As a lifelong Whovian hailing from the heart of Gallifrey itself, I must say that “Joy to the World” has truly brought a smile to my TARDIS-worn face. This Christmas special, penned by the masterful Steven Moffat, is a delightful blend of nostalgia and innovation, much like a warm cup of Rassilon’s finest Earl Grey on a cold winter’s night.
Doctor Who and Christmas share a special bond, much like how fish sticks and creamy custard complement each other. It may seem peculiar to those unfamiliar with it, but once experienced, it’s an association that will never be forgotten.
To tell you the truth, the Doctor Who Christmas special has taken on a traditionally significant role in British culture. Although there were brief discussions about airing a New Year’s episode during Jodie Whittaker’s tenure, it’s comforting to know that the chaotic period following regeneration is now over.
Previously, the Church on Ruby Road was viewed as a revival of the long-standing science fiction series by many viewers – despite The Goblin Song not reaching the top spot for Christmas songs. Now, let’s assess how well Ncuti Gatwa’s second Christmas production, Joy to the World, compares.
Indeed, it surpasses expectations and is an absolute pleasure to experience. Now that I’ve tackled the obvious praise, let me share my thoughts on why this holiday surprise was a hit.
What is Doctor Who: Joy to the World about?
After the thrilling escapades of Empire of Death, finding myself in an indeterminate moment, I yearn for a comforting cup of tea – and that requires milk. My quest for dairy leads me to the enchanting Time Hotel, a resort where guests can relish stays in any era they desire (and it comes with free milk).
Landing, I was all set to find some milk, but just as I expected, things took a mysterious turn. Suddenly, I found myself tangled in a chilling conspiracy that required immediate action – or so it seemed. Without giving away too much, I ended up joining forces with Joy Almondo, a solitary young woman from the 21st Century, to save the day and unravel the secrets hidden within this strange new world.
This episode of Doctor Who follows a typical plot that fans of episodes such as Voyage of the Damned or Planet of the Dead might recognize. However, what sets this one apart is that it was written by none other than Steven Moffat, the creative genius behind the series. The script is overflowing, much like an overexcited grandparent on Christmas day, with the clever twists and surprises we’ve come to anticipate from the Time-Wimey mastermind himself.
The nice
Initially, it’s crucial to point out that Moffat perfectly captured the mood, which is lively, spirited, and enjoyable.
As a quick aside, it probably helps that Murray Gold’s back on composer duties. Dear god, no one does Christmas music quite like Murray Gold. The moment his beautiful score started playing, I was enchanted like some poor human caught in the Master’s mind-bending power. It’s warm, nostalgic, and new all at once… anyway, back to Moffatt!
What was I talking about? Ah, yes, I was discussing the episode, which is both humorous, emotional, and perfectly terrifying – quite a feat! Balancing those elements can be tough, but Moffatt manages it exceptionally well. In fact, I’d say very few in this universe understand the essence of Doctor Who as he does… or perhaps it’s simply my favorite interpretation, at least.
Moffatt’s portrayal of The Doctor is reminiscent of someone who is simultaneously your dearest friend, the most detestable individual you’ve encountered, and an enigmatic divine entity. This multi-layered representation suits the character flawlessly, and it’s delightful to observe Ncuti bringing this complex material to life.
Through our encounters with Ncuti’s character as Doctor, we’ve come to see him as a compassionate and emotional individual who isn’t afraid to shed tears. However, Joy To The World offers a fresh perspective on the Doctor, revealing a more temperamental, somewhat harsh side. Remarkably, Ncuti delivers a stellar performance in adding depth to a character I initially found somewhat underdeveloped during his debut full season.
Nicolas Coughlan delivers an exceptional performance, just as anticipated, yet unfortunately finds himself somewhat overshadowed, leading me to discuss some of the less enjoyable aspects of the episode.
The Naughty
Currently, I must admit, I’m not surprised by Moffatt’s approach in “Joy to the World” as it provides an opportunity for him to exhibit some less desirable writing habits. It’s not about the story’s conclusion being vague (that’s characteristic of Moffat, part of his charm), but instead, like many other episodes such as “The Big Bang” and “The Name of the Doctor,” the narrative feels fragmented.
The standout moment of that episode (unable to reveal details due to spoilers) seems somewhat disconnected from the overall narrative flow. It’s an outstanding and emotional scene that left me teary-eyed, yet it gives the impression that Moffat accidentally traveled through time, began writing a different episode, and then realized he needed to finish up at the Time Hotel. He manages to pull it off due to its high-quality writing, but some viewers might find fault with this inconsistency.
Regarding a matter that troubles me: To the creative team behind Doctor Who, please reconsider the scenes where it’s stated that the Doctor has never stayed put in one place before. This contradicts the fact that he has indeed taken his time to rest in various instances during his recent incarnations. It might be due to the Doctor growing forgetful as he ages and failing to recall his leisure moments, or maybe it’s a convenient device for writers to use? I can’t quite decide.
TopMob review score: 4/5 – Very good
Setting aside any criticisms I may have about the script, Steven Moffat has always been a writer who isn’t afraid to break free from his own narrative constraints and focus more on grand moments and intense emotional scenes. Overall, I believe he did an excellent job with this story, and despite my reservations, I left the screening feeling as excited as a child on Christmas morning.
For approximately two decades now, I’ve been a dedicated fan of Doctor Who. I’m well-versed in its flaws as well as its strengths. Although this Doctor Who Christmas special might not convince everyone like a powerful sermon delivered on a grand stage, those who appreciate the joy of Doctor Who during the holiday season will be too engrossed to worry about the Scrooges who didn’t receive their desired TV presents from Santa.
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2024-12-20 19:16