Doctor Who‘s brand new series has ended, and it’s left fans buzzing. Some call it season #1 as it was sort of a reboot, but let’s be real, most of us call it series 14. This series was a game-changer, introducing Ncuti Gatwa as the 15th Doctor and marking the triumphant return of Russell T Davies since series 4. So, we’ve got something old (the Doctor), something new (the new Doctor), something borrowed (the villain; from the 4th Doctor stories), and something blue (the TARDIS, obviously).
In the world of Doctor Who, fans are split between Team Russell T Davies (series 1-4) and Team Steven Moffat (series 5-10). Each has their unique flair: Davies is a master at character creation, while Moffat spins intricate, mind-bending tales. Personally, I’m a fan of both. My top episodes were penned by Moffat but produced under Davies: “Blink,” “The Empty Child,” “The Doctor Dances,” “Silence in the Library,” and “Forest of the Dead.”
River Song fans, it’s time to say it: Spoilers!
How does series 14 stack up against the previous 13 “Nu-Who” series?
Surprisingly, it’s a hit. Sure, there were a couple of duds: “Space Babies” was cringe-worthy, and “Dot and Bubble” was a snooze-fest. But then, we had three absolute gems: “73 Yards” and the two-part finale. The rest of the episodes were decent, with “The Devil’s Chord” having its moments.
Getting back to Moffat for a moment: he returned to write an episode this series, titled “Boom.” It was good but not his finest work. It felt like a high-quality filler episode, missing that extra depth to make it a classic. The idea of the Doctor sitting on a landmine for the most of the episode is intriguing in theory, but in practice, it felt a bit flat.
The 14th series mainly focused on the new Doctor and his companion, Ruby Sunday, and her mysterious backstory. So, let’s dive into those.
First up, the Doctor. Ncuti Gatwa was born to play the Doctor. His portrayal is electrifying, brimming with energy, emotions, and a dash of unpredictability. He’s like a cocktail of the 10th and 11th Doctors, with his unique twist. He’s a child at heart and a 2000-year-old Time Lord rolled into one.
Now, let’s talk about Ruby Sunday. The central mystery was her unknown mother. The Doctor saw her but couldn’t see her face. Ruby also glimpses her mother but with the same result. Finally, in the two-part finale, a DNA test reveals the truth, thanks to UNIT‘s superior tech, making Davina McCall’s team look like amateurs (“The Church on Ruby Road”).
But here’s the kicker: in “The Church on Ruby Road,” Davina’s team couldn’t trace Ruby’s lineage, suggesting she had no earthly relatives, hinting she might be an alien. Yet, she turns out to be the daughter of two ordinary humans. Plot hole alert! This contradiction is a bit like Rey’s parentage reveal in Star Wars—initially mysterious, then mundanely human. A bit boring…
Could this plot hole have been fixed? Yes. Ruby could’ve been from the distant past or future, making DNA matches impossible. Or, she could’ve been a paradox, with no DNA matches because her mother was, well, herself. Sometimes, keeping secrets is more thrilling, just like the Doctor’s true name.
Regardless, Ruby Sunday shines as a companion. Millie Gibson delivers a stellar performance, especially in “73 Yards,” a Doctor-Lite episode that leaves just enough mystery to keep us hooked. Some despise ambiguous plots, but I adore them.
Overall, series 14 was a delightful surprise. A mix of bad, average, and fantastic episodes, but the overall vibe was positive.
Now, I’m eagerly awaiting the Christmas 2024 special “Joy to the World,” penned by Steven Moffat and starring Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan as the companion. It promises to be a festive treat. Only six months to go!
Jarmo Puolakanaho 