As a long-time fan of Doctor Who, I must say that Russell T Davies’ interview was both enlightening and entertaining. His passion for the show is evident in every word he speaks, and his stories about Christmas traditions and working with the cast are heartwarming. His ability to weave humor into even the most serious of topics is a testament to his talent as a writer and storyteller.
As a movie critic, I find myself reflecting on the transformative power of storytelling during the festive season. Once upon a time, it was the warm glow of a fireplace that brought us together to share yarns, but nowadays, it’s the gentle hum of the television that fills our homes, casting an inviting light as the winter nights grow colder and darker outside.
Two gentlemen, Russell T Davies and Steven Moffat, who are particularly knowledgeable about telling Christmas tales on screen, are those men. They’ve guided their time-jumping hero through 15 yuletide journeys. These adventures have spanned from contemporary housing estates to Victorian London, with stops at the Melodic Towers of Darillium and a flying Titanic along the way.
This year’s unique special, “Joy to the World,” penned by Moffat on behalf of showrunner Davies, sees the Time Lord (Ncuti Gatwa) embarking on a seemingly routine Christmas vacation at a hotel. However, in classic Doctor Who fashion, it’s anything but an ordinary getaway.
Present company
When I learned about the 2005 Christmas special, I recall thinking, “What a fantastic concept! The Doctor Who series belongs on Christmas Day – it simply does.
Indeed, it felt just right from the get-go. However, they figured that out rather swiftly – their initial attempt was back in 1965 with William Hartnell’s episode “The Feast of Steven.” Crafting Christmas specials brings a unique excitement. It’s enjoyable! You know that countless others will be tuning in. There’s an extra sparkle in your spirit.
SM It’s an odd one, the Christmas special. Either you take the attitude that it has to be an episode that reminds you of what Doctor Who is for the general audience; or sometimes the Doctor happens to be regenerating. And then you kill a children’s favourite on Christmas Day – which I’ve done twice.
In The Church on Ruby Road, it was fantastic. It was a flawlessly square Christmas special that essentially served as the premiere or “episode 1.” And indeed, it was great. However, the very first one, titled The Christmas Invasion, is particularly notable for explaining Christopher Eccleston’s absence. And let me tell you, it’s an exceptional episode as well.
As a die-hard movie fan here, I’m either diving into a run-of-the-mill blockbuster, or I’m venturing into something revolutionary that completely reshapes the narrative timeline due to a cast change!
I believe my preferred one was the initial one, “The Christmas Invasion” from 2005. That episode marked the point where it felt like, “Yes, it’s here to stay again.” The regeneration had been successful, and at that time, it wasn’t a certainty at all.
RTD Remember when David Tennant was unknown? What a world.
We Wish Who a Merry Christmas
You haven’t done anything this year like giving up the Christmas special, and there are other episodes I would have been willing to give up. But when it comes to the special, I said, “I enjoy doing that!
You had previously initiated another project. You shared some pages with me as you were seeking my opinion on whether or not to proceed with it.
RTD A Christmas special that will one day exist.
SM Someday, its existence will become clear. Later on, I’ll share more about it with you. You initially shared some early pages, asking for my thoughts.
Those opening pages were surprisingly playful, yet our discussion had already veered towards your potential script for season 2. In other words, we were in the middle of our chat.
I was delighted to have it back again. Over time, a concept emerged for a hotel chain in the future that uncovers the secret to time travel, and exclaims, “We have plenty of unused rooms spanning history. We need to sell them off.
For quite some duration, the movie’s title was “Christmas Everywhere All at Once.” I’ve been questioning this since we began collaborating: “Why hasn’t a time-traveling comedy been made yet?
SM And I still haven’t.
Instead of a comedy at the Time Hotel, something more emotional seems fitting for Christmas Day. After all, his companion [Ruby (Millie Gibson)] has recently left, which can be quite troubling. We want to portray and address this loss properly, or else it might appear insincere, like he’s indifferent about her departure. However, we strive to make his response seem less casual.
Talking Turkey
When you mentioned that Ruby wasn’t included, I found myself surprised and exclaimed, “Is that really the case?
It seems I made it clear from the start, right? Goodness gracious! Incredible. You know what brings me back? Our extensive discussions revolving around the question: “Why on earth doesn’t he seek assistance from the Unified Intelligence Taskforce instead?
SM “Why doesn’t he phone up David Tennant?”
RTD “Oh, well why doesn’t he go back to the TARDIS?” That’s always the question.
Question: What’s the point of having a lockpick with you, Doctor, when you possess a time machine that can simply bypass the door on the other side? You own a door that travels to any place, and yet, you still keep that screwdriver. Can you explain this?
By 1964, scriptwriter Terry Nation strategically placed girders in front of the TARDIS as a barrier to prevent unwanted entry.
SM Remember, I sent a long email to you all about why the Doctor doesn’t use the TARDIS in this episode? I finally got an explanation for that hand-wave line in Girl in the Fireplace where he says, “We’re part of events now.” The broad theory is – this will never get in TopMob – if the Doctor goes back to the TARDIS, the only world he can travel to is the one that is the result of his departure. In other words, like in [1975 story] Pyramids of Mars, he says, “If we leave now, that’s the future.”
RTD And he kind of refers to that in dialogue this time, doesn’t he?
“Yes, he plans to reconnect the causes and effects, which should make everything clear by Christmas.
RTD Over your turkey. Digest that.
Have a Holly July Christmas
SM I dislike Christmas specials that take place in Ibiza; they ought to embody the Christmas spirit. Typically, I prefer to incorporate a Christmas tree, and it’s essential to have some snowfall as well.
RTD There’s not a list as such, is there? We’re not following a list and ticking things off.
In another words, I’m not entirely disagreeing with you. To be honest, I believe that a Doctor Who Christmas special shares quite a resemblance with a non-Doctor Who Christmas special. In fact, Doctor Who itself has a similar feel to it sometimes. Mark Gatiss’s first one (The Unquiet Dead) could have easily been a Christmas special instead.
RTD It was a Christmas special. That was the untold Christmas special.
Generally, you compose your work during summer months. The initial piece I created was an exception because I found myself stuck in a hotel due to a volcano’s eruption that delayed flights. To simulate winter, I increased the air conditioning, drew the curtains, and played Christmas carols instead.
I recall visiting the HMV store in Cardiff back in July to purchase Ronnie Spector’s Christmas album. They retrieved it from storage for me. It certainly brings on a festive feeling. It even makes you feel like it’s snowing in your mind. With so many I’ve collected, I now have several Christmas playlists saved on my computer – carols and pop songs. Ready to be used whenever I write another holiday-themed piece.
SM How do you start writing?
In simpler terms, when writing an episode, ideas often swirl in your mind for a while before you actually put them down on paper. This can lead to anxiety as you start writing. Initially, you might believe the first page is exceptional, but by page 35, you may feel like giving up. Writing frequently involves struggling to make things flow smoothly, so you persistently revise, manipulate facts, and think deeply about your work to ensure it’s coherent and engaging. Essentially, writing is a laborious process.
SM You’re absolutely right. I think, up until the opening titles, I can fly like the wind.
Instead of waiting for others to produce Doctor Who’s opening scenes, how about we form a group and do it ourselves? Let’s name our team “The Cold Openers.” This way, we can take charge and create something special together!
I believe the audience will find it quite enjoyable. Interestingly enough, we’re already executing exactly that part.
In simpler terms, I’ve noticed that as I grow older, things I add to my life tend to have a purpose. For instance, if you introduce someone as your sibling in a story, you might discover later on that it was necessary for the plot development.
SM The one that I did, which is ridiculous, is that I couldn’t work out how he was going to defeat the angels in Blink. I remember, I was talking to Mark [Gatiss] about this. “I don’t know how to defeat the angels in Blink. I don’t know how he’s going to do it.” I went back and discovered I kept specifying that there were four. And I kept thinking, “Why is there four? Why did I say four?”
RTD: Four sides of the TARDIS.
SM: Four sides of the TARDIS.
Incredible! It’s truly incredible, and I’m not trying to sound philosophical here, but it seems as though you’ve planted hints for yourself. Another aspect of your mind is operating independently.
SM Stephen King says something: you don’t make up a plot, you unearth it a layer at a time.
Actually, it doesn’t just appear out of nowhere. In reality, your mind is constantly preoccupied with it, whether day or night, during meals, leisure activities, or while running errands, or when you’re relaxing and watching television – it’s always on your mind.
It’s fascinating to see people critique episodes, and sometimes I find myself thinking, “What a delight that you’ve pondered over that for a couple of minutes. In contrast, I’ve been contemplating this for three years straight. Trust me, none of your ideas seem viable in the context of what I’ve developed.
“Why can’t he touch down on a world where nothing problematic is unfolding? The reason might be similar to if James Bond were to stroll into M’s office occasionally, only for M to respond with ‘No, there’s no urgent business. Feel free to take the rest of the day off!’
RTD Because we’re faultless, of course.
The Gift of the AI
RTD Or are we being daft? If AI is at this stage now, in 10 years, maybe we will be replaced?
AL My son clarified it for me. He mentioned, “Indeed, it can perform various tasks effectively. It may even excel at them. However, running AI requires a significant amount of energy. On the other hand, a human being can be sustained by sunlight and a garden. Humans are remarkably economical, we’re replacing humans daily. And unlike any other historical entity, the more it is utilized, the less effective it becomes. This is because the more content generated by AI, the more it assimilates its own content, leading to a self-destructive cycle.
For quite some time now, RTD Television operates based on those principles, which is pretty much the norm among many television networks.
Sure thing!
In truth, the pace of fresh ideas on television exceeds what we often perceive. We usually assume that things progress at a fairly ordinary rate, with exceptional cases scattered here and there. Yet, I can assure you, there’s always something extraordinary to discover on TV – almost every day if not more frequently.
I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day
SM I absolutely adore Christmas – it can’t start early enough for me.
RTD I agree.
SM Just bring it on.
RTD 26th July. That’s the six-month mark, and it’s on from that moment.
As for me, I’m utterly smitten with the approach of Christmas, and it’s not just because of Christmas Day itself. Instead, I adore the gradual build-up throughout December. It’s a magical feeling, walking around these days, sensing the air filled with families reuniting thanks to planes. Everyone is on their way home to cherished loved ones. To me, it’s simply enchanting – a heartwarming sensation that seems to permeate the atmosphere. There’s an almost tangible sense of joy and anticipation in the air, like tiny specks of stardust floating around.
Every year, on the eve before Christmas, we host a grand gathering where all our friends join us. One unforgettable instance that still baffles me is when David Tennant showed up at our Christmas party, donned in full elf attire. It was peculiar since no one else had come dressed up! He casually strolled around as if he were an actual elf.
Indeed, it’s intriguing to ponder if he routinely partakes in such activities! My siblings and I alternate celebrating Christmas every year. To clarify, I’m not a cook by any means. Our family Christmas dinner is always a grand affair. Regrettably, we often forego the Doctor Who special during the daytime. Instead, I usually catch up with it at midnight.
Every year without fail, I eagerly anticipate Christmas specials. They hold a special place for me, and I find nothing more amusing than the duo of Eric and Ernie, along with André Previn. However, it’s not always in chronological order. The one we make sure to watch every year is “It’s a Wonderful Life”.
RTD And what a dark film.
SM The movie is quite distressing. Although the uplifting finale implies that you’ll remain in poverty and stay in this small town forever, your life isn’t all that bad. It’s a challenging yet fantastic film.
RTD I can’t resist it. And every version of A Christmas Carol. The Patrick Stewart one, Scrooged with Bill Murray. It just works.
In my perspective, this narrative framework is simply flawless. I’ve utilized it on numerous occasions – the Past, the Present, and the intriguing Future. It adds a captivating flow to any tale I weave.
RTD He’s talking about time travel, parallel dimensions, and spirits all rolled into one. Concepts we consider groundbreaking today – Dickens was already exploring them in his works. It’s mind-blowing!
And a Happy Who Year?
SM I’m not writing for the series next year. I was sacked.
RTD Inappropriate behaviour.
SM It was humiliating.
RTD And public. Epaulettes were ripped off.
They led me out of Bad Wolf Productions. My sword broke in half when I bent it. I was expelled with nothing but my bare skin, left to fend for myself in the open world.
On Christmas Day’s trailer, you’ll catch a glimpse of much of it, but there are also many things we’re keeping under wraps. Moreover, the new spin-off titled “The War Between the Land and the Sea,” starring Russell Tovey whom I’ve collaborated with on three projects, is simply outstanding. Needless to say, I am incredibly thrilled!
A condensed version of this interview appears in the new edition of TopMob
On Christmas Day, you can catch “Doctor Who: Joy to the World” on BBC One. Previously aired seasons can be streamed on BBC iPlayer.
Read More
- GBP EUR PREDICTION
- SEI PREDICTION. SEI cryptocurrency
- POL PREDICTION. POL cryptocurrency
- CNY RUB PREDICTION
- TRB PREDICTION. TRB cryptocurrency
- HBAR PREDICTION. HBAR cryptocurrency
- CTXC PREDICTION. CTXC cryptocurrency
- RLC PREDICTION. RLC cryptocurrency
- HOOK PREDICTION. HOOK cryptocurrency
- TNSR PREDICTION. TNSR cryptocurrency
2024-12-05 12:34