10 Most Controversial Doctor Who Episodes Of All Time

The Talons of Weng-Chiang is considered one of the classic episodes not just of Tom Baker's era but of the show's history. However, this may be the ultimate example of history catching up with the show as in parts the episode is almost unwatchable now.

The story sees the Doctor in the middle of a Victorian mystery - complete with a Sherlock deerstalker hat - but with Chinese stereotypes sprinkled throughout the episode. One character in particular Li H'sen Chang was clearly inspired by the fictional Chinese villain - and product of the 'Yellow Peril' fear gripping America - Dr Fu Manchu. In both cases white actors were called upon to play these villains donning yellowface and exaggerated Chinese accents to match.

Its excessive use of yellowface and offensive attitude towards Chinese culture has caused such controversy by 21st century standards that in most of its formats it is now preceded by a warning. While to some extent the story is a product of its time it is a shame that the episode sunk to these levels and tarred the reputation of this serial with lazy stereotypes which have aged horrifically.