Doctor Who Returns
Doctor Who BBC has finally released the long-awaited titles for the eight brand new Doctor Who episodes that will premiere/air/stream on the 11th of May . . . just 41 days away as of the date of this blog (21/03/2024).
So, let’s have a closer look at the shorts Doctor Who has shared which reveals the titles, the writers, and the directors of each episode.
SPACE BABIES
Writer: Russell T Davies
Director: Julie Anne Robinson
So, Space Babies has been revealed as the first episode of the newest series of Doctor Who, written by Showrunner Russell T Davies himself, and directed by Julie Anne Robinson, a BAFTA and Golden Globe-nominated director. How exciting!
Above are screen grabs of the video teaser from the official Doctor Who Twitter/X page, revealing the title of episode one, Space Babies. The reason for the third image is the likeness the ‘monster’ shares with the shadow in the title reveal teaser, leading me to believe this will be the threat in episode one. Just . . . don’t shoot the messenger!
Space Babies is a weird name – I must admit – but there has always been something creepy about babies giggling and echoing in the dark, as they do in this teaser. Am I right? Anyway, this gives me the idea that episode one may be a good ‘hide behind the sofa’ type of episode. It gives off creepy vibes, but remember, there’s no such thing as monsters, just creatures you haven’t met yet . . . right?
THE DEVIL’S CHORD
Writer: Russell T Davies
Director: Ben Chessell
Okay, so this has to be the episode featuring Jinkx Monsoon, agreed?
The reason I am so certain is obvious . . . Jinkx Monsoon is all about music, the dress resembling a piano . . . follow? And then the title includes the word ‘chords’ and the teaser has notes play from within the book that is featured there. Yup, Jinkx Monsoon is definitely in this episode . . . agreed?
BOOM
Writer: Steven Moffat
Director: Julie Anne Robinson
Now this one I am looking forward to, but mostly because I’m biased. . . Steven Moffat is my favourite writer and showrunner (sorry, RTD).
So the title and the teaser don’t give much away at all, but it still leaves me intrigued with what the episode may be about. With the soundscape, I could hazard a guess that BOOM will be rather chaotic and possibly even explosive . . . yes?
73 YARDS
Writer: Russell T Davies
Director: Dylan Holmes Williams
A pattern: RTD has written all of the scripts thus far, excluding Moffat, of course. So, where’s the showrunner taking us next?
Now 73 Yards looks very interesting! Yes, yes, I know . . . what is interesting about a sign? Well, it’s not just the imagery (though it is beautiful and gives me Christmas vibes because of the weather), but it’s about the soundscape, too! We have wind, snow, and crows, and altogether it creates a very eerie atmosphere. I feel this may be another episode that will warrant hiding behind the sofa. Not to mention the church bell ringing . . . wasn’t Ruby Sunday abandoned at a church at Christmas in the snow???? Hmm!!
DOT AND BUBBLE
Writer: Russell T Davies
Director: Dylan Holmes Williams
Now this one leaves me stumped!
Dot and Bubble is a weird one if you ask me. Now, because of the (very) blurred-out faces in the background, could this be about social media? The internet? I dunno, I’m reaching! I really cannot come up with anything here, otherwise I come full circle to Matt Smith’s era with the WIFI in the episode called The Bells of Saint John where everyone is uploaded to the internet. Though that was orchestrated by the Great Intelligence . . . and I highly doubt RTD will repeat any stories because Doctor Who is about change and moving forward.
ROGUE
Writer: Kate Herron and Briony Redman
Director: Ben Chessell
Now this definitely has to be the ‘Bridgerton’ episode (quoting Ruby Sunday from the Disney Trailer).
It all looks rather fancy, and there seems to be an Order of Dancing with Lord Adams noted down on the form. That must be who the Doctor calls a Cad in the trailers, and the man in the images above. But what could the threat be? Probably those weird reptile bird-looking aliens that we had a glimpse of in the Disney Trailer, too! Again, pictured above!
THE LEGEND OF RUBY SUNDAY
Writer: Russell T Davies
Director: Jamie Donoughue
This one sounds intriguing, and Ruby Sunday sounds like she is a VERY important person. So . . . what is her legend?
The title is seen on multiple screens, which makes me wonder if television is involved in this episode somehow? Maybe a continuation of the Christmas Special where Ruby was filmed for a programme to try and find her birth mother. Will we finally discover where Ruby comes from? And is this the rumoured ending of her story? Will she really leave Doctor Who like people are guessing, or will she share the screen with the newest ‘companion’ we have seen teased in Behind the Scene pictures of filming? Varada Sethu?
EMPIRE OF DEATH
Writer: Russell T Davies
Director: Jamie Donoughue
The season finale, Empire of Death . . . this one gives me goosebumps, especially seeing the TARDIS sign altered. Could this be the episode where the TARDIS looks to be dying on a cliff?
Is the TARDIS really dying? If so, why? How? WHAT’S HAPPENED? And are these final two episodes linked, I.E. part one and part two? This is all too exciting for me! But now, it’s time for a brand-new trailer! Take a look:
Now, I don’t know about you, but I’m BUZZING, and the excitement just keeps on growing!!!!
I shall have to do a trailer breakdown, but for now, the countdown continues.
