The Giggle

Now here's an episode you might have to grin and Baird, which those of a disposition and most typically grey haired, may find the evolution, more akin to revolution, as the hero of their childhood regenerates with flare. Stooky Bill begins adventures though you may see him as Saw, and if you watched the stuff created early on it's such a chore, when compared to modern times, that uses pixels and not lines, though the shock towards the end you couldn't possibly ignore. In between there is a maker of fine toys and games to play, a celestial of sorts who wants to have another day, up his sleeves he may have tricks, numerous accents on the lips, but there's division that will catch your eye, and on your mind might weigh.

The Giggle rounds out the 60th anniversary specials on a high note bringing back a very special foe from a time long ago. The Giggle was the centre of the marketing for a very good reason, it had no right to be good and delivered something that was equal parts epically camp and horrifically dark. The budget was clearly spent here and it just delivers every step of the way.

Controversial? Oh undoubtedly so, but Russell and company is having a blast, trippy hypnogogic visuals, gorgeous music, outstanding direction, hilarious writing and a fantastical dance sequence. Yes, you heard me right.

Tennant is on top form as is nearly everyone else in this story but christ alive Neil Patrick Harris absolutely steals the show as the Toymaker, having the time of his life in a role he easily makes his own while standing toe to toe with the iconic Michael Gough. Ncuti Gatwa makes his debut here and all I can is, the future of Who is in safe hands, he makes a fantastic impression, one I can't wait to see more of this Christmas.

The Giggle not only delivers a satisfying end to what could have been a gigantic disappointment, Russell brought Who back to top form and he had no right to do so... but can someone please tell 15 to put on some trousers already.

Finally the doctor is back with someone in charge who knows how to write the doctor. The three 60th anniversary as a whole have been breathtaking. That Star Beast manages to re-introduce doctor 10/14 and Donna Noble without been too convoluted and tells a fun story. The Blue Yonder whilst been the weakest of the 3 specials is still better than the whole run of the 13th Doctor's. It allowed for the Doctor and Donna to bond again.

Then we get to the Giggle. From Star to finish, it sizzles , fizzles and bubbles off the screen. Then you get to the best bit but I won't say anything about that. SPOILERS My only gripe is this wasn't shown at the cinema, like the 50th was. It would look great on the big screen.

You have to laugh at Neil Patrick Harris doing his German accent. I think he got away with it.

It was all a game to him as he crossed the realm to our universe. So he can dance to the Spice Girls.

Mel Bush somehow made it back to the present Earth after travelling with Glitz for almost 50 years.

Donna goes demented with some puppets. While the Toymaker puts on a puppet show explaining what happened to some of the Doctor's companions. That's alright then.

It was all rather crazy and wild and that is before the bi-generation. The jury might be split on that.

The ball game was underwhelming, RTD going the Alice in Wonderland route than something more Marvel.

I did like RTD trolling some aspects of the online media who think they are always right and are permanently angry.

The Doctor faces a deadly adversary from the past.

Russell you absolutely nailed this one, every inch an anniversary special. Everything I had hoped for, big story, big foe, and familiar faces from the past.

I don't know about you, but it was not possible to avoid who and what was going to be in this one, the villains and companions have been plastered everywhere.

The Human race thinking they're all right, that did make me laugh, Russell took aim, and launched, social media, cancel culture, covid, he had a few digs.

Some magical references to the past, just what you want from a special. A few creepy moments too, this really did have a tonne going on.

Neil Patrick Harris was outrageous here, I think it's one of the best performances on the show, period, let alone from the last few years.

Lovely to see Bonnie, hopefully she's going to pop up again.

Who's the someone else? The Boss? I think it's going to be a while before we learn exactly who this is, will that be the thread for Ncuti's first full series?

As for Ncuti, I think we're in safe hands here.

Parfait!!!! 10/10.