Doctor Who ‘Lux’ review: Hope can change the world

Summary

In "Lux," Doctor Who delves into 1950s Miami with a haunting mix of retro-future horror and social commentary. The episode features a memorable antagonist, Mr. Ring–A-Ding, whose transformation enhances the eerie tone, while Belinda’s evolving relationship with the Doctor adds emotional depth. Tackling themes like segregation and queer representation thoughtfully, the narrative highlights the Doctor’s passive role in historical injustice, alongside Mrs. Flood’s cryptic menace. With high production values and a gripping mystery, "Lux" balances character development and timely social issues.

Additional Summaries

The projectionist flips over to a Merrie Melodies-style cartoon of Mr. Ring-A-Ding (voiced by Alan Cumming), an old-timey song-and-dance character. Mr. Ring-A-Ding comes to life, talking directly to the scoffing audience before emerging into the theater to the sound of screams. They head into the cinema and Mr. Ring-A-Ding makes it clear he’s about to trap them in film before a Mr. Ring-A-Ding short stays playing on the screen. ADVERTISEMENT AdvertisementIn the daylight of Miami, Belinda asks the Doctor how exactly Lux / Mr. Ring-A-Ding was destroyed. ProductionMuch like last week’s episode, “Lux” is wonderfully well-made with every quarter of the production team operating at their peak.