DOCTOR WHO Brings Back a Former Doctor for a Powerful Scene

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In another phrasing, the Doctor once stated, “We’re all narratives in the end. So, let it be a good one, right?” This character possesses more tales than any other living entity within the Whoniverse, making the art of storytelling and its influence particularly profound. In the Doctor Who special titled “The Story & The Engine,” we embark on a brief journey through the Doctor’s past, encountering several of his previous personas on screen. However, we receive an unexpected guest appearance by Jo Martin as the Fugitive Doctor, adding another layer to the Doctor’s captivating narrative.

In this episode, I, along with Belinda, find myself in the bustling city of Lagos, refueling the Vindicator. Before I step out to explore the vibrant streets, I confide in Belinda about my existence. I share with her the unique challenges and wonders of being a being from another realm, inhabiting a Black body. I openly admit that there are numerous corners of the world where acceptance has eluded me. Yet, I find solace in a humble barbershop, a place where I can connect with other men, share tales, and feel a sense of belonging.

This setting mirrors the experiences of countless African American men, who frequently bond in the secure environment of a barbershop. Interestingly, The Doctor emphasizes that this is his initial encounter with HIS specific Black body, rather than just any Black body, to ensure accuracy. It’s worth noting that The Doctor has previously encountered an incarnation presenting as a Black woman with locs.

The peace-finding barbershop that the Doctor frequented turns out to be far more enigmatic. It seems that the Doctor’s companions have been held captive within this shop, all thanks to a man they refer to as the Barber. He is its proprietor and compels them to narrate tales while he trims their hair. These stories provide energy for his craft, which resembles a colossal spider and traverses the Nexus – a network he created, mirroring the real World Wide Web, to intertwine stories.

Due to a time-space device, the barbershop simultaneously exists in Lagos and is moving, allowing entry and exit for only two individuals at once. Apart from the Barber, one of these individuals is a woman who’s acquainted with the Doctor but whose abrasive demeanor leaves him puzzled. The Barber attempts to endear himself by claiming various deities as his identities, such as Anansi, the spider god. However, the Doctor and Belinda swiftly recognize this as a lie, causing them to laugh about it.

The Doctor claims to have encountered all deities, mentioning Anansi tricked him into a wager where he had to marry one of his daughters. Interestingly, that daughter goes by the name Abena and can be found in the store. She’s upset because the Doctor abandoned her, and as the scene shifts, Jo Martin’s Fugitive Doctor appears instead of the Fifteenth Doctor. Abena explains she was hiding and involved in a separate tale, one that might be concluded someday. This aligns with the Doctor’s past work with the Division, with much of this information trapped within a pocket watch belonging to Tecteun. Given that Abena is divine herself, it’s not surprising that her reaction to the Doctor’s new appearance is calm.

There’s a chance the doctor might delve deeper into the past, revealing hidden truths which could potentially bring back the Fugitive Doctor. We might also witness additional glimpses of the past as we learn about the Doctor’s experiences during that period.

Abena joined forces with the Barber, who confesses he used to be human. This Barber played a significant role in sharing the gods’ tales and publishing them to deepen the connection between the divine beings and mankind. Unfortunately, he didn’t receive recognition for his stories, leading him to wish to destroy all of them. However, Abena eventually had a change of heart and decided to narrate a tale about braiding hair. In this story, she gave the Doctor cornrows and provided her with a means of escape. This narrative had a happy ending, which was delightful. Moreover, it was enlightening to discover more about the Fugitive Doctor and see her once again.

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2025-05-10 10:12