Ncuti Gatwa in Doctor Who Season 15, Episode 5 is a masterclass in charisma and chaos 

The latest episode of Doctor Who season fifteen has just dropped, and I can't stop obsessing over Ncuti Gatwa's phenomenal performance in the titular role.

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While the latest episode of Doctor Who was titled The Story and The Engine and served to include several dynamic plot points, what really came across to me was the excellent portrayal of the fifteenth doctor by Ncuti Gatwa.

He seemed to hit all the right notes and stood out with his portrayal in a show that otherwise often overshadows the character with the machinations of its plot. Here's everything that you need to know.

Ncuti Gatwa commands all the attention in the latest episode of Doctor Who season 15

While Ncuti Gatwa certainly draws inspiration from all the previous iterations of Doctor Who, he undoubtedly excels in bringing his own acting chops to the table. The latest episode featured him continuing in his quest to bring Belinda safely home. In due course of his journey, the doctor finds himself in Nigeria in the year 2019. The reason behind his visit is initially revealed to be his wish to visit an old friend. Doctor Who soon develops an amicable relationship with members of the local community. This further brings him in contact with a mystery surrounding missing people, and he can't help but get involved.

While the production design and the cinematography of the latest episode are what will be etched in my memory for some time to come, it is really the writing that has furthered the brilliance of Gatwa's performance. The doctor really finds himself at one with the local community and brings forth a heartfelt portrayal of his character.

Ncuti Gatwa speaks about his character and Doctor Who

Gatwa sat down with Doctorwho.tv for an exclusive interview, during the course of which he shared his insights about playing the character on the BBC show. When asked about his most defining moments on the show, Gatwa related:

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"Certainly the first scenes shot in the interior of the TARDIS. It just felt so epic and monumental to be at the helm of that console which has been going for 60 years. I’d also say that first club scene when Ruby sees the Doctor for the first time, because I’d never seen anything like that on Doctor Who before. It felt very much like Russell was ushering in a new era for the show, and it felt very much like an opportunity to put my stamp on the character. It was nice to see the beginning sparks of the new Doctor and companion relationship. I’d say that was one of the defining moments for me. Plus, any scene I did with Bonnie Langford was incredibly defining for the show – I think I’m like her fourth Doctor, so I’m really part of the canon now."

Doctor Who season fifteen airs new episodes on the BBC and they are also available for streaming on Disney+.

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