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Doctor Who: Inferno

Name: Doctor Who: Inferno
Director: Douglas Camfield
Released: 1970
Duration: 166 min

Representation Score

4.6/10

Fair

1970

TV-PG

Director

Douglas Camfield

Runtime

166 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Doctor Who: Inferno primarily serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked technological advancement. While it avoids harmful stereotypes typical of the time, it does not actively challenge traditional social hierarchies. The film's strength lies in its critique of authority through the consequences of scientific experiments. However, the broader narrative remains tied to the institutional and demographic norms of 1970. While Liz Shaw provides a notable example of gendered ability to act, the production lacks diversity in other identity-based categories.

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Category Breakdown

Does Doctor Who: Inferno have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any visible LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships. It reflects the era's standard assumption that everyone is heterosexual.

How does Doctor Who: Inferno portray gender?

Fair

Liz Shaw stands out as a strong female character who challenges traditional gender roles. However, the decision-making structures still emphasize traditional male leadership.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Doctor Who: Inferno?

Limited

The cast is mostly made up of white actors, reflecting the casting practices of 1970s British television. There is no racial diversity in the main ensemble.

How does Doctor Who: Inferno represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story criticizes the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition and institutional arrogance. It focuses on the ethical issues of experimentation without addressing broader cultural or societal issues.

Does Doctor Who: Inferno include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities. Characters are shown mainly through their professional competence.

Present on Screen

Liz Shaw challenges traditional gender roles through her intellect and active role in the story.
The narrative offers a nuanced critique of institutional arrogance and scientific ambition.

Limited or Absent

The cast lacks racial and ethnic diversity, reflecting a predominantly white professional class.
There is no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-heterosexual characters.
The story does not engage with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

UNIT is providing security cover at an experimental drilling project at Eastchester, designed to penetrate the Earth's crust and release a previously untapped source of energy. Soon, however, the drill head starts to leak an oily green liquid that transforms those who touch it into vicious primeval creatures with a craving for heat. The Doctor is accidentally transported "sideways in time" by the partially repaired TARDIS control console into a parallel universe where the drilling project is at a more advanced stage. Thwarted by his friends' ruthless alter egos, he works to save both universes.

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