The annual Doctor Who Christmas specials are never to be missed, but this year's entry, simply titled "The Snowmen," will be even more vital than usual.
After the emotional exit of long running companions Amy and Rory Pond (yes, Rory Pond) everyone's all amped up to finally get introduced to the Doctor's new companion, Clara, played by Jenna-Louise Coleman, who somehow also appeared as Oswin in season seven's debut episode "Asylum of the Daleks" where things, uh, didn't end well for her. (Spoilers, Sweetie!) It'll be exciting to see where all that eventually goes, but first we need to get to know who she is and how she comes to be the Doctor's new companion.
But that's just part of this episode's higher-than-normal built in anticipation level. Today, the BBC released a few photos from the new episode, one of which casually revealed an unexpected and all new design for the TARDIS. To say big Doctor Who changes are afoot would be a massive understatement.
But there's even more! This Christmas special will also see the return of beloved characters. Fan favorite lesbian couple Madame Vastra and Jenny Flint are making a return, as is my personal favorite Doctor Who character, Commander Strax. The last time we saw these guys all together was the phenomenal "When a Good Man Goes to War," during which Strax offered to nurse Amy and Rory's new child and won his way into my heart forever.
With all this going on, it's hard to remember the episode also has to support a Christmas-themed plot. Here's a synopsis of what should go down:
"Christmas Eve 1892, and the falling snow is the stuff of fairytales.
When the fairytale becomes a nightmare and a chilling menace threatens Earth, an unorthodox young governess, Clara, calls on the Doctor for help. But the Doctor is in mourning, reclusive and determined not to engage in the problems of the universe. As old friends return, will the Doctor really abandon humankind or will he fight to save the world -- and Christmas -- from the icy clutches of this mysterious menace?"
So: New Companion, new TARDIS,
returning beloved characters, a sad Doctor, and an awesome story with
potentially scary Snowmen. What more can you ask for? See the episode when it
premiers at 9pm Christmas day on BBC America or the following day on iTunes.
And tell us how much you're looking forward to this new companion in the
comments below.
Oh, and let's not forget a new opening and themesong! Yeah, there is a LOT to look forward to in this new Who.