Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
Cast: Ncuti Gatwa, Millie Gibson, Davina McCall, Anita Dobson, Michelle Greenidge, Angela Wynter, Barney Wilkinson, Bobby Bradley, Mary Malone, Belinda Owusu, Gemma Arrowsmith, Hemi Yeroham.
The Christmas special of Doctor Who is arguably never meant to be taken as seriously as the series that follows it, it is after all a time for hope and the occasional moment of silliness, not one for frights and trepidation.
That said it has to be memorable, it effectively is the selling point for the new series, and never more when it has at the helm of the Tardis a new incarnation of the Doctor. Charisma is the point, personality and magnetism the belief behind the dream, and in The Church On Ruby Road that emotional outpouring is driven by the fascinating charm displayed by the latest actor to occupy the title of the time traveller from Gallifrey, the talented and energetic Ncuti Gatwa.
After the drama of David Tennant’s return for the three 60th anniversary specials in November and the start of December, the mood is lightened by the appearance of singing goblins, an inclusion that the late David Bowie might have welcomed as it reminded the viewers of his role in the film Labyrinth, but which also resonated the sense of sadness that comes from those left behind over the festive period, those to whom family is not always forthcoming as they are abandoned and become foundlings.
It is the sadness within the smile that sets the scene on the episode, the fact that Russell T. Davies can promote without dwelling upon or ramming home the direction in which the following series is apt to take is worth the nod of appreciation to the lead writer; and with Millie Gibson being the prominent face of the viewer’s understanding of abandonment, and with terrific performances by Anita Dobson as the mysterious Mrs. Flood, and the outstanding Michelle Greenidge as Ruby’s foster mother, the silliness of the piece is successful, but not as much as the understated agony and dichotomy of feelings that the new era of Doctor Who supplies in droves.
A Christmas cracker of a festive offering, one that is enjoyable as it is impressive.
Ian D. Hall