After the fear and horror we experienced in the previous episode of Doctor Who, “The Long Game” (episode 1.7) takes the Doctor and Rose to a seemingly utopian future where humanity has access to all the information it could ever want. However, beneath the surface of this information-rich society lies a sinister secret. This episode explores the dangers of media manipulation and the importance of questioning the information we are given.
The Doctor and Rose arrive on Satellite 5, a massive space station that controls the flow of news and entertainment to Earth. They quickly realize that something is amiss. The people on the station are strangely complacent, content to consume the endless stream of trivia and celebrity gossip that is fed to them. The Doctor suspects that someone is deliberately dumbing down humanity, keeping them distracted and docile.
The episode introduces us to the Editor, a mysterious figure who controls the station’s output. The Editor is a chillingly effective villain, manipulating information and shaping public opinion to maintain its control. The episode’s commentary on the power of the media and the dangers of propaganda is particularly relevant in today’s world, where we are constantly bombarded with information from various sources.
“The Long Game” also features the Mighty Jagrafess, a visually striking creature whose presence adds a sense of menace to the station’s already unsettling atmosphere.
Resolving the Crisis:
The Doctor, with Rose’s help, uncovers the Editor’s true nature: a carnivorous slug-like creature that feeds on the psychic energy of humans. The Editor has been using the station to keep humanity complacent, making them easier to control and consume. The Doctor exposes the Editor’s scheme, freeing the people of Satellite 5 from its influence and restoring the free flow of information. “The Long Game” is a thought-provoking episode that explores important themes about the media, information control, and the power of knowledge. It’s a reminder that we must always be vigilant in our pursuit of truth and be wary of those who would seek to manipulate us for their own gain.
While perhaps a bit heavy-handed in the messaging, this episode does a much better job than some of the more recent episodes where the episode is all about the message. See my review of Jodi Whitaker in Orphan 55 to understand what I mean.