The blossomiest blossom
For a show running for more than 60 years (with the odd hiatus here and there) we should probably start with some context like this unprecedented regeneration sequence that sees 13 turn into not-10.
Let’s also establish that I enjoyed Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor (a great rolemodel for my daughters even if she lacked agency at the best of times), thought the cosmic frog (Solitract) was awesome and I’m actually alright with the Timless Child lore update.
Denial would have me believe that the Doctor’s origin story – the one where they were not of Gallifrey and were instrumental in unlocking the Time Lord science of regeneration through experimentation – is but a Masterful manipulation of the Matrix.
In truth, I like this spin of the Cartmel Masterplan and hope it is fully exploited for new creative direction and franchise longevity.
Anyway – Russell T Davies (RTD) is back for more and he’s brought David Tennant and Catherine Tate with him.
‘The Star Beast’ – Cute & Killy
The Doctor lands in London to find an old friend, a new enemy, and aliens wreaking havoc.
Fun! That’s what this 2023 special is. It’s a an absolute joy to see Tennant and Tate return to Doctor Who.
We re-acquaint ourselves with Donna Noble’s family, meet a new member – her daughter Rose – and find ourselves thrust into the alien drama quite quickly.
There are callbacks to please the fans and the UNIT of this era is reminiscent of Marvel’s S.H.I.E.L.D. but maybe that’s the Disney influence.
Overall, it’s a fantastic start to the 2023 specials.
‘Wild Blue Yonder’ – The Longest Corridor
An out-of-control TARDIS takes the Doctor and Donna to the furthest edge of adventure.
Probably the weaker of the specials overall but this one has a brilliant concept that makes it memorable and worthy of a ‘filler’ spot.
The tonal shift from the previous special makes Wild Blue Yonder even more terrifying and it reminds me of one of the best RTD eps ever – Midnight (2008). And I think that’s why this special suffers because nothing can top that.
Despite the comparison, Tennant and Tate deliver a sublime performance.
‘The Giggle’ – Dangerous Games
The Doctor is powerless as the terrifying Toymaker holds the human race in his grasp.
How do you change the state of the universe? It’s simple, really, you break the rules.
These specials are fascinating in that they set in motion the inciting incidents that force a fundamental change from the science we expect to layering in the more surreal and fantasy stuff.
Of course, the villain in this piece is the Toymaker and he has been playing games with Earth for a long time. How extensive is this influence? Some of those consequences follow on in the next special.
Overall, a great and action-packed story (don’t forget the creepy dolls) with some solid nostalgic hits (Mel! Kate!) but the final battle/game was a tad lame.
Talk about breaking rules we witness a bi-generation!
‘The Church on Ruby Road’ – You Remind Me of the Babe!
Ruby Sunday collides with a man called the Doctor – and her life will never be the same.
Goblins, orphans, Ncuti Gatwa takes the lead as our incumbent Doctor (even though the ‘old’ not-10 is lurking) and we meet the new companion Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson).
Going full fantasy with this new status quo is a wise and fresh approach. It’s also clear, what with all the parallels, that RTD is weaving the Timeless Child in and doubling or tripling down.
By the way I’m all for a musical episode. And yeah I enjoyed this song.
But who is Mrs Flood?
Any predictions?
Maybe she’s one of the babies that Ruby helps but wibbly-wobbly-timey-wimey she’s all grown up and living in her past.
Never seen a TARDIS before?
Looking forward to the new season which airs this weekend!