Doctor Who Season 11: 10 Huge Questions After 'Demons Of The Punjab'
9. Was It Produced With Armistice Day In Mind?
The links between the partition of India and the Second World War run deep. India pushed for independence after Britain took them into the war without consultation, whilst the Muslim minority agreed to help with the war effort in exchange for various protections from the British, with the Muslim League proposing the creation of separate Muslim states. It was thus inevitable that the war would feature strongly in the story.
Scenes of poppy fields and flashbacks to Prem fighting in the war had added resonance and significance given that the episode was first aired on the one hundredth anniversary of Armistice Day. Although 11th November 1918 marked the end of the First World War, in Britain and many other countries the date is also used to remember those who served and those who died in other wars.
According to The Radio Times, this was a happy scheduling coincidence. It is quite possible, however, the close up of the poppy field was added after the air dates had been confirmed. The fact that the series had long been slated as going out over the Autumn, coupled with the lack of two parters and a series arc, meant that each individual episode could be a moveable feast. Either way, rather like the series eight finale Death in Heaven, it was perfectly timed to honour that tradition.