This week’s episode under review is Doctor Who – The Church on Ruby Road, the 2023 Doctor Who Christmas special written by Russell T Davies and directed by Mark Tonderai. Starring Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor, this episode first aired on December 25, 2023.

Hosts Simon and Eugene discuss the musical conceit of characters producing rhymes out of nothing, Ncuti Gatwa’s performance, and the Doctor committing gobslaughter. They also speculate about Mrs Flood’s identity.

Ruby Sunday, a foundling seeking her family, faces mysterious accidents orchestrated by mischievous creatures. A stranger named the Doctor aids her. On her 19th birthday, a foster baby arrives, coincidentally born on the same day. While caring for the baby, Ruby learns her family history search is futile. The creatures snatch the baby, leading Ruby and the Doctor on a rescue mission. Captured on a goblin ship, they escape, but normalcy eludes them. Goblins steal Ruby from her past, prompting the Doctor to intervene. In the end, Ruby discovers the TARDIS, beginning a new chapter in her extraordinary journey.