The 2023 Doctor Who Christmas special, “Joy to the World,” brings a much-needed emotional depth to the festive season. Joy (Nicola Coughlan), a new addition to the Doctor Who family, is introduced as she checks into a hotel alone during the holidays. However, her isolation is short-lived as she meets the Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) who enters her room with an offer of a cheese toastie and pumpkin latte.
Unlike previous specials, which had lower stakes, “Joy to the World” takes on a more serious tone as the Doctor tries to prevent the end of planet Earth. The special’s focus on the holiday season allows for a unique exploration of loneliness, disease, and shame that resonates with viewers’ experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ncuti Gatwa shines in his first Christmas special as the Doctor, slowly evolving over time as he befriends hotel employee Anita (Stephanie de Whalley) and grows kinder, more empathetic. His performance marks a new era for the show, delivering a shot of pure dopamine with its delightful mix of action, comedy, and heart.
What makes “Joy to the World” stand out is its ability to balance complex plotlines with emotional depth, making it feel like a regular episode with Christmassy elements rather than an afterthought. The special articulates the pain of feeling unloved during the holiday season, waiting for kindness that never comes. As the Doctor and Joy navigate their journeys, they reveal stunning moments of longing for human connection, healing old wounds, and embracing growth.
As the show embarks on a new era with Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor, “Joy to the World” proves to be a heartfelt holiday special that will leave viewers feeling hopeful and inspired.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2024/dec/25/doctor-who-joy-to-the-world-review-a-warm-moving-christmas-special-for-the-ages