DOCTOR WHO: ROSA (S11E03)

This weekend brings us Rosa, centered around courageous American Civil Rights activist Rosa Parks.  She's played here by Vinette Robinson here, whose physical appearance to the real Rosa Parks is rather impressive (the top image  =  Robinson, below = Parks).  

Robinson, by the way, played Sally Donavan on Steven Moffat's SHERLOCK (small world), and has previously appeared in DOCTOR WHO in the Chris Chibnall scripted 42 (Tennant Era).  

Rosa returns Mark Tonderai to the director’s chair; Tonderai helmed last week’s installment, The Ghost Monument, to varying effect.  

This week’s script is credited to Malorie Blackman and Chris Chibnall.  While Blackman is new to DW, she’s by means new to writing, having previously authored a substantial selection of literature ranging from children’s books, novels, short story collections, plays, television scripts, and more. 

It’ll be interesting - and telling - to see how ‘on the nose’ Team Chibnall chooses to be when interpreting and espousing social activism in a story which will clearly be charged with poignant notions like repression, racism, and discrimination.  Will they soft-shoe - a proclivity which (thus far) has been suggested by the doggedly ‘middle of the road’ approach we’ve witnessed S11? Or, will they go for the jugular and make a point of zinging uncomfortable concepts, as Richard Curtis and Steven Moffat did so effectively in the Smith Era’s Vincent and the Doctor?  

If ever there was a time for any show to avoid skirting around challenging thematics like  these, it’s now. Sadly, nothing about the bland approach we’ve witnessed in the Chibnall Era to date suggests there will be much meat on  the bones of this one.  On the other hand, last week’s The Ghost Monument was incrementally improved over S11's  decidedly flaccid opening episode, The Woman Who Fell To Earth. So there is, in theory, at least, hope that Rosa might land strongly.  

​Below you'll find a gallery of promotional images from Rosa. A number of images from the new TARDIS interior have also been issued - they've been included int this gallery for your perusing, deconstruction, and general conversation. 

The Rosa discussion boards are now online!  As always, our 'one run above all rules' shines brightly:

​We warmly invite and encourage an open discourse and free exchange of ideas, but will enforce a strict zero tolerance policy regarding trolling, disrespect, or hate speak of any kind.
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