Doctor Who Series 11: 10 Huge Questions After Kerblam!
1. What Is The Moral Of The Story?
Some of Doctor Who’s most powerful episodes have been satires on modern life, The Macra Terror, The Sun Makers, and The Happiness Patrol to name but a few. In one respect Kerblam fits into that tradition. The intergalactic online store is clearly modelled after Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer. In the US Amazon has actively resisted efforts of its workers to form a union, and in a recently leaked training video new recruits were advised:
“We do not believe unions are in the best interest of our customers, our shareholders, or most importantly, our associates. Our business model is built upon speed, innovation, and customer obsession—things that are generally not associated with union. When we lose sight of those critical focus areas we jeopardize everyone’s job security: yours, mine, and the associates’.”
The fact that the ‘villain’ of Kerblam was a member of a workers union adds an uncomfortable ambiguity to the message behind the satire. It could be read as an anti-union parable that sides with big corporations against the rights of the workers. Equally, it could be exposing the dehumanising effect of prioritising profit over employees. Crucially and uncomfortably, the Doctor sits on the fence.
Less controversially the episode is another example of this series’ focus on the importance of family. Kira is a sympathetic character because she has never received a present from a family member, and Dan because he hardly gets to see his daughter. They remind the TARDIS team of how precious family is. It’s a theme that is sure to be picked up on again as we approach the end of series 11, and we would probably be wise to keep the as yet unexplained ‘timeless child’ at the back of our minds. Family matters to them and the Doctor.