Doctor Who: The Church on Ruby Road – A Roadmap For The Future

As the festive season rolls around, so does the much anticipated Doctor Who Christmas special, the first since 2017, “The Church on Ruby Road.” Its a delightful romp that ushers in a new era for the long-running sci-fi series. Showrunner Russell T Davies introduces us to Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor and Millie Gibson’s companion Ruby Sunday, creating a fresh and magical take on Doctor Who.

The episode opens with Ruby, a foundling who was abandoned as a baby, about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Inspired by 1986 film Labyrinth and infused with holiday cheer, “The Church on Ruby Road” is a fantastical reinvention of the show. Davies has described this new era as a “sly step towards fantasy,” and the episode’s dreamlike and magical feel certainly reflects this.

Gatwa’s Doctor brings a new energy to the series, with his effortlessly cool and charismatic performance. However, he also maintains the essential characteristics of the Doctor, with their oddball energy, offbeat humour, and underlying melancholy. Gibson’s Ruby is an engaging and strong-willed character who forms a deep bond with the Doctor based on their shared experiences as “foundlings.” Davies cleverly incorporates the Timeless Child reveal from the previous era, making it a central element of their relationship.

Mark Tonderai, who was the director of the critically acclaimed “Rosa” episode, returns to Doctor Who with a visually stunning and hilariously entertaining adventure, “The Church on Ruby Road,” perfect for Christmas Day viewing and providing a road map for the show’s future. A vibrant and interesting world is effortlessly created by combining practical and visual effects.

One of the standout aspects of the episode is the chemistry between Gatwa and Gibson. Their double act is a joy to watch, and they effortlessly carry the episode, both together and individually. Their instant connection and infectious energy give a refreshing boost to the series.

The only real negative I found was that while the episode is mostly enjoyable and entertaining, there are occasional moments that veer into the realm of the absurd. These wild moments, while part of Doctor Who’s charm, have the potential to distract from the overall drama.

Overall, “The Church on Ruby Road” is a jubilant and captivating Christmas special that marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Doctor Who. Gatwa’s Doctor and Gibson’s Ruby are a fantastic duo, and their adventures are filled with laughter, heart, and a touch of holiday magic. With the perfect blend of newness and familiar elements, this episode is a must-watch for fans and newcomers alike. As the Doctor and Ruby set off on their journey, I eagerly await what lies ahead in this new era of Doctor Who.

Doctor Who: The Church on Ruby Road premiered on Christmas Day on BBC One and Disney+ and is available to watch on BBC iPlayer in the UK and Disney+ in the rest of the world.