The Highs and Lows of The Church on Ruby Road

[@Joe_Brennan_]

Let me know how you feel about The Fifteenth Doctor, about Ruby Sunday, and about the episode as a whole!

[@odonovan]

I was INCREDIBLY disappointed in the writing for Gatwa and Gibson, at the beginning of the episode. The Doctor is dancing around like a "club kid" and Ruby is staring at him like, "who's that hot guy," which immediately felt inappropriate for both characters. When we (the audience) need to identify with them as The Doctor and the companion, respectively, we're looking at years of character development, and we know the role each character plays in the ongoing storylines. Firstly, The Doctor isn't some young party animal. He's billions of years old, at this point. Any nightclubbing, showing off his body, and dance floor flirting would have gotten VERY old to him many lifetimes ago. He's The Doctor, not some young slut. Having him in a tight "wife beater" (undershirt) and skirt is shoving a gender identity/sexuality agenda into our faces too quickly. Things such as that have always been very low key on the show, such as the occasional flirting by Harkness and the like. The show was okay overall, but I can't help but think discretion would be the better part of valor, in this case.

[@DraakjeYoblama]

​@@odonovanGay people existing is not the same as "shoving an agenda in your face".

[@dagga07]

@@odonovan i get your point but your forgetting each doctor still has there own personality and the 15th is supposed to be retroactively healed because the 14th "went into therapy" which has given the new doctor a fresh more youthful outlook. saying that its just one episode so im sure we will see the billions of years catching up on him at some point.

[@NightShinerStudio]

​@@odonovanit's a kilt

[@ThisIsNotAHairOnYourScreen]

I thought it was pretty great, I like the charisma of the new Doctor and I think Ruby is an interesting character as she feels like a realistic ordinary person and it's relatable to put yourself in Ruby's shoes as she is normal and it's like you are learning about this new doctor with her. I also thought the part where Ruby was essentially erased from time was powerful as it was a very different present day with the mum and gran being all alone on Christmas and goes to show how much of a positive impact kind people have on people and their lives.

[@navebushes5717]

Love that Ncuti isn’t bound to one outfit like the other doctors, makes him a lot more fresh and exciting in my eyes

[@Joe_Brennan_]

Yeah it adds a great layer of “oooh what’s he gonna be in this week?”

[@mrgerund3060]

he isn't too busy constantly running to change his outfit it seems

[@HarryJohnClarke]

RIP to the reveal costume that got about 7 seconds of screen time in a montage :’( hope that one comes back

[@acunt]

it does leave him without an iconic look though, I do wish he has a few recurring outfits because his main one in this episode is too good to not use again.

[@allyson87]

@@acunt I feel like the different outfits in this episode were smart and subtle way to tie him to all the previous modern doctors. I think he’ll get his own iconic style in the regular season this spring.

[@nickl2854]

I really appreciate this channel's reviews! Modern day nerd culture is such a toxic cesspool that it can be difficult to separate it from the shows themselves, really appreciate seeing normal, constructive takes on this stuff!

[@Joe_Brennan_]

Happy to be the normal diamond in the toxic rough

[@h_3_x_]

Grow up

[@CeceSaysHi_950]

The best part of the episode by far was when they just landed on the ship. The doctor was trying to learn how to communicate with ropes ruby was asking all these questions and trying to figure him out and you could just see their character dynamic shining through. I love them both felt very shocked when they started singing but it’s Christmas so they can have that one. Overall a great set up for what’s to come!

[@Joe_Brennan_]

I completely agree! That was proper Doctor Who magic

[@ricebowl_]

I also have a Jamaican grandmother who’s name is cherry and bc it was Christmas my grandparents were watching the episode with my sister and I so there was a big shared laugh at that and then also when she was complaining about not getting her tea because that’s also very like my nan😭 I just love that the show allowed for a very cool very specific point of relatability for me

[@Joe_Brennan_]

What a wonderful coincidence (uh oh!) glad to know it was an accurate depiction

[@thejfoshow1320]

Goblins are going to smash a rice bowl

[@_k_n_]

Same! I almost dropped my phone when i heard the accent.

[@nettieb7604]

you’re so right about the timeless child thing - I’m really not a fan of the lore implications at all, but the way they’ve made it into something 15 shares with his new companion is a little stroke of genius

[@Joe_Brennan_]

I can’t believe that as soon as it popped up in Wild Blue Yonder, my attitude went from “ugh” to “oooo”

[@JustChrisWillDoTa]

I thought the scene showing the impact of Ruby not being adopted was really great. 15 had said earlier how cool it was that Ruby had the biggest family in the world with all those fostered kids, so then seeing how the doctor was devastated at these 30 kids not having had that loving foster home, and Ruby's mum being so different and cold, was really good impactful stuff. The resolution wasn't the best, but really enjoyable episode overall.

[@Joe_Brennan_]

Yeah I do like some of the ideas at play, it’s just that it didn’t necessarily show us anything we couldn’t have figured out, and no one in the story needed to know it

[@shnoozezzz9752]

@@Joe_Brennan_ i like to think it highlights what happens when the doctor doesnt have someone like ruby at his side, maybe not as self serving but still more bitter and cold than if he did have a ray of sunshine like ruby

[@Spyrotastic141]

One thing I dont think I've heard many people talk about that I LOVED is Ruby putting the pieces together about the Doctor being a time traveller all by herself. That whole scene was great imo

[@Joe_Brennan_]

RTD is always great at having characters be smart and quick to catch on, it’s way better than people being clueless to everything around them

[@adamfreddo5703]

The irony with that snowman scene, what he says to the police man and the way it's acted, that for me was the "oh he's definitely the Doctor" scene. I'm glad it was asked to be put in. It felt like something Eccleston's Doctor would have done.

[@Joe_Brennan_]

Yeah it’s one of those scenes I can see most Doctors doing, which probably is a good way to tell if it’s a good scene for a new Doctor

[@ItsTheCatSpeaking24]

Completely agree- felt very Ecclestoney ❤

[@ernestoyepez5103]

It was recorded recently no back then so Ncuti was more in the skin of the role and it show

[@adamfreddo5703]

@@ernestoyepez5103 oh the confidence does show absolutely.

[@ajax4887]

It felt like such a pointless scene

[@J0shJames]

I think the Doctor's level of freedom in the dance scene is somewhat reflective of their age too - not too tied down by the anxieties and self-consciousness that comes with youth sometimes. I think its particularly that way after the split between Ncuti and David.

[@barbdec24]

Sometimes, a Christmas episode is just a Christmas episode. I thought it was the most fun I've had in years -- I found Dr Who to be rather loaded down the past few years. 15 (and RTD) has rapidly restored my love of Dr Who. And the goblin song just blew me away - I was floored by Ncuti's talent. This is gonna be fun!

[@Joe_Brennan_]

Fun is exactly the word!

[@stanley5745]

I was just talking fondly about that Capaldi fourth wall break yesterday too, I think it's a fun thing for the show to do very occaisionally. I've really enjoyed hearing your thoughts on all these specials, looking forward to more next year!

[@Joe_Brennan_]

Yeah I’m not someone who gets funny about the implications of a break like that, it’s always memorable. Thank you for the comment! I hope you continue to enjoy these videos.

[@raccoonja-ronja]

I really liked the episode, but what I found really weird that they just left Carla, Chery and Lulubell in the flat with the broken ceiling and without even saying goodbye.

[@Joe_Brennan_]

That ending just happened so quickly you’re right, struck me as really odd on rewatch. She’s going “what am I gonna do about this!!!” and the episode’s answer is “we don’t care”

[@FatCatFanatic]

Was I the only person who found the impalement of the Goblin King a bit of a tonal jar from the rest of the fun vibe of this episode? I really hope we're not going to have a repeat of Chibnall-era 'well, the Doctor just kills people and is fine with it now' attitude. Otherwise ... *chef's kiss* for this episode. I'm all in for DW being fun again.

[@TheCartooner]

Only Ncuti could look good waving a gaming mouse around. I think the screwdriver is the only thing that really got to me, and even then I barely thought about it past its first use. I thought this episode was great otherwise, and couldn't agree more with what seems to be the general consensus that Ncuti and Millie are exceptional. The fact that expectations were set so high and they still managed to surpass them is nuts

[@Joe_Brennan_]

I wonder if we’ll ever all wonder when we ever doubted this sonic, because it really felt better the more I saw it

[@SuddenBiscuit]

Completely agree with all of your thoughts. I really enjoyed the episode and there was some great stuff in there, though I can't say I loved it, as there were definitely a couple of snags in it for me. I absolutely fell in love with Ncuti and Millie though, and can't wait to see more of them next year!

[@Joe_Brennan_]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@Bejjiman]

I love ncuti and Millie, their chemistry is so infectious

[@Joe_Brennan_]

I’m so excited to see more of it, they absolutely shone

[@philippasmy6184]

The musical sectioned me of when you said that people were being tricked into watching musicals, and overall I really enjoyed it. Hope you had a good Christmas

[@Joe_Brennan_]

It’s definitely the season for lying to your audience about how normal and accessible something is. I’m glad you enjoyed it too, I hope your Christmas was wonderful!

[@DexterWho89]

@@Joe_Brennan_ I had no idea either of them could sing but oh boy, that sequence made me smile with absolute delight. I can describe this episode in no better words than 'pure magic'.

[@lukeunlocked]

"Davina McCall, I think she should have stayed dead" ~Joe Brennan, 2023 (in the biggest text you've ever seen)

[@DexterWho89]

I admit, it was a bit odd seeing The Doctor being a bit more overtly queer and 'Doctor Who' leaning into the mystical, but it feels like a refreshingly modern direction to take the program. I'm also quite impressed with how RTD is building a tapestry out of things that absolutely didn't work in Jodie's era, such as leaning more into that queer territory and weaving a larger narrative out of 'The Timeless Child'.

[@Joe_Brennan_]

Yeah it’s been really fascinating seeing how Russell works when he’s picking up where another showrunner left off, Moffat and Chibnall both went with the pretty blank slate approach so I guess we assumed RTD would be the same. I’m fully on board with the Chibnall thread redemption tour.

[@NottJoeyOfficial]

I love when Doctor Who does more fantasy type stuff. I loved seeing 11's run as a fairy tale type story the whole time, it really worked. I'm excited to see how RTD handles that, but if this episode is anything to go by it will be amazing.

[@jsnow7919]

Amazing review as always! Here's my theory regarding Mrs Flood: In Water of Mars, we have the above quote about THE FLOOD: "Water is patient. Water just waits" The Toymaker then references "The one who waits" We now have Mrs Flood who sits waiting outside her house.

[@Julios_47]

Hey man, I got sick at Christmas lmao totally get you 😂 this special was magic, that's the only world I can use, a heartwarming episode, Ruby is such a cute and fun character and the Doc omg, I totally can see what Russel did with 9th here, a mysterious and wonderful Doctor

[@Joe_Brennan_]

Magic is the word that I found as well, with Ncuti in particular. I’m so glad you enjoyed it and I hope you feel better haha

[@rockbandny]

im glad the doctor didnt go up to ruby's mother. As she was a mother having to do the hardest thing ever of giving up her child, i like the respect

[@Joe_Brennan_]

I appreciated it too, was a good touch for the Doctor’s characterisation

[@noah6209-3]

I low key thought it was the trickster 😂

[@borjankosarac3645]

Given the Trickster’s creator, Gareth Roberts is a disgusting TERF, I really doubt he’d be invited to come back even if RTD needed him to use the character; I think he’d rather let that just lie. Lowkey, but the Doctor not approaching Ruby’s presumed bio-mum kind of gives me “Meet Tge Robinsons” vibes…

[@AxelWedstar411]

I want that attic apartment. It looks super cosy.

[@Joe_Brennan_]

It’s such a great lived-in space. Seeing it without all the warm decorations is a great way of showing how warm it is.

[@thedidster123]

If you asked me a week ago who the Fifteenth Doctor was going to be most comparable to, the Ninth Doctor wouldn't be my first guess. I'm not even sure I can put my finger on a line that makes me think Eccleston, I guess it's just the overall vibe he gives off. But after the episode was done even my dad said "He reminds me of Eccleston." So i feel like i'm not going crazy.

[@danthomassolo]

I think it’s got a lot to do with the structure of the episode feeling very much like ‘Rose’ back in 2005 that helps make it feel like an Ecclestone vibe. He’s also got that same mix of playful sassiness and depth of sadness (crying when he hears Carla talking so bitterly about fostering) that Ecclestone’s Doctor had.

[@gearmachine_4885]

-> Leather jacket

[@ChippyGaming]

29:10 I can’t remember the exact quote but he says to Ruby when they’re captured that these goblin are like rubbish at time travel or something so I kind of took the Doctor being able to just hop back and fix it a like side effect of that idk haha

[@Joe_Brennan_]

That’s interesting, that would make sense. Perhaps it just needed to be clearer in the exposition, or have a bit of a clearer challenge for The Doc. Because as I said, the logistics weren’t really where I struggled.

[@ChippyGaming]

@@Joe_Brennan_ Yeah absolutely, something definitely needed to be tweaked

[@owengardener5680]

@@ChippyGaming a Brennan watcher this is the crossover I never though id see but need

[@politereminder6284]

They bimble

[@arubinojr5670]

It's both wibbly and wobbly but I feel like the goblins going back to Ruby's birth specifically after their plan to eat Lulubelle fails makes it a subsequent event even if it takes place in the past, so no reason to think it'd be flimflamming any dobbles by sending the Doctor back to it. Except maybe the ship sparkling away meant the Doctor erased the event rather than just stopping it since it didn't happen originally? There is still plenty to speculate wildly about. Ace did save her own infant mother from time-wolves that one time.

[@samgonzalez8662]

I really enjoyed this special, goblins and all. I’m loving Ncuti and Millie already, and it feels so refreshing to have CHARACTERS in the supporting cast. Carla and Cherry just ooze with lovely personality that feels so fresh in Doctor Who- just something I hadn’t known I was missing until I got it. I think I’m more accepting of the goblins, and the songs, and the vocabulary of ropes and coincidences because it presents potential for the future. So far, 15 has shown himself to be a Doctor interested in learning the rules and playing by them to win, and that concept seems rife with potential for character and plot drama. Especially if RTD continues on this path of weird and wild. (I also just thought the goblin song was a fun time) That being said, I’m hoping the climax will be richer in retrospect BECAUSE of the elements established in this special. While I can agree that just going back in time to stop the bad thing from happening is a weak plot point, in the context of the story, it kind of works for me. The plot is revolving around coincidences, and the climax sees the Doctor-someone who was separated from their parents at a young age- saving a newborn baby-also separated from her parents at a young age- from being eaten by goblins on Christmas Eve... for the second time; and Ruby Sunday was there both times. In the vocabulary of rope, that is a very complicated, tangled knot of coincidences. But I don’t know what that means in terms of the story. I hope and trust that RTD has a satisfying payoff for that down the road (hopefully not in an Impossible Girl kind of way), but mostly because there’s so much there that feels not-quite-finished, so I’m willing to wait and see. I’m still really enjoying these videos and I, for one, can’t wait till spring!

[@combogalis]

One thing I've noticed with all these specials is that there is at least one moment per episode where the Doctor explains something and it sounds like even the writers don't really know what it means. I never really feel fully satisfied that the events in the episodes make sense. It's Doctor Who, so I have a high tolerance for that, but if it keeps happening EVERY episode it's going to start to really bug me I bet. That said, Ncuti is incredible and like no Doctor we've ever had before, and the episode was incredibly fun. Maybe too fun at points when we're supposed to be worried about a baby being eaten, or at least our characters are.

[@Joe_Brennan_]

That’s a very good point that I think I’ve somewhat noticed as well. A few times, it’s really felt like Russell’s gone for a more complicated sci-fi concept than he’s capable of writing. In those instances, you really do appreciate how easy Moffat made this stuff look.

[@Dalekzilla]

I loved the anniversary specials and this delightful Christmas treat. Ncuti has such amazing energy and an infectious smile. Thought all the specials were extremely well written (with some great baddies, especially NPH as The Toymaker), and the new title sequence, the TARDIS interior, and new companion Ruby were all fantastic.

[@GoblinSing]

Good well balanced and positive review overall! Will say about the third act though - First, nobody ever needed to doubt that the lives of those around Ruby would be different without her. *It still carries emotional weight in a way that is frightening (for the Doctor if no one else) regardless of that context.* Second, about going back in time to undo a thing. *That's what the Goblins did.* That's what the Goblins do. They're "Bimbling" in time and THEY broke that rule. The Doctor in that case is very much liable to go back and un-undo the events. And for how close they really get to eating Ruby it doesn't hurt the stakes whatsoever.

[@Joe_Brennan_]

Yeah I rewatched it today and all that stuff worked a lot better for me actually

[@GoblinSing]

@@Joe_Brennan_ I had a feeling it would! 🥰

[@NyxAndTheNightmakers]

The Xmas episode was definitely meant to be a total feelgood

[@Joe_Brennan_]

It was!

[@WHO_is_on_first]

When you mentioned Smith and Jones, I was floored because that IS one of my favorite episodes EVER of the show! I think it's fantastic and electric and a perfect start to a series (and I know that's so far from the point of the video, I just wanted to shout out some love for the Judoon upon the Moon)

[@Joe_Brennan_]

I knew whichever episode I picked would inevitably be someone’s favourite, I didn’t mean to dismiss it really. It’s great at what it does.

[@Wondul]

The episode may not be perfect, but I love them both so much im so excited and loved my time watching it.

[@Joe_Brennan_]

That’s exactly how I feel!

[@musenightingale]

I'm pretty sure this is the quickest I've ever clicked with a new Doctor. Ncuti was fantastic, just so fun to watch and he felt "Doctor" to me right away. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about Ruby but I like what we've seen of her so far too. I haven't been this excited for Doctor Who in ages!

[@EditedAF987]

It was interesting to see RTD trying his hand at Moffaty style time travel shenanigans. Though it also demonstrates just how difficult it is to organically incorporate time travel as an interesting story mechanic. Moffat really made it look so effortless. Still, it’s nice to see that Russel is taking inspiration from the other showrunners. I wonder what other qualities he’ll try and use. Moffat’s fairytale presentation? Chibnall’s nicher historical topics? Moffat’s small scale and introspective finales? Chibnall’s massive, globetrotting title cards?

[@Joe_Brennan_]

It really did feel like a “hmm this does need the deft Moffat touch”

[@nitricswight]

You actually bring up a great balance between RTD and Moffat. I would say that Moffat is the king of scifi and time travel mechanics, and Russel is the king of character writing. Moffat has some great writing moments but he also has a habit of hyping up his own characters waaaay too much and it loses the grounded and real feel that RTD has.

[@AurinneA]

The key to every great DW series is massive, globetrotting title cards, of course.

[@supremeoverlorde2109]

You make a good point about the resolution of the episode. I also felt like there was something missing there. I've been thinking a little bit and I wonder if, rather than having Ruby just disappear, it would have been more interesting if somehow the two of them found out the goblins were going after Ruby in the past. He tries to get her to stay behind, but she refuses and we get to see her full reaction to being in the Tardis for the first time before they go off to save her infant self together. Then maybe after they do, she sees her birth mother and we get some kind of Meet the Robinsons style moment where she has the opportunity to run after her and chooses not to after the Doctor's warnings about tampering with her personal history. IDK, but I do think it would have been beneficial for Ruby's character --- and her bonding with the Doctor --- and perhaps the story overall --- not to be written out of the action in the final act.

[@Joe_Brennan_]

Yeah her absence really is felt, it's a shame

[@fenntelfer]

Yeah weird that RTD wrote a companion introduction story with the companion missing for 10 minutes

[@supremeoverlorde2109]

@@fenntelfer Yeah, I think one of the things I really liked about Rose and Martha's first stories during the original RTD era was that we largely saw the Doctor through their eyes and they got to at least partly be the heroes of those stories. Rose saved Nine from the Nestene Consciousness, Martha resuscitated Ten when they were all about to die from lack of oxygen, etc. Not to say that every companion intro has to be exactly like that, because there have been others that weren't, but for me, these were some of the most successful companion intros that sold me immediately (and made me understand why the Doctor was impressed by them). We got a look at Ruby's home life, and she's a fun and likeable character, but I can't think of anything she actively did to propel the story forward other than join in on the musical number, which the Doctor could have done with or with her there, anyway. I choose to have faith we'll get to see her doing more in the coming season.

[@iwillcry]

ruby going missing was the emotional impact the episode needed on top of the "i'm adopted" "i was abandoned" lines. its what truly made me go "yes this is doctor who's usual timey whimey stuff" and seeing how much her absence actually mattered. we were fighting for "show dont tell" all throughout 13's run so I'm glad we're showed more and got to see 15's reaction to it. (and bc u cant miss the parallels how the 33 children are like all the people the doctor has helped "biggest family in the universe" was it river that said something similar at one point?)

[@fenntelfer]

I do get that - but maybe there should have been a companion going missing story later on in the series as we've only just met her so i wasn't really emotionally invested when she disappeared unlike when rory did@@iwillcry

[@greghawkins59]

Was a perfectly cosy little episode, the goofiness was funny and the nice bits were really nice.

[@timetodothis3286]

I think the reason why the episode doesn't quite fit together as a unit is because it is acting as a Christmas special as well as being the first episode of the new season

[@bruce1947]

I love ncuti. His doctor has an electricity that i already can't get enough of. The episode wasn't my favorite, but his doctor and millie were easily the best part.

[@josephl5128]

Brilliant, barnstorming telly. Can’t wait for May.

[@NyxAndTheNightmakers]

Ruby has the elements of Rose and Amy Pond with her own special "alright let's do this!" quality... Perfect companion.

[@Joe_Brennan_]

I'm so excited to get more from her!

[@dagga07]

i think because Ruby is in a band maybe she can freestyle her lyrics in the musical bits rather than musical rules suddenly taking her over.

[@danthomassolo]

“We’re half way out of the dark” - Not sure if you intended the reference to the 2010 Christmas Special there, but I’m utterly here for it! 😂

[@Joe_Brennan_]

It was a reference! Not one I planned but one I found

[@mwmheps]

Enjoyed the episode, absolutely loved Ncuti especially and Ruby was cool too. As you said it makes me excited about Doctor Who coming back which is fun to feel again! The story I agree was weak on places, I thought the working off luck and coincidence element was very cool but yeah the resolution was a bit random. Anyway can’t wait for more!

[@tylerbolton475]

Just wanted to say you’re a brilliant reviewer, keep up the work! Look forward to watching your reviews of Series 14/Season 1 😅

[@Joe_Brennan_]

Thank you very much! I’m looking forward to them too

[@jonathanwood4367]

I mostly agree with you, but i want to push back against one point. When the doctor realized that Ruby was gone, and then went back in time to fix it, it seemed more to me like he was chasing the goblins. I do think of there has been a 5 second scene in the radius where he said, "oh, they're just going to pop back in time, following the coincidence, I'll be able lock on..." That's what happened as my head cannon, and I am happier for it.

[@Joe_Brennan_]

It feels like he just needed someone to talk to about it, bounce off the explanation. Or for him to talk to himself in the tardis. But because they were semi hiding the tardis for Ruby’s entrance, we just skip ahead a little

[@bradyda14]

I think I enjoyed it a lot. I agree that the pacing or the order they put sequences together was a bit messy. Part of me wonders if saving the TV woman was part of a Disney reshoot call. But I was so enchanted by whatever Millie or Ncuti were doing in any scene I didn't mind the order where things happened at all. Except maybe the end with the constant in and out of the apartment. Overall though I had fun with it, ticked a lot of boxes for me. I enjoyed having a small one off adventure again that wasn't full of nostalgia and hype like the 60th or cataclysmic stakes like in Fl0ux or Power of the Doctor. Feels like it has been a few years since we have enjoyed a smaller episode which was really nice to have again. Excited for more of it in spring

[@Joe_Brennan_]

I’m glad you found a similar enjoyment to me! I’m really ready for is that tantalising run of normal episodes. I wonder if the lack of that in recent years contributed to just how great Wild Blue Yonder feels.

[@Nate_Daniel]

I think this is the friendliest companion/doctor relationship. There is always a very purposeful relationship between doctor and companion. For me it’s refreshing to see that Ruby following the doctor into a box is more on the lines of “this man is mysterious and fun”. Ruby has a lovely life with a loving family, there’s very little element of escape. The only companion who I don’t see this feeling of escapism with before Ruby is Clara but I didn’t even get the sense that Clara even likes Eleven in any way. Excited for the new series and this duo, the episode itself was a bit weird but had a lot to do in an hour and it did some of it really well.

[@danthomassolo]

The chemistry between Ncuti and Millie is wonderful - I love how there’s that scene in the flat where they’re trying to hide what’s been going on in the baby’s room and they’re just bickering quietly. It’s almost like they’re already old friends. I agree about Ncuti - I want to see more of him in the same way that every new Ecclestone and Tennant episode made me excited to tune in to the next episode just to hang out with with them again. I never even thought about how there’s a gap between Ncuti’s regeneration and this episode like with Ecclestone. I agree it definitely didn’t harm Ecclestone’s Doctor and actually works really well to set up this new era without any baggage for new viewers to get their heads round. I also love the fact that it’s Ruby’s story - RTD is really great at writing Doctor Who with the companion firmly as the main point of view character (@verilybitchy has a great video on her channel that covers this called Doctor Who Vs Women). He’s also great at giving the companions a rich family life with likeable, well written supporting characters (half way through, I said out loud “SOMEONE get Cherry her cup of tea!”). Only thing I wasn’t crazy about was the song and dance - maybe this is just a first watch thing and it’ll feel better on rewatch? I felt similarly to you, wondering what was actually going on and if it was a clever plan to escape or was like musical theatre (we don’t know because I don’t feel like the episode tells us). I thought the Sonic screwdriver looked very weird - it’s a minor thing, but it looks really bulky. Doesn’t break the episode for me, but I thought it was a strange choice. I didn’t mind the Goblins as villains - I sort of liked that they were a bit of a throwaway villain as they’re not really what the episode is about and more of a plot device to bring Ruby and The Doctor together like The Autons, The Judoon and The Racnaross before them. That’s probably enough from me for one comment - I made notes so I’ll be back with more! Thank you once again for giving us all this space to discuss!

[@allyson87]

I loved this episode. Felt like we got a good sense of both characters and overall good pacing. I was awed by how both the Doctor and Ruby are simultaneously their own new characters while being consistent with and embodying features of all modern doctors and several companions (namely Rose, Clara, and Donna). Sure the magical goblins have issues, but I think it’s a decent trade off, nothings perfect. I’m actually excited for the new season now!

[@Joe_Brennan_]

I think the trade-off point is where I'm at as well. I like enough of it for my issues not to bother me hugely.

[@allyson87]

@@Joe_Brennan_ The Tenant specials were good and all, but weren’t enough for me to get my hopes too high. So I went into this episode with lowered expectations. I didn’t really think about the issues until I listened to a couple reviews. They didn’t break the internal logic of show enough to distract from everything else they had to accomplish in just an hour. Idk imho the goblin issues kinda added that old nostalgic “try not to think about it too much” charm😂

[@henrymendoza8295]

I had wondered whether that scene of Ncuti and the snowman had been added or recently if he was just wearing a similar costume to the one in recently filmed scenes. I think it's really good, and vindicates the approach of going so far ahead with production - right up to the wire they can go back and fix certain things, even reshooting scenes or adding them late in the day. This particular scene was charming and really gave you a sense of the wonder and mystery of The Doctor and endears you to him, and it definitely makes a big difference there. If Disney are adding those sorts of notes then I really don't think that's a problem. I think the key area where the show is already leaps and bounds above Disney in terms of similar projects is that they are utilising practical prosthetics, sets and VFX wherever possible and *enhancing* those with CGI rather than just building them entirely with CGI (there was an element of that with Wild Blue Yonder's endless corridor, but it wasn't anything like as egregious as can sometimes be the case with the MCU, and I do think that a big part of that is Disney are putting up money but Bad Wolf and The BBC and RTD are still running it, and are determined not to put out crap.

[@undying_artv2]

I love seeing a healed doctor even though I don't like how it came around

[@Natelu-Sama]

i cant remember the last time a new doctor who episode made me as joyous as when ncuti started singing... maybe when they make the plan in the barn in day of the doctor? great time

[@Joe_Brennan_]

Yeah I did have a big surprised grin

[@mathieuleader8601]

Mrs. Flood could be a televised version of Penalope Gate the doctors mother from the books from the wilderness years - Floodgate

[@Joe_Brennan_]

so many Doctor's mothers! Tecteun, the End of Time woman. He's got a lot!

[@AllofTimeandSpace]

I am glad we have another Scottish music Doctor! I think Ncuti might be my second favorite Doctor (no one is ever taking the number one spot from Capaldi). I love that he’s dancing in the night club when he meets Ruby and I love him singing to distract the Goblin King. Anyone who doesn’t like the musical number just hates fun and I don’t want to know them. It reminds me of how people turn up their noses at 12 playing his guitar on top of a tank (which by the way is an awesome scene as well). I hope they do even more musical numbers! Ruby Sunday seems intriguing and quick thinking and I love her family. I don’t mind her Origin being a mystery but to be fair Clara is my favorite companion. I am wondering if it will be something weird like she is her own mother or maybe her birth parents are from the future or past. I am very intrigued by Mrs Flood something about her almost doesn’t seem human with the way she broke the fourth wall.

[@iwillcry]

The way i took the breaking the time travel rule to save ruby was that bc the goblins work differently, surfing through space and time, only appearing when the moment is right, it might all happen "at the same time" so stopping them doesn't really have heavy consequences for the time line. I enjoyed it. Ruby going missing was what made me take the episode more seriously. and i always enjoy when doctor who plays with the balance of fun, silly and serious. I did feel like defeating the goblins without having a single conversation with them was a fumble. but they had many other more meaningful scenes to get right, and I think they succeeded. It was a good proper introduction to the 15th doctor and a solid first introduction to Ruby Sunday. I hope they keep going with the mythical feel like RTD implied they would.

[@Ba1aamsdonkey]

I love your organized rambly videos. I’m glad they are fun for you.

[@Joe_Brennan_]

Thank you! This one was a little trickier as I tried to get my points out while not feeling great, but I hope it came together

[@Ba1aamsdonkey]

I honestly wouldn’t have noticed had you not pointed it out. I hope you feel better soon.

[@nbroty3103]

The Doctor was very Doctor but he said his occupation was not a Doctor so I was a bit confused because he does usually help people. Ruby Sunday was great and isn’t just a plain piece of bread like the main companions from the previous era. I thought it was good. It was certainly better than the thirteenth doctor’s Christmas special.

[@Joe_Brennan_]

I guess it just means he doesn’t work in a hospital

[@SSJPENGUIN]

He isn't a doctor in a medical sense, that's the impression I got at least

[@danthomassolo]

“Plain piece of bread” 🤣🤣🤣 Pretty solid summation of how I felt about Chibnall Who in general.

[@AurinneA]

Because The Doctor is his name, not a description of his occupation. "Not that kind of doctor," he sometimes has to say to people when they think he's there to treat people who are ill. He sometimes poses as a medical doctor for a story point, but we rarely see him actually treat people. (I'm unsure whether he technically has ever earned a degree on Earth that would make him a doctor in an academic sense, but as far as I know he hasn't, despite doing scientific research at UNIT or teaching at Bill's university - and that still wouldn't be his occupation currently.) In an Earth sense, I guess he's unemployed! Or is he still technically the President of the World? Or I guess he at least holds some kind of position in UNIT still... 🤔

[@nbroty3103]

Yes. I understand now. I meant that he was trained and in some episodes he is told he saves people like a doctor. I misunderstood when I watched it.

[@simianurchin7630]

Personally I like how the doctor didn’t chase after rubys mom, I took it as him internally going “it’s not my place to find out for her” especially since he was a foundling as well

[@Joe_Brennan_]

Yeah that was the vibe I got as well, I good choice I feel

[@Horltum]

I know that if Moffat was writing this, Ruby would be the one who delivered herself to the church. As it stands, I have no idea.

[@Joe_Brennan_]

RTD’s done a few very Moffat things lately so perhaps you’re onto something

[@mathieuleader8601]

Mrs. Flood could be the old owner of the TARDIS the one before the Doctor

[@Joe_Brennan_]

That would be bold, it’s exciting to see

[@Voxeril]

Episode was good enough but i'm really itching for some episodes that don't have a "job" to do (As in, introducing a new doctor, new companion, moving someone on etc etc) really feel the pacing of this. TSB and TG get hit by the baggage of what they need to introduce or move on

[@Joe_Brennan_]

Yeah it’s been a tough 7 special run, even Flux was unconventional. At least we had Wild Blue Yonder as a sort of breather. The last episode that wasn’t written by the showrunner was in February of 2020! We need a series ASAP.

[@thedoctork1037]

the 12th Doctor impression was hilarious

[@Joe_Brennan_]

Was not part of my plan at all but it sure did happen

[@GibbySoapBox]

I’ll disagree with one aspect of your view. The time travel popping back to fix it, I think you miss that the Goblins aren’t meant to steal Baby Ruby so the Doctor has to to fix it in that way because she was meant to be given to the Priest and adopted. The Goblins did mess with the timeline and I think maybe the consequences of it could have been heavier or see more of the damage so that we can support the Doctor more in his actions. But that’s just me 😊 I do love your videos and glad you did enjoy this wacky episode! It was so much fun!

[@Joe_Brennan_]

I think I probably focussed too much on the fact it breaks the rules and not the fact that it made for an uninteresting resolution for me. I think it would have benefited from The Doctor having someone with him to talk through this stuff, or even talking to himself in the TARDIS. It almost feels like the only reason we didn’t get that was because they were saving the TARDIS for later. Thank you for the comment, I hope you continue to have fun with the show.

[@GibbySoapBox]

@@Joe_Brennan_ that is fair! Maybe if something like that happens again we may have a bigger team, maybe Rose and Ruby. I am loving the show and can’t wait for May 2024!

[@ftumschk]

Wacky whovian synchronicity: Patrick Troughton was skewered by a church steeple when he played Father Brennan (hint, hint) in "The Omen".

[@jonwashburn7999]

I enjoyed the Toymaker episode more, but I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@Joe_Brennan_]

I think I preferred The Giggle too, and obviously Wild Blue Yonder. But I’ve enjoyed all of them in their own way.

[@greeneons]

I agree with you in that the Doctor travelling back to save baby Ruby and Davina felt a little bit odd and boring, because it solves the two problems too easily and disregarding the rules of both the show and the Doctor about fixing things in the past with time travel, and I think the best way to subvert and fix that would be if throughout the season we start seeing consequences to those actions, in a similar way to how the Fourteenth Doctor invoking a superstition at the edge of the universe had a consequence to it. Maybe the Fifteenth Doctor is a bit too reckless about how he uses time travel and that creates a problem. That's what I'd like to see, at least, so those two moments in this special have more weight to it. Great video as always! Loved hearing your thoughts about the special. I hope you're having a good Christmas and holidays

[@TheKellster94]

Enjoyed the episode, Eleventh Hour is still my favourite inroduction episode!

[@Joe_Brennan_]

It’s a tough one to beat!

[@dorothydotson7154]

I was so resistant to Matt because I hated David leaving so much but the Atraxi speech sold me in no time. I knew he was going to be wonderful and he was...

[@danthomassolo]

Lots to say about Mrs Flood too - I’ve discussed this with a few people and we think that she’s had an adventure with the Doctor in between the beginning and the end of the episode. At the start, she doesn’t seem to know what the police box is and she’s really crotchety with Abdul. By the end, she clearly knows it’s the TARDIS and she’s really warm and gentle with him. Either her personal timeline has been changed, or something happened off screen that has given her some growth and that we’ll see later. I quite liked the jeopardy of the sudden erasure of Ruby. You get to love her so much that her disappearance is shocking. I also think it’s ok that Doctor did what he did because he was fixing something that had just only just been broken by the Goblins. Possibly a bit inelegant, but I didn’t think about it whilst watching. Doctor Who has always been a tad flaky about things that can and can’t be changed (fixed points and all that) and I’ve been saying for a while that it’s not exactly a show for people who like consistent canon 😂 Small side note, I love your Star Wars videos! I hope they get more traction!

[@arubinojr5670]

I started watching Legends of Tomorrow of all things for my time traveling shenanigans fix when Doctor Who started collapsing in on itself for a bit, and I thought that show got a boost when the Legends broke time for the third or fourth time and flooded the world with magical creatures, so a more interesting Doctor Who that also includes the occasional goblin air pirates is a double-win for me.

[@yourneighbourtodoro]

I loved the Goblins honestly. They really felt Christmassy, which ties slightly into my single complaint of the episode: Because it's a Christmas special, the episode had to keep it light and breezy, which I think Ruby's character suffer from just a touch. It was a gamble to introduce a new companion in a Christmas special, and it didn't quite land for me, but I have every confidence that we'll get to know her much better once the season proper starts. Also, WHY CAN MRS. FLOOD SEE ME?!

[@theburgerking746]

14:27 I love 15ths theme but I think it is quite similar to the 11th doctors theme

[@Joe_Brennan_]

I think the more we hear it, the clearer the distinction will be

[@NyxAndTheNightmakers]

Cherry has a certain Wilf feeling

[@Joe_Brennan_]

Almost equally delightful

[@subbtopp]

that would flim flam the dobbles lololo. They both nailed it didnt they was exciting and a huge relief.

[@Joe_Brennan_]

Flim flamming the dobbles is a very serious matter

[@DotDotDott]

Its really werid to me that the Goblins can fully talk and the Doctor never really has a conversation with them

[@Joe_Brennan_]

That’s true actually, makes it way stranger that they’re just not a particular relevant faction in the story

[@SSJPENGUIN]

Recently started watching the 7th doctor for the first time & there are moments where he's surprisingly ruthless 15 impaling the king without any fuss felt similar😫 (In an entertaining way)

[@of7551]

The episode was alright. Had some pacing issues and the story was a bit weak but I’m looking forward to the new series. Feels like it’s gonna be fun and fresh. I’m liking the chemistry between the doctor and ruby.

[@greghawkins59]

I think the doctor undoing the Goblins stealing baby ruby worked perfectly fine. The doctor had previously ranted about the goblins being time travel cowboys so it's clear they shouldn't have done what they did, so going back and stopping them was his timelordly duty.

[@elliotlowe4994]

such a great video mate, new subscriber earned !

[@Joe_Brennan_]

Welcome to the channel! I hope you enjoy sticking around

[@TheBigGlober68]

I liked it but felt the pacing was a bit off. Ncuti was amazing though

[@Joe_Brennan_]

I’m in exact agreement

[@ugolomb]

c. 27:38 -- since he's doing something to restore a proper line wrecked by other beings' time travel (rather than doing something to fix a timeline that was bad but which happened without time-travel intervention from anyone else), I wasn't really concerned about this. What did bother me is that he simply got the Goblin King killed without even attempting to talk to the goblins first. That's a bit un-Doctor-ish, The Doctor usually tries to warn enemies before destroying them, even when s/he knows they won't listen; though I'm sure that those more familiar with the lore than I am (I know much, but not all, of New Who, and very little of Classic Who) can think of previous exceptions to this rule

[@Joe_Brennan_]

Yeah the absence of any kind of conversation with the goblin king felt amiss

[@AxelWedstar411]

To quote the 10th Doctor during his first outing, "No second chances".

[@Joe_Brennan_]

@@AxelWedstar411 I don’t think he got a first chance!

[@alexrobertssings]

The musical break in this episode is basically the Doctor Who equivalent of Get Shwifty..

[@Joe_Brennan_]

Once the fortnite crossover happens, the Doctor Who equivalent of Get Shwifty will be even more possible

[@lasseehrenreich5502]

I love the episode

[@Joe_Brennan_]

Such fun!

[@arnothill]

Nice work, @Joe_Brennan_ Lucid and well judged assessment as per usual. The Fifteenth Doctor is a perfect bit of casting, as far as I can see. His magnetism is palpable in every scene, while still being able to facilitate the drama of his fellow cast. 10/10 Ruby Sunday has been introduced to us in manner that probably exceeds Rose, in that her back story has been painted in greater detail by the end of the single episode. Another casting plus, and a performance that clearly fizzes with generous screen chemistry. The episode was really well paced, my only observation would be that The Doctor never took a moment for a triumphant put-down of the Goblin King (a steeple through the tum expedited the bug guy). One feels that any of the recent doctors would have been required to deliver a gratuitous speech to the antagonist. Here, The Doctor is confident enough to win while not needing bragging rights. I agree that the ending left the viewer feeling underwhelmed in terms of the companion’s big wow moment on committing to the adventures to come, the Tardis, and the enormity of the concept. I also agree and hope that surely those tropes will form the first moments of the new series.

[@natasham4184]

Ncuti gave strong Doctor energy right from the start and I can't wait to learn more about Ruby and watch her friendship with The Doctor develop. The goblins were weird but I love musicals and it's Christmas so who cares 🤷‍♀️

[@nathanielk7415]

personally i thought it was really clear that 15 and ruby were improvising the song, especially with ruby's verse "people have mums" is a top 10 jboi quote perhaps

[@Joe_Brennan_]

I guess they’re just better than I would be at improvising. Someone should keep track of my excellent quotes because I share so much wisdom

[@ShadowKestrel]

Cherry finally got her tea!

[@Joe_Brennan_]

Character arc of the century

[@ernestoyepez5103]

About the time rule, I see it as the gobblins are time travelers, and their arrow goes the other way(think Tennet not Tennant haha) so he goes back in time "for us" but is forward for him

[@Joe_Brennan_]

Yeah that would work well enough, I think it just needed a bit more elegance in my eyes

[@ilianverhulst6171]

I watched your video on the trickster right before watching the episode and it's funny how the concept of a person disappearing from the timeline actually happened. You're absolutely right though that it doesn't really feel satisfying. One aspect of this is how its fixed, not only the easy "just go back with the TARDIS" method you talked about but also just how quickly its fixed. It's basically just one scene where this terrible rip in time happens and then the doctor goes back and fixes it. What I think is maybe the most important reason this didn't really hit with me is that we just don't know Ruby well enough yet to miss her. It's literally her first episode so while I might like her I'm not yet familiar to having her presence during an episode or a scene. This also only get's amplified because it's just one scene. It doesn't feel like a world without Ruby it feels like a scene without her. The atmosphere of the apartment and her mum obviously shows us how awful it is that she's gone but that just doesn't feel the same as actually missing her presence myself I think. The long musical scene with the goblins worried me a bit that disney just wanted to show of all these CGI characters and make the tone upbeat and musical to make it more accessible. But I think the fact that the doctor and Ruby singing works to distract them indicates that the goblins just really like music for some reason, so I'm not really worried they'll just randomly throw in songs where they don't fit in the future. I really enjoyed the episode overall! I'm very excited to see a more unburdened have fun and exiting adventures. Love these types of videos you've started doing btw! Hearing you go through all the aspects of the episode makes me reflect more on it myself which is always fun to do.

[@NyxAndTheNightmakers]

Mrs Flood is significant eventually

[@Joe_Brennan_]

I’m excited to see how it pans out!

[@CassFan99]

Yeah I'm pretty much where you are. Love Ncuti and Millie, and am incredibly excited for the next season, but the goblins were a bit underwhelming and I think Ruby not being present for much of the final act does her a disservice in her first episode.

[@NyxAndTheNightmakers]

I think the Doctor already knows the mysterious woman who left Ruby at the church... But we won't find out until MUCH later❤

[@Joe_Brennan_]

The opening narration actually does kind of imply that

[@greghawkins59]

Noble attempt at complimenting the new sonic 😂 it's only plus is how much it makes me laugh whenever he uses it

[@HarryJohnClarke]

I could enjoy this episode the way I enjoyed the whole lot of 9, 10, 11 and 12s episodes - with those and with this, even if the story/ episode is a bit rubbish - you can enjoy the acting, characters and interactions. I never felt that way with Jodie/ Chibnall

[@Joe_Brennan_]

That's a nice distinction, the strengths of the setup carrying you through the story is kind of a Doctor Who staple.

[@J0shJames]

I honestly think Jodie could've been so similar to Ncuti in delivery and energy, but just didn't have the material. I was so excited for her, and there was so much potential, which shone through every now and then... but alas... Anyway, HECCING LOVING NCUTI!!

[@wolfieeeee256]

Great review, Joe. See you next year! :D

[@Joe_Brennan_]

Thank you very much! Let’s hope the wait for more Dr Who goes quickly.

[@TheDailyCrumb]

its new years for me

[@Joe_Brennan_]

Well have a happy one!

[@lotsagold]

an interesting call back i noticed today because iv'e been re watching 11's run, after Ruby is erased the doctor asks her mum why shes sad, she says she isn't, and the doctor replies "then why are you crying" its a reference to Vincent and the Doctor when Vincent notices the Amy had lost rory to the crack in time, a good little detail i thought.

[@CarlB_1962]

Put a dark wig on Millie and she could be Clara. She sounded very much like her too. It was scary. Having said that, I thoroughly enjoyed Ncuti and Millie and their onscreen chemistry. When the chemistry between characters is this good, I can forgive a lot in terms of missteps in the scripts.

[@Joe_Brennan_]

I think that final point is the most important. If you come for the vibes and stay for a surprise great story, that’s great. If you come for the vibes and you still get the vibes, it’s still a success.

[@___Me.]

I really enjoyed this episode. Nice and fun.

[@SomeSmexyBeast]

2 songs sung for both episodes he’s in lol I want this to be a common theme ❤