“Demons of the Punjab” Advance Review – Heartfelt, but Humdrum
Note: Doctor Who TV’s pre-air episode impressions aim to be as detail-free as we reasonably can while still offering a critique, but as everyone’s spoiler sensibilities are different, we advise you read on at your own discretion.
“Demons of the Punjab” marks the start of Series 11’s back half of episodes, and for the first time this year showrunner Chris Chibnall is allowing other writers to completely take the reins. The first honours going to newcomer Vinay Patel. With the last couple of outings having received mixed reactions from the fanbase, can he deliver a much-needed gem?
The episode is in many ways similar in set-up to “Rosa” in that it’s a historical with an educational slant, dealing with some weighty issues. There’s also a “fixed” event, where certain things must be maintained. However, while similar on those terms, the episode struggles to reach the same heights as “Rosa”.
This time the plot is set in 1947 during the Partition of India. How we end up transported back there is due to Yaz wishing to see her Gran’s younger days. The Doctor reluctantly agrees on the strict condition of “no interfering”, but as with trips of this nature in the past, that might be harder than it looks.
A common complaint of Series 11 is that Yaz has been underdeveloped since her introduction. Episode 4 tried to remedy that somewhat by featuring her family, but episode 6 attempts to go further still. While this allows for some heartwarming scenes for Yaz, it sadly doesn’t always make for an enthralling story for the audience.
One of the problems is (and not for the first time this year) the lack of threat. The monsters, conceptually at least, start off quite promising and appear to present some danger. We’re told they’re the “deadliest […] in the known universe”. But as is often the way with Doctor Who of late, that ends up being not quite the full story. As a result, they end up fading into insignificance, and with them goes most of the tension.
This leaves the episode relying on the cast to carry the limited plot. While Team TARDIS keep things moving as best they can, the guest stars (including Amita Suman, Shane Zaza and Hamza Jeetoa) aren’t exactly the most riveting characters. It’s still Bradley Walsh’s Graham that gets some of the best scenes of the episode. Whether it’s his quips, or his more compassionate side coming into play.
If Series 11 has had one consistent area, it’s that it looks and sounds great, and this episode proves no exception. It is particularly beautiful with some stunning cinematography thanks again to the overseas filming and returning director Jamie Childs. The music is also spot on reflecting the thematic setting. There’s even an end credits change.
Early verdict
“Demons of the Punjab” is an episode that demonstrates plenty of heart, and contains some nice moments for Yaz, but unfortunately there’s not nearly enough excitement to go along with it.
