The following review of Doctor Who was made possible by advanced screeners provided to by Walt Disney Studios Canada.
Embracing the role of the newly regenerated Doctor following the return of the iconic David Tennant for the 60th anniversary is quite an undertaking. Yet, Ncuti Gatwa embarks on his third outing as the fourteenth Doctor with confidence, making a striking debut in the first two episodes of Doctor Who Season 1.
The initial two episodes of Doctor Who powerfully demonstrate Gatwa’s knack for seamlessly embodying the charismatic character we’ve all come to adore. Building upon past narratives while infusing his spirited flair, he breathes new life into the Doctor, introducing a fresh energy previously unseen. He deftly navigates the spectrum from charm to dignity, infusing each scene with his own magnetic presence, all the while sharing the stage with the new companion, Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson).
Ncuti Gatwa Demonstrates Why He Was the Ideal Choice for the Role in ‘Doctor Who’ Season 1
Ncuti Gatwa follows his astounding performance in the 2023 Doctor Who Christmas Special with another captivating portrayal in the first two episodes of Season 1. With his dynamic role in Sex Education, there was uncertainty about how he would embody the Doctor. However, as he injects fresh energy and a unique personality into the character, it’s difficult not to be charmed by his performance, regardless of one’s familiarity with Doctor Who. Gatwa encapsulates all the beloved traits of previous Doctors, particularly from the modern era, offering new fans a genuine glimpse into the Doctor’s rich history.
Joining Gatwa, Millie Gibson reprises her role as the Doctor’s companion, Ruby Sunday, for her second adventure. While her performance occasionally lacks vitality, she generally fulfills the role of the loyal sidekick admirably. With the discovery that Season 1 will delve into the mystery of Ruby’s birth mother, the night of her abandonment, and her connection to the Doctor, anticipate witnessing her develop further in the latter part of the season. Millie Gibson’s return has recently been confirmed for Season 2 alongside a second companion, Verada Sethu.
Russell T Davies Continues To Captivate With His Exceptional Storytelling
Russell T Davies‘ return as a scriptwriter has delivered beyond expectations. Season 1 of Doctor Who marks a new chapter for the Doctor and the Whoniverse, yet Davies remains faithful to the series’ origins. Drawing from his earlier tenure as a screenwriter from 2005 to 2010, he infuses the season with his signature charm, effectively bridging the gap between the past and the present. This continuity in style will delight longtime fans and serves as a testament to Davies’ enduring influence on the beloved sci-fi.
It’s widely acknowledged that Doctor Who has consistently presented remarkable villains since its inception in 1963, and this trend continues in Season 1. The Boogeyman and Maestro (Jinkx Monsoon) are chilling and malevolent antagonists in the first two episodes. The impeccably crafted villains embody the essence of what makes the series exceptional, establishing soaring standards for the rest of the season’s threats — threats that are so formidable even the Doctor finds them terrifying.
The First Two Episodes Offer an Exhilarating Glimpse Into the Upcoming Season 1 Journey
The first two episodes of Doctor Who Season 1 serve as an insight into Ncuti’s era as the Doctor by providing references and guest appearances that hint at the tone and themes that audiences can expect in the remainder of Ncuti’s tenure. This, along with the various promotional material for the season including interviews and behind-the-scenes content, truly provides further context and clues to how Gatwa’s era will unfold.
Although newcomers to Doctor Who might initially require some time to immerse themselves in and appreciate the show’s magic, once Episode 1 gains momentum, viewers can anticipate being thoroughly spellbound in the impending danger and forming a profound connection with the Doctor and Ruby. Episode 2, on the other hand, stands out as one of the most exceptional narratives in the series’ entire history since 1963, introducing an extraordinary villain who undoubtedly will leave a lasting impact beyond this episode.
New episodes of Doctor Who Season 1 stream Fridays at 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET exclusively on Disney+ where available, and at midnight on Saturdays on BBC iPlayer in Ireland and the U.K.
'Doctor Who' Season 1 Review
4.5/5 Total Score
The Good
- Fantastic performances from both Ncuti Gatwa and Mellie Gibson.
- A fresh perspective on the Doctor still calls back to the character's long history.
- A well-crafted score complements the story.
- Incredible threats raise the stakes of the series.
The Bad
- It takes some time to fully engage with the first episode.
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