Review: ‘Doctor Who Christmas Special: Joy to the World’ asks what is home?
As a long-time enthusiast of “Doctor Who”, I must say that this year’s Christmas special was nothing short of delightful. Having grown up with the show, I’ve seen it evolve through various Doctors and companions, each bringing their unique charm to the TARDIS.
On Christmas Day in Great Britain, following the opening of presents, snapping of crackers, and consumption of figgy pudding, people have historically flocked to their televisions. This is a tradition where significant TV series air special episodes, and the monarch delivers a speech to the nation (and commonwealth). In her first broadcast in 1957, Queen Elizabeth II said, “Television has enabled many of you to see me in your homes on Christmas Day.” Just as my family gathers around the television at this time, I imagine that’s what you are doing now.
The speech was transmitted from Sandringham House, a royal residence located in Norfolk, England. Interestingly enough, this same name is shared with a hotel in London, which serves as the primary setting for this year’s “Doctor Who” Christmas special on Disney+, titled “Joy to the World.” It’s worth noting that the central character in the story goes by the name Joy, portrayed by Nicola Coughlan.
The tradition of holiday episodes has been a part of the series since 2014, starting with “The Christmas Invasion” for Tenth Doctor David Tennant and “The Church on Ruby Road” for Fifteenth Doctor Ncuti Gatwa in 2023. Initially, these specials were moved to New Year’s Day for four years under showrunner Chris Chibnall. However, when Russell T Davies, who revived the series in 2005 and resumed control in 2023, returned, he made it a requirement that Christmas Day specials be included: “Having tinsel in a story just makes it better than one without.
Television
In the “Doctor Who” Christmas episode titled “The Church on Ruby Road,” we embark on the initial comprehensive journey with the Fifteenth Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa.
I’ll rephrase that for you: Why have we, including myself and other devoted “Doctor Who” enthusiasts, consistently reviewed every new Doctor since 2005, as well as every holiday special from “The Christmas Invasion”? It seems to be a blend of passionate fandom and thoughtful appreciation. The series is a fascinating mix, with a wide range of styles, from anthology diversity that offers drama, comedy, romance, suspense, alien peculiarity, and Earthly relatability. However, what truly sets it apart is its lovable nature, stemming from the fact that it’s filled with love. In truth, among all sci-fi franchises, it’s the one that radiates the most affection. Over time, it has deeply touched the hearts of numerous generations.
Penned by Steven Moffat, one of the key architects of modern-day Whoville alongside Davies, this special starts with the Doctor traveling through a whirlwind of eras and locations – a 1940 hotel room in Manchester, the Orient Express in 1962, Edmund Hillary’s Everest base camp in 1953, eventually landing on Christmas Day 2024 at the Sandringham Hotel. As Joy checks in, Anita the receptionist (Stephanie de Whalley) asks if she is alone. “Is it obvious?” Joy questions, unaware of the misunderstanding.
In rapid due course, she will be joined by a Silurian (humanoid reptiles predating humans, which doesn’t matter here), wearing a business suit, with a briefcase chained to its wrist, announcing, “The star seed will bloom and the flesh will rise,” as the Doctor bursts in through a locked door and Anita comes in with towels. (Joy, upset: “Why is there a lizard man in my room?” Anita, unperturbed: “I’m so sorry, this has never happened before.”)
As the credits roll, we’ll resume our journey, stepping back in history yet advancing in time, right here in London, 2000 years from now. A “nav-com algorithm” steers us towards fresh milk for the Doctor’s coffee, and that leads us to the Time Hotel lobby. Unlike traditional hotels, this one offers portals to various eras and locations instead of rooms. No explanation is needed or given. The city has been transformed by towering glass skyscrapers redefining its character, but the hotel still maintains its luxury amenities such as a free coffee and newspaper stand, room service, a bar, and upscale shops. There’s even a Christmas tree! It’s true that your food is prepared 30 minutes before you order it, but, as the Doctor points out, “It’s still reheated.” Trev (played by Joel Fry), one of the hotel employees, humorously comments, “You can’t expect miracles.
Television
Since 2010, Steven Moffat has steered the direction of “Doctor Who,” taking over as showrunner when Russell Davies passed him the controls for the TARDIS. During this period, Matt Smith portrayed the 11th Doctor, a complex character who combined elements of darkness and whimsy in his journeys through time and across space.
In this setting, there are no hostile extraterrestrial beings. Instead, we have the Silurian character (played by Jonathan Aris), who merely oversees the hotel operations. The adversary, if one could call it that, is a briefcase. It hops from host to host, controlling them as they become puppets to achieve an objective that may or may not make sense, but ultimately culminates in a heartwarming Christmas-like resolution – which, after all, is the purpose of our story. And indeed, it might bring tears to your eyes if you aren’t already emotional. There are numerous chances for such emotions along the way. (It wouldn’t surprise me if this narrative influences the upcoming holiday season.)
Moffat, who has written several Christmas specials featuring the character “Who,” is skilled at creating puzzling yet illogical plots, much like an artist such as M.C. Escher in scenario writing. It’s worth noting that stories involving time travel are bound to have inconsistencies. (The Time Hotel, according to the Doctor, is designed to be “paradox-resistant,” allowing you a peg to hang your disbelief on.) It might be challenging, if not impossible, to connect all the loose ends and grasp how the mechanism operates – certainly not while things are moving quickly and explanations, when provided, may not always make sense. (“Do people feel better when you explain things?” queries Joy. “Not typically, no,” replies the Doctor.) It’s similar to the way a magician works in moments when our attention is diverted. However, magic isn’t for everyone’s taste.
Just as every Doctor has been portrayed by 14 official actors, plus a few extras over the years since 1963, and with Tennant playing the role twice, Gatwa is currently the only one embodying the Doctor’s character. This sentiment should resonate with all Whovians, although it’s no secret that they don’t always see eye-to-eye on things. Nonetheless, many Whovians would agree that Gatwa fits the role as snugly as a well-tailored glove, and he’s making the character his own with his energetic portrayal, reminiscent of “The Church on Ruby Road.
In this installment, we find four hotels, two of which are merely mentioned, mirroring the show’s persistent theme of home. The Doctor, a refugee from Gallifrey (which may or may not still exist, but either way, it’s not his true home since he was left there as a foundling), doesn’t have one. Throughout the series, many companions have given up their homes to journey with him, only to leave him behind later on. As Anita, the hotel owner, says, “We help people move forward with their lives.” (I particularly enjoyed De Whalley in this episode.)
The Doctor seems to be lamenting his solitude in an unconventional manner by saying, “Don’t you realize how isolated you are?” He is essentially admitting this to himself, as he resides in a colossal spaceship that lacks chairs, and he has not even noticed because no one visits him. However, just like the TARDIS is more than just a spaceship, a rented room with chairs can also become comforting with the right company and time—two aspects that this series frequently explores.
That is your Christmas message. May it serve you well.
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2024-12-23 14:34