The 2024 Christmas special of Doctor Who, titled “Joy to the World,” has left fans rejoicing. The festive episode brings back writer Steven Moffat, who penned some of the show’s most memorable moments since its return in 2005.
In this year’s special, the Fifteenth Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) checks in at the Time Hotel, a venue offering holiday packages to anywhere in time. There, he teams up with Joy (Nicola Coughlan), who finds herself chained to a case that could bring about the end of the universe.
Showrunner Russell T Davies and writer Steven Moffat discussed “Joy” in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. Easter eggs abound in the special, including nods to Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings and the animated children’s show Mr. Benn.
The Time Hotel concept has sparked discussions about a potential spinoff. Steven Moffat believes the idea is fertile ground for further exploration, describing it as “Mr. Benn for a new generation.”
The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in the special’s storyline. Writer Steven Moffat wanted to incorporate the theme of loss and anger into the story, referencing the pain experienced by those who lost loved ones during the pandemic.
In the episode’s ending, the Doctor appears in Bethlehem on Christmas Day, witnessing Joy become visible as a star to all around. Showrunner Russell T Davies plans to write a story set in Bethlehem in the future, possibly exploring Mary’s life and her twin children.
The 2024 Christmas special of Doctor Who is now available on Disney+.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/doctor-who-christmas-special-easter-eggs-ending-1236092148