Doctor Who: The Story & The Engine Review - 8 Ups & 2 Downs

For all that The Story & the Engine deals with the myths and legends of multiple cultures, the episode's climax is rooted in another folk memory that's more down to Earth.

Once Abena discovers the Barber's true plans, she plots to give the Doctor the information he needs to access the Story Engine. What follows is a stunning sequence, aided by evocative black and white animation that tells a story of freed slaves who hid maps and other geographical pointers within their braided hair.

There is truth to this story, with a well documented case of braiding hidden messages in 16th century Colombia. And so Abena braids the Doctor's hair to resemble a map to the story engine at the heart of the barbershop.

It's also worth mentioning that the braids, and Ncuti's outfit, are a great look for the Fifteenth Doctor – possibly the best iteration of the Doctor's outfit being determined by the story's setting.

The braid map is the kind of more diverse cultural history that the Chris Chibnall era made a concerted effort to showcase, pushing Doctor Who's educational remit beyond the White European-centric curriculum taught in schools. And speaking of the Chibnall era...