‘Doctor Who’ Season 1, Episode 2 Recap: British Music History Is Rewritten

Doctor Who Season 1, Episode 2 opens in 1925 with a young boy named Henry engrossed in a piano lesson with his instructor. However, the tranquil scene takes a chilling turn when the instructor unleashes the Devil’s Chord, summoning the malevolent Maestro, who has been imprisoned for years.

With a grand entrance, the episode’s threat is swiftly established as the Maestro manipulates the instructor, coaxing him to unleash his inner musical demons. This unwittingly empowers the Maestro, allowing them to strip away the instructor’s passion and love for music, growing stronger in the process.

Quickly transitioning to the present day inside the TARDIS, Ruby finds herself pondering her desired destination, prompted by the Doctor’s earlier inquiry in Episode 1. With excitement, she expresses her desire to witness The Beatles recording their debut album. To her delight, the Doctor readily agrees and swiftly transports them to February 11th, 1963. After a rapid wardrobe change, they eagerly step out into the unfamiliar terrain of the past.

The Doctor and Ruby Head Back to 1963 in ‘Doctor Who’ Episode 2

Stepping into the bustling streets of 1963 London, they stumble upon the Abbey Road crosswalk immortalized in The Beatles’ album cover, unable to resist the urge to dance with excitement as they cross it. Their journey leads them to Abby Road Studios, then known as EMI Recording Studios, where they cleverly disguise themselves as workers to deliver tea to The Beatles.

However, their anticipation turns to shock upon entering the recording studio. The sight and sound of The Beatles are unsettlingly unfamiliar, signaling that something has gone awry with the music they once cherished. Undeterred, they try a different studio where Cilla Black (Josie Sedgwick-Davies) is recording, only to discover the same disheartening reality — music has lost its allure and significance.

In dismay, they realize the grim truth that everything has lost its vibrancy, particularly in the realm of music. Amidst their confusion, a familiar face from Episode 1 and the Christmas Special lingers in the background, adding to the mystery.

Formulating a plan, they separately approach two members of The Beatles to unravel the unsettling changes. To their astonishment, they learn that music has become merely a means of financial survival, voided of the passion and influence it once held. However, as they discuss this revelation, a spark of recognition ignites between them, reminding them of music’s profound impact. Suddenly, the atmosphere shifts as the sinister laughter of Maestro fills the air and their ominous presence manifests in reflections throughout the room, signaling a looming threat to their reality.

The Resurgence of the Enduring Legacy of the Doctor’s Greatest Nemesis, the Toymaker

Undeterred, Ruby and the Doctor remain resolute in their mission to revive the love for music. With determination, they haul a piano to the rooftop, where Ruby captivates the nearby citizens with an original composition, reigniting their passion for music. However, their joy is short-lived as Maestro reappears, emerging ominously from the piano with the eerie sound of the giggle.

For viewers unfamiliar with the lore, “the giggle” is a haunting melody associated with the Doctor’s ancient enemy, the Toymaker (Neil Patrick Harris), most recently seen in the 60th Anniversary specials.

Instinctively sensing danger, the Doctor grabs Ruby and flees, urging her to hide as Maestro hunts them down. Employing his sonic screwdriver, the Doctor attempts to cloak their presence in silence, but Maestro cunningly outmaneuvers them. As tension mounts, Maestro targets an older woman playing the piano, enraged by the music. Swiftly, they appear within her instrument, intent on extinguishing her love for music once and for all.

The Revelation of the Maestro’s True Nature Unfolds in “The Devil’s Chord”

Returning to Ruby and the Doctor, the Doctor reveals the dire threat posed by the Toymaker, recounting the events of the 60th Anniversary and the Toymaker’s ominous warning of impending danger from his followers. Emphasizing the immense power wielded by Maestro, the Doctor warns of the catastrophic consequences of a world without music.

Ruby, initially skeptical, argues that the world didn’t end in 1963, pointing to her continued existence as proof. However, the Doctor swiftly dispels her disbelief by transporting them to her present day in 2024, revealing a desolate world devoid of life. As Maestro makes a dramatic entrance, whisking them away to a shadowy chamber, the truth begins to unfold.

Through Maestro’s haunting piano melodies, audiences learn that Maestro is, in fact, the offspring of the Toymaker. Each instance of unsung songs and the destruction of music serves to empower Maestro, inexorably leading to the annihilation of all life.

Enraged by this revelation, the Doctor demands to know Maestro’s motives, prompting Maestro to play the piano, revealing their control over the TARDIS, a forbidden act. In a desperate bid to thwart Maestro’s sinister agenda, the Doctor and Ruby hurriedly flee back to 1963, their only recourse in the face of impending doom.

Exploring the Significance of Ruby Sunday’s Impactful Presence

Returning to 1963, they dash towards the studios with a plan devised by the Doctor. Their goal is to record a tune precisely aligned to the correct chord and frequency, which could serve as a weapon against Maestro. However, their efforts are interrupted when Maestro seizes Ruby as a hostage, leaving the Doctor frantic as he rushes to rescue her.

In the climactic moment of Episode 2, Gatwa’s portrayal of the Doctor showcases his full range as he passionately confronts Maestro, demanding Ruby’s release and challenging the malevolent entity to face him instead. Yet, Maestro remains adamant, recognizing Ruby as the sole living human with true music in her heart.

Ruby’s significance in Season 1 becomes apparent as she resurfaces amidst the chaos, unleashing the power of her song — a Christmas melody heard since her first appearance. As she sings, snow begins to fall around her, breaking the spell that ensnared her and allowing her to flee back to the Doctor’s side.

However, Maestro and audiences alike are left bewildered by the song’s inexplicable potency. The song hints at deeper mysteries surrounding Ruby’s origins, including the enigmatic figure possibly present on the night of her birth — a plot point poised to unfold throughout the season.

“The Devil’s Chord” Ends With a Musical Showdown

Following Ruby’s daring escape from Maestro’s clutches, the final moments of Episode 2 ignite a fierce musical showdown between the trio. The Doctor is determined to unearth the single tune capable of banishing Maestro once and for all. With masterful skill, they engage in a musical duel, the Doctor, and Ruby on piano while Maestro wields the violin.

Amidst the intense exchange, Maestro momentarily falters under the overwhelming power of the duo’s music. Yet, as the Doctor attempts to play the decisive tune, he falters, lacking the crucial final chord in the sequence. This misstep allows Maestro to trap them within musical instruments, banishing the piano to the hallway.

However, as Maestro basks in their triumph, one of The Beatles stumbles upon the abandoned piano. Recalling a previous conversation, he and his companion attempt to decipher the elusive final chord. Surprisingly, they succeed, unleashing the chord that sends Maestro back into the piano. However, Maestro ominously warns of the impending arrival of “the one who waits,” hinting at future twists in Season 1.

With victory secured, the Doctor and Ruby celebrate with a lively musical number, breaking the fourth wall as they acknowledge the audience. Joined by The Beatles and Cilla Black, the scene brims with joy and camaraderie, offering a delightful conclusion to the episode.

New episodes of Doctor Who Season 1 stream Fridays at 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET exclusively on Disney+ where available, and at midnight on Saturdays on BBC iPlayer in Ireland and the U.K.