Fitzmartin’s review published on Letterboxd:
Boy, Moffat has an uneven track record with Holiday Specials doesn't he? Husbands and Twice are my two favorite Who specials of all time, and Mysterio and Widow are two of my least favorite. I had high hopes for Joy to the World, but I think I have to admit this is on the latter end.
I lost a grandmother to Covid, we watched her die through our iPhones. I go to church (on holidays), and I live in New York. I should've dug this one. At times I really did too, but for a lot of it, I was painfully trying to convince my fiancee and mother that it was worth sticking through. My mom fell asleep.
The year on Earth with Anita was nice, and wonderfully done, but kind of felt like it neutralized the whole bi-generation thing. Why make such a fuss out of needing a whole alternate Doctor to relax and then just make this one a take a year off? Also, the Doctor's chilled on earth before. Why is this such a big deal? Despite all that, it's easily the best written, acted and directed part of the episode. Stephanie De Whalley absolutely stuns, and Moffat's firing on all cylinders. There's a way better episode in there focused on Anita's story.
Other things I'm mixed on too. The briefcase possession chain, very cool. Loved it. The way it all got resolved though? Basically Boom. It was Boom. Moffat did Boom again. Which is fine, I liked Boom, but why do it again? Nicola Coughlan was fine, but her character arc and ending? Very hokey. I'm so ripe to be gut punched by her story, and I was initially, but what was that resolution?
I have my doubts about the inclusion of religion in Doctor Who. Christmas Specials have largely stuck to, well Santa and presents. This one takes it a tad bit further and I frankly can't say I'm a fan. I was in church for Christmas, it's my religion, but I don't think I approve of this show pushing it on other people. Maybe we go back to New Years Specials if it's gonna be like this. Could we try a Halloween Special?
Overall, didn't hate it, didn't love it. Probably had more fun watching it than I'm putting into this review, but sitting down to write about it, I have a lot of complaints. Oh well.
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