Doctor Who: The Laughter Review - A Serious Affair
Doctor Who's 60th anniversary finale, 'The Giggle', bids a poignant farewell to a beloved duo, while reintroducing an iconic foe This fitting and emotionally charged episode captivates with a score of 4/5
The Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials conclude with 'The Giggle', but despite the name, the swansong outing of the Fourteenth Doctor (David Tennant) is not a lighthearted affair. This is not entirely surprising, considering that the previous special, 'The Star Beast', had a cheerful tone with a dark undercurrent.
The second special, 'Wild Blue Yonder', intensified the bleak tone as the Doctor and Donna Noble (portrayed by Catherine Tate) confronted an existential threat in both literal and figurative terms.
Now, with 'The Giggle', showrunner Russell T Davies delves even further into darkness. The atmosphere of the third and final Doctor Who 60th anniversary special is somber, rather than self-congratulatory, serving as a reckoning with the franchise's longevity rather than a celebration of it.
An old Doctor Who foe returns in The Giggle
Continuing from the events in ‘Wild Blue Yonder’, ‘The Giggle’ follows the Doctor and Donna as they pursue a ventriloquist dummy whose eerie laughter has driven the entire world into madness. Their investigation leads them to the Toymaker (played by Neil Patrick Harris), a being with unparalleled power who holds a long-standing grudge against the Doctor.
The following is the closest we get to the type of high-stakes, end-of-the-world extravaganza that many fans were expecting from the Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials. There is rioting in the streets, UNIT control rooms, and even a massive laser cannon – all the exciting elements. However, Davies and director Chanya Button ultimately fall short of recreating the same blockbuster spectacle that defined the 50th anniversary special ‘The Day of the Doctor’. They do not even attempt to, as the circumstances involved – a season’s worth of episodes to set the stage versus three bumper-sized installments – simply would not allow it.
This is not necessarily a negative thing. As with any enduring series, Doctor Who will naturally mirror the present atmosphere, and the atmosphere in 2023 is notably distinct from that of 2013. This applies to both Doctor Who, following Jodie Whittaker's controversial time in the TARDIS, and the world at large, which is currently more divided than ever following a global pandemic.
A bittersweet farewell to one of Doctor Who’s great duos
Seen from this perspective, Davies' choice to revive the visibly aged Tennant as a Time Lord who is ultimately running low on energy - in multiple ways - is a skillful form of self-referential commentary.
It adds another level of emotional depth to Tennant's already outstanding portrayal. Throughout the ups and downs of the Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials, the Scottish actor has consistently delivered a superb performance as the Fourteenth Doctor. It's sad to see him depart in 'The Giggle' – but then again, that's how it goes.
BBC
It's equally heartbreaking to see the Doctor and Donna say goodbye once more. Tennant and Tate's genuine chemistry adds depth to their scenes in 'The Giggle', enhancing both the comedic and emotional moments. The humor is crucial in light of the somber tone of the episode.
As expected, Neil Patrick Harris' over-the-top portrayal of the Toymaker brings some much-needed humor to 'The Giggle'. However, the all-powerful antagonist is ultimately the least compelling aspect of the third Doctor Who anniversary special.
Harris is fittingly menacing in the role and shines during a memorable, Everything Everywhere All at Once-esque set piece. However, the overblown accent and underdeveloped motivations given to the How I Met Your Mother veteran by Davies and Button detract from his performance. The Toymaker's quest for revenge in 'The Giggle' is clear, but the showrunner and director fail to fully convince us of his significance.
Doctor Who: The Giggle review score: 4/5
However, the confrontation with the Toymaker is not the focal point of 'The Giggle'; rather, it is the evaluation and, ideally, the repositioning of Doctor Who's significance in the world. In this aspect, Davies, Button, and the entire cast and crew have achieved success.
The third and final Doctor Who 60th anniversary special, despite its gloom, serves as a fitting tribute to the franchise's past and future. However, the humor and excitement are scarce.
Catch Doctor Who: The Giggle on BBC One (UK & Ireland) and Disney+ (elsewhere) on December 9. For the latest Doctor Who news and updates, visit Dexerto's comprehensive coverage here.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan of Doctor Who, I have mixed feelings about "The Giggle," the 60th-anniversary finale. On the one hand, I appreciate the show's willingness to tackle darker themes and explore the consequences of the Doctor's actions. The episode's somber atmosphere and exploration of the Doctor's mortality add a sense of weight and emotional depth to the story.
On the other hand, I can't help but feel that the episode falls short in terms of spectacle and excitement. While the stakes are high and the threat is significant, the execution lacks the grandiosity and epic scale that I would expect from a 60th-anniversary special. The pacing also feels a bit off, with some scenes dragging on while others feel rushed.
