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Doctor Who: Twice Upon a Time

Doctor Who: Twice Upon a Time

Representation Score

8.8/10

Excellent

2017

TV-PG

Director

Rachel Talalay

Runtime

60 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film stands out by challenging traditional gender roles through the portrayal of the First Doctor as an elderly woman. It also strengthens representation by featuring Bill Potts, a Black woman, in a central, influential role. The film explores themes of identity and bodily autonomy using science fiction concepts like regeneration, though it does not have dedicated storylines centered around LGBTQ+ or disability issues.

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Category Breakdown

Does Doctor Who: Twice Upon a Time have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not focus on same-sex relationships or non-cisgender identities. Instead, it centers on themes of regeneration and time travel, avoiding harmful stereotypes.

How does Doctor Who: Twice Upon a Time portray gender?

Excellent

The film disrupts traditional hierarchies by presenting the First Doctor as an elderly woman, subverting the founding father archetype. Additionally, Bill Potts is depicted as a highly capable, intellectual peer to the Doctor.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Doctor Who: Twice Upon a Time?

Good

Bill Potts, played by Pearl Mackie, is a Black woman who plays a central, powerful role in the story. She is not just a token but a key character.

How does Doctor Who: Twice Upon a Time represent religion and culture?

Good

The film uses parallel timelines to show that history can be subjective and multifaceted. This approach questions fixed historical narratives and traditional Western institutions.

Does Doctor Who: Twice Upon a Time include disability representation?

Fair

The film does not have a specific storyline focused on disability. However, the concept of regeneration is used as a metaphor for bodily autonomy and the psychological impact of change.

Present on Screen

  • Challenges traditional gender roles by portraying the First Doctor as an elderly woman.
  • Features a Black woman, Bill Potts, in a central, influential role.
  • Uses science fiction concepts like regeneration to explore themes of identity and autonomy.
  • Avoids including someone from a minority group without giving them real depth by making diverse characters integral to the story.

Limited or Absent

  • Does not include explicit LGBTQ+ plot points or non-cisgender character centering.
  • Does not feature dedicated narratives regarding physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

As the Twelfth Doctor nears regeneration, he stumbles on his first incarnation, also refusing to change. It takes a captain, a glass avatar and a familiar face to convince the Doctors the universe still needs them.

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