Festive Treats – The Most Underrated Doctor Who Christmas Specials
Feature article by guest contributor Aaron Fairchild.
As we eagerly await this year’s Doctor Who Christmas special, it’s the perfect time to remember the ghosts of Christmas past. The Chibnall era aside, these specials have been a staple of Christmas Day since 2005. Yet, amidst the tinsel-trimmed fanfare, some of these Yuletide adventures have slipped through the cracks, quieter than a mouse not even stirring on Christmas Eve. Now, it’s high time I jingle my way through and shine a twinkling light on the five specials that I feel have been unjustly relegated to the bottom of the pile.
“Voyage of the Damned”
“Voyage of the Damned” might boast the title of being the most-eyeballed Doctor Who episode ever, but it’s more like the Christmas number one that everyone knows but few openly sing about at the top of their lungs. This episode takes a jolly old leap into the spacey depths of disaster movie territory, aboard a starship Titanic, no less. It’s an audacious mix of high-stakes drama and festive flair. Kylie Minogue steps in as Astrid Peth, her star-crossed romance with the Doctor adds a layer of tragic beauty to the proceedings. The episode is a blockbusting feast, yet it’s laced with moments of genuine emotion and connection, making it more than just a spectacle.
And let’s not forget, tucked away in this festive package is the first appearance of a certain Wilfred Mott, played by the late, great Bernard Cribbins. Wilf’s debut might be brief, but you could already see why, with his down-to-earth charm, he would go on to become such a fan favourite. The episode’s pacing and tone juggle a lot, from high-stakes action to deeper emotional beats, leading to criticisms of it being a bit uneven and corny at times, but look past it, and you’ll see a Christmas cracker that not only pops with spectacle but also warms the heart.
“The Next Doctor”
“The Next Doctor” introduces us to David Morrissey’s ‘Doctor’, a character as enigmatic as a Christmas ghost story. The episode cleverly plays with the expectations of Who lore, blending the historical charm of a Dickens novel with the futuristic menace of the Cybermen. The Victorian setting is a classic Christmas staple, replete with snow-laden streets and carol singers, while the looming threat of the Cyber-King adds a dash of thrilling spectacle to the otherwise quaint atmosphere.
Some found the episode’s twist predictable, while others felt the Cybershades and the Cyber-King casually striding through Victorian London were too goofy and stretching credulity. Yet, these criticisms are part of what makes the episode an underappreciated gem. It’s ambitious, wearing its heart on its sleeve, much like a homemade Christmas card. The charm of the episode lies in its willingness to take risks, and it deserves a revisit.
“The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe”
This special is an unapologetically whimsical ride into a Narnia-esque wonderland, complete with a forest so enchantingly snowy, that it could make Frosty the Snowman jealous. Matt Smith’s Doctor is flying solo here and at his charming, bow-tie-wearing best. The story, with its focus on a war widow and her children, wraps around the viewer with the warmth of a Yuletide fire, weaving a tale of family, loss, bravery, and the magic that lies just out of sight.
“The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe” has its fair share of detractors. For some, its sentimentality was laid on thicker than icing on a Christmas cake. Others felt the fantastical elements seemed out of place. But even if you agree with that, it’s hard to deny the heart-warming moment when the Doctor is reunited with Amy and Rory Pond. This touching scene, brimming with joy and familial love, is the star atop this special’s Christmas tree.
“Last Christmas”
“Last Christmas” is like a Christmas stocking stuffed with a medley of surprises, each more intriguing than the last. It’s a festive rollercoaster, weaving a tapestry of dreams within dreams, echoing a certain famous cinematic maze of the subconscious. The episode blends the eerie threat of Dream Crabs with the warm, comforting glow of Christmas. Enter Nick Frost as Santa Claus, a casting choice as delightful as finding extra chocolate behind a missed advent calendar door. The narrative is a labyrinth of twists and turns, each layer peeling back to reveal a new facet of the story.
At the core of this wintry tale is Clara, portrayed with a depth and nuance that tugs at the heartstrings. Her journey through grief and loss, following Danny Pink’s departure, is a poignant thread that runs through the episode. Adding to the ensemble is Faye Marsay’s Shona, her mix of humor, relatability, and wonder is a standout, making her a character many hoped would stick around longer. But then there’s the ending – the special unwraps a melancholic conclusion that it then hurriedly re-wraps, to keep Jenna Coleman on the show. If you can get past that quibble, it’s still a special that marries the essence of Doctor Who with the spirit of the season so beautifully.
“The Return of Doctor Mysterio”
This special is a quirky cocktail of superhero tropes and Time Lord antics. It’s a bold leap into a genre mash-up, featuring the Ghost – a caped crusader with a Whovian twist. The episode is a thrilling frolic through a world of secret identities and heroic deeds, all wrapped up with the Doctor’s characteristic charm and a bow of witty banter. It’s like finding an action figure under the Christmas tree when you were expecting another pair of socks; surprising, but delightfully so.
Yet, for all its caped crusading, “The Return of Doctor Mysterio” faced its share of Scrooges. Some felt the superhero angle was out of place in Doctor Who. Others found the blend of genres a bit like mixing mince pies with marshmallows – a curious combination that doesn’t suit everyone’s festive taste. Despite this, the special stands out as an underappreciated gem. It’s a bold and unique take on the Christmas special, reminding us that sometimes the best things are the unexpected gifts.
Wrapping up
And there we have it, my festive foray into the world of Doctor Who’s hidden Christmas gems. As you settle down with your mince pies this year, consider revisiting these underrated chapters of Doctor Who. They’re the perfect accompaniment to a cosy winter’s night, offering a sprinkling of Time Lord magic to your Christmas cheer. Merry Christmas!