Doctor Who's 60th Anniversary Special: The Giggle and the Midnight Connection
The Doctor Who 60th anniversary special, 'The Giggle,' had the Fourteenth Doctor face a powerful enemy from his earliest adventures, and his story was brought to a close as Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteen made his debut. Showrunner Russell T Davies reveals a key element from the final 60th anniversary story is a direct callback to one of the scariest Tenth Doctor adventures, 'Midnight.' Let's dive into the connection between 'The Giggle' and 'Midnight' and explore the significance of this nod to the past.
The Connection to 'Midnight'
Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies has revealed an intriguing connection between the final 60th anniversary story, 'The Giggle,' and one of the scariest Tenth Doctor adventures, 'Midnight.' This connection sheds light on a pivotal element of the story that originated from the Tenth Doctor's tenure during the BBC iPlayer commentary for 'The Giggle.'
The Doctor Looking Scared and Tearful in Doctor Who
In 'The Giggle,' the Fourteenth Doctor faces a powerful enemy from his earliest adventures, and the story culminates with Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteen making his debut. However, the most striking revelation is the Galvanic Beam that ultimately claims the Fourteenth Doctor's life. This beam is powered by the same radiation that littered the surface of the planet Midnight from the season 4 episode of the same name, marking a direct callback to the Tenth Doctor's encounter with Galvanic radiation.
The Terrifying Scenario of 'Midnight'
To appreciate the significance of this connection, it's essential to revisit the terrifying episode 'Midnight.' This installment remains among Doctor Who's most harrowing tales, depicting a crystalline world where an intergalactic resort has been established. The Tenth Doctor and a group of tourists find themselves under siege by an unseen entity, leaving them stranded and tormented. The episode is not only terrifying for its undefinable creature but also for its exploration of humanity's darker side as the group's unity breaks down.
The distrust among the characters is enough to put even the Doctor into suspicion, revealing a bitter and unflinching exploration of humanity's worst traits. 'Midnight' stands out as an episode that leaves a lasting impact, showcasing a threat even the Doctor cannot overcome.
The Significance of the Nod to 'Midnight'
Russell T Davies' nod to 'Midnight' in the 60th anniversary special is a perfect tribute to David Tennant and Catherine Tate's original run of adventures. By incorporating the Galvanic Radiation, which almost led to the Tenth Doctor's demise in season 4, as a trigger for the Fourteenth Doctor's regeneration, Davies adds a fun twist for fans familiar with the actor's past adventures. This nod not only celebrates the franchise's history but also looks forward to new adventures in Doctor Who season 14 with Ncuti Gatwa's debut as Fifteen.
The 60th anniversary episodes, including 'The Giggle,' are currently available on Disney+, while 'Midnight' can be found on Max for international audiences. Additionally, all episodes of Doctor Who are available on BBC iPlayer for UK viewers, allowing fans to revisit these memorable installments.
