Summary
Doctor Whofans will see a familiar villain in the upcoming Christmas special. Steven Moffat returned to direct the special and brought back a character he introduced in “The Doctor Dances” episode.
Moffat joined theDoctor Whofranchise after Russell T. Davies revived it in 2005. He contributed by directing several episodes, “The Empty Child” and “The Doctor Dances” for Season 1 (2005, “The Girl in the Fireplace” in Season 2 (2006), “Blink” in Season 3 (2007), and “Silence in the Library” and “Forest of the Dead” in Season 4 (2008). He also oversaw the seasons for the Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith) and the Twelfth Doctor (Peter Capaldi) and penned the episodes “The Eleventh Hour,” “The Day of the Doctor,” and “Heaven Sent.” He also penned the holiday episodes “A Christmas Carol” in 2010 and “The Husbands of River Song” in 2015. Moffat is making a comeback for the 2024 Christmas special and he’s bringing with him a classic villain that he created nearly two decades ago.
There are only a few details about the upcomingDoctor Who’s 2024 Christmas special, “Joy to the World.” However, eagle-eyed fans noticed what many might have missed in the recent teaser. The Doctor mentions the name Villengard, which Moffat introduced in “The Doctor Dances” episode. “Villengard,” the Doctor said with a laugh. “Biggest arms manufacturer in recorded history, very old enemies of mine.” The filmmaker played on the words “villain” and “guard” and ended up with “Villengard” to name the planet that manufactured explosives and weapons, making it among the bad guys in theDoctor Whouniverse.
The Doctor visited the place as featured in the “Twice Upon a Time” episode, revealing that the place had been destroyed and futuristic versions of the Daleks were seen taking over the ruins, making it their home. There was nothing left on the planet and those behind it were nowhere to be seen. It’s unclear where they went and how Villengard ended up destroyed. However, another piece ofDoctor Whomedia revealed that it was the Doctor who was behind the planet’s destruction. PerThe Whole Thing’s Bananascomic,the War Doctordestroyed Villengard during the Time War using a molecular fruit bomb and transformed the weapon factories into banana groves, to prevent Daleks from using it against their enemies.
Bringing back Villengard in the upcoming Christmas special will be nostalgic due to the show’s historical context. However, it’s Moffat’s signature style as it is whimsical and meaningful. Additionally, it will be real fun because of its quirky backstory, where the weapons were replaced with fruit. Christmas is a great time to enjoy and laugh, and theDoctor Whospecial featuring Villengard will surely be hilarious, so it fits the season.
Villengard shows the Doctor’s playful side. It highlights the Doctor’s creative persona, which is against violence. Bringing Villengard in a Christmas special is a great move to balance the series' darker and emotional tones with humor. Hopefully, Moffat added a festive spirit to the special to make it all the more fitting for a memorable holiday break.Doctor Whofans are already excited and thrilled to see the classic villain’s return and watchBridgertonactress Nicola Coughlan as Joy, the Doctor’s guest companion. Coughlan’s costume as Joy already appeared festive as she’s wearing a green tartan dress with a red hat and jacket. So, this episode will surely be jolly and entertaining.
