Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10

Cast: Ncuti Gatwa, Varada Sethu, Alan Cumming, Linus Roache, Anita Dobson, Ian Shaw, Cassius Hackforth, Ryan Speakman, Millie O’ Connell, Lewis Cornay, Lucy Thackeray, Jane Hancock, William Meredith, Samir Arrian, Bronte Barb, Steph Lacey.

For what seems like a lifetime, the opening two episodes of a series of Doctor Who have been strong, well imagined, and framed with the type of intrigue and long vision scheming that made the long running science fiction serial a much-loved institution in its time.

Ncuti Gatwa’s second series has arguably reached a level of consistency so far, and in Lux, an enemy that has been lurking in the background is once more mentioned, the breaking of every wall possible in one of the strangest, but deliciously satisfying scenes to have ever taken place on the show, and the immediate consuming partnership with Varada Sethu sets the screen alight.

Lux is one of creeping trickery, the ability to bring to life a cartoon character to a level where it frames the narrative of the fear of the ordinary, and one fantastically voiced by the consummate Alan Cumming as the deranged, blue coloured Mr. Ring-A-Ding as it reflects the issues that faced an unsuspecting companion as she sees the evil of segregation in America’s recent past. It is in this coupling of ideas that sets the tone, one that hints at fun with its all-encompassing initial childlike vision and hope, and one soon tainted by the unfolding mystery.

Varada Sethu portrays a grace of tough vulnerability to her character Belinda Chandra, and in many ways, she already feels the most accomplished actor to step into that difficult and foundation role since Jenna Coleman’s Clara Oswald way back in series 8 and 9 of the rebooted serial.

Alongside the voice of Alan Cumming and the quiet desperation captured by Linus Roache in the role of Reginald Pie, Varada Sethu’s companion brings out the best in Ncuti Gatwa’s impossible Doctor.
Lux is an excellent episode in which to immerse the viewer within, full of imagination and mystery, of a threat that deceives childhood wonder, a light thrown on television’s enduring science fiction show.

Ian D. Hall