DOCTOR WHO: Rosa {Roundtable}

This week we got our first completely stand-alone episode, and it was a powerful one. It’s not terribly often that we get a Who episode that concerns US History, so to get one that deals with such a weighty issue – an issue that is incredibly relevant even today – is amazing. We can’t wait to discuss Rosa with you, so here we go!

First of all, I’d like to get an overall impression from everyone. How did you feel about the episode?

Karen: I want to take a minute to say that Vinette Robinson (Sherlock, Black Mirror) portrayed Rosa Parks BRILLIANTLY. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this episode going in, but MAN was I pleasantly surprised. They took an incredibly sensitive issue and tackled it with a lot of care. You can see in the writing how much empathy was put into this outing. They also took a lot of time to research the events and the particulars of the situations involved, and I truly appreciated that, especially coming from a British creative team. Speaking of which… the writer of this episode, Malorie Blackman, authored the Noughts and Crosses series of books. She is also the FIRST black writer in the history of Doctor Who.

Cara: I too was nervous going into it because it would have been so easy to get wrong. I was uncertain until the end when they had to stay on the bus in order for the seats to stay full. To me, it was that subtle reminder that injustice can’t occur without the acceptance of those who benefit from the inequality. That was what really sold me. I’ll admit, I got teary.

Roz: This is a subject that I think we all know something about (and I probably have to know more as a history teacher), but I appreciate that the show was taking a smaller approach to the start of the Civil Rights Movement. Rosa’s a powerful figure, and to have a far-future criminal want to stop her is a new take on all of this.

We got to see the 1950s Alabama through each character, including Rosa Parks. What did you think of the diversity angle being done in this setting?

Karen: One of the things I love the most about Doctor Who is its inclusiveness. There’s no hate, judgment, or discrimination in the TARDIS. When the Doctor is questioned about Ryan and Yaz in the hotel, I just adored her answers. “I don’t recognize anyone by that description.” and “We’re not harboring anyone who doesn’t have a right to be here.” Again, another piece of great writing. And Jodie delivers the lines perfectly. The impact made on Ryan and Yaz was striking, especially after seeing that Ryan had no idea what had actually happened to Rosa in 1955. Yaz talking to her about being police was also impactful. Even Graham tearing up on the bus during Rosa’s arrest was just heartbreaking.

Cara: I appreciated just how frustrating and difficult it was for them. It would have been so easy to make characters that were almost an apology for southern racism, but the gross injustice was laid bare, and the very real danger they were in was made clear. Sometimes the Doctor’s jaunts through world history tend to be playfully dangerous, and I’m glad they stayed well away from that here.

Roz: That Yaz was constantly referred to a Mexican was interesting (and not something I expected to see in Alabama of all places), but that Yaz and Ryan are of an age that they didn’t see some of the horrible conditions (and let’s be real British racism isn’t the same as American racism) but everyone was sort of like a fish out of water in how to respond. Ryan has been raised in a post-CRM Britain and he has much to understand about America then. His wonder at meeting MLK Jr was amazing though.

Krasko. Not an alien or “monster,” but a white supremacist from the future. What’s your take on the bleakness of his character?

Karen: Nothing light-hearted this week with our Monster of the Week, eh? He was loathsome. Talking about how many people he’d murdered like he was proud of it. I’m quite sure he was if I’m being honest. Just the kind of horrible human that The Doctor likes taking down. I did enjoy that she called him “Brando” too.

Cara: One of the best parts about this show is how the monsters aren’t always terrifying creatures, but terrible, dark minds. He was so ugly. I was happy that he was thwarted and then essentially banished from the show. I’d be happy not to see him, or the likes of him, any time soon. I can dream, right?

Roz: He was bleak, but I like how his opinions on Rosa Parks were so defined so far into the future. I hope we all know that the Civil Rights Movement is that long-lasting. He was a gross man with a grosser mindset so I’m not sad that Ryan sent him somewhere where he’ll be discriminated against for something minor.

The Doctor and her Companions didn’t interfere in history but set it right. Did that up the tension for you at all?

Karen: It did for me. I mean, I knew they’d fix it, but I was still on the edge of my seat. I was trying to multitask, and I had to stop the other stuff I was doing just to watch the episode. Not that it’s a hardship or anything, but it says something that I gave it my full attention… TWICE. When they got her on the bus and had to sit and let things happen – that was just gut-wrenching.

Cara: That scene on the bus was hard. More so knowing it was a real event and that Parks was in very real danger when she refused to give up her seat. It was nice that they reminded us that things get better, but I appreciated Yaz and Ryan discussing how far we’ve yet to go while hiding from the police. The tension was highest for me whenever Ryan was interacting with whites. I was so scared for him. I knew he’d be ok in the end, but what would he experience at the hands of these racists.

Roz: It’s different to see Thirteen having to be a part of history when previous iterations wanted to avoid changing history. But the tension of seeing that they managed to keep history the same after all of Krasko’s meddling is admirable.

Favorite Lines or Scenes?

Karen:

The Doctor to Krasko:
“Oi! Brando, looking for us?”
“I’m not armed.”
“Is that supposed to make me not shoot you?”
“Ideally.”

Yaz to Rosa:
“You’re police?”
“Yep! Just starting. Not where I want to be.”
“Hmm! Where is it you want to be?”
“In charge.”
[LAUGHS] “Amen to that!”

Cara: My favorite scene this week was watching Ryan and Graham as Parks was arrested. I cried. I admit it. (you’re not alone – Karen)

Roz:

Ryan to Martin Luther King, Jr:

“Martin Luther King?”
“That’s correct.”
“Oh, my. It is. My nan loves ya.”
“Your nan?”
“My gran. Grandma.”
“The older ladies do love your sermons, Martin. You’ll never be short for a grey-haired wife in Alabama.” (Mr. Parks)
“She at 10 Dexter Avenue?” (Fred Gray)
“Er, no. She died recently.”
“I’m sorry for your loss, son.”
“Thank you. Thank you, Martin Luther King. She’d be chuffed to know that you said that.”

Next week on Doctor Who:

ARACHNIDS IN THE UK

“Something’s happening with the spiders in this city.” The Doctor, Yaz, Graham and Ryan find their way back to Yorkshire – and Yaz’s family – only to find something is stirring amidst the eight-legged arachnid population of Sheffield.

Guest starring Chris Noth (Sex & the City, The Good Wife) and Shobna Gulati. Written by Chris Chibnall (Showrunner). Directed by Sallie Aprahamian.

Doctor Who airs on Sundays at 8PM on BBC America.