Movies News Talk
The Doctor Who series is getting ready for its next major adventure, and "Joy to the World" looks to be a major one. Let's first review what made "The Church On Ruby Road" so unique and why its format ought to be a model for the future before we delve into the Christmas special.
Introduced Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor and Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday, Doctor Who's 2023 Christmas special "The Church On Ruby Road," acted as a soft reboot for the show. By becoming the actual beginning point for Doctor Who season 14, this episode broke custom. Doctor Who's Christmas specials used to be often stand-alone adventures, reachable even for those not particularly devoted fans. But "The Church on Ruby Road" reversed the rules. Without first viewing Doctor Who season 14, you would not be able to really appreciate it. This created an interesting experience that raised expectation and prepared the ground for the remainder of the season.
Acting as the actual beginning of Doctor Who season 15, Steven Moffat's "Joy To The World" has the ability to copy the success of "The Church on Ruby Road." For those who wish to totally savor the adventures of the new season, this makes the Christmas special a must-see. This strategy not only makes the special more tightly related to the continuous narrative but also generates excitement and continuity for the forthcoming season.
Beyond the arrival of the new Doctor and companion, "The Church on Ruby Road" deftly spun in several narratives that would be covered throughout Doctor Who season 14. Introduced in this special, the mystery of Ruby's beginnings ran across the season and finally found a fulfilling answer. Likewise, Anita Dobson's mysterious Mrs. Flood gave the season a fascinating touch that made viewers eager to know her actual name.
Without having seen "The Church on Ruby Road," these continuing narratives made it impossible to really enjoy Doctor Who season 14. From the conventional standalone Christmas specials, this was a welcome change. It inspired fans to follow the story arc of the season, so fostering an urgency and involvement among them.
Although it's great that the Christmas special will be the starting point for the next season, we shouldn't completely discount the custom of standalone Christmas specials. Usually available to those not familiar with the show, these special episodes have a particular place in Doctor Who's legacy. They give fresh viewers an opportunity to enjoy Doctor Who's wonders without having to catch up on past seasons. This is especially pertinent during the holidays when families get together to view TV together.
"The Church on Ruby Road" deftly closed the distance between season-opening specials and individual episodes. It set the foundation for the general story of the season and gave a fascinating introduction to the new Doctor Who era. This strategy worked, thus "Joy To The World" should try to follow it.
Doctor Who might gain going forward from a mixed strategy combining season-opening specials with stand-alone Christmas shows. This would guarantee that there is something for everyone, so serving both newbies and committed supporters.
The secret is to keep developing and inventing while yet staying true to the fundamental values of Doctor Who, a show that has enthralled viewers for decades. Doctor Who can assure its ongoing relevance and success for years to come by embracing the best of its past and looking ahead.