Every New Doctor Who Christmas and New Years special, ranked
As a long-time Whovian who has journeyed through time and space with the Doctor since the very beginning, I must say that these Christmas specials are truly a delight! Each one offers a unique blend of adventure, emotion, and a dash of humor that keeps me coming back for more.
For nearly two decades now, “Doctor Who” has been reborn and captivated audiences anew. Since then, it has given us numerous Christmas and New Year’s Day specials. While Christopher Eccleston kicked off this new era as the Ninth Doctor in 2005, David Tennant was the first to appear in a festive special as his Tenth Doctor.
“Let’s kick off by ranking all the holiday specials from the New Who era, including those that were created during Jodie Whittaker’s time as the Thirteenth Doctor. Ready? Let’s get started!”
17. “Resolution” — 2019
The Doctor: Jodie Whitaker, the Thirteenth Doctor
Director: Chris Chibnall
Although “Resolution” boasts some striking visuals, it falls short due to an absence of tension and novelty. It marks the initial encounter between Thirteen and Daleks, yet despite The Doctor’s past encounters with these foes, every regeneration’s first meeting with a Dalek carries a strong impact. Unfortunately, this episode failed to deliver that impact.
1. Finding empathy for Charlotte Richie, who’s currently under the control of a Dalek mutant, proves challenging. The casualties in this particular episode fail to stir deep feelings, as the Doctor (Thirteen) wasn’t present when these events unfolded.
16. “Revolution of the Daleks” — 2021
The Doctor: Jodie Whitaker, the Thirteenth Doctor
Director: Chris Chibnall
In “Revolution of the Daleks,” there was potential with Thirteen being locked up and Captain Jack Harkness making a comeback. However, the portrayal of Jack fell short compared to our fond memories of him from previous episodes. The dialogue seemed lacking somehow.
Additionally, Ryan’s abrupt anxiety at the finale causing him to depart from the group seemed unrealistic and could have been more effectively developed over an entire season. However, “Revolution of the Daleks” may pass the time, but it fell short of delivering the grand comeback for the series that fans had eagerly anticipated after a break due to the pandemic.
15. “The Doctor, The Widow, and the Wardrobe” — 2011
The Doctor: Matt Smith, the Eleventh Doctor
Director: Steven Moffat
This episode showcases breathtaking landscapes, evoking the magical atmosphere perfect for a holiday tale. The narrative revolving around a mother making difficult decisions for her kids tugs at our heartstrings, sparking contemplation on parental dilemmas.
To put it simply, the storyline unfolds gradually and seems to linger excessively on Madge accompanying Eleven and her siblings through the woods. It appears that this could have been an engaging episode within a full season, but it doesn’t quite fit the bill for a festive special.
14. “The Return of Mysterio” — 2016
The Doctor: Peter Capaldi, the Twelfth Doctor
Director: Steven Moffat
This Christmas special, titled “The Return of Mysterio,” offers an enjoyable spoof on popular superhero films, with a strong focus on mimicking the 1978 “Superman” film. Simultaneously, it manages to delve deeper into ongoing plotlines.
As a longtime fan of superhero stories, I have to admit that I’ve been feeling a bit jaded lately. It seems like there’s a new Marvel or DC movie coming out every other week, and it can be hard to keep up with all the different characters and storylines. That’s why this particular episode stood out to me – it came at a time when I was starting to feel a bit fatigued by the superhero genre. If you’re like me and you’ve been following the Marvel and DC universes for years, you might find that this episode offers a fresh take on the genre that will rekindle your love for all things superhero. But if you’re just done with everything Marvel, DC, and everything in between, then this may not be the episode for you.
In this episode, there’s a mischievous spark in Twelve’s gaze as he whizzes about and collides with objects, subtly hinting at The Doctor’s lack of expertise behind the controls. It’s an enjoyable, if not particularly memorable, installment.
13. “A Christmas Carol” — 2011
The Doctor: Matt Smith, the Eleventh Doctor
Director: Steven Moffat
In this installment of “Doctor Who,” we delve into another festive tale, a style often employed by then-showrunner Steven Moffat, which usually proves effective. This particular episode is an homage to Charles Dickens’ classic story, “A Christmas Carol.” It provides an entertaining twist for a standalone holiday special.
As a devoted fan, I must admit that having Katherine Jenkins make her acting debut in the show was more of a delightful treat than a deep exploration of character development. While her role didn’t delve too deeply into complexities, the narrative surrounding her character’s redemptive journey—a struggle between choosing life and death, and even death over life—was intriguing and consistent with the ongoing themes in Doctor Who, especially at this stage in the series.
“A Christmas Carol” is a cute episode, but not overly memorable.
12. “Voyage of the Damned” — 2007
The Doctor: David Tennant, the Tenth Doctor
Director: Russell T. Davies
Initially, this Christmas episode fit the bill perfectly for the Tenth Doctor’s growth, but over time it doesn’t seem to measure up when compared to more recent holiday episodes.
As a gamer, I’ve got to say, the concept of the Doctor cruising on the Titanic, but with a twist – it being an alien spaceship, is nothing short of genius! Kylie Minogue pops up, not as the main event, but as a flashy cameo. It’s cool because she was a household name from her days on Neighbours, even before her singing career took off. What made it even better was that she could actually act and breathe life into her character. I bet a lot of fans, including me, wished she could’ve joined Ten as a companion!
This story had a lot of human aspects that made it engaging for us. And just like Doctor Who, there was an abundance of whimsy and absurdity as well.
11. “The Next Doctor” — 2008
The Doctor: David Tennant, the Tenth Doctor
Director: Russell T. Davies
In this particular episode, there was much buzz in the public sphere suggesting David Morrissey would become the new Doctor. However, this didn’t materialize as planned. The Christmas special seemed to capitalize on this hype, which somewhat detracted from the episode’s flow. But upon rewatching, one can easily overlook that misdirection.
Dervla Kirwan plays an exceptional standalone antagonist, and introducing the Cybermen added a clever surprise. There’s hardly anyone who doesn’t appreciate the Cybermen! Occasionally, a familiar villain is essential to drive the plot forward.
Some parts are amusing, however, it’s not particularly memorable as another typical Christmas special.
10. “Eve of the Daleks” — 2022
The Doctor: Jodie Whitaker, the Thirteenth Doctor
Director: Chris Chibnall
I wouldn’t say I utterly dislike Jodie Whittaker’s portrayal of the Doctor. There were aspects of Thirteen that I found appealing, and had the writing been stronger, I would have enjoyed her story even more. This recent Christmas special is among my favorite episodes from her regeneration period.
In “Eve of the Daleks,” the smaller cast and confined setting intensify the suspense since the Daleks appear even more terrifying when there’s no place to escape. The time-loop aspect, which I find intriguing, initially drew me in, and the gradual unraveling of that loop made the experience even more satisfying.
I find myself struggling with the romantic aspect, mainly due to my belief that it tends to be excessively common.
9. “The Snowmen” — 2012
The Doctor: Matt Smith, the Eleventh Doctor
Director: Steven Moffat
Initially, when “The Snowmen” was broadcasted, I found it delightful. Similar to “Voyage of the Damned”, it’s a special that, over time, hasn’t quite matched up to those aired afterward. Nothing about this is problematic! It’s just the natural evolution of Doctor Who specials over time.
In our encounter with Clara, portrayed by Jenna Coleman, this is actually the second instance for us, although it’s a secret she shares only with us. In her previous appearance in the series, viewers didn’t get to see Coleman’s face because her character transformed into a Dalek. At the start of “The Impossible Girl” storyline, both the Tenth Doctor and Eleven are unaware of this revelation, making it an intriguing twist that left a lasting impression when I first watched this series.
We also get the introduction and backstory of The Great Intelligence in the New Who era. The last time the Great Intelligence was seen was during the run of the Second Doctor, and it would have been easy for a lot of people to forget it, if they’d ever heard of it at all. This was a great example of the show making excellent use of its long history.
8. “The Christmas Invasion” — 2005
The Doctor: David Tennant, the Tenth Doctor
Director: Russell T. Davies
The inaugural Christmas special during the New Who period undoubtedly paved the way for future episodes, impressing viewers with its compelling narrative and effectively introducing David Tennant’s character as the tenth Doctor. Following Christopher Eccleston’s portrayal of the Ninth Doctor, this episode was a surprising and exciting introduction to what was yet to unfold.
In this particular episode, we don’t spend much screen time with Ten. Instead, the narrative centers around Rose, the Doctor’s companion, who employs all that Nine taught her in an effort to safeguard the world. I found Rose to be a compelling character, and this installment definitely reinforces her intelligence and resourcefulness.
There was also a great reintroduction of Harriet Jones and UNIT. Everything felt naturally built into the story, and it’s a fun one to rewatch.
7. “The Time of the Doctor” — 2013
The Doctor: Matt Smith, the Eleventh Doctor
Director: Steven Moffat
Have you ever pondered if The Doctor would appear aged? It seems nobody else did, which is what makes “The Time of the Doctor” an exceptional episode. In it, we witness him vowing to protect one town for eternity.
As events unfold, Clara spends time with her loved ones. The narrative structure suggests that the series might be wrapping up.
Revisiting the scene now reveals a fascinating aspect: It provided insights into how the Doctor could regenerate once more, as his opportunities were dwindling. Yet, upon rewatching, a discrepancy arises because we already knew that he had exhausted his regenerations at least two times prior to this event. The intrigue lies in the fact that there were hidden regenerations we weren’t aware of.
6. “The Runaway Bride” — 2006
The Doctor: David Tennant, the Tenth Doctor
Director: Russell T. Davies
To set the record straight, let me tell you that I’ve got nothing but praise for the arrival of Donna Noble on Doctor Who. Frankly, when I heard Catherine Tate was joining the Christmas special, I had my reservations. But boy, was I wrong! She won me over instantly and left me yearning for more. Granted, there are a couple of episodes that overshadow this one in terms of greatness, but let’s be real – it’s still an absolute gem!
Once more, it falls upon the Doctor to rescue the world, yet this tale centers around Donna, who stands out among the many individuals the Doctor has encountered. Unlike others, Donna responds to the TARDIS in a manner that feels familiar to us ordinary folks – she’s skeptical and puzzled by it all.
In “The Runaway Bride,” we’re privy to an uncommon aspect of the Doctor, which is especially intriguing given Donna’s eventual role as a traveling companion.
5. “The Church on Ruby Road” — 2023
The Doctor: Ncuti Gatwa, the Fifthteenth Doctor
Director: Russell T. Davies
Without a doubt, it was as if we truly encountered the genuine “Doctor Who” during the 60th anniversary specials and the subsequent Christmas special. The Doctor seemed to be enjoying himself once more. This particular episode definitely fills the void between different periods.
The episode had a maze-like quality that momentarily pulled me away from the narrative. Yet, the music, humor, and whimsical elements harmoniously blended, resulting in an enjoyable adventure suitable for all ages.
In this installment, Gatwa’s portrayal of the renowned character laid the groundwork for the series’ subsequent direction. Moreover, it subtly introduced the enigma surrounding his co-star, Ruby Sunday, a mystery that unfolded across the following season.
4. “Last Christmas” — 2014
The Doctor: Peter Capaldi, the Twelfth Doctor
Director: Steven Moffat
Occasionally, we crave a change of pace, and “Last Christmas” delivers on that front. The peculiar charm of Demon Crabs might surprise you, despite their seemingly incompatible nature.
As a devoted admirer, I can confidently say that “Last Christmas” screams holiday special. The appearance of Santa Claus, the acknowledgment of the solstice, and the overall ambiance of winter are telltale signs. From the moment I press play, it’s clear what festive treat I’m in for.
It seemed that this tale marked the end of Clara’s journey, and certain scenes carried a heavy, conclusive feeling. Eventually, Jenna Coleman consented to continue portraying Clara, and the narrative underwent slight adjustments. In essence, “Last Christmas” laid the groundwork for Season 9 perfectly.
3. “The End of Time, Parts One and Two” — 2009
The Doctor: David Tennant, the Tenth Doctor
Director: Russell T. Davies
Among Christmas specials serving as significant installments in the Doctor’s tale, “The End of Time” stands out as a particular highlight. It marks the conclusion of Ten’s tenure as the Doctor, and includes an emotional finale where he expresses his reluctance to depart, a scene that left viewers feeling quite poignant. When Tennant reprised his role as the Fourteenth Doctor later on, fans had concerns it might diminish the impact of this moving moment.
Featuring Bernard Cribbins as the companion in these two episodes served as a touching tribute to Donna’s family. The poignancy is heightened when we consider that Cribbins passed away during the production of the 60th anniversary specials.
In this narrative, it’s worth noting that the Master, portrayed brilliantly by John Simm, is the main antagonist. Simm is widely regarded as one of the greatest Masters ever, and I can’t imagine anyone else matching up against Tennant’s Doctor. This episode serves perfectly as a fitting conclusion to Tennant’s tenure.
2. “Twice Upon a Time” — 2017
The Doctor: Peter Capaldi, the Twelfth Doctor
Director: Steven Moffat
In the series, David Bradley debuts as the First Doctor; however, William Hartnell, the original actor for this role, has passed away. The episode “Twice Upon a Time” provides an insightful perspective on how the Doctor has evolved through the years. It seems to be addressing long-time fans who struggle to embrace change, illustrating the absurdity of clinging to past memories too tightly.
This episode offers ample opportunity for deep reflection. It gives us enough space to ponder the messages it conveys. Ultimately, righteousness prevails over wrongdoing, providing a fulfilling conclusion.
In this particular installment, we bid farewell to an era of the series. Not only does it mark Peter Capaldi’s final performance as The Doctor, but also Steven Moffat’s last hurrah as the showrunner. It’s quite poetic that this episode airs during Christmas, a time for reminiscing about the past while also eagerly anticipating what lies ahead.
1. “The Husbands of River Song” — 2015
The Doctor: Peter Capaldi, the Twelfth Doctor
Director: Steven Moffat
In the end, it boils down to “The Husbands of River Song” – a Christmas special I can delightfully re-watch multiple times. These two episodes are filled with layers of meaning and references to past events. In “The Husbands of River Song,” we witness River’s first encounter with the Doctor, which turns out to be their final meeting. Their tale is unique in that it unfolds in reverse order.
From my gaming perspective, this new development gives me a fresh start with Twelve, as Moffat is now free from the narrative chain of River Song that initially began with Ten.
This wonderful Christmas special is packed with exciting scenes, humor, and romantic moments. Though it references earlier and later seasons, it can be enjoyed independently as well.
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2024-08-31 16:42