The latest Christmas episode of the British series "Doctor Who," aired on Disney+, introduced Ncuti Gatwa as the show's 15th Doctor, marking a significant milestone as he is the first Black, openly queer actor to portray the character. This episode, titled "The Church on Ruby Road," follows tradition in exploring the new Doctor's character post-regeneration. Gatwa's debut has received attention for presenting a doctor that meshes modern sensibilities with the classic traits of his predecessors, blending emotionality with a fresh take on the Doctor's character complexity.
Doctor Who has seen various interpretations with its different lead actors since its 2005 revival. Each new Doctor's first full episode has laid significant groundwork for their portrayal and set the tone for their tenure. Notable examples include David Tennant's 10th Doctor in "The Christmas Invasion" and Matt Smith's 11th in "The Eleventh Hour," both bringing unique charisma and depth to their versions of the character, setting high standards for their successors. Earlier doctors, such as Peter Capaldi's 12th, introduced a gruffer demeanor, while Jodie Whittaker's 13th struggled with the direction of the narrative in "The Woman Who Fell to Earth."
Gatwa's initial portrayal in "The Church on Ruby Road" has set a promising stage for his run, characterizing the 15th Doctor as both innovative and reflective of his extensive lineage within the Doctor Who universe.