A new era of Doctor Who has begun and it’s off to a great start with its first episode, ‘Space Babies’.
Picking up just after the Christmas special, The Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and their new companion Ruby (Millie Gibson) go on their first journey together.
This episode focuses on further establishing the relationship between The Doctor and Ruby, whilst expanding on who this Doctor is.
The episode is about The Doctor and Ruby travelling to a space station in the far future. Running into a vicious alien, the duo run away, soon discovering the station is run by space babies?
It’s a silly plot, but it’s not trying to be too serious. The babies are cute and add a lot of fun to the episode. The Doctor and Ruby’s interactions with the babies are fantastic as well.
Nctui Gatwa is a real highlight of this episode. His interpretation of The Doctor is great, their excitable but never unaware, their curious and constantly investigating new things.
Gatwa’s interpretation is wholly his own, clearly taking inspiration from Matt Smith’s version of The Doctor, whilst adding his own flair to the role.
Millie Gibson is good in her role as companion. She’s got an engaging mystery surrounding her birth and she’s just as curious as The Doctor.
Image credit: BBC
The monster of the week, known as ‘The Bogeyman’ by the babies, is a great throwback to old Who. A great looking monster suit with huge teeth and massive claws.
It’s design is clearly inspired by the Xenomorph from the Alien franchise. There’s a few nods to Alien throughout the episode which was nice to see.
The episode also makes great use of foreshadowing on many occasions. An occasion involving a tissue being one of these moments.
In line with most Doctor Who episodes, this episode has a message. The message is to embrace who you are and not to judge other’s for their appearances.
It’s a good message, especially for younger audiences and new viewers.
Unlike other prior episodes from Russel T Davis’ tenure as showrunner, this episode doesn’t have the same emotional impact as others. However, it’s still an entertaining ride.
Image credit: BBC
This episode is not just the beginning of a new season of Doctor Who, it’s the beginning of a whole new era for Doctor Who.
Acting as a soft reboot, just as the 2005 series did. This new series is off to a fun start. I cannot wait to see where Davis takes the show this time around.
Featured image credit: BBC
Fourth year Film and Journalism student
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