REVIEW: ‘Doctor Who’ Season 1 Episode 2 — “The Devil’s Chord”

Doctor Who Season 1 Episode 2, “The Devil’s Chord” is created by both the BBC and Disney. Written by showrunner Russell T Davies and directed by Ben Chessell. The episode stars Ncuti Gatwa, Millie Gibson and Jinkx Monsoon. Visiting The Beatles at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in the 1960s, the Doctor and Ruby face the Maestro, a godlike being who wants to remove all music from the world.

“The Devil’s Chord” has a different structure from the previous episode, but it features much of the same energy this season has generated. There is a cold open for a start that brilliantly depicts the episode’s enemy and what the heroes will be up against. It’s a lengthy opening, and the whole episode takes time to establish itself. Within that introduction comes the investigation from The Doctor and Ruby, taking in ‘60s London. Music becomes an integral part of the episode. It is what the villain wants to extinguish and is also present throughout. The balance between light and dark is yet again paramount.

“The Devil’s Chord” captures euphoria and horror. It directly connects to “The Giggle”, the final special before the start of the season and the episode where Gatwa was introduced. It is also a sign of a continued narrative spanning throughout the season, a staple of Davies’ work. As the episode reaches its crescendo, there is a sensational prolonged confrontation.

The final act is powerful and gorgeous, with an immense sentimental tone. The final scene evolves the “Devil’s Chord” from an episode featuring music to an outright musical episode. It is delightful and demonstrates the season’s fun and exuberant tone.

This episode is another terrific test for the characters and the performances. The casts have been kept small in the first couple of the episodes, allowing those present to fill the space with their personalities. The Doctor and Ruby dance their way across the episodes. Gatwa is as brave and forward as the Doctor has always been, willing to leap through any window or into a situation to protect those he cares about. But in “Space Babies” and “The Devil’s Chord,” the Time Lord has shown signs of real fear. He panics, terrified to the core. That is unusual for the Doctor and raises both concern and suspicion.

Ruby truly shines in this episode. Multiple scenes from previous episodes are referenced, showing that Davies wastes nothing. Both the circumstances of being left in front of a church as a bay and her musical background resurface in a big way, elevated to even greater levels. Music seems to radiate from her, becoming power within her. And for Doctor Who fans, she has what can only be described as a Rose Tyler moment.

There are multiple guest stars within this episode with varying results. The episode’s villain is The Maestro, an extremely powerful figure who can create and remove music. This is used with devastating results. They are captivating and utterly frightening. The Maestro is loud and confident, moving around the room like an arrogant conductor. Monsoon enables the character with a magnificent singing voice and intense facial expressions that range from inviting to imposing within milliseconds. The Maestro is one of the greatest Doctor Who villains ever. Even though their appearance is colorful and vivid, that does not dampen the ability to be scary.

Also included in “The Devil’s Chord” are The Beatles. Their role within the episode is excellent, heavily involved and crucial to the conclusion. However, the performances themselves felt slightly wrong. The most prominent members are Paul McCartney and John Lennon, played by George Caple and Chris Mason, respectively. Although entertaining, when they spoke, it was more just a general Scouse invocation instead of impressions of the figures themselves, and the likenesses were unimpressive, too.

The production of the episode is remarkable. The outfits are stunning. The Doctor and Ruby look phenomenal, as does the Maestro’s dazzling design. But they aren’t the only ones, as the last scene is filled with many homages to musicals set in the 60s. Music takes centre stage in the episode. Both the compositions and the editing of it are out of this world. All of the songs are diegetic within the narrative — it’s music the characters can hear.

The transition into the Doctor Who theme song goes down in history as one of the best, and there are two instances of breaking the fourth wall with the music. In the final showdown, sound is used as a means of battle. It’s a prolonged confrontation that never gets tired or dull. Ruby is given an established theme that is now etched into her soul. It is haunting, tear-jerking, and links directly to the church on Ruby Road.

Doctor Who Season 1 Episode 2, “The Devil’s Chord,” exists as something special. The added musical elements give it a unique status within the series. But at no point does the concept seem gimmicky, as it all correlates with the villain and the story. The Beatles were disappointing, but the rest of the cast put on a spectacular show. Gatwa and Gibson have passed the test of the first episodes, able to be emotional and dramatic whilst heartwarmingly positive the whole way through.

The Maestro is a fascinating villain that could be a trendsetter for others of its kind. Davies’ storytelling is second to none, and he appears to have more fun this season. There are fewer shackles, and he can tell any tale he wants. Multiple plot threads are running through the show, rich and endlessly fascinating.

Doctor Who Season 1 Episode 2,”The Devil’s Chord,” is available on Disney+ and BBCiPlayer.