The upcoming Doctor Who Christmas special, “Joy to the World,” offers a fresh glimpse of Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor, with subtle references to Matt Smith’s Eleventh Doctor era. Set in a futuristic, time-traveling hotel during the holiday season, the episode introduces a dangerous piece of technology, though Millie Gibson will not appear. Instead, Bridgerton and Derry Girls star Nicola Coughlan joins the cast as Joy, a one-time companion.
With less than a month until its airing, the latest cover of Doctor Who Magazine has been unveiled, offering a new look at Gatwa’s Doctor. While his outfit remains consistent with previous previews, the image shows the Time Lord holding a newspaper filled with nods to Steven Moffat’s era as showrunner. The paper features the return of the iconic “Timey Wimey” phrase from “Blink” and references to Smith’s 2010 debut in “The Eleventh Hour,” including a mention of Prisoner Zero and a quirky duck pond mystery that recalls a conversation between the Doctor and companion Amy.
Prisoner Zero’s Cameo: A Nod, Not a Return
While the mention of Prisoner Zero is a treat for fans of Smith’s era, it’s unlikely the villain will physically appear in the episode. Instead, Moffat is using these references to enrich the show’s lore, reflecting his knack for creating interconnected storylines.
Though Prisoner Zero may not make a comeback, a new antagonist—Villengard—will play a central role in “Joy to the World.” The character, introduced in Doctor Who season 14’s “Boom,” is linked to the mysterious Star Seed energy source, which threatens the universe. Villengard’s involvement signals a significant continuation of Moffat’s contributions to the series’ complex mythology.
Nods to the Eleventh Doctor Era
Matt Smith’s introduction as the Eleventh Doctor in “The Eleventh Hour” remains one of the franchise’s most iconic moments, capturing the essence of the Doctor’s values and Moffat’s storytelling style. The subtle Easter eggs in “Joy to the World” are a heartfelt tribute to that era, likely to delight long-time fans. With hints of past adventures and a thrilling new mystery, the 2024 holiday special promises to deliver both nostalgia and fresh excitement for audiences.
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