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There is something undeniably magical about the Doctor Who Christmas episode as every year families gather round to watch the Doctor and their latest companion take on some festive adventure.
The Church on Ruby Road is a brilliant return to form with former showrunner Russell T Davies at the helm and the stunning Ncuti Gatwa confidently stepping into the Doctor’s thousand year old shoes.
We’ve seen the Sex Education icon briefly introduced during his bi-regeneration in the 60th anniversary episode, starring alongside fan favourite David Tennant.
Ncuti raised eyebrows with his take on the Doctor – and his underwear choice – but his youthful spark and cheeky smile hinted at a lot of potential.
The Christmas episode unleashes our new wide eyed Doctor, emulating the curiosity and mischievous twinkle seen in early episodes of the 10th Doctor.
This is not an imitation or an attempt to recapture David’s Doctor in a new form though, the 15th iteration brings something ethereal and joyous.
Ncuti Gatwa is the new Doctor (Credits: James Pardon/Bad Wolf/BBC Studios 2023)
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 – myself included – who lost interest during Peter Capaldi’s or Jodie Whitaker’s reign.
When asked what the Barbie star tried to bring to the role, Ncuti simply said his ‘black and beautiful self’ and there’s no better way to describe our new Doctor. The 31-year-old is simply irresistible and it’s thrilling to see what tricks he has up his sleeve.
He makes an utterly irresistible debut in the Christmas episode (Picture: James Pardon/Bad Wolf/BBC Studios)
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.
Ncuti and Millie’s chemistry is effortless and while it isn’t the comedic and brash ‘watch it spaceman’ report of David and Catherine Tate, it’s endearing and it’s clear this duo is going to be a lot of fun.
Millie Gibson makes her debut as companion Ruby Sunday (Picture: James Pardon/Bad Wolf/BBC Studios 2023)
The pair’s chemistry is effortless(Picture: James Pardon/Bad Wolf/BBC Studios)
While the characters shine, it’s the plot that fumbles slightly in a somewhat formulaic return to classic structure. 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.
Festive episodes are a hard line to walk for any show as they must have both mass appeal and charm existing viewers. The Church on Ruby Road leans into the nostalgia of the Whoniverse and delivers a quirky monster of the week for the Doctor to defeat and for the most part it works.
The entire episode is 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 – we’ll allow it because it’s Christmas.
The episode is endless fun but is limited by a formulaic plot (Picture: James Pardon/Bad Wolf/BBC Studios 2023)
The characters shine amid goblins and magic (Picture: James Pardon/Bad Wolf/BBC Studios)
While the notes may feel familiar, there’s a new tune being sung and it’s in the details where there’s a shimmer of high notes to come.
From opening up the sci-fi world to magic to the mystery surrounding Ruby, the episode gives itself lots of space to explore in the future.
There’s a twinkle of mischief and wonder in Ncuti’s Doctor’s eyes as Russell continues to bring myth and magic to the show – a possibility introduced by Neil Patrick Harris’ appearance as the Toymaker in the anniversary episode.
The Church on Ruby Road is an all singing, all dancing 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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It’s thrilling to see what tricks Ncuti has up his sleeve.