Doctor Who is one of the most iconic and storied sci-fi franchises ever. However, while the long-running British TV series commands a legion of loyal Whovians across the globe, its low budget has held the show back from reaching the same heights as, say, Star Trek and Star Wars. However, with Disney+ now involved, Doctor Who stands a very real chance of breaking into the mainstream and attracting a larger audience than ever before. That was evident from last year’s specials and, with Russell T. Davies (who relaunched the series to great success in 2005) at the helm, the Whoniverse is in undeniably safe hands.
Two episodes were provided for review, both of which launch on Disney+/BBC this weekend. The first of those is "Space Babies," a light-hearted effort allowing Millie Davies to establish Ruby Sunday as the Doctor’s new companion as she discovers the wackiness and joy which comes with traversing time and space with a Time Lord. Similar to Davies’ previous Doctor Who relaunch, it feels like the series is getting back to basics and having fun with its premise (all while keeping what works and respecting the franchise’s history with plenty of nods to the past, including the divisive "Timeless Child" arc).
Doctor Who still may not command a budget akin to The Mandalorian and Game of Thrones, for example, but there are some impressive creature effects in the premiere and VFX which is leaps and bounds above what’s previously led to the show receiving scorn from some. "Space Babies" deepens the Ruby Sunday mystery in an Alien-inspired adventure, and with Peter Hoar’s (Daredevil) direction and Davies’ writing, it should remind longtime fans why they love this silly, spectacular series. After all, it's talking babies in space; how can you not smile at that?
The second episode, "Devil’s Chord," penned by Davies and helmed by Amanda Brotchie (Lowdown), feels much bigger in comparison and does a magnificent job of revealing the sheer potential of this ambitious relaunch. Taking us to 1963, we find a world where music is no more and The Beatles…well, they’re not exactly on the path to superstardom. The reason is Maestro, a terrifying new villain played by a scene-stealing Jinkx Monsoon. This is classic Who with big stakes, gorgeous visuals, and an edge-of-your-seat battle between good and evil with the fate of reality itself on the line.
Davies’ original Doctor Who run with Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant had heaps of high points, but it feels like he’s finally able to put his ambitious vision for the franchise on screen with this second relaunch. That’s evident from this gloriously camp yet wholly epic instalment. It can be a tad indulgent at times and there are moments which would benefit from being dialled back a little. Then again, we’ve had Doctors who embrace their inner darkness and, right now, that doesn’t feel like the right match for Gatwa’s reinvigorated Time Lord.
So, what of the Doctor himself? Last year’s Christmas special was a showcase for Ncuti Gatwa (as was his brief appearance in "The Giggle"), but it’s here we really get to see what he’ll bring to the table as the iconic character. He absolutely smashes it and may already be destined to go down as one of the best to ever step inside the TARDIS. Likeable and cheeky, but still ever so slightly haunted by his many lifetimes travelling across the universe, Gawta balances that with a levity which makes his Doctor a joy to watch in action. As for Millie Gibson, while it feels like she’s still coming into her own as a companion, there’s potential there for her to be one of the Doctor’s better sidekicks. Living up to the benchmark set by the likes of Karen Gillan, Catherine Tate, and Jenna-Louise Coleman won’t be easy, but she’s a star in the making and has a charming dynamic with Gatwa we're eager to see more of. Ruby needs to be more than a mystery and will hopefully get the chance to shine in upcoming episodes.
If you’re a longtime Doctor Who fan, then there’s no reason not to return to the series. This is a fresh start that’s not quite as bogged down by continuity and deep-cut characters from the past (not yet, at least). Will that upset those with a comprehensive knowledge of the Whoniverse keen for more Master and Daleks? Perhaps. Davies is, however, laying the groundwork for a new big bad and that’s an exciting prospect. For those of you unfamiliar with Doctor Who, this is a terrific jumping-on-point and a fantastic way to begin delving into a world that you can now explore in its entirety on streaming. Hopefully, it can keep this momentum going because the ingredients are all there the TARDIS to soar to new heights.
Doctor Who is back and bigger, better, and more brilliant than ever. Alongside the fantastic Ncuti Gatwa, returning showrunner Russell T Davies is crafting an epic new run which makes this Whoniverse relaunch a must-watch for new and returning fans alike. ⭐⭐⭐⭐