Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor is queer and other things we learned in Doctor Who’s Christmas special
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Doctor Who fans were treated to a spectacular Christmas Day special titled “The Church on Ruby Road,” which marked Ncuti Gatwa’s first full episode as the 15th Doctor. The festive special introduced viewers to a new companion, Ruby Sunday (played by Millie Gibson), and showcased the creative genius of showrunner Russell T Davies. Here are five key things we learned from the episode.
First and foremost, Ncuti Gatwa’s 15th Doctor is unapologetically and vocally queer. Following in the footsteps of previous Doctors, such as David Tennant’s 14th Doctor, who expressed attraction to Isaac Newton, Gatwa’s Doctor embraces their LGBTQ+ identity as a genderfluid, queer Time Lord. The episode hinted at potential same-sex love affairs for the 15th Doctor, adding an exciting layer of representation to the series.
Furthermore, the Christmas special placed the Black British community at the heart of the new season. Gatwa has been vocal about his desire to bring “beautifully Black” representation to the show, and the episode delivered on that promise. In addition to featuring the first Black Doctor on the TV series, the special introduced Ruby’s family, Carla (played by Michelle Greenidge) and Cherry (played by Angela Wynte), who provided brilliant representation and added depth to the storyline.
The Timeless Child will be a key theme in the upcoming season. Showrunner Russell T Davies planted the seeds for an overarching plot that will follow Ruby and the Doctor throughout their new adventures. The Doctor’s own birth mystery, explored in Jodie Whittaker’s final season, will be further explored, allowing viewers to delve deeper into the fascinating lore created by ex-showrunner Chris Chibnall.
Thanks to the support of major streaming platform Disney+, Doctor Who has returned with a mega-budget, which is changing the game for the series. The Christmas special showcased the grand ambitions of the show, with epic musical numbers, cameos from stars like Davina McCall and Anita Dobson, and impressive CGI and prosthetics. The upcoming season promises to be on a scale never seen before.
Lastly, the episode introduced viewers to bundles of gadgets and showcased the Doctor’s talents beyond time-traveling. Gone are the days of the rickety metal companion, K9, as the Doctor embraces new technology and funky gadgets. The special hinted at weightless gloves and a flashy new TARDIS, promising endless possibilities for exciting adventures. Additionally, Gatwa showcased his musical expertise by dancing and singing, hinting at more musical moments to come in the series.
Overall, “The Church on Ruby Road” served as an exciting and promising introduction to Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor and Millie Gibson’s companion Ruby Sunday. With a focus on queer representation, Black British culture, and intriguing storylines, Doctor Who is set to embark on a fresh era in 2024. Fans can look forward to a new season that pushes boundaries and delivers unforgettable moments.
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“Ncuti Gatwa Doctor Who Christmas special”
