That’s why the regeneration scene was so significant, laced with raw emotion and power. But it also represents how Moffat sees the future for Doctor Who, not something rooted by its past but able to embrace a liberating and open-minded future. Sure, Hartnell’s comments towards Bill will be divisive amongst fans, showing him as misogynistic in his outdated values from the 60s. There are also film and TV homages to Alien, Black Mirror’s ‘San Junipero’ and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. There are references to New Earth, past companions, family connections and the customary dalek. The episode begins with the recreation of ‘The Tenth Planet’ (Hartnell’s regeneration). We see versions of the Doctor on-screen which obviously echoes previous specials such as ‘The Day of the Doctor’ or ‘The Three Doctors’. The insane level of homages and references are like a love letter to the fans, showcasing how far the show has come in over fifty years of television. Considering ‘Twice Upon a Time’ also serves as Moffat saying goodbye to the Doctor Who universe, he certainly leaves it on a high note. There are a few dodgy moments in the episode but ultimately that is beside the point. It is how he comes to terms with that mortal reality that definitely pulls on the heartstrings in a very significant moment in factual history. Gatiss as the First World War Captain quietly steals the show of a soldier believing in the audacity and miracle of hope when faced with a bleak outcome. As she has done throughout the brilliant series ten, she grounds and challenges the Doctor and his conventions and pushing him to those depths of human understanding.īut arguably the most heartfelt moment belongs with the Christmas Armistice. But it shouldn’t be underestimated how important Bill’s reappearance is to the special. As there were no villains or dragging out the regeneration like Tennant’s exit, the episode largely focussed on the partnership between Hartnell’s doctor (David Bradley) and Capaldi’s, conveying a relationship of that awkward relation you don’t invite to dinner! The relationship of course is played up for comedic effect, not only crossing time and space but a generational and technological divide as well. ![]() Sentimentality plays a big role in the Christmas special and largely it was unexpected. ![]() In his final hour, this is all about the Doctor saving himself, both in the past, present and upcoming future. It’s just a slow and delayed descent towards the inevitable. That becomes a sad realisation for the twelfth Doctor (Peter Capaldi). There’s no heroic gesture to save the world so that the whole planet can fend off an invasion. Bill Potts (Pearl Mackie) is somehow alive (or is she?).Įverything naturally feeds into the anticlimactic feel of the episode – there are no real monsters or villains to defeat. A World War One Captain has been displaced. There’s defiance, denial and a refusal to accept the end despite time being against them. Nobody likes goodbyes and yet ‘Twice Upon a Time’ examines “letting go” with a melancholic sadness, watching characters going through stages of grief. ![]() In fact, it might just be the best and most enjoyable Christmas special Moffat has made. But at the heart of it (and certainly one of the main reasons for the increased enjoyment), is that emotional and personalised core. His stories are not without influence for parody (for example, the comic book inspired ‘The Return of Doctor Mysterio’). But 2014 onwards has seen Steven Moffat upped the ante in terms of quality and a psychological edge. ![]() The Doctor Who Christmas Specials have been hit or miss over the years. The final curtain call for Peter Capaldi’s Doctor.
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