Unwrapping the Doctor Who Christmas Special: A Treasured Addition to the Franchise
Ncuti Gatwa's debut as The Doctor in the 2023 Christmas special is a joyous, festive adventure that rejuvenates the beloved franchise Get ready to be spellbound as The Doctor embarks on a thrilling goblin-hunting mission in The Church on Ruby Road A must-watch for all Doctor Who fans!
In 2023's Christmas special, 'The Church on Ruby Road', Ncuti Gatwa has his first complete Doctor Who experience, bringing a fresh, festive-themed start to the franchise. This should not be unexpected, as showrunner Russell T Davies has emphasized Gatwa's time in the TARDIS as a reset for Doctor Who, presenting a reinvention of the show's long-running formula.
Davies and director Mark Tonderai deliver an accessible and entertaining Doctor Who episode with 'The Church on Ruby Road', filled with nods to canon. This Christmas special focuses on the future of the franchise, offering a gift to fans both old and new. Gatwa's debut is hailed as the most accessible since the 2005 series revival.
The Doctor goes goblin-hunting in The Church on Ruby Road
"The Church on Ruby Road" pairs the Fifteenth Doctor (Gatwa) with his new companion, Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson), as they work together to thwart a group of baby-stealing goblins - and perhaps unravel the secrets of Ruby's enigmatic past in the process.
Saying anything more might ruin the excitement, so all you need to know is this: Gatwa and Gibson make an impressive duo. With their quick-witted banter and evident bond, they are just as good as the previous pair, David Tennant and Catherine Tate.
Individually, they are equally compelling. Gatwa skillfully pays tribute to the Doctors' previous incarnations while also introducing something fresh. As the Fifteenth Doctor, he is both lively, full of awe, and deeply introspective.
A low-stakes Doctor Who story done right
In a similar fashion, Gibson also brings to mind the qualities of Billie Piper’s beloved character, Rose Tyler, without revisiting old territory. Just like Rose, Ruby serves as a perfect stand-in for the audience, her wide-eyed reactions to the Doctor’s world reflecting our own. However, Ruby’s exuberance is tempered by a sense of sorrow that distinguishes Gibson from Tyler.
Davies and Tonderai allow Gatwa and Gibson to fully develop their characters while delivering a fast-paced, satisfying Doctor Who special, almost like a Christmas miracle. Even though the stakes in ‘The Church on Ruby Road’ aren’t incredibly high, the story still provides plenty of excitement and dazzling CGI-powered whimsy to justify its lengthy runtime. However, the over-the-top campiness of the goblins’ musical number may polarize audiences.
Doctor Who: The Church on Ruby Road review score: 5/5
The extended club sequence, which was previously hinted at in the trailers for the special, follows the same pattern. While these scenes are effective in the context of the show, they may not alleviate the existing concerns of conservative-leaning fans regarding Davies' return as showrunner, especially when they see the Fifteenth Doctor enjoying themselves on the dancefloor.
Those who embrace Davies' vision for the show, even reluctantly, are in for a delightful surprise with 'The Church on Ruby Road.' This Doctor Who Christmas special is not just a standout standalone episode, but also a glimpse of the exciting things to come. The episode leaves us with unanswered questions that are worth sticking around to uncover. It's time to reignite our excitement for Doctor Who – what better Christmas present could there be than that?
Premiering on December 25, Doctor Who: The Church on Ruby Road will debut on BBC One in the UK & Ireland, and on Disney+ for all other locations. Stay updated with the latest Doctor Who news and updates by checking out Dexerto’s full coverage.
Editor's P/S
As a passionate Doctor Who fan, I was eagerly anticipating the 2023 Christmas special, "The Church on Ruby Road," and I must say, it exceeded my expectations. Ncuti Gatwa's debut as the Fifteenth Doctor was nothing short of spectacular. He brought a fresh energy and charm to the role, while still paying homage to the previous incarnations of the Doctor. The chemistry between Gatwa and Millie Gibson, who plays his companion Ruby Sunday, was electric, and their banter was witty and engaging.
The story itself was a delightful blend of festive cheer and thrilling adventure. The goblin-hunting mission was both exciting and heartwarming, and the nods to the show's canon were a treat for longtime fans. The episode also showcased the stunning visuals and special effects that have become synonymous with Doctor Who. The CGI-powered whimsy was truly breathtaking and added to the overall magical atmosphere of the special.
