DOCTOR WHO “Last Christmas” Review

What will happen when the Doctor meets Santa? Read on to find out.

The official description from BBC:

Two heroic icons – the Doctor and Santa – along with Clara Oswald, are thrown together in one of the Time Lord’s most incredible adventures yet!

It’s that time of the year again, and Christmas has finally came upon us. For many this is a time of joy, as well as a gathering of family. Though this proves true for me, there is also one other thing that Christmas bods; and that’s a new Doctor Who Christmas Special. But following last years regeneration, how will this episode shape up? And what events will bring Clara (Jenna Coleman) and the Doctor (Peter Capaldi) together for the festive season?

Despite making appearances in other forms of Doctor Who media, as well as having references in other episodes, Santa Claus has yet to appear in a Doctor Who Christmas Special. Well that all changes here, as along with two elves, he comes to help save the day. Now before I go any further, I have to admit that the Christmas Specials don’t always thrill me, with the combination of festivity, and story writing resulting in some average episodes. Showrunner Steven Moffat does however change that with “Last Christmas”, as along with director, Paul Wilmshurst, he gives one of the best Christmas Specials in recent years. Mixing horror, and festivity brilliantly, Moffat manages to give an extremely gripping tale, with the Facehugger (a reference which is mentioned in the episode) like Dream Crabs proving to be a tricky foe for the Doctor.

It’s hard to imagine that it’s already been a year since Peter Capaldi stepped into the role of the Doctor, as though his tenure didn’t properly kick-off till August, it doesn’t feel that long since he was complaining about his new kidneys. Giving yet another amazing performance, the Scottish actor once again is the heart of this show, with his balance of humour and seriousness allowing for some very entertaining moments. Longtime companion Clara also returns for this episode, with Jenna Coleman as ever being a fabulous addition to the show. She is however second fiddle companion wise throughout this episode, as though Santa doesn’t get a warm welcome from the Doctor, his presence is much more noticeable. This is largely down to the performance of Nick Frost, with the Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy actor giving a hilarious performance, that compliments the mixed tones that Capaldi gives brilliantly.

“Last Christmas” proves to be one of the best Doctor Who Christmas Specials in recent years, as though it doesn’t rival the more entertaining episodes of the recent series, it certainly outshines the more disappointing episodes. Highly recommended.