Doctor Who has long been a holiday staple, renowned for its festive episodes that capture the spirit of Christmas. After a six-year hiatus, the tradition was revived by Russell T Davies, heralding the arrival of Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor. Notably, while Davies has penned seven Christmas specials, it is Steven Moffat—who took the reins as showrunner in 2010—who has crafted many beloved holiday episodes. This year, Moffat returns to deliver a new special filled with both whimsy and nostalgia.
In “Joy to the World,”the Doctor embarks on a solo journey after parting ways with Ruby Sunday (played by Millie Gibson) at the conclusion of season 14. His adventure begins in a unique Time Hotel set in the year 4202, where each room serves as a portal to various points in time. The plot thickens when the Doctor observes a suspicious man arriving with a briefcase locked to his wrist. Intrigued, the Doctor dives into an intricate time-warping escapade, visiting significant moments including Christmas Day in 2024 and prehistoric Earth.
The Doctor’s path crosses with Joy (Nicola Coughlan) when the briefcase is transferred to her during another associated event in the hotel. As Joy becomes entangled in the briefcase’s enigmatic mission, the Doctor races against time to uncover its purpose and help her escape its grip. Although the pursuit is brisk and tense, it’s the quieter moments in the episode that elevate it as a noteworthy Christmas special.
The Briefcase Plot: A Means to An End
A Deeply Moving Conclusion
“Joy to the World”is a welcoming entry point for newcomers to the Doctor Who universe, especially considering its standalone nature compared to previous holiday specials. Moffat’s clever integration of time travel within the confines of the Time Hotel enriches the narrative, merging elements of adventure with a heartfelt holiday story. This remarkable blend is largely attributed to the director, Alex Sanjiv Pillai.
While the briefcase plot itself may lack robustness upon scrutiny, its entertaining delivery compensates significantly. At its core, Moffat’s writing dives into themes of loneliness and isolation, touching on the emotional impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic without explicitly naming it. This subtle commentary resonates deeply throughout the episode, as the Doctor and Joy navigate their personal struggles, capturing poignant moments that inspire reflection on our shared experiences.
These emotionally charged scenes effectively evoke tears, rekindling memories from the isolation of 2020. Yet, in classic Doctor Who fashion, the story concludes with an uplifting twist that transforms the darkness into hope, demonstrating Moffat’s unparalleled ability to evoke sentiment.
Gatwa: An Inspired Choice for The Doctor
Supporting Cast: A Delightful Ensemble
Ncuti Gatwa brings a captivating blend of confidence and flamboyance to his portrayal of the Doctor, engaging effortlessly in his role as he delivers a variety of emotional nuances—from humor to poignant speeches. Since his introduction, he has demonstrated remarkable comfort and depth, and this episode shines as a perfect showcase of his talents.
Opposite a fresh ensemble, Gatwa establishes instant connection and credibility with each character, showcasing a profound capacity for empathy. This tender durability enables him to portray a nuanced relationship with his co-stars, emphasizing his Doctor’s commitment to being present—even while grappling with deeper emotional barriers.
While Coughlan’s Joy has been marketed as a new companion, she is part of a diverse cast of characters that enrich the narrative. Joy’s vibrant energy juxtaposed with her underlying sadness delivers a standout performance, especially as she reveals her internal conflicts. Joel Fry adds charm as a Time Hotel employee, quickly winning viewers over in his limited time on screen.
However, it is Stephanie de Whalley’s character, Anita, that emerges as an undeniable standout. The chemistry between her and the Doctor encapsulates the episode’s core theme—underscoring the significance of connection, especially during the lonely holiday season.
This year’s Christmas special oscillates between whimsy and a poignant acknowledgment of solitude during the holiday. “Joy to the World”serves as an excellent platform for Gatwa’s Doctor, leveraging his strengths for another outstanding performance. Although it may not surpass Moffat’s hallmark “A Christmas Carol,” it stands as one of the finest Christmas specials Doctor Who has offered in recent years.
Mark your calendars: The Doctor Who Christmas Special, “Joy to the World,”premieres on December 25th on Disney+ and BBC.
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