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"Joy To The World: Moffat’s Festive Return Shines Bright"

Steven Moffat returns to Doctor Who with Joy to the World, a festive romp full of Christmas spirit, cheeky humor, and his trademark timey-wimey twists. Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor leads the charge in this inventive tale set in the Time Hotel, where each room serves as a portal to moments in human history. It's a brilliant concept, blending whimsy and mystery with a dash of holiday charm.

Gatwa is in his element, fully embodying the quirky, compassionate, and enigmatic essence of the Doctor. This episode marks a turning point for his performance, radiating both alien energy and relatable humanity. His interactions with Nicola Coughlan's Joy, a guest-turned-companion, are warm but uneven. While Joy's backstory—losing her mother to COVID—is poignant, her character often feels more like a plot device than a fully fleshed-out figure. Surprisingly, Stephanie de Whalley’s Anita, a witty hotel receptionist, steals the spotlight in her scenes, offering heartfelt moments as the Doctor spends a year working alongside her.

The story revolves around a mysterious star seed that connects with Joy, setting off a chain of events involving time loops, dinosaurs, and a dash of Indiana Jones-style action. Moffat peppers the script with clever explanations, like why hotel rooms always have locked doors, while weaving in his signature exploration of the Doctor's emotions—this time focusing on his loneliness after Ruby’s departure.

The supporting cast is delightful but underused. Joel Fry (from Game of Thrones) as Trev and Jonathan Aris (from Sherlock and His Dark Materials) as a Silurian hotel manager provide charm and humor but exit the story far too quickly. Meanwhile, the bootstrap paradox and time loops are handled with a light touch, making the story accessible without sacrificing the fun of temporal twists.

The production is stellar, with lush sets, thrilling action sequences, and even a surprisingly well-realized dinosaur encounter, showcasing the benefits of Disney’s increased budget. The Time Hotel is a visual feast, and the script balances its festive cheer with darker undertones, including a sharp critique of politics and the pandemic’s impact.

However, the resolution feels overstuffed. Joy transforming into the Bethlehem star, spreading hope across time and space, is touching but unnecessarily grandiose. The religious undertone is divisive and not essential to convey the story's message of spreading joy.

The final moments bring a tear to the eye, with a heartfelt goodbye to Joy and a brief but welcome appearance from Ruby, reminding viewers she’s not forgotten.

📝Verdict: 8.85/10

Ultimately, Joy to the World is a heartfelt and entertaining Christmas special, capturing the holiday spirit while giving Gatwa’s Doctor his best showcase yet. It’s festive, fun, and just a little bit mad—exactly what Doctor Who should be.

RANDOM OBSERVATIONS:

• I really get a craving for a ham and cheese toastie and a pumpkin latte now.
• Love the motto of “Christmas Everywhere All At Once,” which also feels like a reference to the multiverse-hopping and Academy Award-winning movie Everything Everywhere All At Once.
• The Doctor walks past a round door in the Time Hotel, and the door looks a bit like a Hobbit door.