Doctor Who writer confirms story detail added late on in Joy to the World

As a movie reviewer who has lived through the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic, I found the inclusion of this poignant detail in Doctor Who’s 2024 Christmas special, Joy to the World, particularly impactful and refreshingly authentic. Steven Moffat’s decision to address the ‘Partygate’ scandal during the pandemic was a bold move, yet one that resonated deeply with many viewers, myself included.

The scene where Joy shares her personal loss due to COVID-19 struck a chord, not just because it reminded me of countless stories I heard from friends and family, but also because it humanized the ongoing crisis in a way that TV rarely does. It was a poignant reminder that behind every statistic lies a story, a life, and a family forever changed.

Moffat’s choice to focus on this issue for Joy’s motivation was not only timely but also relevant, given the profound impact COVID-19 has had on our lives. I believe it was irresponsible, as Russell Davies mentioned, not to acknowledge such a significant part of our recent history in a work of fiction.

In a lighter vein, let me add that if you haven’t watched this episode yet, I’d advise against doing so on Christmas Day if you plan to attend any parties. You might just find yourself getting a little too vocal about the ‘Partygate’ scandal!

In simpler terms, during a conversation, Steven Moffat, the writer for Doctor Who, shared that an element of the plot in the 2024 Christmas special titled “Joy to the World” was incorporated into a revised version of the script at a later stage.

On Christmas Day, I found myself immersed in an extraordinary episode, written by Moffat, that brought me back to the captivating world of the Fifteenth Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa). In this tale, the Time Hotel played host to a peculiar guest, and I couldn’t help but find myself drawn into the mystery. As luck would have it, I crossed paths with Joy, who had also checked in, and together we formed an unlikely alliance to unravel the enigma that lay within the hotel’s walls.

In one moment, Joy shared with the Doctor about her mother’s passing due to COVID-19. She also confided that she was unable to attend personally, seemingly alluding to instances where some individuals held parties, which seemed particularly distressing, possibly referencing the ‘Partygate’ incidents during the pandemic.

Moffat explained to The Hollywood Reporter that he included this detail in the story because it provided a meaningful explanation as to why a character might be sad on Christmas Day, a situation he had encountered numerous times.

He added: “It’s hard to find someone who hasn’t encountered or experienced this tale themselves. This episode is part of our contemporary narrative, shaping who we are as a community.

As someone who has experienced many Christmases, I find it quite unusual and even a bit jarring when people are angry on this joyous holiday. To me, Christmas Day is a time for love, laughter, and togetherness with family and friends. If anger arises, it’s often due to stress or other complications that seem to magnify during the festive season. So, if someone is going to be angry on Christmas Day, I can’t help but wonder what may have caused such a negative emotion on this day meant for celebration and goodwill. It just seems out of place and contrary to the spirit of the holiday.

In the original version, I believe there was a different element, but I’ve forgotten exactly what it was. As I sat pondering, I found myself wondering, ‘Why would someone be upset on Christmas Day?’ Suddenly, a thought struck me, ‘Of course! That’s the answer!’

After considering it, you won’t forget it. That’s the reason why you might feel upset on Christmas Day.

Davies stated, “It’s important enough that neglecting to bring it up becomes a responsibility issue. A significant aspect of our contemporary history.

2024-12-29 18:33

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