In 1965, an extraordinary encounter nearly unfolded on the set of ‘Doctor Who’, potentially altering the course of music history. The iconic Beatles, known as the Fab Four, were on the brink of a fictional time-travel adventure with the Doctor, portrayed by Ncuti Gatwa, in the show’s latest season.
The episode titled “The Devil’s Chord” features the TARDIS companion Ruby Sunday, played by Millie Gibson, expressing her lifelong dream to witness the Beatles live. Seizing the moment, the Doctor transports her to the pivotal day of February 11, 1963, when the Beatles recorded their debut album, ‘Please Please Me’, in a remarkable 24-hour session.
This narrative twist is a first for the Doctor, despite Neil Gaiman’s scrapped plans for a similar encounter in a 2011 episode. The Beatles did, however, grace the ‘Doctor Who’ universe previously, albeit as lookalikes, in a whimsical portrayal that almost had them as futuristic versions of themselves.
A Missed Beat: The Beatles’ 50th Anniversary Concert That Never Was
The intertwining paths of ‘Doctor Who’ and the Beatles have been a complex tapestry since their inception in 1963. Their most notable intersection occurred at the Cannes Film Festival in 1965, where a promotional Dalek from the Peter Cushing film ‘Dr. Who and the Daleks’ stumbled upon John Lennon and his then-wife Cynthia.
During the same period, the BBC aired “The Chase,” a Dalek-centric serial that featured the Beatles in a rare televised performance. This segment, now a precious relic due to the BBC’s archival practices, showcased the Beatles as classical musicians of the future, a concept that was humorously embraced within the show.
The BBC’s ambitious idea to present the Beatles in a “50th anniversary” concert, complete with aged appearances, was ultimately vetoed by their manager, Brian Epstein, over image concerns. Instead, a brief clip from ‘Top of the Pops’ was used, leading to a playful on-screen mishap.
Yesterday’s Echoes: The Beatles’ Legacy in the TARDIS
By 1973, the Beatles had faded from the Doctor’s radar, as evidenced by a scene where neither the second nor the third Doctor recognized a reference to their song. However, the band’s influence persisted, with later incarnations of the Doctor, including David Tennant and Matt Smith, acknowledging their musical legacy.
The current Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa, may still have a chance to join the Beatles’ ranks, as hinted by his character’s interaction with their instruments in “The Devil’s Chord,” suggesting that the oldest fictional fan of the Beatles might yet play a role in their storied history.
How to watch: Catch the time-traveling escapades of ‘Doctor Who’ on Disney+ at 7:00 p.m. ET on Friday, May 10, and on BBC iPlayer at midnight on May 11 in the UK.