You are here:

Doctor Who: The Faceless Ones

Name: Doctor Who: The Faceless Ones
Director: Gerry Mill
Released: 1967
Duration: 144 min

Representation Score

4.7/10

Fair

1967

TV-PG

Director

Gerry Mill

Runtime

144 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

This 1967 serial is a classic science fiction mystery that mirrors the social and demographic norms of its time. Though it lacks modern inclusive complexity, it hints at evolving character dynamics. The show’s strength lies in its departure from passive female roles. By giving Barbara significant intellectual influence, the story challenges contemporary genre conventions around gendered roles. However, the work remains confined by the homogeneity of its era. The lack of diverse racial, cultural, or disability-related narratives keeps the story narrowly focused on traditional perspectives.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Doctor Who: The Faceless Ones have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The story does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships. Social dynamics follow the traditional assumption that everyone is straight.

How does Doctor Who: The Faceless Ones portray gender?

Fair

The series challenges some mid-century gender norms. Barbara shows strong independence and intelligence, equal to male characters, and avoids the typical damsel in distress stereotype.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Doctor Who: The Faceless Ones?

Limited

The casting reflects the mostly white demographics of 1960s British TV. There is no intentional effort to include characters from different racial or ethnic backgrounds.

How does Doctor Who: The Faceless Ones represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story upholds traditional Western views of authority and institutions. It presents a clear good-versus-evil conflict without questioning religious or moral beliefs.

Does Doctor Who: The Faceless Ones include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no visible portrayals of physical or mental disabilities. Characters are shown as fully able-bodied.

Present on Screen

Barbara exhibits strong independence and intelligence, matching male characters.
The narrative avoids the typical damsel in distress cliché through more capable female characterization.

Limited or Absent

The cast lacks racial and ethnic diversity, reflecting the homogeneous demographics of 1960s television.
There is no depiction of LGBTQ+ identities or neurodivergent and physical disabilities.
The story adheres to traditional Western authority structures without offering cultural or religious critique.

Official Synopsis

The TARDIS arrives on Earth in July, 1966, on a runway at Gatwick Airport. Polly witnesses a murder in a nearby hangar and is then kidnapped by the perpetrator, Spencer of Chameleon Tours. Ben also vanishes. The Second Doctor and Jamie are left to convince the sceptical airport Commandant there has been foul play.

How are these scores produced? →