“The Church on Ruby Rd.” is the 2023 Doctor Who Christmas special, marking the debut of Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor. The episode begins with Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson), who was abandoned as a baby on the steps of the titular church. Now grown, Ruby’s life is disrupted by mischievous goblins who thrive on bad luck and coincidence. The Doctor meets Ruby in a bustling nightclub, setting the stage for a thrilling adventure to rescue a baby kidnapped by the goblins and uncover Ruby’s mysterious origins.
Themes:
- Fate and Coincidence: The goblins feed on the randomness and unpredictability of life, highlighting how seemingly small events can have significant consequences.
- Identity and Belonging: Ruby’s search for her origins and the Doctor’s continuous journey of self-discovery resonate throughout the episode, exploring themes of identity and the need for belonging.
- Courage and Compassion: Both the Doctor and Ruby display immense bravery and empathy as they confront the goblins and unravel the mystery of the church.
Characters:
- The Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa): Gatwa brings a fresh energy to the Doctor, balancing charm and a darker, introspective side. His Doctor is resourceful, compassionate, and deeply connected to Ruby’s plight .
- Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson): Ruby is a compelling new companion with a mysterious past. Her determination and quick thinking make her an ideal partner for the Doctor.
- The Goblins: As antagonists, the goblins are both whimsical and menacing, adding a layer of dark fantasy to the episode. Their ability to manipulate luck makes them formidable foes.
- Davina McCall: Playing herself, McCall’s cameo adds a touch of humour and celebrity flair, as she attempts to help Ruby find her birth parents through a reality TV show.
Production Facts:
- Director: Mark Tonderai, known for his work on other high-profile TV series, skilfully blends festive cheer with darker, more sinister elements in this special.
- Writer: Russell T Davies, returning as showrunner, infuses the episode with his characteristic mix of emotional depth and sci-fi intrigue.
- Special Effects: The episode features innovative special effects, particularly in the depiction of the goblins and their magical, time-bending abilities.
- Filming Locations: Key scenes were filmed in Cardiff, with the historic charm of the locations adding to the episode’s atmospheric setting.
Audience Reactions: The episode was well-received, with critics and fans praising Ncuti Gatwa’s performance and the dynamic between him and Millie Gibson. The balance of humour, action, and heartfelt moments struck a chord, making it a standout Christmas special. Viewers also appreciated the nostalgic nods to past episodes and the fresh direction for the new Doctor-companion duo.
Overall, “The Church on Ruby Rd.” successfully reintroduces the Christmas special tradition in Doctor Who, combining festive elements with thrilling sci-fi storytelling. The episode not only sets up future adventures for the Fifteenth Doctor and Ruby but also delivers a standalone story that is both engaging and emotionally resonant.