
This episode, a love letter to Fleischer-era animation, is a visual triumph, transforming the Doctor and his new companion Belinda Chandra into inky avatars of wit and wonder. Yet, it trips lightly over its own ambitions, particularly in a syrupy nod to fandom that feels more like a hug than a handshake. Still, with Varada Sethu’s radiant presence and the show’s boundless verve, Lux is a gem that sparkles, even if it doesn’t always shine. The animation is the star, a glorious pastiche of 1950s cartoon capers that sees villain Mr. Ring-a-Ding morph from 2D rogue to 3D menace with breath-taking flair.
Mr. Ring-a-Ding himself—voiced by the ever-charismatic Alan Cumming—emerging as a villain who is both delightfully retro and unsettlingly modern. As he transitions from a two-dimensional caricature to a grotesque, three-dimensional threat, his evolution is a visual marvel that underscores the episode’s willingness to experiment with form and style. This transformation is not merely aesthetic but thematic, highlighting the blurring lines between fiction and reality. The moment when the Doctor and Belinda themselves become cartoons is pure genius, blending humour with a clever meta-commentary on the nature of storytelling and fandom. It’s a sequence that feels both nostalgic and innovative, a hallmark of Doctor Who at its best,
It’s a visual coup that makes the screen sing, matched by the episode’s meticulous recreation of Miami’s pastel-hued past. Sethu, as Belinda, is the pulse of the piece, her sharp-tongued nurse striding through the TARDIS with a confidence that’s as captivating as her 1950s frocks, which—let’s whisper it—flatter her figure with a subtle, elegant nod to her curves. Her chemistry with Ncuti Gatwa’s effervescent Doctor is pure electricity, grounding his cosmic theatrics with a wry smile and a raised brow.
The scene where the Doctor meets his fans—ardent Whovians trapped in a meta-reality—aims for heartfelt but lands in treacle. It’s a moment that wants to celebrate the show’s devotees but feels forced, like a reunion scripted by algorithm. The mid-credits encore of these fans hints at deeper mysteries but lacks the depth to truly resonate.
Still, Lux is no less lovable for its flaws, a riotous romp that proves Doctor Who can still surprise, delight, and occasionally stumble in its dance across the stars, a luminous episode that showcases the best of Doctor Who—stunning visuals, compelling performances, and a story that dares to be different. While its handling of fandom feels slightly off-kilter, it remains a worthy addition to the series, leaving viewers eager for what’s next in this brave new era.
- Cartoon Couture: The Fleischer-inspired animation is a nostalgic triumph, turning the Doctor and Belinda into inky heroes with a wink and a nod.
- Ring-a-Ding’s Rebirth: Alan Cumming’s villain shifts from 2D scamp to 3D horror, a visual spectacle that’s both creepy and captivating.
- Belinda’s Banter: Varada Sethu’s dry wit, especially her quip about “Blink,” makes Belinda a companion to cherish.
- 1950s Splendor: The Miami setting, with its period-perfect frocks (and Sethu’s subtly flattering silhouette), is a visual treat.
- Cumming’s Cackle: Alan Cumming’s voice work as Mr. Ring-a-Ding is a delicious blend of menace and mirth.
- Segregation Subtext: A quiet nod to 1950s racial divides adds historical heft without preaching.
- Fandom’s Foible: The fan-trap plot, though sentimental, cleverly toys with Who’s meta-mythos.
- Mid-Credits Mystery: The fans’ return teases a larger arc, even if it feels undercooked.
- Cartoon Companions: The Doctor and Belinda’s animated stint is a hilarious highlight, bursting with meta-charm.
- Emotional Echoes: Gatwa and Sethu’s tender moments anchor the episode’s visual fireworks with heart.