This review was made possible by advance screeners of Episode 3, titled Boom of Doctor Who Season 1. “Boom” premieres on Disney+ (excluding the UK) on May 17 and BBC iPlayer on May 18.
This week’s episode of Doctor Who sees veteran writer Steven Moffat return to the show with a boom, and what an episode it is. Moffat’s intensely paced and incredible script, paired with the acting powerhouse wombo-combo of Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson, makes for the best episode of RTD2 yet! I don’t recall having as many goosebumps as I had watching an episode of Doctor Who for quite some time…
NCUTI GATWA IS THE DOCTOR
If Gatwa’s charismatic, empathetic and scene-stealing performances in the previous episodes weren’t enough to convince you of the fact, then Boom is proof that Ncuti Gatwa is clearly worthy of the title of The Doctor. From beginning to end, the intensity crackles as the Time Lord finds himself ensnared in the midst of an ongoing battle. Moffat’s seasoned hand guides the narrative to depict the harrowing realities of capitalism and war, offering a stark portrayal of conflict and how weapons manufacturers profit from such terror.
Amidst this gripping narrative, Ncuti Gatwa’s performance as The Doctor shines with his rare vulnerability, though I do find it hilarious how in “The Devil’s Chord”, Ruby admits to The Doctor he is “never scared”, and even before that during his encounter with The Bogeyman, he does run away scared following their first encounter with the terrifying monster,
Gatwa’s performance as The Doctor displays a terrifyingly good depth of fear and determination rarely seen in the character. His portrayal is absolutely captivating, effortlessly navigating the emotional complexities, as he is pushed to the brink, with his life at risk and the surrounding area, with his companion by his side at an even greater risk. It’s a masterclass in acting, something incredibly close to how perfect the electricity of Moffat’s writing paired with moments from both Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi’s time as The Doctor under the writer. Think the ending of “Time of Angels” dialled up to 100.
GIBSON KILLS IT TOO
A worthy note of appreciation is deserved for Millie Gibson’s performance as Ruby in this week’s episode, who has to deal with the angst and major panic during The Doctor’s situation. As she navigates the treacherous terrain of the landmine-ridden battleground, Gibson’s performance captivates with its blend of strength, compassion, and unwavering determination. The dynamic between Ruby and the Doctor evolves into a mesmerising couple, their on-screen chemistry intensifying with each passing minute as they face the ultimate test of survival together.
Gibson continues to expertly portray Ruby as an enigma; her character, shrouded in mystery yet brimming with potential. As we inch closer to the finale, the anticipation builds to unravel the layers of Ruby’s past and her significance in the Doctor’s journey, leaving audiences (myself included) eagerly awaiting the revelations yet to come.
STEVEN MOFFAT RETURNS TO DOCTOR WHO…
Being the classic fan of the show he is, Moffat charms the episode with his knowledge of the show’s history, including an absolutely wonderful reference to Patrick Troughton’s Second Doctor and his story The Web of Fear. It’s not the only reference with Moffat’s own Doctors, Eleven (Matt Smith) and Twelve (Peter Capaldi) getting their own too. One is a callback to the very first time we meet Eleven, whilst the reference to Twelve is for a tale he once told Clara in one of Moffat’s best from his run as showrunner…
Just as Moffat is a fan of the show, I am as much a fan of his own work on the show. I have such strong admiration for his storytelling and how it truly knows no bounds. In his day, Moffat produced meticulously intricate plots and unforgettable characters, such as companions like Amy Pond and Clara Oswald or one-off characters like Sally Sparrow and Lorna Bucket, who all breathed life into Moffat’s richly imagined universe, forging indestructible bonds with viewers like myself.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON “BOOM“
Steven Moffat makes a triumphant return to the series with “Boom,” delivering a tour-de-force of storytelling that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats throughout. Moffat’s expertly crafted script, paired with the outstanding performances of Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson, catapults this episode to the pinnacle of RTD2’s offerings so far. Gatwa’s portrayal exudes charisma and vulnerability, solidifying his claim to the title of The Doctor, whilst Gibson’s portrayal of companion Ruby adds depth and emotion, highlighting the evolving dynamic between the two characters as they navigate the dangers of a landmine-ridden battleground.
Moffat’s return to the series will be a nostalgic delight for fans, peppered with nods to the show’s rich history and Moffat’s own iconic contributions. As the series hurtles towards its finale, anticipation builds for the unravelling mysteries and revelations yet to come, leaving viewers eagerly awaiting Moffat’s next masterpiece in the near future.
Doctor Who Season 1, Episode 3 “Boom” releases on Disney+ (excluding the UK) on May 17 and BBC iPlayer on May 18. Check out the trailer below.
