Doctor Who ‘The Story and the Engine’ review: Just a trim, thanks

Spoilers for “The Story and the Engine.”

Doctor Who lives and dies by the quality of its writing and acting far more than almost anything else on TV. Audiences may demand big explosions and trippy visuals but its best work is often done in small rooms. The Disney era began with an episode that, for all its glossy excess, rested its big moment on Catherine Tate’s acting. Now, as the Disney era potentially draws to its end, it’s once again highlighting what a smart script and great actors can do. “The Story and the Engine” is a stellar episode and a sign of what Doctor Who could look like a year or two from now.

To get Belinda home, the Doctor takes the Vindicator to Lagos, Nigeria ...