Our introduction to the era of the fifteenth Doctor in “Doctor Who Church On Ruby Road” is, to put it mildly, a mixed bag. It’s important to state upfront that criticism here isn’t coming from a place of negativity towards the show’s inclusive direction. In fact, the forward-thinking nature of Doctor Who is a significant part of its appeal. However, the storyline of this Christmas special presents some perplexing elements.
The introduction of the goblins, for instance, feels underdeveloped and confusing. Their reliance on “coincidence” and “knots as science” is a stretch, even within the realms of Doctor Who’s often flexible logic. While the show has previously blended sci-fi with fantasy elements, the Goblin concept, aside from their admittedly catchy musical number, lacks a certain depth and feels somewhat arbitrary.
Conversely, the mystery surrounding Ruby Sunday’s origins immediately grabs attention. Speculation about her parentage and backstory is already proving to be engaging for viewers. However, the rapid pace at which her relationship with the Doctor evolves is somewhat jarring. Their instant rapport and ease of conversation, as if they were long-established friends, feels unnatural and prevents a deeper investment in their burgeoning friendship at this early stage.
While Millie Gibson undoubtedly displays potential in her portrayal of Ruby, Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor is still finding his footing. This Christmas special represents an unsteady beginning, but it’s crucial to remember the track record of Russel T Davies. He is, after all, the showrunner who successfully revived Doctor Who and breathed new life into the Time Lord for a modern audience. There’s a strong sense of hope that he can repeat this feat, even if the initial steps are a little less sure-footed this time around.
