December 24th 2023.
There is something undeniably magical about the Doctor Who Christmas episode every year, with families gathering around to watch the Doctor and their latest companion embark on festive adventures. This year is no exception with the Church on Ruby Road, helmed by former showrunner Russell T Davies, being a brilliant return to form.
Ncuti Gatwa confidently steps into the Doctor’s thousand year old shoes as he made his brief introduction during his bi-regeneration in the 60th anniversary episode, starring alongside fan favourite David Tennant. His youthful spark and cheeky smile hinted at a lot of potential and The Christmas episode unleashes this wide eyed Doctor, emulating the curiosity and mischievous twinkle seen in early episodes of the 10th Doctor. Ncuti Gatwa is the new Doctor and he makes an utterly irresistible debut.
From the first moments we see him, Ncuti looks absolutely glowing as he wears a kilt and spins in a nightclub, attracting the attention of our new companion Ruby without even trying. He showcases wit, fast thinking, even faster talking and an excitement for discovery that is at their essence, The Doctor. There’s something about Ncuti’s Doctor that feels refreshing, a palate cleanser for those of us who lost interest during Peter Capaldi’s or Jodie Whitaker’s reign.
The Christmas episode also serves as a strong debut for companion Ruby, played by Millie Gibson. Russell deftly weaves warm fuzzy feelings about family and belonging into the core of the episode, well suited to the festive mood. The Coronation Street actress is a classic companion; smart and able to hold her own but in utter awe of the Doctor and his brilliance. Down-to-earth but with a little mystery about her, Ruby’s history plays a huge part in the central story for the Christmas episode and likely the new series.
The episode is endless fun but is limited by a formulaic plot. Within moments, the Doctor is running across roofs, chasing after someone he’s just met in an attempt to save their life, hardly anything new for the time lord. It leans into the nostalgia of the Whoniverse and delivers a quirky monster of the week for the Doctor to defeat.
The entire episode is a breathless run, whisking viewers from Notting Hill flats all the way to a Goblin pirate ship. Here Russell is flexing his whimsical writing talents as he tests audiences’ willingness to dive into the mythical and musical Goblin world.
The Church on Ruby Road is a charming return to form as Ncuti unveils his enigmatic take on The Doctor which is sure to enchant viewers old and new. Doctor Who’s Christmas Episode airs on Christmas Day at 5.55pm on BBC One.
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