I applaud Malorie Blackman and Chris Chibnall for deciding to write an historical episode based on the Montgomery Bus Boycotts - more importantly on Rosa Parks, one of the leading figures in the Civil Rights Movement. An uncomfortable subject, but one that everyone in the world should be acquainted with, simply to gain emotional intelligence on the reasons behind fighting for one's equal rights. The tone of this particular episodes harkens back to the Hartnell years, in which the Doctor takes the TARDIS crew on an an educational rendezvous with either historical figures or historical events that have shaped the evolution of Humanity. Marco Polo, the Aztecs and The Time Meddler especially spring to mind. In fact, one motif in particular reminds me of the Meddling Monk's endeavours to try and change history by influencing decisions.
The episode is beautifully conceived - the setting feels unmistakably American, and the supporting characters all feel real, even if they're not always fleshed out. The opening premise in particular is very well done, giving us a taste of the period we're experiencing and the uncomfortable environment that black people used to live in. Vinette Robinson is wonderfully understated in her performance as Rosa, and despite not having enough screen time, gives the character poignance and determination. Regarding Yaz and Ryan's situation - it's difficult to watch at times, but the episode doesn't shy away from demonstrating the darkness of history and how times have (mostly) changed. It's nice to see them discussing the revolutionary changes in history and how standing up for righteousness can have a powerful affect on the world. Hopefully kids watching the show can feel inspired to be equally as consequential.
Whilst I felt the tribute to Rosa Parks at the end was meaningful, her presence in the episode is definitely lacking. We get to see Rosa's protest, but nothing is mentioned or inferred about the internal struggle that Rosa has within her, and I think that's a big mistake. I think Blackman and Chibnall concentrated too much on the events of the day of her protest rather than the days leading up to it, and the dominant connection Rosa had with efforts for civil rights. I didn't feel much of a logical connection to her cause, it was simply the Doctor and her friends preparing the events of the day. I would've preferred more historical analysis rather than ridiculous attempts to swap bus drivers and encourage passengers onto a bus. In truth, I found the intentions to be sloppy, even if I found Graham's final role profoundly moving.
My main qualm for the episode - and what takes away from Rosa's important role - is Krasko, the supposed white supremacist from the future. References to Stormcage (where River Song was temporarily incarcerated for killing the Doctor), vortex manipulators and artron energy don't help to constitute a great threat for the Doctor and his friends. My favourite historical Who is the Time Meddler, the reason being that the Monk is portrayed with sinister and genuine intentions. Comparatively, Krasko has no bearing whatsoever on the story, and Ryan dispatches him without development or consequence. The lunacy of the TARDIS crew and Krasko trying to one-up each other ruins the ambience and pacing of the episode as a whole.
Honestly, this was close to being a seriously groundbreaking episode, but if it had spent more time with Rosa, and explained the events preceeding the Bus Boycotts, it would have had a more lasting effect. As it is, the episode serves to being a child-friendly educational documentary on an incredibly brilliant person, who made a brave decision one day in 1955. Giving her a universal status is what Doctor Who is good at achieving. We should honour her bravery.
The episode is beautifully conceived - the setting feels unmistakably American, and the supporting characters all feel real, even if they're not always fleshed out. The opening premise in particular is very well done, giving us a taste of the period we're experiencing and the uncomfortable environment that black people used to live in. Vinette Robinson is wonderfully understated in her performance as Rosa, and despite not having enough screen time, gives the character poignance and determination. Regarding Yaz and Ryan's situation - it's difficult to watch at times, but the episode doesn't shy away from demonstrating the darkness of history and how times have (mostly) changed. It's nice to see them discussing the revolutionary changes in history and how standing up for righteousness can have a powerful affect on the world. Hopefully kids watching the show can feel inspired to be equally as consequential.
Whilst I felt the tribute to Rosa Parks at the end was meaningful, her presence in the episode is definitely lacking. We get to see Rosa's protest, but nothing is mentioned or inferred about the internal struggle that Rosa has within her, and I think that's a big mistake. I think Blackman and Chibnall concentrated too much on the events of the day of her protest rather than the days leading up to it, and the dominant connection Rosa had with efforts for civil rights. I didn't feel much of a logical connection to her cause, it was simply the Doctor and her friends preparing the events of the day. I would've preferred more historical analysis rather than ridiculous attempts to swap bus drivers and encourage passengers onto a bus. In truth, I found the intentions to be sloppy, even if I found Graham's final role profoundly moving.
My main qualm for the episode - and what takes away from Rosa's important role - is Krasko, the supposed white supremacist from the future. References to Stormcage (where River Song was temporarily incarcerated for killing the Doctor), vortex manipulators and artron energy don't help to constitute a great threat for the Doctor and his friends. My favourite historical Who is the Time Meddler, the reason being that the Monk is portrayed with sinister and genuine intentions. Comparatively, Krasko has no bearing whatsoever on the story, and Ryan dispatches him without development or consequence. The lunacy of the TARDIS crew and Krasko trying to one-up each other ruins the ambience and pacing of the episode as a whole.
Honestly, this was close to being a seriously groundbreaking episode, but if it had spent more time with Rosa, and explained the events preceeding the Bus Boycotts, it would have had a more lasting effect. As it is, the episode serves to being a child-friendly educational documentary on an incredibly brilliant person, who made a brave decision one day in 1955. Giving her a universal status is what Doctor Who is good at achieving. We should honour her bravery.