“Doctor Who” is a cult series that doesn’t shy away from honoring its roots and British culture in general.
Doctor Who: A Tribute to British Culture
The second episode of the 14th season of Doctor Who, titled “The Devil’s Chord”, offered viewers more than just a time-travel story. Indeed, the episode paid homage to its British roots by incorporating references to other iconic BBC shows, notably Strictly Come Dancing.
Nods to the BBC Universe
The references weren’t limited to the music of The Beatles, which rose to fame around the same time as Doctor Who in 1963. The episode also honored Strictly Come Dancing, another flagship BBC show. The surprising presence of judge Shirley Ballas and dancer Johannes Radebe, dancing alongside Ruby Sunday and the Fifteenth Doctor in the corridors of Abbey Road Studios, marked their first on-screen appearance in Doctor Who.
Preservation of the British Identity
Despite Doctor Who moving to Disney+ and the concerns raised by this move, the episode “The Devil’s Chord” managed to reassure fans. Even though British viewers now have to wait one day longer than the rest of the world to see new episodes, the nod to Strictly confirmed that the British essence of Doctor Who was far from disappearing.
What Do We Think?
As a staunch advocate of British culture, I can only applaud Doctor Who‘s effort to remain true to its roots despite its move to an international platform. The nod to Strictly Come Dancing is a welcome reminder that Doctor Who remains a series deeply rooted in British culture. It is an encouraging sign for the future of the show, which, hopefully, will continue to celebrate its heritage while exploring new horizons.