Following the Christmas special “The Church on Ruby Rd.,” the next episode, “Space Babies,” kicks off the new series with a fascinating mix of adventure and mystery. The episode opens with the Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) arriving on a seemingly abandoned space station. They quickly discover that the station is home to a group of highly intelligent, telepathic babies who are the product of an experiment gone awry. These “space babies” possess vast knowledge but lack the physical maturity to harness it effectively.
As the Doctor and Ruby delve deeper, they learn that the station was part of a project to accelerate human evolution, overseen by a rogue scientist who has now gone missing. The babies communicate a warning about a looming threat, which turns out to be a parasitic alien race drawn to the babies’ psychic energy. The Doctor and Ruby must protect the babies and prevent the parasitic aliens from using them to gain unimaginable power.
Themes:
- Ethics of Scientific Experimentation: The episode explores the moral implications of pushing scientific boundaries, questioning the responsibility and consequences of such actions.
- Innocence and Power: The juxtaposition of the babies’ innocence with their immense knowledge highlights the potential and pitfalls of power without maturity.
- Protecting the Vulnerable: A recurring theme is the importance of safeguarding those who cannot protect themselves, underscoring the Doctor’s role as a guardian of all life forms.
Characters:
- The Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa): Gatwa continues to bring a fresh and dynamic energy to the role, displaying a mix of wit, compassion, and a fierce protective instinct.
- Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson): Ruby’s resourcefulness and empathy are crucial in communicating with the space babies and aiding the Doctor in their mission.
- The Space Babies: These telepathic infants are central to the plot, serving both as a source of wonder and a catalyst for the unfolding conflict.
- The Rogue Scientist: Although mostly absent, the backstory of this character drives much of the episode’s ethical dilemmas and serves as a cautionary tale.
Production Facts:
- Director: Mark Tonderai, who also directed “The Church on Ruby Rd.,” brings his signature style to the episode, blending suspense and emotional depth.
- Writer: Russell T Davies, continuing his role as showrunner, infuses the episode with thought-provoking themes and character-driven storytelling.
- Special Effects: The depiction of the space station and the telepathic abilities of the babies are highlighted by impressive visual effects, contributing to the episode’s futuristic and otherworldly atmosphere.
- Filming Locations: Key scenes were shot at Wolf Studios Wales, with extensive use of soundstages to create the space station environment.
Audience Reactions: “Space Babies” received a positive reception, with critics and fans praising Gatwa’s performance and the episode’s blend of sci-fi intrigue and ethical questions. The introduction of the space babies was seen as both innovative and poignant, adding a fresh twist to the Doctor Who universe. Viewers appreciated the deepening relationship between the Doctor and Ruby, as well as the high production values that have come to define the series under Russell T Davies’ stewardship.
Overall, “Space Babies” effectively sets the stage for the new series, balancing high-stakes adventure with reflective moments that challenge both characters and audience to consider the broader implications of scientific advancement.