Doctor Who: The Church On Ruby Road Review (Ups & Downs)

[@WhoCulture]

EDIT: Season One trailer breakdown is live! kzbin.info/www/bejne/moiYdmttYtaAnrM Easter eggs breakdown is live! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoiZd4CpatJ_nJY Merry Christmas everyone! More videos breaking down The Church On Ruby Road + the Season One trailer will drop in the coming days, so stay tuned! An easter eggs video is also planned, but will be slightly delayed due to the Christmas break. Now, keep an eye out for any goblins, and enjoy the rest of 2023! 👊

[@MarvelJesusYT]

Go enjoy your 2024

[@time_for_toast4922]

No, the issue everyone had with the Timeless Child plot was that it made the Doctor become this immortal, everlasting being, and it completely changed his entire history for no good reason. Please follow along next time.

[@BritishBeachcomber]

​@@time_for_toast4922The whole point about The Doctor is that he can change into anything during regeneration. *You are not a true Whovian. QED.*

[@waynegray2284]

Maybe the master

[@waynegray2284]

Someone said to me maybe she is the future Ruby sunday

[@alambert2211]

Did anyone else notice how Ms. Flood completely changed over the course of the episode. She started aggressive toward Abdul and clearly had no concept of what the Tardis is because she droppedf her bags in disbelief. Fast Forward to the end of the episode, shes not only kind to Abdul but she knows all about the Tardis, Ruby, and the Doctor. I think somewhere inbetween Ms. Flood became someone/something else

[@alexmartinelli6231]

I think we will see her again - and the shift in attitude is because the doctor picked her up one of those times and they had a little adventure of her own.

[@chrisblake4198]

I think similar to the altered timeline change for Ruby's mom/gran, something altered her past between those moments. Or she got a flood of memory back (note one of her first lines was about seeing a police box 50 years ago, though that could have been one of the last real ones as the timing is correct)

[@shinjisan2015]

@@chrisblake4198 perhaps a fog watch was involved and seeing the Tardis again made her curious about it... like Dr YANA

[@AndreiTupolev]

Yeah, she was all "get outta ma pub" at the start

[@jonunya1163]

Or she knew what a TARDIS is, but didn't recognize it until she saw it take off

[@3dflux]

The Doctor stopped and deliberated before not going after Ruby's mother. To my mind he decided not to after hearing Carla speak about how Ruby is "all hers" and how much she changed her life. Also, the hurt Ruby felt and how it could be worse if the mother who abandoned her is less than amazing. The Doctor made a moral choice based on his observations.

[@christopherleodaniels7203]

That’s how I saw it. He wanted to keep the foster family together. Speaking with the birth mother, back at that moment, and possibly changing her path or her mind, could’ve erased Ruby’s already happy family life in the future. The choice was a mother who loved her vs a mother who (for whatever reason) didn’t want her.

[@Andreamom001]

I think he didn’t go after her because the Ruby he knows didn’t know who her mom was, so if he messed with the time line by finding out who her mom is, he might fail to restore the timeline. So, I saw it as a bittersweet moment where he realizes Ruby deeply wants to know her mom and he has the opportunity to find out for her, but the risk is too great, and he has to let the chance go. (But it’s also possible he already knows. It’s possible the person is significant to him.)

[@CoreZeroPH]

More or less. Personally, I saw it as the Doctor coming to realize that even though he wanted to help his new friend Ruby know who her real parents are, he stopped himself knowing Ruby (and her current family) is already perfect as it is, just like himself.

[@3dflux]

@@Andreamom001 oooh, I didn't consider that he already knows the mom

[@Unbreakable1986]

Seems pretty clear to me that her mother is Rose Tyler, age 18-19

[@a_world_made_of_cardboard]

Personally, I think the Doctor's little conversation with the police officer was a defining moment for this new version of the Doctor. He cared. He knew. He explained. It was a brilliant scene.

[@nailinthefashion]

For me the magic was in his “she said yes” …. Up. Of course she did, handsome, atta boy, don’t question it!

[@LostRoswellian]

Me too! Loved the line about how he bought the ring before the sales so that shows he really cares. I got lots of compassion vibes from this Dr.

[@sputukgmail]

I also thought he told the officer that so the officer would be thinking about that, instead of the blue box suddenly vanishing in front of his eyes…a bit of psychological manipulation by the Dr…

[@EwanDavidson-xs5fg]

The Scene with the Police Officer was a lovely defining moment following the joyous dancing in the club, I feel those were this is the Doctor moments..

[@EwanDavidson-xs5fg]

So we got Labyrith which has a Goblin King with a funny song, sung to a stolen Baby, clock visual was important in both episode and film. Crawling through shaft a very Die Hard moment, shame he changed out of the vest, very Christmasy though. The Goblins singing and one female Goblin, shades of Gremlins and Gremlins 2, they did sabotage things and kill people stairlift and Davina trapped in a chair at bottom of stairs killed by a star, The ship reminded me of Time Bandits, which the ship crashes into the kids house if I remember right. The Polaroid picture changing, Back To The Future, Sounded like Cherry was watching Who wants to be a Millionaire but wasn't that loud. The Goblin King and his tongue, Jabba the Hutt, his death was very Hot Fuzz, but I thought of the spire that went through the chest of Patrick Troughton in the Omen.. So the Doctor still Dances. Ruby mentions having from Manchester to London and how expensive it is, if I remember correctly Mrs Flood agrees, if I"m correct could that mean she is original companion Dodo Chaplet,who battled the Celestial Toymaker and featured in a musical episode? Nice to see River Song is still around borrowing the Doctor's Tardis, How else do you explain being able to see the whole Tardis when the Doctor explains he lives in that Blue Box and you can see it clearly, yet when the Doctor steps into it, it is parked around the corner of the building now almost out of sight based on the angle you see the snowman head. (The Snowmans hat disappeared)

[@fantasticbeck3938]

It kind of makes sense that Ruby isn’t quite as shocked by the TARDIS as other companions because this character was born in 2004. She can’t even remember a time without weird alien things happening in London at Christmas!

[@gabrielvega1713]

I didnt even think of that. Rose was shocked because who knew about Aliens in 2004 Who? Ruby grew up watching invasions happen every other week.

[@Fredkitchens]

most people would be shocked by goblins in a flying ship stealing babies. she cant act . accept the truth

[@lanrelogan2468]

But doctor who started in the 60s?

[@kbg12ila]

Well she was shocked though. Her reaction at the end "who are you?" Was full of shock and curiosity and excitement.

[@acrosvite]

I havent seen the old series but 10 says something in the lines of now humanity as a whole know about aliens, as if it was a revelation and a change@@lanrelogan2468

[@HollywoodandWine101]

For me the defining moment for 15, was him crying over the 33 kids who never got the loving home. Realizing that 33 kids had his life. Not having the loving supportive home and mourning the fact in a way those kids died because ruby was taken.

[@Limes_not_Lemons]

YES 😢 This was definitely the biggest moment for me. The club and snowman scenes sold me on his charisma and wit, the ladder scene sold me on the chemistry between the characters, but the fridge scene with the missing photos, his pure sadness in his eyes and line delivery, THAT is The Doctor. So many lives ruined in an instant, the sorrow he displays is immaculate

[@penbucket]

Completely agree! I can't imagine any other Doctor having that reaction to that moment. I felt his entire emotional personality on display was so vastly new and exciting. I agree with Ellie about the sonic though. I'll try to get over that asap.

[@mrjapers2627]

Those Damn goblins got what was coming to them 😎

[@idjles]

Did he have 33 companions?

[@HollywoodandWine101]

@@idjles according to Wikipedia there have roughly 51

[@paulwagner688]

I don't think Mavity is a gag. There's something horribly wrong and no one knows it. Yet.

[@Mark-nh2hs]

The Black Mouse of the Void 😂

[@lunalee1320]

​@@AhStuttgartno, the word gravity no longer exist cuz Donna & Doctor changed the timeline with their joke

[@ugolomb]

@@lunalee1320 Yes, and that kind of annoyed me from the start. Newton did not invent the word "gravity", he discovered a theory of how gravity works. The word predates Newton (even in the strictly physical sense, it was used at least 20 years before Newton was born, according to the OED); and the notion that a single mishearing would cause Newton to replace this pre-existing term with a hitherto-non-existent word is, for me, too ridiculous even for Doctor Who

[@Waste_money]

I picture the goblin picking up the camera with curiosity, accidentally pressing the button and getting its eyes flash by the light and dropping it in blindness. I love these ups and downs vids ❤❤

[@EricaGamet]

That's totally what I thought had happened.

[@kathyastrom1315]

Me, too! That’s why it was kicked under the bed with the photo still dangling from it.

[@stephen-dfc]

Exactly this. Very harsh down for me.

[@Waste_money]

@@stephen-dfc exactly my thoughts

[@Waste_money]

I actually just did this to myself on snap a second ago 😂

[@celinathommesen-kahler2142]

I think the defining moment was when Carla says "why would I want a daughter, when I'm happy as I am?" and the Doctor starts tearing up. The Timeless Child was in their first form, a _little girl._ It's easy to guess what he was thinking about. That's why he doesn't chase after Ruby's mother. Because he gets that sometimes it's better not to know who they are🥹

[@GoldenJayTime]

the "why are you not chasing her, shes right there" question went down completely differently in my house - when he walked away, my mum curtly said "correct. good decision". its not his place to pry. there's a reason they left the child, and he doesnt know ruby well enough to justify overturning her entire life in a blink without her permission. its him stepping back - not being the time lord victorious. not winning.

[@SouthPaw1805]

15:40 Bonus Up: Unleashed reveals that Ncuti and Millie sang their part live on set, rather than in a recording studio and miming to it. Kudos to the pair of them for that!

[@andrewgillon2763]

Well said. My wife and I were impressed with that.

[@phillipgaige6156]

Did he just swipe Nine’s leather jacket and a kilt and pull it off? Yes. Yes he did. And it was FANTASTIC!!

[@chrisblake4198]

I know you're probably being tongue in cheek, but in case you're not, his black biker jacket was completely different than Nine's leather coat. Nine's coat was mid length and no belt or epaulets.

[@nailinthefashion]

@@chrisblake4198as in, inspired by a previous Doctor’s choice, but then made it his own

[@gedbyrne8482]

I feel he channeled 9 a lot. Especially the “what you do that for” scene on the roof. Were the referencing The Empty Child when Rose was hanging from a balloon?

[@andurilmat]

there is a big difference between the u-boat commanders jacket worn by 9 and a bikers jacket

[@idjles]

@@gedbyrne8482the entire episode was a retelling of "Rose".

[@sauvixcustoms]

Not relevant to the plot of the episode but I love that in the scene where the Doctor notices the pictures of the fostered kids are gone, there is a menu for Minto Pizza. A reference to Parting of the Ways when Mickey asks if Jackie had tried the pizza place on Minto Road. Continuity at its finest

[@brihend]

I keep wondering if the photos of the children were of the family of the cast and crew.

[@Fredkitchens]

baby eating and pizzagate. OK. In an episode about baby eating of course they would reference pizza.

[@jereico7587]

I think the mysterious mom is Ruby herself. Early in the episode there is a shot showing her climbing the stairs and you can see she is wearing the same shoes this mom was wearing. Wibbly Wobbly Timey Wimey reasons I'm sure. Not saying she is her own mom, just that Ruby was left on the doorstep by Ruby. Bootstrap Paradox.

[@julianaylor4351]

Like Dave Lister in Red Dwarf being his own father.

[@Rhaenarys]

I thought similar. Something about the way she walked, and carried herself...looked a lot like how Ruby walked in the entire episode. Weird thing to pick up on, but yea lol. I didnt notice the shoes, though.

[@hellnight1206]

Could even be why Doc gave her a odd look because he sensed time energy on her.

[@WyrdWaysRockShow]

That was my first instinct, too. But the look down the camera at the end had me thinking, "The Master?"

[@Rhaenarys]

@@WyrdWaysRockShow same

[@WiccanRai]

I feel like the Doctor had a moment of starting to go after the mother, but I think he realised how much potential there was for changing Ruby's life at this early stage. He saw how Carla and Cherry were changed without Ruby in their lives and clearly they in turn enriched Ruby's life too. They're a family unit. What could have happened had he caught up with this mysterious woman? She must have had a reason for giving her daughter up, that was more than 'can't cope' or just doesn't want a baby, and maybe the Doctor sensed that. Would this woman changing her mind have been batter for Ruby in the long run - or would this woman even do so? There are so many possible factors to consider. I think the Doctor will now do what he can to find Ruby's mother and see how it all plays out.

[@debtracton3043]

I wish they had included The Doctor speaking Baby like they did with Matt Smith's Doctor.

[@WildeMermaid]

Me too. They could easily have had her comment about her name or something & it be natural

[@adp806]

I though to fthat immediately when he spoke to Lulubelle as well. Just a little throwaway line with the doctor reacting to something the baby "said" wodl have been great.

[@garychillingworth]

I think Ncuti is great. He has real Mavitas.

[@subbtopp]

ha. yes

[@shubhounofficial5125]

Hah... Noice.. 😄

[@terrygonda4346]

Well done

[@Denflexi]

I loved that whole scene where The Doctor and Ruby were tied up, and he's getting excited about the language of rope and discovering the "brand new science" of luck and circumstance. Older Doctor Who episodes tried to tie fantastical elements into existing science, like explaining how the werewolf is a parasitic space organism or the Dickens "ghosts" were gas-based lifeforms. But here, it's the frontier of discovery, The Doctor hypothesising and theorising how these different rules play out. Everything is a science, even magic. And I love that Doctor Who is embracing this.

[@vrhetinst]

Or maybe it’s the reverse? Everything is magic-even science! 🙃 Merry Christmas, everyone.

[@GoliathWarfare]

"It's not magic, it's language. It's another form of physics."

[@SnowLily06]

Russell's first era was very science. Steven Moffat's was very fairy tales. This new era seems to be the best of both

[@drmattso2369]

I will argue a defining moment might be where the Doctor was in the kitchen with Carla, and he is clearly crying. He asks why are you crying? and she asks why are you? He stands there deepliy emotional with his head still reeling with all of the sudden developments. Its such an emotionally impacful scene, it broke my heart seeing what Carla and Cherry became without Ruby and it did the doctor as well.

[@LordLOC]

I've seen so many comments (and now a couple videos) saying that scene and the Doctor crying ruins the Doctor completely and the show is now just woke trash pushing agendas etc.

[@drmattso2369]

@@LordLOC I find it amusing that people take showing compassion as "woke".

[@LordLOC]

@@drmattso2369 It's not even compassion (though in this case it is obviously) but we're talking about a 2,000 some odd year-old alien who can see timelines and travel through time and has "magic" science but oh no, he's crying because of a family being obliterated and losing everything wonderful and beautiful (not to mention fostering 33 kids) but OH NO ITS WOKE CUZ TEARS. I hate it so much.

[@DavidHHH99]

Yeah, that was my favorite scene in the episode and had me in tears, too.

[@Melina_Evarblume_Seelie]

​​​​@@LordLOC If you've been stabbed but get better, you are suddenly not allowed to feel any pain that's lesser such as if you get a papercut or stub your toe. Your body now refuses to acknowledge any pain that's not a knife 4 inches into your gut. Great moral from the "go woke get broke" crowd lmao

[@rabbitfishtv]

The way Ruby’s disappearance changed people’s lives was, I think, a nod to the classic Christmas movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” where an angel shows a suicidal Jimmy Stewart what the world would have been like if he hadn’t existed.

[@technicolour7619]

I honestly think the defining moment for his Doctor was right at the beginning and again, obviously, later in the episode. As he's comin out of the TARDIS, he has tear streaks on his cheeks. It just brought me back to the previous special where he embraces (himself?) and gives that little kiss. I feel that will be our doctor this go round; someone who is so deeply empathetic that he will turn back time and pull ships out of the sky no matter what consequences are (surely) in store.

[@edm9029]

Did anyone else get major "It's A Wonderful Life" vibes from this episode? It is my favorite Christmas movie, and one of my all time favorites, and i loved how this episode explored the same themes (briefly) of the impact one life can have on those around them...

[@lind774]

Yes! Especially when he grabbed the top of the post on the stairs landing when returning to "now".

[@politereminder6284]

It reminded me of many things, including Gremlins, Labyrinth, Star Wars and Its a wonderful life. It was wonderful!

[@sputukgmail]

Yeah, the overall “what if someone hadn’t existed” story was there - although it wasn’t the person learning the lesson, is was the doctor as the only one who experienced the shift…was that a lesson about himself, about a crisis of confidence he’d had recently wondering if he were good or not? He’s still healing perhaps - also hinted out by the reflective moment as he pondered “I was a foundling too”

[@Whisper_292]

​@@sputukgmailSomething else about the, "I was a foundling too," moment was the establishment of common ground between the Doctor and Ruby, something that, AFAIK, has never happened with a Companion (except for the Doctor Donna, of course, but that wasn't at the start of a run). I think that connection will play heavily into their chemistry.

[@jayanderson9375]

@@lind774I felt the same at the “ Newell moment”!

[@chubby_deity3143]

A Up for me was Ruby putting together all the pieces, it just seems like representation of a mindset that's more willing to believe in the fantastical, which sort of leads into her Tardis entrance, she went around the Tardis, realizes it's bigger on the inside...and just believes it. IMO, anyway. A Down to add as well, I was hoping the Doctor would somehow fix the roof crack, because both the Doctor and Ruby just left a newborn and an elderly in a pretty bad place. I agree with the overpowered screwdriver notion but I wouldn't have mind it got new powers to fix a situation like this once in awhile.

[@moniquetroth]

Agreed on the up. And personally, maybe I'm just That Old, but I love-love-LOVE that she didn't make some comment on the size difference, but just... verified and accepted. Like, "Waitaminnit, was that? ... Huh. Yup. Okay, then. Here we go." Reminded me of some of the old-school companions who just accepted "This guy is weird, so of *course* he has a weird police box that's not the same on the inside as it ought to be."

[@kokirij0167]

Your theory on the Up kinda reminds me of how Rory later on was always very "Oh yeah okay, this just happened. Alright, moving on, how do I not die again" like the Tesselecta shrink ray thing

[@CindoBaby]

I think part of the problem with the crack is it wasn’t, any longer, a crack in time but just a crack. If it had been both he could have just *snap* fixed it quick. (As we saw with the crack in Amy’s wall) also maybe rtd wanted to keep from alluding to that other situation eleven had, even just tangentially.🤷 I kinda agree it’s weird to leave a baby and elderly person in a cold draft attic apartment. But knowing the Doctor he probably went back in time an booked a team to arrive fix it 5minutes after they left.🤷

[@Rasyr]

Regarding Mrs Flood In her first scene, she has no idea that the blue box is a Tardis, then she sees it disappear, and you can see her surprise at it doing so. And then at the end when she is leaning forward, she might notbe breaking the 4th wall, but still talking to the man from a moment before since she IS looking in the direction that he headed..... I have only recently found the WhoCulture Ups and Downs videos, so it makes me want to go back and check a few things.... For example, in Hell Bent, I am wondering if anybody caught that the Doctor's son was quite possibly the Lord President of Gallifrey at the time that he and Susan ran away. When in the cloisters, the Doctor tells Clara abouta story about somebody stole the moon and run away with the President's wife, and when Clara repeats it back to him, and he corrects her that it was the President's daughter..... (quite possibly his grand-daughter). I have also seen comments about how Jo Martin's Tardis was also a Police Box, and how could that be is it got stuck like that during the time of the first Doctor..... The answer is easy, the Tardis got stuck like that much earlier than previously thought. Then when Division force the Doctor into regeneration back to a child (to grow up into the first Doctor), they put her Tardis into the repair yard, and forced it back into its natural state, and thought that they had repaired the Chameleon Circuit, but the fix only stuck a short while (several trips until they lands in Foreman's Junk Yard, and disguised itself as a Police Box, at which time it shorted out again (or the Tardis herself shorted it once she took the shape of a Police Box out because she likes that form for some reason - Even when the 6th Doctor was able to fix it, he never got it to work correctly and as soon as it became a Police Box again it stopped working again.....) Just a few thoughts......

[@kieranleehamilton]

The ending, “I’m the Doctor” for me was his defining moment. Anyone who doubted, you were convinced then!

[@glompf1734]

One interesting thing in the new RTD era is: hopping back in time changes the timeline and actually makes differences. First: "mavity" instead of gravity, which seems to stay, second: showing how much the life of Ruby Sunday affected her mother and grandmother. Third: how the destruction of the goblin ship in the past affected the character of Mrs. Flood, who's now way more friendlier. Though I'd also bet, Ruby and the doctor meet a younger Mrs. Flood later in the series..

[@applepye1353]

I took the goblin photo as he found the camera, not knowing how it worked, and took a pic of itself and dropped the camera in surprise. The only thing that was missing was The Doctor being able to talk to babies.

[@WyrdWaysRockShow]

Maybe that was something only Eleven could do? He could well have been better with languages than Fifteen is.

[@applepye1353]

@@WyrdWaysRockShow It was a Moffat thing. 12 understood babies. Chibnall never addressed the talent and I guess RTD isn't going to bring it back either. It's a pity because it made for some lovely stories.

[@Croftice1]

@@WyrdWaysRockShow 12th did as well, he translated from baby when Loftys little daughter was crying in the episode about Ashilder, the same episode he realised, why he took that face (of Caecelius from Pompeii).

[@travismiddleton8218]

Ncuti is giving major Peter Davidson vibes... wholesome, a bit emotional, a fantastic fashion sense, and warm and kind to everyone around him. I'm so excited to see where his doctor goes and what adventures he goes on!

[@steveom5479]

He had a celery on his jacket... Was Peter Davidson fashionable??? 😂

[@steve-0493]

Yet I'm sure he was still happier about his costume/outfit, than Colin(The Mad Jester)Baker!😁✌️🍻

[@DavidSmithsTardis]

I wouldn't say the 5th Doctor was warm and kind a lot of the time but Peter Davison sure

[@DavidSmithsTardis]

I wouldn't say the 5th Doctor was warm and kind a lot of the time but Peter Davison sure

[@Visualscrapbookmedia]

The fifth doctor who a vegtable.

[@sarahglover3286]

Am I the only one who assumed the Goblin basically stood on the camera and that photo was an accident rather tban it took a selfie?

[@Jogproof]

I agree or they just picked it up not knowing what it was and accidentally took it.

[@sarahglover3286]

@Ape-shapedCarbon It makes a noise or you look down to see what you've stepped on?

[@SueDenimDomDenim]

It reminded me of ET

[@AndrewJLeslie]

It seems very odd that he's saved both the babies but can't be bothered to fix the flat's ceiling, leaving Lulubelle in a wind tunnel.

[@benjaminjenkins394]

Loved the ep but I’m with you there. I’m like “fix the flat please”. Haha

[@bridgetthauert5518]

Lol

[@thecybergeezer4190]

I think Mrs. Flood didn’t recognize the Tardis at first because she didn’t know the Doctor was around. She thought it was just a police box that maybe Abdul had picked up somewhere. The first time it took off, Mrs. Flood was in shock because she realized it was the Tardis. That would explain her changed attitude later if she already knew the doctor, and what the tardis is. As to who she is, I have no idea, but I can’t wait to find out.

[@otps8035]

she can't know the Doctor that well or otherwise she'd always suspect a police box to be a Tardis

[@ProrogonLordoftheJags]

Honestly.... I loved this episode more than the 60th specials with Tennant and Tate! Ncuti Gatwa's charisma levels are off the charts, he has incredible potential as the doctor and I can't wait to see where this goes. He also had amazing chemistry with Gibson, they're going to be brilliant I think. I'm a lot more excited for the next series now :)

[@julinas1878]

His grin is as magical as the rest :)

[@CleanUpNick]

yeah same, Tennant is my personal favorite but the 60th specials felt kind of off to me, didn't really feel like a special, but this episode was great

[@Ichigo-HKC]

Hands down! It normally takes me a few episodes to warm up to a new doctor but I already adore both the doctor and Ruby

[@erictroxell715]

Well said. I too was extremely impressed with the chemistry between them.

[@nailinthefashion]

Smith is my Doctah, however, this is my favourite piece of Who media. Just so next level. Watched it again today

[@IncredibleTeamAidan]

For the people who don't like musicals, if you want a sci-fi reasoning here you go: The Doctor realised that the goblins like their music so much (they literally built a stage in their transport so it must be important to them). He figured that if he shows some "respect" to their ways, the goblins will be less likely to attack them if he and Ruby join in.

[@Maeve_Rose]

i honestly didn't mind the doctor singing. it was fun, it was fantastical, as long as its not every episode, then im fine with it.

[@IncredibleTeamAidan]

@@Maeve_Rose I absolutely loved the doctor and Ruby singing and really hope to see more done in this series, maybe not every episode, but definitely in situations like this where it makes sense to. (Let’s hope that the Beatles episode includes some)

[@jamescastelli8507]

It was the execution of it that was way too off for me.

[@Maeve_Rose]

@@jamescastelli8507 he was stalling for time, you can see it in the episode. the best way to stall is to make them think they won and congratulate them.

[@Limes_not_Lemons]

I agree totally, plus it's so short lived and contained to only one scene. If it was a whole musical episode, sure, that would've turned me off of it too. But having just the one scene and having it be so entertaining overall made it just a nice scene instead of being a weird musical episode

[@eaches]

My take on the photo is - that appeared to be an old instant camera, so they accidentally knocked it over, it snapped a picture and ejected it. As those old cameras automatically did.

[@NastySasquatch]

Yep, it was a common tool in shows for a little while.

[@annaforbes7516]

100%. And also... there was a craze of retro on that a few years back in UK, so it doesn't have to be an original Polaroid somehow brought there from the 1980s. It's more likely one of the more recent versions.

[@shawnholbrook7278]

I am happy that the doctor is healing and still growing, healing doesn't mean you stop feeling or thinking. This doctor can laugh and cry. That is his defining trait so far. Love it.

[@nailinthefashion]

Strength isn’t never crying, but not losing yourself to grief. 10/10

[@MaybeItsGas]

I have this really strong feeling that Jenny is coming back sometime soon. My current theories are 1. Ruby is Jenny's daughter. We don't know what happened after Jenny left in that ship. Maybe she's been hunted for being a time lord or just gotten herself into trouble like dear old dad, and needs to hide her child. 2. Mrs Flood is a regeneration of Jenny. It felt kind of unclear in The Doctors Daughter if Jenny is actually timelord, or if the terraforming energy gave her a burst of life that saved her. However with the Timeless Child arc, there's no way Jenny wouldn't be able to regenerate if she's truly a genetic copy of the Doctor. Either way, I just feel like if ever there was a time to bring Jenny back it's now.

[@vedisalive]

Unlikely but would be fun

[@A1exBOfficial]

@@vedisaliveAgreed

[@neilhawkins9017]

RTD said in an interview that Jenny The Doctors daughter took off in her space ship flew it into a sun and blew up the end.

[@jdottdeestv8149]

But a lot can happen in that time. You could eat an apple, peel an orange... If you catch my drift, could you give it back? It's been missing a while. @@neilhawkins9017

[@daiyahigashikata]

​@@neilhawkins9017 no, he didn't say anything like that in an interview. he joked with moffat that she crashed into a moon

[@kathycook3024]

If the Doctor had stopped the mother, he would have been changing things. What if he had caused her to change her mind and she had gone back to retrieve Baby Ruby? While that might or might not have worked out well for mother and baby, it would have caused the same devastating result for the Sunday family.

[@annaforbes7516]

Remembering that episode in the first reboot series where Ecclestone and Piper go back for Rose's dad. It didn't end well !

[@dangersaur]

Fathers Day, yeah I thought that too

[@salvadorlloret-farina8767]

A church, an adult holding their baby self, a paradox which cracks time and allows convergence and slipping in between the cracks/wounds in time. Had he found out who it would have become a fixed point in time, like when Amy read ahead in the Melody Malone novel. He had to maintain the Heisenberg Uncertainty principle in order not to Quantum lock it and make it a fixed point, That's part and parcel of why TImelords were/are dangerous. Maintaining a hold on his curiosity not putting his desire to know things above the need for people to have their own agency and genuinely make their own choices that is progress, HUGE progress wisdom and tact, knowing when it isnt right to intervene due to the cascade effect of unintended and unforeseen consequence shows so much growth - the lack of arrogant entitlement@@annaforbes7516

[@robinvik1]

No one: The Doctor: "You know what really puts me in the christmas spirit? F*cking murdering some aliens."

[@WhoCulture]

HO HO HO, MERRY DEATHMAS

[@taramichelle2972]

Ncuti is absolutely brilliant as the Doctor. When he said “I’m the Doctor”. I said “Hell yes you are”. His energy is superb and he will be so much fun to watch. Loved that his first story didn’t deal with the after effects of regeneration. Also I agree Ellie that Russell will pay off the Timeless child arc in an amazing way. Loved the episode and just can’t wait for more.

[@KevinHayman]

Defining Doctor moment? He pulled a boat out of the sky. This is a man of action.

[@WatchwithMarcella]

The Doctor had his moment when Ruby entered the Tardis and he was standing there in all his glory. I loved that. I think that’s his defining moment.

[@Kleineganz]

I'm pretty sure the purpose of the photo was to pay off a "Back to the Future" homage (where the goblin disappears in the photo after they "crack" the timeline), much like Marty McFly's siblings slowly fade from the photo as Marty inadvertently changes his parent's past. As for his new sonic... I love the look of it, but I will agree they need to stop referring to it as a "screwdriver." It's the wrong shape. Why not just call it a "sonic?"

[@shell9801]

Two bits i loved that I don’t think you touched were the fact that Ruby figured out the doctor time is a traveller and that how eerie the scenes with Davina were

[@jasonmd2020]

Showing the effect of Ruby's absence seems to me to be a nod to "It's a Wonderful Life". Which of course is a Christmas movie.

[@blakemartin6963]

I think the reason rubies reaction to the tardis being smaller than other companions is because she came to the realisation. He was a time traveller for seeing the tardis and so was not as taken it back. Where is the other companions? Just think he's a madman until they step into the tires and realise. Oh damn! He's an alien etc

[@MrTehDBear]

One major up for me was him popping back in time to save the reporter lady. A quick scene that show's he's a much more caring Doctor than we've had in a while. I can't really imagine any of the other doctors going back to save her.

[@richardturnbull8591]

To be honest I half expected with the Goblin's 'disappearing' in a puff of logic that the whole bad luck thing would have never happened thus not needing Davina to be saved.

[@hermiona1147]

That's crazy talk, absolutely every single Doctor would go back and save an innocent person from dying, especially if they are relevant to their companion.

[@TheThreebucks]

But why did she need need saving if the goblins were gone?

[@jacquicanham4756]

Ahhh, but then why would Ruby remember him if the goblins were gone?...

[@total2blue]

Ah but the real question is, how did he know who she was or that she needed saving? He wasn't there when Ruby was talking to her on the phone.

[@lornasullivan4235]

Mrs. Flood is Liz Shaw (the 3rd Doctor's 1st companion) which is why she knows what the Tardis is and told Ruby to go with him. Assuming her character was between 20 and 25 years old she could be around 75 to 80. She lit up when she saw the Police Box vanish and reappear for she realized that this was actually the Doctor's Tardis. Who else would travel in a Police Telephone box? Of course the character Liz Shaw would be recast just like the first Doctor had been.

[@modboyhenry1]

In my opinion I actually love the extra abilities the sonic can have. They don’t need to go overboard with it but having some new uses are great to see. But I do agree the new sonic doesn’t even look anything like the sonic screwdrivers. If it was just called the sonic or something like the sonic lance or remote don’t know. I enjoyed this episode and the dynamic between the doctor and ruby. Ncuti and Millie are amazing together can’t wait for me. I enjoyed Ruby’s reaction to the Tardis WAY better than whatever 13’s companions said honestly forgot what they said.

[@judithstrachan9399]

I can’t help hoping that, sometime, he presses a button & an actual screwdriver comes out & he uses it. “But I *said* it was a screwdriver!”

[@nailinthefashion]

@@judithstrachan9399”nothing beats a good old Phillips!” “Wot??”

[@IreneWY]

I really don't like the new sonic 😅😅

[@neilgodwin6531]

My electric screwdriver doesn't look like a screwdriver. Shaped more like a pistol. Does the same job. I like the design because it removes the tendency to point it like a weapon. "They're scientific instruments", "what are you going to do, assemble a cabinet at them?"

[@kurtpaulsen6579]

I kind of have to agree here... Yes Capaldi had his Sonic Shades, but he always referred to them as 'Glasses' not a screwdriver... Made it work for me...

[@arctic_wind]

I've been waiting for this upload with such anticipation! It feels so good to have Doctor Who back at Christmas again!

[@rennijo]

I loved Ncuti as the Doctor, but I think the defining Doctor moment we're missing is him being scary or intimidating. There's always moments with the Doctor where you remember how ancient and powerful the Doctor is, but Ncuti hasn't had a moment yet where we feel like he'd be dangerous if he snapped. He just doesn't give the impression that he would cross lines and be terrible and go too far. Hopefully, we'll see some of that at some point. Otherwise, I do really like him. He's got the old hurt and anger he's keeping in check and the joy and the enthusiasm that makes you want to follow him on an adventure. Looking forward to seeing where we go from here.

[@sheersternfeld1914]

I can't wait to see him angry. Like, actually angry. Like 9th was with the lone Dalek, and 10th was as time lord victorious, and 11th was at colonel runaway, and 12th was in the Zygon invasion. The fury of a time lord is a dangerous thing, and I bet 15th is gonna be amazing at it.

[@jjflasherz]

Ruby said she's cool with the word "foundling" cuz it's accurate, she was "foundled" -- So "goblins" that "gobbled" seems part of that same gag, no?

[@tobiwalker7145]

The goblin wouldn't have known it was taking a picture, it takes time for the picture to develop. It picked up the camera, got flashed, dropped the camera not knowing it was leaving its photo behind. Disney has given me the best Xmas present ever. I was starting to question whether I'd be able to afford continuing with Disney+ in the new year but now, with Doctor Who, there's no longer a question! (Disney does not approve of icky CGI.)

[@jeffwmoore]

I think the Ruby disappearing and us seeing how everyone changes is Russell T Davies' Christmas nod to It's A Wonderful Life.

[@salvadorlloret-farina8767]

The Dr getting to experience what Donna did in Turn Left

[@robbuck5783]

They did address the screwdriver in the scene with the officer. “My Sonic Screwdriver” “Doesn’t look like a screwdriver” “It’s just a Sonic”

[@andrewmurray1550]

"not a hedgehog then?".

[@THEsnapcrakklepop]

I love the intelligent gloves being so simple, because little kids can pop some glow sticks on an ordinary pair of gloves and feel like they’re in the world of The Doctor. They’re perfect.

[@escargoat8552]

My main down was the pacing. There was a lot of slack throughout the episode (especially after they rescued the baby) and yet the ending felt so abrupt. I really wanted to see just a bit more back and forth between 15 and Ruby in the TARDIS but instead it felt like we spent allll the time in the world in that flats hallway.

[@ghlmk5931]

16:48 you are so right about this. I was intrigued by the idea of the Timeless Child, and baffled that Chibnall didn’t seem to know what direction he was going with it. I wonder if RTD is using the idea as dramatic weight and/or a connection to Ruby; or does he intend to bring that plot line to a resolution, even though he shouldn’t be held to that, he didn’t create said plot line. Dangerous ground to thread on, but we’ll see! Thanks for noticing the “mavity” line. Many early reviewers seem to have missed it! Massive up from me on the Doctor’s wardrobe. It never felt right to me that the show’s main character was always wearing the same clothes. Nine only had the one outfit, Ten had 2 suits and the occasional tuxedo, Eleven had a couple of changes, Twelve was always in black, Thirteen only changed her shirt, and Fourteen ended up with half his clothes, and finally, Fifteen said enough is enough, I’ll actually change into a new outfit every day! Love it. Entertaining video as always. Hope you guys all had a great holiday. Much success in the new year.

[@appalachianpatriot1796]

It was fun. That is what we missed soooooo much. The defining moment was the first scene where the Doctor was just watching with tears pouring down. We are immediately asking why and realize the character we know to love and cherish others is standing right there.

[@Chester_Kitten]

Does Ruby remind anyone of Rose Tyler? Both start with R and both start in a "series begining(kinda)?" Also, I love the fact that Ncuti was wearing 9s Jacket(Definitely looks like it) for a part of the episode( also series 1 style vibes). I also love how Ms Flood talks directly to the audience and asks if we've seen a TARDIS before. It was quite funny. I've thoughts that its weird that at the begining she hasn't a clue what a TARDIS is and at the end she does. I think she is either Ruby's mother, Ruby herself, or some random character that'll be put into place later in may. One thing I don't understand is why some people decide to "rank" things or say that the "Chibnall Era" was bad. I don't think it ever was. Something to add is; How come Doctor Who has damn good continuity for things 40-50 years in the future of its show even though it "wasn't the plan."? It's either a real story of sorts, or is just good at paying attention to the history of the show and reality before writing it. Another thing to say is, I love the commitment to the whole "mavity" thing. I have a speculation that that has something setting up for Ncuti's seasons. Or was just made to become a new running Joke of sorts.

[@-Gothicgirl-]

The house where the snow man fall is the shop where rose worked

[@Rhaenarys]

I saw a poll asking about which era was peoples favorites...i thought they were all good.

[@andrewmurray1550]

It could well be a fourth-wall break for those who HAVEN'T seen Who before, literally asking the question "You haven't seen a Tardis before?" could also be interpreted as asking (rhetorically) "You haven't seen this show before?", because I'm sure there are Disney+ audiences that may not have.

[@newhappiness4410]

The mother who dropped Ruby off looks strangely like it could be Jodie Whittaker the 13th doctor. I’m sure Russell Davis has plans for her to come back to link with the 15th doctor. Remember the doctor is also an orphan like Ruby

[@WatchwithMarcella]

I think Ruby’s mother might be Mrs. Flood. What bigger coincidence than to live next door to your mother the entire time.

[@newhappiness4410]

@@WatchwithMarcella good point she obviously met the doctor before

[@jamesmcilroy9190]

I think Ruby is the child of River Song and the doctor after their last night together, 27 years is a long time…

[@newhappiness4410]

@@jamesmcilroy9190 the writers would’ve had several scenarios acted out to keep fans guessing. If River Song is tipped to come back then it’s possible. I know Jodie Whittaker was discussed by Russell T Davis on a possible return

[@jackiecozzie4803]

Imagine if it was Jodie, and that's why he didn't go after her when she dropped Ruby off. He already knew who it was, and for some reason can't tell Ruby to protect her?

[@beezig]

I just loved the energy that Ncuti brought back to the show, whatever "it" is, he has it by the bucket load.

[@codyboyd9403]

Personally, I like that he finally has made a sonic screwdriver that doesn’t roll 😊

[@nathaliemlromer]

Mrs Flood winks in the same way as Missy. Or she's going to be introduced later as a companion who may have forgotten about him and the TARDIS until right at the end. It was a bit of fourth wall there. It was designed to keep us guessing about the type of villain we would get. But that wink was spot on to get me excited for the new Doctor series...

[@fantasticbeck3938]

My thoughts exactly! The second she winked I thought “MISSY!!!”

[@LibertyBridgeProductions]

Ruby is way better than any of 13s companions she is just clearly more of a character with more life. I agree the doctor needed that big wow moment but he was still good.

[@ronaldwilson9525]

Nobody writes for the secondary characters like RTD. That’s why I love his writing. To me it makes the story so well rounded.

[@KokuroSame]

I’m making my prediction now, not only is Mrs. Flood Ruby’s real mother, but she’s also “The One Who Waits.” And I believe this because even though She may not have recognized the Tardis at first, once she saw it dematerialize her shock (dropping the bags) wasn’t in seeing a wooden box disappear, but in realizing it was a Tardis. And then, what did she do for the rest of the episode? She sat outside her porch and *waited* for the Doctor to come back, and leave, and come back, and leave again. Just sitting there on her porch. I think that is primo foreshadowing to “The One Who Waits” without making it obvious. Like with Missy in her original appearances. Watching back, it’s so obviously an incarnation of the Master with how weird she is, but at the same time it worked because she was weird, but it was subtle weirdness. So yeah, Mrs. Flood is going to be “The One Who Waits.” That’s my main prediction.

[@andrewmurray1550]

To say Mrs Flood is Ruby's mother could make sense in a timey-wimey kind of way. Who knows if she happened to turn around seeing the Tardis depart (attention caught by the wheezing of the Tardis (having left its parking brake on (according to River Song), and then as Mrs Flood remembering it all those years later, the funny Police Box that always ends up out of place (and time) whereever it goes.

[@toughteddybear5777]

It only just come to me... But I'm absolutely calling that the shot of 15 with the hat on in the bar is from later in the series and that's him coming back in time.

[@judithstrachan9399]

I thought that.

[@yippeeyokai5750]

I just had a wild idea about who Mrs. Flood could be. When dealing with time travel nothing is impossible. Could she be an elderly version of Ruby?

[@bll4132]

Yes I like that.

[@yippeeyokai5750]

@@bll4132 I picked up companion vibes from her. So my original thought was she was a former companion.

[@judithstrachan9399]

Susan? But then they’d use Carol Ann Ford.

[@WatchwithMarcella]

Like she predestinationed herself?

[@otps8035]

@@judithstrachan9399 not if they didn't want people to know, but wouldn't the Doctor recognise Susan?

[@julianaylor4351]

I loved that the goblins used ropes, like we use electronic circuitry. I think the goblins existed, because the Toymaker has interfered with the reality of the Doctor's universe.

[@richardturnbull8591]

That is a BS I can go along with, I found the Fantasy elements jarring, but this would be a working head canon. That said I would hope that this kind of thing fades as the Toymakers influence fades.

[@SNiBet]

Yeah, the whole rope thing should've been an up!

[@lavendargooms2056]

I thought we got a lot of great characterization for Ruby from this episode. My favorite bit was how excited she was when she learned Lulubelle was coming, she wasn't just happy for her mum because she was excited but Ruby herself was so thrilled, I could just really feel in that scene that Ruby had a real passion and value for fostering that of course comes from her being so successfully fostered, but there's a difference between recognizing how important fostering was in her personal life and coming to value and love having foster kids in your own life. I also loved how she was clearly scared of being up on the roof and how she kind of forgot about it when the goblin hissed at her! Like she was prepared for threats or insults or almost anything from the baby-stealer but hissing...no way dude. Honorable mention to how quick she was to laugh off her bad luck, it would be so reasonable to be quite annoyed by all the sudden mishaps, but she just makes a joke about how big a deal not having eggs for a WHOLE day will be. I get that it's easier to see character when it's sarcasm and shouting (Amy Pond is my absolute girl) but I'm already in love with Ruby's optimism and curiosity and really hope that the more time everyone spends with her the more we all get to see of what I saw in this ep!

[@sheersternfeld1914]

​@@AhStuttgartyes she is. She feels like a combination of Clara and Rose (Rose Tyler, not Nobel), and that's why I like her character. Why do you dislike Clara so much, that you think comparing someone to her is an insult?

[@RobStevens64]

I think the thing they’re going for in this season is that messing with time has repercussions, which is honestly something Doctor Who has shied away from getting involved in. We’ve seen how there have been some changes, but the two things that have me thinking this will be a running thread are “mavity’ making a comeback and not being a throwaway gag, and Mrs. Flood suddenly being completely aware of what a TARDIS is (especially considering I don’t think that word is uttered at all in the rest of the episode). I think we need to be on the lookout for changes like this through this upcoming season.

[@yensid4294]

Ncuti Gatwa (hope I spelled that right) is *very* charismatic & animated. *And* he can sing?! Yes please. I thought maybe the little arms causing mischief were going to belong to the Yule Lads since it's a Xmas Special. The Goblins stealing babies felt too Labyrinth, but it was still an enjoyable ep. Really liked the design of their ship.

[@Lmnaop]

I loved the episode. Ncuti was so charming I couldn’t look away. Ruby Sunday is an incredible fan insert for me, I’m struck by the fashion. Idk how I feel about the goblins, but it was a great first Christmas special for my family!! Some mysteries to look forward to, new gadgets, charisma galore. My mom said “we have to wait til spring?” At the end of the episode , so it’s hooked atleast one new fan.

[@thbthttt]

We've had pantomimes here in Toronto, but I've never been to one; still, I fully understand it when Doctor Who embraces that particular and very British Christmas tradition: the comedy is broader, the music is louder and more brash, and sure, why the hell not, let's squeeze in a musical number. Things will get more serious as this series goes on, but this particular pantomime was perfect.

[@PeterLGଈ]

Perfectly said. The Christmas specials have always been over-the-too in one way or another, and this one was no different. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Looking forward to the new ... um ... season?

[@hmspretender]

The ending gave me a nice chuckle. The only person/being I can think Mrs. Flood could be, as she has been introduced so early and had a seeming attitude/personality shift, is "the one who waits" as mentioned by the Toymaker.

[@Mark-nh2hs]

Nah I think she's being set up to be the new Wilfred type character.

[@Croftice1]

@@Mark-nh2hs Would perfectly fit a Wilf like character. She was annoyed first by the TARDIS appearance (mainly being in her way), then shocked by her sudden disappearance and in the end was fully aware of what a TARDIS is, even knowing her name. Wilfred introduced to us in the Christmas special Voyage of the Damned was first quite annoyed by the aliens invading London around every Christmas, then later knowing the Doctor, he completely changed his attitude towards "them aliens" as the Doctor was one of the good ones (remember Wilf's reaction to the Vinochi, or whatever the Cacti species was called - the VotD Wilf would still be annoyed by the Cacti).

[@MAB_Canada]

About the photo of the goblin…I assumed the goblin picked up the camera in another effort to cause problems and accidentally pushed the button. Not knowing that those “instant” cameras take a couple of minutes to develop the image he’d leave the photo behind because it would appear to be empty🤷🏼‍♀️ Well, it’s a theory anyway😉

[@MeidasWhovianAdvocate]

The Mavity never gets old

[@WhoCulture]

Only Doctor Who fans understand the mavity of this joke

[@clairebeane3455]

🤣🤣🤣

[@WanderingCactus]

I did like the sonic failing on the door not because it's wood, but there's no screws to work on, that was a funny twist on the classic 'doesn't work on wood' I think Ncuti didn't chase after Ruby's mom because he just saw what would happen if the past was changed, so does he want to risk that again? I'm really looking forward to the explanation about Miss Flood

[@kokirij0167]

I agree on the sonic screwdriver thing. I was literally sitting there like "Doctor, that's a wooden door, it doesn't work on wood" and then he says the screws line and I'm just "Oh- That too I suppose"

[@xavthesimmer725]

When I heard Ncuti mention how he needs screws I yelled out "AND YET YOU COULD FIX BARBED WIRE!?" I love Doctor Who but the inconsistencies regarding the sonic do my head in.

[@WanderingCactus]

@@xavthesimmer725 Laughs, "Yeah the sonic is really inconsistent. I think this may be another case of them trying to explain some of it away, now it's not that it's wood, it's that there's no metal to work on. I don't think it needs to be screws, just metal, however it's quicker, easier and stays with the screwdriver theme to say there's no screws."

[@crawdadnc479]

Merry Christmas! I loved the line "I'm learning the vocabulary of knots." Or was it "rope"? Great either way. Gatwa felt like the Doctor in his first moment in The Giggle, and here just the way he carries himself and looks at things you can tell that is the Doctor navigating spaces and figuring things out. I love that this show has been so much fun and so imaginative, and still makes me happy to watch after I first saw it nearly 40 years ago. Great to see the Doctor having fun, too! Agreed about the chemistry between Gatwa and Gibson. It crackles. Also intrigued about Ruby's past. I'm sure her mother will turn out to be related to whatever the overarching plot for the next season (or more?) will be. There's that litany of old Who characters who are always fantasy booked to show up again but never do, so I'll be happily surprised if it is one of them, but I ain't holding my breath. Seems likely it will tie into at least some further exploration of the Timeless Child stuff, and maybe repairing some of the damage of the Flux? Maybe? I wouldn't be surprised if Ms. Flood does not return. That third wall breaking and wink at the end could simply be a little silly fun in the spirit of a Christmas special that already had some very fanciful elements. But who knows? I reckon we'll find out in the Spring. Whatever the details, it promises to be a good time.

[@KedarOthort]

When I first saw the Goblin King, my immediate first thought was, "Damn, Jareth, really let yourself go, huh?"

[@TechBearSeattle]

Big down for me is that we never got to see him fretting over a new wardrobe as he picked a new style. I really like the image of him in the TARDIS' clothing department, looking at past looks going, "No one wears capes any more. Scarves are SOOO last century. Fez, no. Celery.... who wears vegetables any more?" And finally picking up the kilt with a huge smile saying, "How would you like to go clubbing, hon? Wait, I like clubbing now? I like clubbing now!"

[@skatez69]

Ups for me that you missed: "But why all of those things happening to Davina?" - "Oh, that was just fun". Brilliant line! Also, very much David Tennant vibes when the Doctor worked something out - I hope we see some traits of some of the other incarnations coming through too. Loved the running cup of tea gag. Big down for me would be the Doctor and Ruby singing - despite being surrounded by these goblins, and being in a really unusual situation, she seemed to accept that she needed to sing very fast and just jumped right in, no questioning or confusion or anything, just sing and dance. Felt a bit forced and convenient.

[@loftus4453]

The Christmas episodes in particular can verge on the absurd in Doctor Who. Remember the super hero Christmas special? Or the Santa Clause and Alien crossover Christmas extravaganza? Or the remake of A Christmas Carol complete with flying sharks and the Doctor making out with Marilyn Monroe? Doctor Who plus Christmas equals lots of absurd fun.

[@Croftice1]

It shows her quick thinking and the ability to improvise. This guy helps you save your sister and he just starts singing, what are you gonna do, question his actions, when so far everything he did worked out for you? No, you join and try to fit in as best as you can.

[@bidvision]

Regarding the photo that the goblin left. They use rope instead of electricity, so it wouldn't know what the camera was. So it accidentally set it off and then the flash startled it so it ran away. There, that's my hand-wave for that one.

[@ApolloRacer]

The musical episode in SNW was divided in reactions? Really? I haven't seen it; in fact, I'd say it was very refreshing, very well done, and it's my favorite episode of the series so far. I can't get enough of it.

[@BlueCanary7]

I've only seen overwhelmingly positive feedback, including from this channel! Honestly, it was amazing, and I'm so thrown to hear it described as getting "mixed reactions." Mixed _where_??

[@darylmullins4369]

First, I definitely enjoyed this episode. However, I was a little disappointed that their home was still broken, and it had been mentioned a couple of times that the winter cold would be felt inside until it was fixed. Also, about Ruby’s mother… (Was it explicitly proved that it was her mother?) I do see possibilities for an episode - or even an arch theme for the upcoming episodes - where this character might become a main focus. Also, this could end up being a part of the reason the doctor did not confront her. (He might somehow know something about Ruby’s future even in this early episode.) Maybe there will be a story that focuses on her mother, where the Doctor somehow meets her and has to tell her that she must leave Ruby at the church doorstep, assuring her that Ruby will have a good life, of course. That could also explain why her mother did NOT look back. (again, going with the assumption that she IS Ruby’s mother.) Just food for thought!

[@Fredkitchens]

pretty massive house for poor people

[@pro_tiq]

I found the entire episode to be very nostalgic, similar to the pilot episode of the 2005 premiere, Rose. Starts off with the life of the companion, getting into trouble, and then magically the Doctor appears to save the day! So it felt very cosy as I watched it wrapped up in my blanket with a warm cup of tea

[@andrewmurray1550]

It's been said by WhoCulture that this might well be considered in some respects a reboot for a new, new Who era while also remaining respectful to the bygone shows, like the original reboot (2005) remained respectful to Classic Who, while also becoming its own thing, it looks like this Ncuti era forward could be a repeat of that.

[@karenhadden4980]

I agree with all your comments except I really liked Ruby. I’m looking forward to getting to know her more. LOVING the new Doctor as well. A down for me is that the Doctor left without doing something to fix the big crack in Ruby’s home. Js

[@justaghostinthesea]

Can I just say that the 'Ups and Downs' system is so, SO genius.

[@WhoCulture]

Yes, yes you can

[@dorothythelunchboxthief142]

You might say it’s an UP

[@Waterflame]

I'm very excited for this version of the Doctor having multiple costumes! It's a refreshing change of pace!!

[@Fredkitchens]

great range of gaye vests

[@kianolner3818]

My theory for Mrs Flood is that she is Ruby. Anyone that’s watched Dark (if you haven’t then go and watch it you won’t regret it) will understand how this works because I think Ruby’s mother is also Ruby’s daughter. The ultimate wibbly wobbly timey wimey storyline.

[@maidenly_matilda]

I really liked this. I wasn't overly happy with the 3 tennant specials but I like the breath of fresh air than Ncuti has been in this episode. To me it felt like a fresh start and i think that's what RTD does best: Who with a fresh start. I love how kind Ncuti's doctor is overall despite his flamboyance.

[@Krishnath.Dragon]

In the words of the late Arthur C. Clarke, sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. So, in my mind, magic is just science we haven't discovered yet.

[@andrewmurray1550]

heck once upon a time electricity would have been considered magic (in that other BBC classic Catweazle, he indeed called electricity "electrickery"). A magician out of his time, thought the modern world ran on "magic" from farm tractors to electric lights.

[@Krishnath.Dragon]

@@andrewmurray1550 I honestly think that was Mr. Clarks point. To someone who has never encountered, say gunpowder before, a rifle seems like a magic item. "He just pointed the stick at the jaguar, and it friggin' died!" I think it is pretty much the same when we encounter something we can't explain, yet. It's magic.

[@KarlWPickup]

Buffy and Scrubs did musical episodes well. First was a demon manipulating everyone, second was a tumour making the woman hear song 👌

[@GSG02590]

So did the Arrowverse version of the Flash. Him and Supergirl were trapped in a musical, which also featured John Barrowman.

[@scottkthompson]

So did Star Trek (Strange New Worlds)!

[@Seal0626]

Pretty big coincidence that Ruby and the Doctor knew what to sing, wasn't it? Almost like the kind of massive coincidence that fueled the whole plot and was very much acknowledged within the episode.

[@Miller1107]

I think we can safely assume the hand that picked up the tooth is Jinx Monsoon's character, which we saw briefly in the season preview at the end of the Christmas special. Very on brand for her.

[@brianfretwell3886]

I think they made the sonic screwdriver look a little like what an electric screwdriver is heading towards to fit the hand better. Also it was a pity the Toymaker didn't last longer and had a world of his own where he could put the Doctor into a musical for an episode. If the musical failed the Doctor would have lost the contest.

[@cardsfanboy]

First time I've watched you do a review, I like the concept of the ups and downs, will agree on several of the downs, outside of the scene where she figures out what happened based upon what he said, I never really felt like Ruby was "companion material"... the moment she realized what happened, did make me feel her as a companion, but that is at the end of the episode, so we'll have to wait for a full episode with her to get her to grow on you. (if you think of Martha, Donna, Rose, Amy and all versions of Clara etc(I think Bill took about half an episode and the Chinball companions never felt like they belonged except Graham)....they all felt companion like from the early on---especially Martha who is underrated) Don't get me wrong, this show was a definite up, it's probably the most fun episode I've seen since early Capaldi if not Matt Smith, and it really had few flaws.

[@harrisonhaffner6812]

I’m torn on this whole thing. On the one hand, if this is what brings new fans to Doctor Who and lets them experience what made the past 60 years of it great, then I’m glad it exists. On the other I personally didn’t feel that this episode was reflective of the show as a whole and was often times childish and I’m not sure I’m as sold on Ncuti as instantly as I was Tom Baker, Patrick Troughton, Matt Smith, or David Tennant but I have warmed up to Doctors before (especially Capaldi and Pertwee). We’ll see what happens, I just hope that the show doesn’t totally veer away from some serious story telling. Wild Blue Yonder gives me some hope.

[@ftumschk]

As someone who's been watching since the 1960s, I honestly don't mind. I've seen many stylistic shifts in all that time.

[@gracerigby361]

Mentioned this on another vid but after the trauma the doctor has been through I'm quite happy with the direction they're taking the character in it,it feels fresh.

[@Mark-nh2hs]

The trauma which was never a issue in Classic Who it's just some crap NuWho rubbish pulled of its arse to finally create a Doctor who isn't a 10th Doctor clone like the majority of NuWho Doctors became post 10th.

[@CaptRobertApril]

I think it's obvious who Mrs. Flood is. Let's just say "Dimensions in Time" is now canon. Merry Christmas, Ange. 😎