Doctor Who is set to deliver an intriguing Christmas special in 2024 titled “Joy to the World.”This episode brings forth a unique storyline reminiscent of certain themes from Westworld, yet it firmly establishes its own narrative identity. Starring Ncuti Gatwa as the fifteenth Doctor, this special marks Gatwa’s second festive episode and also represents the final contribution of writer Steven Moffat, known for crafting some of the series’ most iconic moments. The Doctor Who Christmas specials have evolved into a cherished tradition within the rebooted series, further enhancing the show’s holiday appeal. Notably, Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan plays the pivotal role of Joy.
The plot of “Joy to the World”centers around the Fifteenth Doctor as he delves into a peculiar phenomenon occurring at the Time Hotel. Guests at the hotel are exhibiting erratic behavior while mysteriously handcuffed to a briefcase containing unsettling contents. Unlike previous incarnations of the Doctor, who typically travel with companions, the Fifteenth Doctor grapples with the theme of solitude, especially during the holiday season. The episode concludes on a bittersweet yet hopeful note, with Joy transforming into a guiding star for the Wise Men in the Christmas narrative. However, this twist may divert expectations shaped by viewers familiar with Westworld.
Doctor Who’s Time Hotel Echoes Themes Found in Westworld
The Time Hotel’s Guests Exhibit Automaton-like Behavior for Distinct Reasons
In Westworld, the narrative revolves around human visitors and their interactions with robotic hosts in a theme park designed for fantastical experiences. This setting serves as an arena for guests to realize their wildest desires, backed by the assurance of safety from harm due to the robots’ programming. Conversely, Doctor Who’s Time Hotel allows its guests to experience various moments in human history, providing a parallel to the immersive escapades seen in Westworld.
While both series share thematic elements, the root causes of the guests’ perplexing behaviors diverge significantly. In Doctor Who’s Time Hotel, numerous guests are found tethered to a briefcase that impacts their mental states, leading them to chant ominous phrases such as, “The star seed will bloom, and the flesh will rise.”This repeating mantra draws a parallel to Westworld, where automatons respond to verbal commands, though the underlying motivations differ markedly.
Considering Westworld, I’m Surprised Doctor Who’s Time Hotel Wasn’t the Villain
Doctor Who Has Traversed the Wild West, Suggesting Potential Easter Eggs
Doctor Who has always been renowned for its eclectic roster of villains, ranging from humanoids to aliens and beyond. Given the show’s history of unexpected villain reveals, it was plausible that the Time Hotel could take center stage as the antagonist in this episode. After watching Westworld, I found myself assuming the hotel would emerge as the primary foe rather than a lesser entity like the Villengardian Star Seed. However, a closer analysis reveals that even the Star Seed isn’t inherently villainous; a deeper theme resonates throughout the episode: the profound struggle against solitude.
While it’s tempting to draw parallels between Doctor Who and Westworld, it’s vital to remember that the Doctor Who Christmas Special is not a direct derivative of the latter. Notably, Doctor Who has previously ventured into the Wild West, such as in the episode “The Gunfighters,”featuring the First Doctor’s search for a dentist. Given the series’ penchant for intertwining callbacks, it’s feasible that future episodes could reference both classic Doctor Who episodes and even nod to Westworld, further blurring the lines between these iconic series.