It feels like an age since Doctor Who last graced our screens. A quick bit of research reveals that it’s actually been over 8 months since the Season 12 finale when it ended in March due to the last series of episodes starting on New Year’s Day. During that season, which some people liked, and some people hated* (which has largely summed up the polarizing direction that the long-running sci-fi show has gone down since Chris Chibnall took over as showrunner from Steven Moffat in 2018), we got to see the return of a fan-favorite from the days of David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor in Captain Jack Harkness, and with this latest Christmas special, it looks like John Barrowman will be making a return.
(Spoilers for those who haven’t seen Season 12 ahead.)
Doctor Who Christmas Special
We last got to see the suave Captain Jack in “Fugitive of the Judoon,” albeit very briefly. He warned the Tardis team about the “lone Cyberman,” a threat that made itself known in the series finale three-parter. Although he wasn’t around for long, he did let them and the audience know that he’d return someday, and it seems that day will be Christmas Day, in “Revolution of the Daleks.” According to the BBC’s summary, the episode will involve Captain Jack returning to help the “fam” (yes, they do call themselves that now) as they discover a disturbing plan forming involving one of the Doctor’s most feared and dangerous enemies, the Daleks.
On returning for the role, actor John Barrowman said:
[quote]“Putting on Jack’s coat and setting foot back on the set of Doctor Who was just like going back home. It’s always thrilling to play Captain Jack. He’s a character very close to my heart who changed my life, and to know the fans love him as much as I do makes his return even sweeter. I hope everyone enjoys Jack’s heroic adventure with Thirteen.”[/quote]
Chris Chibnall, the showrunner of Doctor Who, said:
[quote]“A Doctor Who holiday special means treats galore, and there’s no bigger treat than the return of John Barrowman to Doctor Who, for an epic and emotional feature-length episode. If anyone can blast away the sheer rubbishness of 2020, it’s Captain Jack. Daleks beware!”[/quote]
Matt Strevens, the Executive Producer at BBC Studios, added: “After a tantalizingly brief appearance in “Fugitive of the Judoon,” it’s a total joy and thrill to welcome back John as Captain Jack. One of the most iconic characters in Doctor Who lore, his presence ignites this holiday special from the start.”
*We actually did a review of each episode as it aired. Check them what we thought of the season finale here. Also, there was some exciting news regarding that Christopher Eccleston will be returning as the Ninth Doctor in a series of Big Finish audio dramas.
Are you excited about the Doctor Who Christmas Special? Let us know in the comments below.
