3 Doctor Who Christmas specials to watch before “Joy to the World”

3 Doctor Who Christmas specials to watch before "Joy to the World"

As a gamer with a soft spot for time travel and British sci-fi shows, I can wholeheartedly say that the festive episodes of “Doctor Who” have become a cherished tradition in my holiday viewing schedule. The TARDIS’s arrival during Christmas has brought both cheer and terror to our screens since 1965, and these three episodes from “New Who” are absolute gems that I highly recommend for fans and newcomers alike.

Ah, it seems we’re celebrating Christmas! The Doctor, an extraterrestrial traveler hailing from Gallifrey, often has a blend of emotions towards festive occasions. However, he does occasionally show appreciation for them. The BBC’s science fiction series, “Doctor Who,” has been airing holiday-themed episodes since 1965 with “The Feast of Steven.” Today, it continues to spread joy and the occasional fright to audiences worldwide. With numerous festive episodes to choose from, we’ve whittled it down to three top picks from the modern era while we eagerly anticipate this year’s “Joy to the World.

“Last Christmas”

In certain instances during the year 2014’s Christmas special, Clara Oswald and the Twelfth Doctor often found themselves at odds, a dynamic that was occasionally frustrating. This tension stemmed from each character concealing a hurtful secret from the other, which ultimately strained their friendship.

In this installment, instead of continuing with their conversation with Santa and his elf assistants, the Doctor suddenly whisked Clara away from her home. Together, they rescued four scientists at the North Pole who were in a trance-like state, as Dream Crabs consumed their brains. The Doctor and Clara faced attacks themselves later on – the Doctor voluntarily to offer assistance – and ultimately discovered a means of resolution. This episode was particularly moving for Clara as she openly mourned her deceased lover, while the Doctor admitted his failure in locating Gallifrey once more.

It becomes clear that imagining Santa is a symbol of everyone struggling to find their way out, and obviously, having Santa deliver them home for Christmas plays a crucial role in preserving their lives. Furthermore, Clara agrees to join the Doctor on his journey as it continues.

“The Doctor, The Widow, and The Wardrobe”

At age eight, I stumbled upon a tale of Narnia for the first time, and the concept of kids venturing into an uncharted realm instantly intrigued me. What made it even more appealing was discovering that these children were capable of overcoming the obstacles and ultimately saving the day.

In this episode, it exhibits a resemblance to C.S. Lewis at certain points, without apology. After a mother assists the Doctor in locating his TARDIS, her family gathers for Christmas at their home amidst World War II. Madge, the mother figure, is struggling to raise her two children alone, and things become more difficult when she receives news that their father is missing in action. As they evacuate to Dorset, Matt Smith portrays the Eleventh Doctor as the caretaker of the house, transforming it into a dreamland for the children. Madge is concerned that the kids are unaware of their father’s absence, but the Doctor empathizes with her feelings and offers assistance. When the younger child opens a Christmas present to reveal a wintery forest within, the family embarks on an adventure to save not only a world but also the spirits of the trees.

In this tale, you’ll find a stunning blend of sadness and beauty, with the climax left untouched by me. However, be on the lookout for Alexander Armstrong, who lends his voice to the character of Reg, the father figure, from the ‘Doctor Who’ spin-off show, “The Sarah Jane Adventures”.

“The Runaway Bride”

I can’t finish a Doctor Who list without invoking Catherine Tate and I’ll finish this recommendation with some absured humor and heart. The well-known British comedienne appeared in the TARDIS quite suddenly just after The Doctor said goodbye to Rose after a traumatic separation. The last thing he needed was for a ginger in a wedding dress to slap him around for being too “Martian.”

The story opens with Donna Noble being inadvertently transported from her Christmas wedding due to a Martian abduction, which she believes was orchestrated by her friend-turned-foe Nerys. Infuriated, Donna confronts The Doctor, demanding he return her to Earth immediately. However, it turns out that aliens are the real culprits and he is drawn back into the fray. They manage to piece together the puzzle behind Donna’s unfortunate circumstances, including why her wedding keeps getting postponed, which proves to be quite gloomy despite their eventual victory.

As a gaming enthusiast, let me share my take on this: The tale might not have the most joyful ending, but boy, does it crack me up! Donna, despite everything, bravely searches for her loved ones in peril, only to find them celebrating a wedding without her, with the jilted groom dancing with Nerys instead. Talk about a shocking twist! Then, there’s this unforgettable scene where Donna gets kidnapped by robot Santas! The chase down the motorway was pulse-pounding, especially when kids in a nearby car cheered us on. Catherine Tate’s knack for comedy is simply outstanding, and I can’t help but hope she’ll return in Series 4.

Delighting in the festive spirit of December! The captivating series, “Joy to the World” featuring Nicola Coughlin, is set to premiere on Christmas Day, adding another dose of Doctor Who excitement to our holidays. Can’t wait to see what unfolds next!

2024-12-12 20:32