Spoilers: Doctor Who Brings Back Old and New Faces in ‘The Giggle’ Starring Neil Patrick Harris. Today marked the third special in the Doctor Who 60th and it delivered. Please be aware there are Spoilers ahead. Doctor Who has just concluded a series-defining moment with “The Giggle,” serving as a grand farewell to David Tennant’s portrayal of the Fourteenth Doctor and signaling the commencement of a new era with Ncuti Gatwa stepping into the role as the Fifteenth Doctor.
Before we get into the gist of the episode, we would like to express these opinions. Please remember these are our own opinions. This felt like the peak of Russell T. Davies. This episode gave me all the feels: gasps, cheers, smiles, surprise, and even a sing-along. We cannot wait to see where this goes.
Also, we wanted to share a video recorded the day prior here at Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays Candlelight Processional where Mr. Harris was the guest narrator.
Spoilers:
Related: Honest Review – “The Star Beast” Doctor Who 60th Anniversary Special
As the third and final installment in the 60th-anniversary specials, this episode encapsulates the weight of wrapping up Tennant’s narrative arc and heralding the highly anticipated arrival of Gatwa. With Gatwa’s full episode debut, titled “The Church on Ruby Road,” scheduled for Christmas Day, it is poised to act as a soft reboot for the entire Doctor Who series.
“The Giggle” not only bids adieu to Tennant’s Doctor but also feels like a poignant farewell to the overarching narrative that preceded it. The episode pays homage to the show’s roots, referencing the inaugural episode and pivotal moments in the Doctor’s journey. Donna, portrayed by Catherine Tate, questions the return of Tennant’s face on more than one occasion during the anniversary specials. Now, in retrospect, it becomes evident that this return was a symbolic farewell, not to Donna, but to the rebooted series itself. Russell T. Davies, the showrunner, orchestrates a fitting send-off by reuniting Tennant and Tate, a beloved Doctor/Companion duo, before stepping into the unknown of the series’ future.
“The Giggle” is a masterful blend of conclusion and commencement, showcasing Davies at the pinnacle of his storytelling prowess. The episode effortlessly oscillates between terror and humor, delivering heart-pounding moments as the Doctor confronts his oldest adversary while emotionally safeguarding Earth’s inhabitants, whom he cherishes yet struggles to express his feelings for. The special caters to a broad audience, appealing to fans of both classic and contemporary Doctor Who, with a plethora of reunions and references. Even for those unfamiliar with the series, the episode provides sufficient context to understand the emotional resonance of these moments.
The narrative unfolds with a flashback to the inception of television, featuring a suspenseful performance by Neil Patrick Harris as the Toymaker. The Toymaker, manipulating John Logie Baird’s desire for global entertainment, initiates a complex game for humanity, challenging the Doctor in the present day. Following the events of “Wild Blue Yonder,” the Doctor and Donna find themselves in a world consumed by chaos, where every individual believes they are right at the expense of others. The return of classic companion Mel Bush adds a delightful touch, as she reunites with the Doctor and plays a pivotal role in the episode, setting the stage for her recurring presence in the upcoming season with the Fifteenth Doctor.
Beyond its compelling narrative, “The Giggle” becomes a platform for Davies to deliver profound social commentary. Doctor Who has always served as a vehicle for allegorical storytelling, addressing issues of race, gender, capitalism, and climate. In this episode, Davies extends this tradition by tackling contemporary concerns such as politics, anti-vax sentiment, technological dependence, and human ego. The Doctor navigates the darkness within humanity but underscores the inherent goodness, the desire for improvement, and the continued worthiness of human existence. As the episode seamlessly weaves together diverse elements, it stands as a testament to Davies’ ability to marry entertainment with insightful reflection.
Spoilers: Doctor Who Brings Back Old and New Faces in ‘The Giggle’ Starring Neil Patrick Harris
