84: "Joy to the World" (2024 Christmas Special)

Let us explain. No, there is too much. Let us sum up the last episode of this run of “Doctor Who.” Jason Snell, Erika Ensign and Chip Sudderth.

The end is near. Has the moment been prepared for? We make a wish and discuss Wish Babies and how they relate to Space Babies, the importance of vibes, the proper use of The Rani, and the rest of this episode. Onward to the (grand?) finale! Jason Snell, Erika Ensign and Chip Sudderth.

This week Eurovision meets Doctor Who as the Doctor and Belinda steal the luxury box of our new favorite couple, Gary and Mike, and stumble into a scheme to avenge a planetary crime with a galaxy-spanning crime. Also: some surprise guest characters appear who are never, ever supposed to appear, but somehow have! And we gird ourselves for the inevitable RTD Finale Fireworks. Jason Snell and Erika Ensign.

A barbership in Lagos! A robot spider in a web of storytelling! Ancient gods watching Marvel movies! A surprise cameo, a deep-cut cameo, and an entirely unsurprising cameo! We break down writer Inua Ellams’s “Doctor Who” debut. Jason Snell, Erika Ensign and Chip Sudderth.

Grab a penny, pick it up, and all day long you’ll have good luck. This episode hit us like a bad penny, though, and the more we think about it the more we’re bothered. We lament the lack of Doctor and Belinda, but welcome back Ruby Sunday and her family. And just remember: podcasters are the real villains. Jason Snell, Erika Ensign and Chip Sudderth.

Jason, Chip and Erika break down “The Well,” in which Russell T Davies (and his co-writer Sharma Angel-Walfall) decided to play the hits and serve up what “Doctor Who” does best. It’s a base on an alien planet that’s been out of contact for days. (Nuking the site from orbit is the only way to be sure, right?) Jason Snell, Erika Ensign and Chip Sudderth.

Time for an animated discussion about old cartoons, two-dimensional characters, American accents, metafictional wall-breaking, and lots more about this week’s episode, “Lux.” Also, Jason places a $5 bet on an extremely wacky theory involving Mrs. Flood. Jason Snell, Erika Ensign and Chip Sudderth.

“Doctor Who” is back, and you know what that means: Russell T Davies has once again built a story designed to re-introduce the show and introduce a new companion. Oh, and also this podcast has returned! We discuss Miss Belinda Chandra in all her forms—all hail the queen. Chip Sudderth and Jason Snell with Annette Wierstra.

Surprisingly not a vehicle for a single guest star, this year’s Doctor Who Christmas special features a Time Hotel, Dinosaur shenanigans, Thanos glitter, a bootstrap paradox with a lantern firmly attached, and a stunning ten minutes where the Doctor does time at a non-time hotel. Oh, and yeah, a really famous star is introduced. Chip and Jason break it all down. Happy Christmas to all! Jason Snell and Chip Sudderth.

We wrap up this first Disney+/BBC season by accentuating the positive where we can find it, before finally giving in and explaining all the ways this episode failed. Perhaps things will be better at Christmas. We’ll see you then! Jason Snell, Erika Ensign and Chip Sudderth.