**The Doctor Who Christmas Special: An Analysis of “Joy to the World”**
The moment we’ve all been anticipating has arrived! *Doctor Who* has rolled out its latest Christmas special, *Joy to the World*, an episode filled with time-bending surprises, heartfelt scenes, and concealed Easter eggs that even the most ardent fans might overlook.
This 2024 special not only brings *Bridgerton* star Nicola Coughlan into the *Doctor Who* realm but also signifies a collaboration between showrunner Russell T Davies and former showrunner Steven Moffat, who wrote the episode. In an exclusive chat, the pair disclosed details regarding the episode’s hidden gems. Let’s delve into the Easter eggs and significant moments from *Joy to the World*.
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### A Subtle Reference to Madame Vastra and Jenny Flint
The episode commences in 1940 Manchester amid the Blitz, where Mr. and Mrs. Flockhart (portrayed by Peter Benedict and Julia Watson) attempt to celebrate Christmas amidst the turmoil. Basil Flockhart comments, “The Cathedral’s been damaged. Used to know someone who lived up that area. Long time since.” When questioned if it was a woman, he responds, “Two women, actually.”
This line serves as a discreet nod to Madame Vastra and Jenny Flint, the Silurian investigator and her human spouse, who came into play in Moffat’s *A Good Man Goes to War* (Series 6, Episode 7). Moffat confirmed this allusion, although the shift in scenery from London to Manchester may have made it less noticeable.
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### Who Is the Woman on the Orient Express?
Later, the Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) encounters a solitary woman (Niamh Marie Smith) journeying on the Orient Express in 1962. She’s spotted holding a handwritten note and a copy of Agatha Christie’s *Murder on the Orient Express*. Fans may recall Christie’s meeting with the Tenth Doctor in *The Unicorn and the Wasp* (Series 4, Episode 7).
The credits unveil the woman’s name: Sylvia Trench, a character from the *James Bond* universe. This clever twist officially connects the legendary spy into the *Doctor Who* narrative.
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### A Brief Encounter with Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay
In a fleeting yet striking scene, the Doctor visits Everest Base Camp in 1953, where he meets Edmund Hillary (Phil Baxter) and Tenzing Norgay (Samuel Sherpa-Moore). The duo would ultimately make history as the first climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
The Doctor’s short interaction with these historic figures, including borrowing some of their gear, doesn’t appear to impede their accomplishments.
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### *Bridgerton* Easter Eggs
Nicola Coughlan, portraying Joy in this episode, isn’t the only link to *Bridgerton*. At the Time Hotel, numerous extras don Regency-era dresses and wigs reminiscent of the extravagant balls in the period drama. This isn’t the first instance of *Doctor Who* referencing *Bridgerton*, as last season’s *Space Babies* featured Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel).
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### The Silurians Make a Comeback
A Silurian, played by Jonathan Aris, surfaces as a hotel manager with a briefcase handcuffed to his wrist. The Doctor elaborates that the Silurians were the original inhabitants of Earth.
Initially introduced in 1970’s *Doctor Who and the Silurians*, the species returned in the modern series alongside the Eleventh Doctor in *The Hungry Earth*. This episode alludes to a future where Silurians and humans can live together harmoniously, realizing the Doctor’s long-cherished dream.
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### The Psychic Paper Finds a New Function
The Doctor’s reliable psychic paper makes an appearance, facilitating his infiltration of the Time Hotel. Later, while serving as a waiter, the paper assists him in figuring out what patrons wish to order. Jelly and biscuits for all!
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### A Weeping Angels Allusion
As he engages with hotel clerk Anita Benn (Steph de Whalley), the Doctor recounts tales about beings that “cannot move while you are gazing at them.” Fans will identify this as a reference to the spine-chilling Weeping Angels, featured in Moffat’s memorable episodes *Blink* and *The Angels Take Manhattan*.
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### Mr. Benn’s Shop: A Double Meaning
The Time Hotel lobby showcases a shop named “Mr. Benn’s Any Era Clothes.” This could hint at Anita’s prospects at the hotel, but it simultaneously references the British children’s series *Mr. Benn*, where the main character tries on costumes and embarks on adventures.
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### Villengard Returns
Villengard, the notorious arms dealing planet, plays a pivotal role in the episode. First mentioned in earlier