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{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox Doctor Who episode {{Infobox Doctor Who episode
| number = 282 | number = 282
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| show = DW | show = DW
| type = episode | type = episode
| image = Doctor Who Series 11 Episode 6 Demons of the Punjab.jpg | image =
| caption = Promotional image for the episode, showing Yaz's grandmother Umbreen (Amita Suman) | caption =
| doctor = ] (]) | doctor = ] ]
| companions = | companions =
* ] (]) * ] ]
* ] (]) * ] ]
* ] (]) * ] ]
| guests = | guests =
* ] – Nani Umbreen * ] – Nani Umbreen
* Amita Suman – Umbreen * ] – Umbreen
* ] – Prem * ] – Prem
* Hamza Jeetooa – Manish * Hamza Jeetooa – Manish
* ] – Hasna * ] – Hasna
* ] – Najia * ] – Najia
* Ravin J. Ganatra – Hakim * Ravin J. Ganatra – Hakim
Line 25: Line 26:
* Barbara Fadden – Performance of Almak * Barbara Fadden – Performance of Almak
| director = Jamie Childs | director = Jamie Childs
| writer = Vinay Patel | writer = ]
| script_editor = Fiona McAllister | script_editor = Fiona McAllister
| producer = Alex Mercer | producer = Alex Mercer
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}} }}


"'''Demons of the Punjab'''" is the sixth episode of the ] of the British ] television programme '']''. It was written by Vinay Patel, directed by Jamie Childs, and first broadcast on ] on 11 November 2018. "'''Demons of the Punjab'''" is the sixth episode of the ] of the British ] television programme '']''. It was written by ], directed by Jamie Childs, and first broadcast on ] on 11 November 2018.


In the episode, ] (]) asks the ] (]) to take her to see her grandmother (]) during her youth (Amita Suman), only to cause both them and her friends ] (]) and ] (]) to become caught up in the events preceding the ]. During this time, the Doctor questions if aliens are involved in the death of a man killed during their visit. The episode was watched by 7.48 million viewers, and was met with generally positive reviews from critics. In the episode, ] (]) asks the ] (]) to take her to see her grandmother (]) during her youth (]), only to cause both them and her friends ] (]) and ] (]) to become caught up in the events preceding the ]. During this time, the Doctor questions if aliens are involved in the death of a man killed during their visit. The episode was watched by 7.48 million viewers, and was met with positive reviews from critics.


== Plot == == Plot ==
<!-- Per MOS:TVPLOT, please ensure this summary is within 400 words, and not over-detailed; current word count is 356. --> <!-- Per MOS:TVPLOT, please ensure this summary is within 400 words, and not over-detailed; current word count is 363. -->
While celebrating the birthday of her grandmother Umbreen, Yasmin receives a broken watch from her. Curious over its origins, Yasmin convinces a hesitant Doctor to take her and the others to the ] in August 1947 where the watch was broken. Upon arriving, Yasmin learns that the watch's previous owner was a ] man named Prem, whom a younger Umbreen intends to marry despite Yasmin's family having Muslim roots. The Doctor notes that the group have arrived on 14 August, the day before the ]. She advises her friends to rush to the wedding ceremony to ensure that they and the family are not caught in the partitioning. But matters become complicated when the group see two aliens, that the Doctor had visions of during brief head pains, over the body of the wedding's overseer ] Bhakti. While celebrating the birthday of her grandmother Umbreen, ] receives a broken watch from her. Curious over its origins, Yasmin convinces a hesitant ] to take her, ] and ] to the ] in August 1947 where the watch was broken. Upon arriving, Yasmin learns that the watch's previous owner was a ] man named Prem, whom a younger Umbreen intends to marry despite Yasmin's family being Muslim, and Prem definitely not being her grandfather. The Doctor notes that the group have arrived on 17 August, the day before the ]. She advises her friends to rush to the wedding ceremony to ensure that they and the family are not caught in the partitioning. But matters become complicated when the group see two aliens, that the Doctor had visions of during brief head pains, over the body of the wedding's overseer ] Bhakti.


The group are joined by Prem, who saw the aliens around the time of his older brother's death during his military service in ], as the Doctor assumed the aliens killed Bhakti and eventually recognises them as members of the Thijarian, a race of assassins, while finding their ship and stealing a capsule from them. But the Doctor learns that the Thijarians are actually the last of their kind, the capsule holding what remained of their destroyed planet, and have dedicated themselves to commemorate those who die alone. After revealing that Prem will become a casualty of the partition they intend to witness, the Thijarians agree to show the Doctor a recording of Bhakti's death. The footage reveals Bhakti was murdered by Prem's younger brother Manish, who opposes the wedding. The group are joined by Prem, who saw the aliens around the time of his older brother's death during his military service in ], as the Doctor assumed the aliens killed Bhakti and eventually recognises them as members of the Thijarian, a race of assassins, while finding their ship and stealing a capsule from them. But the Doctor learns that the Thijarians are actually the last of their kind, the capsule holding what remained of their destroyed planet, and have dedicated themselves to commemorate those who die alone. After revealing that Prem will become a casualty of the partition they intend to witness, the Thijarians agree to show the Doctor a recording of Bhakti's death. The footage reveals Bhakti was murdered by Prem's younger brother Manish, who opposes the wedding.


Returning to the others and convinced by Yasmin to see the event through, the Doctor oversees the marriage ceremony with the group witnessing the watch being accidently broken as Umbreen cherishes its significance. When the Doctor later accosts Manish for Bhakti's murder, he reveals to have contacted a small group of armed ]s to attack the wedding reception. As Umbreen and her mother escape with the Doctor's group, Prem remains behind to reason with Manish and dies when the nationalists shoot him while the Thijarians observe. Back in the present, Yasmin's grandmother comments on her granddaughter's new ]. Returning to the others and convinced by Yasmin to see the event through, the Doctor oversees the marriage ceremony with the group witnessing the watch being accidentally broken as Umbreen cherishes its significance. When the Doctor later accosts Manish for Bhakti's murder, he reveals to have contacted a small group of armed ]s to attack the wedding reception. As Umbreen and her mother escape with the Doctor's group, Prem remains behind to reason with Manish and dies when the nationalists shoot him while the Thijarians observe. Back in the present, Yasmin's grandmother comments on her granddaughter's new ].
<!--Do not add content to Continuity or Outside references without ] a ]--> <!--Do not add content to Continuity or Outside references without ] a ]-->


== Production == == Production ==
=== Casting === === Casting ===
After the premiere episode, "]" was broadcast, it was announced that ], Hamza Jeetooa, and Amita Suman would be among a number of guest actors that would appear in the series.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2018-10-07/doctor-who-casts-mark-addy-chris-noth-and-julie-hesmondhalgh-in-mysterious-new-roles/|title=Doctor Who casts Mark Addy, Chris Noth and Julie Hesmondhalgh in mysterious new roles|last=Fullerton|first=Huw|date=7 October 2018|work=]|accessdate=5 November 2018}}</ref> They play Prem, Manish and the younger Umbreen respectively. After the premiere episode, "]", was broadcast, it was announced that ], ], Hamza Jeetooa, and ] would be among a number of guest actors that would appear in the series.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2018-10-07/doctor-who-casts-mark-addy-chris-noth-and-julie-hesmondhalgh-in-mysterious-new-roles/|title=Doctor Who casts Mark Addy, Chris Noth and Julie Hesmondhalgh in mysterious new roles|last=Fullerton|first=Huw|date=7 October 2018|work=]|accessdate=5 November 2018}}</ref> They play Prem, Najia, Manish and the younger Umbreen respectively.


=== Music === === Music ===


]'s soundtrack made use of instruments such as the ] and ], performed by musicians of South Asian descent.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sequeira |first1=Gayle |title=Doctor Who’s Newest Episode Is A Compelling Look At Partition-Era India |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/doctor-who-demons-of-the-punjab-india-partition-jodie-whittaker-vinay-patel |website=Film Companion |accessdate=19 November 2018}}</ref> Akinola also created a new ] of the closing theme after the style of ], performed by Kuljit Bahmra, Surjeet Singh, and singer Shahid Abbas Khan.<ref>{{cite news |title=11 burning questions we have after watching Doctor Who: Demons of the Punjab |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2018-11-14/doctor-who-demons-of-the-punjab-question-plotholes-theories/ |accessdate=16 November 2018 |work=Radio Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Potts |first1=Lianne |title=VIDEO: Doctor Who – ‘Demons of the Punjab’ – End Credits Theme |url=https://www.blogtorwho.com/video-doctor-who-demons-of-the-punjab-end-credits-theme/ |website=Blogtor Who |accessdate=19 November 2018}}</ref> ]'s soundtrack made use of instruments such as the ] and ], performed by musicians of South Asian descent.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sequeira |first1=Gayle |title=Doctor Who's Newest Episode Is A Compelling Look At Partition-Era India |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/doctor-whos-newest-episode-is-a-compelling-look-at-partition-era-india |website=Film Companion |date=17 November 2018 |accessdate=19 November 2018 |archive-date=22 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190122205725/https://www.filmcompanion.in/doctor-who-demons-of-the-punjab-india-partition-jodie-whittaker-vinay-patel |url-status=live }}</ref> Akinola also created a new ] of the closing theme after the style of ], performed by Kuljit Bahmra, Surjeet Singh, and singer Shahid Abbas Khan.<ref>{{cite news |title=11 burning questions we have after watching Doctor Who: Demons of the Punjab |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2018-11-14/doctor-who-demons-of-the-punjab-question-plotholes-theories/ |accessdate=16 November 2018 |work=Radio Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Potts |first1=Lianne |title=VIDEO: Doctor Who – 'Demons of the Punjab' – End Credits Theme |url=https://www.blogtorwho.com/video-doctor-who-demons-of-the-punjab-end-credits-theme/ |website=Blogtor Who |date=12 November 2018 |accessdate=19 November 2018}}</ref>


=== Filming === === Filming ===
Line 62: Line 63:


== Broadcast and reception == == Broadcast and reception ==
{{Album ratings {{TV ratings
<!-- Aggregate scores --> <!-- Aggregate scores -->
| aggregate1 = ] (Tomatometer) | aggregate1 = ] (Tomatometer)
| aggregate1score = 96%<ref name="Rotten Tomatoes">{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/doctor_who/s11/e06|title=Doctor Who – Season 11, Episode 6|work=]|accessdate=16 November 2018}}</ref> | aggregate1score = 90%<ref name="Rotten Tomatoes">{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/doctor_who/s11/e06|title=Doctor Who – Season 11, Episode 6|work=]|accessdate=3 January 2020}}</ref>
| aggregate2 = ] (Average Score) | aggregate2 = ] (Average Score)
| aggregate2score = 7.8<ref name="Rotten Tomatoes" /> | aggregate2score = 8.0<ref name="Rotten Tomatoes" />
<!-- Reviewers --> <!-- Reviewers -->
| rev1 = '']'' | rev1 = '']''
| rev1score = B+<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ew.com/recap/doctor-who-season-11-episode-6/|title=Doctor Who recap: Love and death in 1947 India|first=Devan|last=Coggan|date=11 November 2018|work=Entertainment Weekly}}</ref> | rev1score = B+<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/recap/doctor-who-season-11-episode-6/|title=Doctor Who recap: Love and death in 1947 India|first=Devan|last=Coggan|date=11 November 2018|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|accessdate=11 April 2019}}</ref>
| rev2 = '']'' | rev2 = '']''
| rev2score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-reviews/doctor-who-series-11-episode-13575288|title=Doctor Who series 11 episode 6 Demons of the Punjab review: A chance for Yaz to shine in India's troubled past|first=Daniel|last=Jackson|date=11 November 2018|work=Daily Mirror}}</ref> | rev2score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-reviews/doctor-who-series-11-episode-13575288|title=Doctor Who series 11 episode 6 Demons of the Punjab review: A chance for Yaz to shine in India's troubled past|first=Daniel|last=Jackson|date=11 November 2018|work=Daily Mirror|accessdate=11 April 2019}}</ref>
| rev3 = '']'' | rev3 = '']''
| rev3score = {{rating|5|5}}<ref>https://www.vulture.com/2018/11/doctor-who-recap-season-11-episode-6-demons-of-the-punjab.html</ref> | rev3score = {{rating|5|5}}<ref name="vulture">{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2018/11/doctor-who-recap-season-11-episode-6-demons-of-the-punjab.html|title=Doctor Who Recap: Treading on Your Own History|first=Ross|last=Ruediger|date=12 November 2018|accessdate=11 April 2019}}</ref>
| rev4 = ] | rev4 = ]
| rev4score = {{rating|3|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2018-11-11/doctor-who-demons-of-the-punjab-review-series-11-episode-6-partition-india/|title=Doctor Who Demons of the Punjab review: “an imperfect jewel but a romantic tragedy with immense charm”|last=Mulkern|first=Patrick|date=11 November 2018|work=Radio Times}}</ref> | rev4score = {{rating|3|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2018-11-11/doctor-who-demons-of-the-punjab-review-series-11-episode-6-partition-india/|title=Doctor Who Demons of the Punjab review: "an imperfect jewel but a romantic tragedy with immense charm"|last=Mulkern|first=Patrick|date=11 November 2018|work=Radio Times|accessdate=11 April 2019}}</ref>
| rev5 = ] | rev5 = ]
| rev5score = B+<ref>{{cite web|last1=Siede|first1=Caroline|title=Doctor Who delivers a moving history lesson about the Partition of India|url=https://tv.avclub.com/doctor-who-delivers-a-moving-history-lesson-about-the-p-1830369244|website=The A.V. Club|date=11 November 2018}}</ref> | rev5score = B+<ref>{{cite web|last1=Siede|first1=Caroline|title=Doctor Who delivers a moving history lesson about the Partition of India|url=https://www.avclub.com/doctor-who-delivers-a-moving-history-lesson-about-the-p-1830369244|website=The A.V. Club|date=11 November 2018|access-date=11 April 2019}}</ref>
| rev6 = '']'' | rev6 = '']''
| rev6score = {{rating|3|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2018/11/11/doctor-episode-6-recap-remembrance-radicalism-romance/|title=Doctor Who, episode 6, recap: Remembrance, radicalism and romance|last=Hogan|first=Michael|date=11 November 2018|work=The Telegraph}}</ref> | rev6score = {{rating|3|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2018/11/11/doctor-episode-6-recap-remembrance-radicalism-romance/|title=Doctor Who, episode 6, recap: Remembrance, radicalism and romance|last=Hogan|first=Michael|date=11 November 2018|work=The Telegraph|accessdate=11 April 2019}}</ref>
| rev7 = ''TV Fanatic'' | rev7 = ''TV Fanatic''
| rev7score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web|last1=Keng|first1=Diana|title=Doctor Who Season 11 Episode 6 Review: Demons of the Punjab|url=https://www.tvfanatic.com/2018/11/doctor-who-season-11-episode-6-review-demons-of-the-punjab/|website=TV Fanatic|date=11 November 2018}}</ref> | rev7score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web|last1=Keng|first1=Diana|title=Doctor Who Season 11 Episode 6 Review: Demons of the Punjab|url=https://www.tvfanatic.com/2018/11/doctor-who-season-11-episode-6-review-demons-of-the-punjab/|website=TV Fanatic|date=11 November 2018|accessdate=11 April 2019}}</ref>
}} }}


=== Ratings === === Ratings ===
"Demons of the Punjab" was watched by 5.77 million viewers overnight, a share of 27.5% of the total TV audience, making it the third-highest overnight viewership for the night and the eleventh-highest overnight viewership for the week on overnights across all channels.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.doctorwhonews.net/2018/11/demons-of-punjab-overnight-viewing.html |title=Demons of the Punjab – Overnight Viewing Figures |work=Doctor Who News |last=Marcus |date=12 November 2018 |accessdate=19 November 2018}}</ref> It received an official total of 7.48 million viewers across all UK channels, making it the eighth most watched programme of the week.<ref name="BARB4">{{cite web|url=https://www.barb.co.uk/viewing-data/four-screen-dashboard/ |title=Four-screen dashboard |publisher=]}}</ref> The episode received an ] score of 80.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://guide.doctorwhonews.net/story.php?story=DemonsOfThePunjab&episode=1|title=Demons of the Punjab|website=Doctor Who News |accessdate=14 November 2018}}</ref> "Demons of the Punjab" was watched by 5.77 million viewers overnight, a share of 27.5% of the total TV audience, making it the third-highest overnight viewership for the night and the eleventh-highest overnight viewership for the week on overnights across all channels.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.doctorwhonews.net/2018/11/demons-of-punjab-overnight-viewing.html |title=Demons of the Punjab – Overnight Viewing Figures |work=Doctor Who News |last=Marcus |date=12 November 2018 |accessdate=19 November 2018}}</ref> It received an official total of 7.48 million viewers across all UK channels, making it the eighth most watched programme of the week, and had an ] score of 80.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.doctorwhonews.net/2018/11/demons-of-punjab-official-ratings.html |title=Demons of the Punjab – Official Ratings |work=Doctor Who News |last=Marcus |date=19 November 2018 |accessdate=20 November 2018}}</ref>


=== Critical reception === === Critical reception ===
The episode received positive reviews. On ], it has an approval rating of 96%, based on 25 reviews, and an average score of 7.8/10. The critics consensus states "'Demons of Punjab' focuses on family and progress, solidifying the cohesive thematic stamp this season is making upon the greater series."<ref name="Rotten Tomatoes" /> "Demons of the Punjab" received positive reviews. On ], it has an approval rating of 90%, based on 30 reviews, and an average score of 8.0/10. The critical consensus reads, "'Demons of Punjab' focuses on family and progress, solidifying the cohesive thematic stamp this season is making upon the greater series."<ref name="Rotten Tomatoes" /> Writing for '']'' magazine, Ross Ruediger gave the episode five out of five, calling it "exceptional ''Doctor Who'' on pretty much every level," and praising director Jamie Childs and the production team for "delivering something so engaging and adult and educational."<ref name="vulture" />

Writing for ], Morgan Jeffery praised Segun Akinola's score as "gorgeous" and called the episode "thoughtful" and "gutsy". Jeffery cited some of the episode's shortcomings, however, criticizing the performances from the guest cast. Jeffery also noted a marked shift in ''Doctor Who''{{'}}s style, and said that fans looking for a "traditional Doctor-vs-monsters tale" may not be satisfied by the episode.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/cult/a870220/doctor-who-series-11-episode-6-review/|title=Doctor Who ep 6 proves show has dramatically changed|last=Jeffery|first=Morgan|date=2018-11-11|website=Digital Spy|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-07-25}}</ref> Matthew Kresal of ''Futurism'' praised Vinay Patel's "compelling" script, complimented Akinola's "evocative" and "haunting" score, and said that "Demons of the Punjab" saw some of the best production values that Doctor Who has had in recent years, calling it one of the show's most "polished" episodes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://futurism.media/doctor-who-demons-of-the-punjab-review|title='Doctor Who': "Demons of the Punjab" Review|website=futurism.media|access-date=2019-07-25}}</ref>

In April 2019, "Demons of the Punjab" was announced as a finalist (nominee) in the category of ] at the 2019 Hugo Awards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehugoawards.org/2019/04/2019-hugo-award-1944-retro-hugo-award-finalists/|title=2019 Hugo Award & 1944 Retro Hugo Award Finalists |work=thehugoawards.org|first=Cheryl|last=unknown|date=2 April 2019|accessdate=8 April 2019}}</ref>


== References == == References ==
Line 98: Line 103:
* {{BBCDWnew|year=2018|id=b0bs748h|title=Demons of the Punjab}} * {{BBCDWnew|year=2018|id=b0bs748h|title=Demons of the Punjab}}
* {{TardisIndexFile|Demons of the Punjab (TV story)|"Demons of the Punjab"}} * {{TardisIndexFile|Demons of the Punjab (TV story)|"Demons of the Punjab"}}
* {{Brief|id=2018f|title=Demons of the Punjab|quotes=y}}
* {{IMDb episode|7693262|Demons of the Punjab}} * {{IMDb episode|7693262|Demons of the Punjab}}


{{Doctor Who episodes|N11}} {{Doctor Who episodes|N11}}
{{Thirteenth Doctor stories|selected=Television}}


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Latest revision as of 04:14, 19 November 2024

2018 Doctor Who episode
282 – "Demons of the Punjab"
Doctor Who episode
Cast
Doctor
Companions
Others
Production
Directed byJamie Childs
Written byVinay Patel
Script editorFiona McAllister
Produced byAlex Mercer
Executive producer(s)
  • Chris Chibnall
  • Matt Strevens
  • Sam Hoyle
Music bySegun Akinola
SeriesSeries 11
Running time50 minutes
First broadcast11 November 2018 (2018-11-11)
Chronology
← Preceded by
"The Tsuranga Conundrum"
Followed by →
"Kerblam!"
List of episodes (2005–present)

"Demons of the Punjab" is the sixth episode of the eleventh series of the British science fiction television programme Doctor Who. It was written by Vinay Patel, directed by Jamie Childs, and first broadcast on BBC One on 11 November 2018.

In the episode, Yasmin Khan (Mandip Gill) asks the Doctor (Jodie Whittaker) to take her to see her grandmother (Leena Dhingra) during her youth (Amita Suman), only to cause both them and her friends Graham O'Brien (Bradley Walsh) and Ryan Sinclair (Tosin Cole) to become caught up in the events preceding the partition of India. During this time, the Doctor questions if aliens are involved in the death of a man killed during their visit. The episode was watched by 7.48 million viewers, and was met with positive reviews from critics.

Plot

While celebrating the birthday of her grandmother Umbreen, Yasmin receives a broken watch from her. Curious over its origins, Yasmin convinces a hesitant Thirteenth Doctor to take her, Graham and Ryan to the Punjab in August 1947 where the watch was broken. Upon arriving, Yasmin learns that the watch's previous owner was a Hindu man named Prem, whom a younger Umbreen intends to marry despite Yasmin's family being Muslim, and Prem definitely not being her grandfather. The Doctor notes that the group have arrived on 17 August, the day before the partition of India. She advises her friends to rush to the wedding ceremony to ensure that they and the family are not caught in the partitioning. But matters become complicated when the group see two aliens, that the Doctor had visions of during brief head pains, over the body of the wedding's overseer sadhu Bhakti.

The group are joined by Prem, who saw the aliens around the time of his older brother's death during his military service in World War II, as the Doctor assumed the aliens killed Bhakti and eventually recognises them as members of the Thijarian, a race of assassins, while finding their ship and stealing a capsule from them. But the Doctor learns that the Thijarians are actually the last of their kind, the capsule holding what remained of their destroyed planet, and have dedicated themselves to commemorate those who die alone. After revealing that Prem will become a casualty of the partition they intend to witness, the Thijarians agree to show the Doctor a recording of Bhakti's death. The footage reveals Bhakti was murdered by Prem's younger brother Manish, who opposes the wedding.

Returning to the others and convinced by Yasmin to see the event through, the Doctor oversees the marriage ceremony with the group witnessing the watch being accidentally broken as Umbreen cherishes its significance. When the Doctor later accosts Manish for Bhakti's murder, he reveals to have contacted a small group of armed Hindu nationalists to attack the wedding reception. As Umbreen and her mother escape with the Doctor's group, Prem remains behind to reason with Manish and dies when the nationalists shoot him while the Thijarians observe. Back in the present, Yasmin's grandmother comments on her granddaughter's new henna.

Production

Casting

After the premiere episode, "The Woman Who Fell to Earth", was broadcast, it was announced that Shane Zaza, Shobna Gulati, Hamza Jeetooa, and Amita Suman would be among a number of guest actors that would appear in the series. They play Prem, Najia, Manish and the younger Umbreen respectively.

Music

Segun Akinola's soundtrack made use of instruments such as the tabla and shehnai, performed by musicians of South Asian descent. Akinola also created a new arrangement of the closing theme after the style of Punjabi music, performed by Kuljit Bahmra, Surjeet Singh, and singer Shahid Abbas Khan.

Filming

The episode was filmed in the Province of Granada, Spain.

Broadcast and reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Rotten Tomatoes (Average Score)8.0
Rotten Tomatoes (Tomatometer)90%
Review scores
SourceRating
Entertainment WeeklyB+
Daily Mirror
New York Magazine
Radio Times
The A.V. ClubB+
The Telegraph
TV Fanatic

Ratings

"Demons of the Punjab" was watched by 5.77 million viewers overnight, a share of 27.5% of the total TV audience, making it the third-highest overnight viewership for the night and the eleventh-highest overnight viewership for the week on overnights across all channels. It received an official total of 7.48 million viewers across all UK channels, making it the eighth most watched programme of the week, and had an Audience Appreciation Index score of 80.

Critical reception

"Demons of the Punjab" received positive reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, it has an approval rating of 90%, based on 30 reviews, and an average score of 8.0/10. The critical consensus reads, "'Demons of Punjab' focuses on family and progress, solidifying the cohesive thematic stamp this season is making upon the greater series." Writing for New York magazine, Ross Ruediger gave the episode five out of five, calling it "exceptional Doctor Who on pretty much every level," and praising director Jamie Childs and the production team for "delivering something so engaging and adult and educational."

Writing for Digital Spy, Morgan Jeffery praised Segun Akinola's score as "gorgeous" and called the episode "thoughtful" and "gutsy". Jeffery cited some of the episode's shortcomings, however, criticizing the performances from the guest cast. Jeffery also noted a marked shift in Doctor Who's style, and said that fans looking for a "traditional Doctor-vs-monsters tale" may not be satisfied by the episode. Matthew Kresal of Futurism praised Vinay Patel's "compelling" script, complimented Akinola's "evocative" and "haunting" score, and said that "Demons of the Punjab" saw some of the best production values that Doctor Who has had in recent years, calling it one of the show's most "polished" episodes.

In April 2019, "Demons of the Punjab" was announced as a finalist (nominee) in the category of Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form at the 2019 Hugo Awards.

References

  1. Fullerton, Huw (7 October 2018). "Doctor Who casts Mark Addy, Chris Noth and Julie Hesmondhalgh in mysterious new roles". Radio Times. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
  2. Sequeira, Gayle (17 November 2018). "Doctor Who's Newest Episode Is A Compelling Look At Partition-Era India". Film Companion. Archived from the original on 22 January 2019. Retrieved 19 November 2018.
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