As the new Doctor at the helm of the Tardis, the police box-shaped time-traveling ship, Ncuti Gatwa takes “Doctor Who” on a thrilling ride that doesn’t disappoint. The ancient alien and his latest companion, Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson), embark on a vibrant season jammed with all the magical elements that have made the show a British television staple for 60 years.
Russell T Davies first spearheaded “Doctor Who” from 2005 to 2010. With Davies’ return as showrunner, writer and executive producer, longtime fans and newcomers will find the latest season joyous and accessible. It was Davies who reinvigorated the series after its original run ended in 1989. Following a long line of Doctors, Gatwa’s historic casting as the first Black and openly queer actor in the role — along with the show’s global home on Disney+ — confirms that “Doctor Who” is ready to reach a new, emotionally charged generation of viewers.
“The Church on Ruby Road,” which debuted in December, introduced our two new main characters. Ruby, a wide-eyed adoptee, was searching for her birth parents, but found herself enamored of the Doctor, his personal history and the gadgets in his possession. The Christmas special followed the pair’s goblin-filled escapades and ended with Ruby opening the door to the Tardis, eager to be hurtled through time. The new chapter of “Doctor Who” officially launches on May 10 with “Space Babies.”
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The episode opens with Ruby scoping out the Tardis and the Doctor explaining his origin on the planet Gallifrey. Intrigued by the knowledge, Ruby is overwhelmed when the Doctor activates his ship, landing them in the age of the dinosaurs. Since the Mesozoic Era wasn’t exactly human-friendly, their stay is brief, and they catapult into the future, landing in the 22nd century on a stinky space station run by a group of talking babies. While the episode is full of adorable tots and one very special guest star, its critiques of forced birth and Western societies’ refusal to protect children also resonate.
This adventure is only the beginning of the Doctor and Ruby’s quests across the universe. The duo encounters the Beatles and the Bogeyman in just the first couple of episodes. Boasting fearlessness and curiosity, Ruby quickly becomes the shape-shifting Time Lord’s ideal travel companion. In turn, he welcomes her with sparkling compassion and a desire to help her understand who she is.
With the new season, Davies offers callbacks to past iterations of the show — with a twist. The Tardis has a stark white interior and backlit circles, echoing the original 1960s ship. However, the Doctor’s sonic screwdriver has been updated with a new look and bears a Rwandan proverb, a nod to Gatwa’s heritage.
Even with this new energy, some episodes are more riveting than others. Episode 2 leans into the twist-dancing and beehive hair of the ’60s. But it doesn’t quite come together, despite “Drag Race” winner Jinkx Monsoon’s appearance as the music-stealing Maestro. Yet the profound bond between Ruby and the Doctor keeps the season from ever going off-kilter. While the voyagers share a zest for excitement, their true connection is born of the sense of loss that simmers in both their hearts. The series’ strange adventures and the chemistry between the leads will be enough to keep viewers tuned in. But it’s Gatwa’s star turn that elevates the season. With his megawatt smile and colorful costumes, he dives into the role, delivering a refreshing dynamism that makes the season a uniquely mesmerizing watch.
The first two episodes of “Doctor Who” premiere May 10 on Disney+ with new episodes dropping weekly on Fridays.