'Doctor Who' (2024) Review: Iconic show takes a new direction, but remains as clever as ever
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Doctor Who' debuted boldly on Disney+ on May 10, 2024, following the 2023 Christmas Special 'The Church on Ruby Road', marking a fresh chapter in the iconic series.
With Ncuti Gatwa taking the helm as the Fifteenth Doctor and Millie Gibson joining as companion Ruby Sunday, the TARDIS embarked on a new era of adventures across time and space.
This season returned to the show's roots while embracing innovative storytelling under the guidance of Russell T Davies.
Here's a closer look at how Series 14 revitalized Doctor Who's timeless appeal.
A Fresh Start for the 'Doctor Who' Series
The premiere of 'Doctor Who' set a bold new course, introducing viewers to a rejuvenated Doctor and companion.
Ncuti Gatwa brought fresh energy to the role of the Doctor, with his charismatic portrayal highlighting a confident yet introspective Time Lord eager for new adventures.
Millie Gibson’s Ruby Sunday added a new dimension to the series, serving as an enthusiastic audience surrogate who brings a youthful curiosity and a natural rapport with the Doctor.
Together, Gatwa and Gibson navigated the cosmos, embarking on a journey filled with endless possibilities. This season aimed to appeal to both long-time fans and newcomers alike by returning to the show’s roots in family-friendly storytelling.
Episodes like 'Space Babies' set the stage with their quirky plots and humor, staying true to Doctor Who’s eccentric origins while offering fresh narratives.
'Doctor Who' ventures into uncharted narratives to preserve the essence of the show
'The Devil’s Chord' was a standout episode, showcasing Doctor Who’s willingness to venture into new storytelling territories.
This magical fable, complete with political undertones, introduced the enigmatic character of Maestro, portrayed by the multi-talented Jinkx Monsoon.
The episode deviated from traditional historical narratives, offering a dynamic and imaginative approach to time travel and storytelling.
While there were moments where the characters, especially the Doctor and Ruby, felt more like archetypes than fully fleshed-out individuals, Gatwa and Gibson’s performances were compelling.
Their interactions hinted at deeper character development, promising a more nuanced relationship as the season progressed.
Director Russell T Davies helps us dive deep into Ruby Sunday's enigmatic story
Under the creative direction of Russell T Davies, 'Doctor Who' established its charm through a blend of adventure, wit, and occasional darkness.
The season maintains a dynamic pace by focusing on standalone stories rather than excessive continuity, making it accessible to a wide audience.
The narrative arc surrounding Ruby Sunday introduced intriguing questions about her origins and the mysteries surrounding her connection with the Doctor.
These elements hark back to past series challenges, but the initial episodes with Fifteenth Doctor and Ruby laid a promising foundation for this new era of 'Doctor Who'.
As the season unfolded, the partnership between Fifteenth Doctor and Ruby Sunday offered a thrilling prospect of new adventures across time and space.
Davies’ leadership ensured that 'Doctor Who' remained committed to delivering imaginative tales and unforgettable characters, continuing to enchant viewers.
Navigating the challenges of narrative complexity in 'Doctor Who'
While 'Doctor Who' remained a testament to the show’s enduring appeal, it also faced challenges in maintaining narrative coherence.
The introduction of multiple plot threads and characters, such as the mysterious Susan and the Maestro, sometimes led to an uneven balance.
The character of Susan Triad raised questions about her true identity and the role she played in the overarching narrative.
Additionally, the episode '73 Yards' and 'Dot and Bubble' provided contrasting experiences with their narrative structures and character development, demonstrating the challenges of managing multiple story arcs within a single season.
However, these challenges also offered opportunities for the series to explore and evolve, maintaining its reputation for innovative storytelling.
The return of characters like Rose and Mel added depth and continuity to the series, helping to connect the new narrative threads with the rich history of 'Doctor Who'.
'Doctor Who' Series 14 under Russell T Davies’ stewardship reaffirmed the series’ legacy as a cornerstone of imaginative television.
The season’s bold new direction, combined with Gatwa and Gibson’s dynamic performances, promised further adventures filled with excitement, mystery, and a touch of whimsy.
As viewers continue to follow the Doctor and Ruby through the vast expanses of time and space, it is clear that 'Doctor Who' remains steadfast in its commitment to captivating storytelling.
With the new series, 'Doctor Who' enters a new era, ready to charm and inspire audiences for many years to come.
'Doctor Who' trailer
7 episodes of 'Doctor Who' are available to stream on Disney+.