Xmas Special - "Last Christmas" [spoilers]

[Ryujin]

I really liked this episode. In fact, I'd say it's my favourite Xmas Special so far. Had my doubts about including Santa, but him being a dream construct worked perfectly for me. Loved the unapologetic nods to Alien. Enjoyed Capaldi a lot. Was totally fooled by the old-Clara fakeout. Loved that it was a tight little script, not an epic world-saving romp. Next episode is "The Magician's Apprentice", and Clara's sticking around.

Glad to see Slade's Merry Christmas Everybody (song) featured. For those foreigners out there, that song is pretty much played on repeat all across the country over Xmas, and has been since the 70s.

The only dream fake-out, that caught me out, was the one that they tacked on in order to keep Jenna around for another season.

I just want a non-contemporary companion. If Victorian Clara had stuck around, that would have been awesome. As it is, I find her kinda boring.

I would agree with that. Jamie McCrimmon and Leela ("found floating down the Amazon in a hat box") were two of my past favourites and a new companion who is 'out of time' would have made a nice contrast.

 

[Mallus]

Loved it. Easily my favorite of the Christmas specials. The sheer number of things-not-like-one-another mashed up to create this episodes, and how well they worked together, is... impressive.

And I'm Clara's coming back. The writers have done a neat trick: they've made Clara moving on with her life into 'going on more adventures with the Doctor'".

 

[delericho]

Yep, a good Christmas special this year. Though "A Christmas Carol" is still my favourite.

 

[Nellisir]

I enjoyed it - nicely layered, just like the dreams. I'd really like to see more of Shona - she was a fun character.

Agreed. I was hoping that if Clara left, Shona would be the next Companion, particularly towards the end. She was so desperate to have friends and stick together. Hoping to see more of her.

Glad Clara stayed, though. That was a welcome surprise, and well handled.

(Yes, I just got around to watching it. Been travelling.)

 

[Fast Learner]

Also my fave. A great Doctor Who story, well directed and well performed, with a Christmas theme. Hard to beat that.