I loved the "Clara, pick a number, make it a good one" and her replying with 12. That nicely wrapped up the season due to one of the major themes being the "Am I a good man" and Clara is saying that she believes he is
This genuinely might be my favourite Christmas special. I enjoy the darker tone intertwined with the festive wonder, and the character development is beautiful. Also, fun fact, the man who dies is the real life son of Second Doctor, Patrick Troughton.
For me it's a toss up between this and 'A Christmas Carol' I think - both ultimately lovely, hopeful stories but neither entirely denying that Christmas sometimes has a darker edge.
Some christmas specials are more than just christmas episodes, like "The Time Of The Doctor" and "The End Of Time". But as far as christmas episodes go, this one is the best. This season was filled with heavy themes (old age, death, lost love, being lost). I think it was meant for an older-than-usual audience. One of the best seasons so far.
2 Quick fun facts: 1. This was originally supposed to be Jenna Coleman's last episode as Clara and was supposed to die with the Doctor as an old woman. However VERY last minute Jenna decided she's really like to stay for longer and thus the ending was re-written :) 2. The older male scientist that was pulled through the monitor screen is Michael Troughton, son of the second Doctor, Patrick Troughton and younger brother of David Troughton, the scientist from the Tennant episode "Midnight" :) Great reaction as always! Can't wait for Season 9 !
No, Moffatt actually confirmed it during an interview. Coleman had seriously considered leaving the show. But changed her mind Moffat confirmed this. futurism.media/jenna-coleman-was-set-to-leave-doctor-who-after-series-8
There are so many stories that fly around Doctor Who, and Moffat lies, so who knows what is the real truth? Since 2014 I've read variously that Jenna wanted to leave, but changed her mind because she thought just 1 season with Capaldi wasn't enough...that she changed her mind after the table read...that the she changed her mind after looking at herself in old age makeup the day she shot those scenes, causing Moffat to write the last 2 pages of the script at the last second, etc. What matters is that she stayed and they were actually able to keep it a secret. Personally I think she considered it, but in the end she and Capaldi got along so well she wanted another year. Moffat probably had an early draft of the script and was able to change it. I don't believe it was literally in the middle of filming or after the table read.
I was a crying mess at the end of this episode. The old Clara and Doctor scenes along and the parallels to old Eleven really hit me. So glad it had a happy ending.
some behind the scenes info: jenna coleman was set to leave after the end of series 8 (deaath in heaven) then was persuaded to be in this episode and "old clara" was going to be her character resolution. then she changed her mind and signed on again. the ending of this could easily have been much more melancholy
I honestly wish that this was Coleman's last episode. I thought the parallels between the old 11 with young Clara and then old Clara with 12 was brilliant. It was such a beautiful scene and, in my opinion, finished their story perfectly.
This may be just me, but I honestly believe the real love story of this whole series was between the 12th Doctor and Clara. Their relationship was the main crux of Series 8, showing the rise, then the fall, only to be together again by this episode. Before Danny came into her life, the Doctor was the centre of Clara's world, so when Danny entered the fray, she started moving away from the Doctor living her life on Earth, which would most likely explain the Doctor's animosity towards Danny (especially in 'The Caretaker'). Yet, Clara couldn't get away from the Doctor no matter how hard she tried, which shows that he still holds a special place in her heart. 'Last Christmas' really shows how much The Doctor genuinely cares about Clara and vice versa. Especially after Series 8 where the Doctor hid his emotions a lot, the ending showed how much both him and Clara loved each other, and this close bond will become the main crux of Series 9.
Oh, I completely agree with you. They are both completely and utterly in love with each other, and it's one of my favourite relationships we ever get between a Doctor and companion. Soulmates to the end.
I'm not one to immediately ship if two characters are best friends, like with Donna and 10, or 11 and Clara, etc, but definitely without a doubt Clara and 12 had a thing. Completely. I frankly think they confirmed it during the Mummy episode when she's talking to Danny but looks directly at 12 and says "I love you"
TheRanter Yeah, and then there's Clara's line in this episode too. She literally states outright that the only other man in her life who could have matched up to Danny was the Doctor, and yet somehow people still try to convince themselves otherwise.
I think what puts people off on Whouffaldi is that in real life, Peter is 30 years older than Jenna, but they need to understand that this is fiction, of an alien who's 2000 years old and growing, and a woman who created millions of versions of herself who knew and crushed on that same alien when he had a face of a younger man
Yes! I've been looking forward to this! This is the most underrated Christmas special, in my opinion. Santa's "bigger on the inside" line is one of my favourite lines that I don't feel gets enough love. :D
This is my favourite Christmas special. So surreal and dreamlike. The scene at the end when the Doctor says "All of time and all of space sitting out there in a big blue box" Was so magical especially with that angelic music and it kind of reminded me of the end of Invasion of the Dinosaurs with the 3rd Doctor tempting Sarah Jane Smith to join him on his travels, just wonderfully magical. Great reaction.
Thoroughly entertaining Christmas special. Nick Frost's sassy Santa and the dream crabs are brilliant. Absolutely love Shona (another should-have-been companion, imho) ...hardly anyone notices amazing actress Faye Marsay is also 'the Waif' from Game of Thrones! Really looking forward to your season 8 review :)
As usual, loved your reaction! And, to prepare you for season nine there are two prologue minisodes that were released before the season 9 premiere. One is called "Series 9 Prologue" and one called "The Doctor's Meditation", both nice primers for the season to come. And trust me, this next season is a whopper!
"Last Christmas" is my favorite Christmas special. Our family Christmas is always planned around Doctor Who and every member gets at least one Doctor Who present. My son usually gets a new Sonic Screwdriver. It's something we look forward to each year. We binge watch Doctor Who from Christmas Eve thru Christmas night and during the course of that we hit every Christmas special but we always watch "Last Christmas" a few times. Loved, loved, loved the way the show portrays Santa. The magic of Santa, in a kids show, is something I always feel is kind of sacred. You don't want to ruin it for the little ones. I love how this episode confronts that question head on and then in the end, Santa saves the day. How can that not warm your heart? I love when Santa is giving his speech about "trust me" and "I've looked after you from Christmas to Christmas". When one of the crew says "But you're not real" and he counters " and yet that has never stopped me". I love that line. This episode has high "rewatchability" in my opinion. The second time you watch it, you realize how "dreamy" everything in the opening scenes are and think "how could I have missed that?". Anyway, glad you liked it. I was looking forward to your reaction on this episodes, since obviously, it's one of my favorites.
Interesting behind the scenes fact: The Actor playing Professor Albert in this is the 2nd Doctor (Patrick Troughton)'s younger son Michael Troughton. His eldest son David was a two time classic series guest star, but this is the first TV Doctor Who appearance for Michael. (He has appeared in Big Finish audio adventures before.)
AubreySciFi Michael Troughton has had plenty of other appearances in Doctor Who. In the Big Finish stories: "Lords Of The Red Planet", "The Romance Of Crime", "The Well-Mannered War"
I did enjoy Capadl's final special, but the one after the next one is the Return of Doctor Mysterio. Which was okay but def my least favourite of the moffat specials. (Yeah, I like Wardrobe sue me.)
This was to be Clara's exit, but she changed her mind after the read through. The Waif was the one dancing to Slade. Yes, that was Doctor 2's son Michael Troughton.
"What is Danny Pink doing right now? He's probably flirting with your neighbor! Or texting women of low moral character...." Hahahahahaha God, that line never fails to make me laugh. Because Danny is the last guy who would do that at all.
I love this one, and that end scene is one of my favourites ever. It's the only time we actually went into an episode not knowing if the companion was staying or leaving as Series 9 hadn't started filming yet and Series 8 had all wrapped up. It was an actual surprise watching, and if you happened to like Twelve and Clara together it was a really satisfying story. It worked perfectly as a magical moment in an otherwise quite dark Christmas special. But it's a balance I liked...some of the specials get a bit too carried away. I never thought I'd say one with Santa in it would end up being a favourite.
How many of us are re-watching the Episodes along with Jess? Easily the best Christmas Special Capaldi had. A few things to note: 1) Fans of the time did not know that Jenna Coleman renewed her contract, so the tension was real at the end 2) Stephen Moffat did not know Coleman was going stay or leave, so the "old Clara" scene was a backup final ending when writing the episode. 3) The man on the station is another son of a Patrick Troughton, the second Doctor. 4) Yes it's the waif. There were calls for her to be the next companion after Clara, she was so popular. 5) I saw a lot of British fans groan a little bit at the selection of the song she danced to amazingly. Its new to the States, but freaking overplayed in England. At this episode, Capaldi was comfortable enough to his natural silliness come through. For me, Smith had a high silliness to serious ratio, while Peter had a high serious to silliness ratio. Capaldi sort of derailed Moffat's romantic plans for Clara and the Doctor. Peter didn't want his Doctor bogged down with that, especially with the age difference between Coleman and him. So occasionally Moffat hints at the relationships potential, of how much unrequited love there was between the two.
That was definitely the Waif, her name's Faye Marsay :) "There was one other man, but that would have never worked out... He was impossible" is one of my favorite lines in the series.
Good on you for noticing the callback to Time of the Doctor. I like the actress who played the Waif in Games of Thrones in this episode. I hope to see her character again in the future, perhaps as a potential companion. And I like how you described the place the Doctor and Clara's relationship is in by the end of the special.
When I saw Clara running out with the doctor to the Tardis, in her nightie, I recalled Amy's first episode, in which the doctor invited her to travel with him and she said "You expect me to run away with you? I'm wearing my nightie!"
The older male researcher is Michael Troughton (one of the sons of 2nd Doctor Patrick Troughton to appear in Who. David was is classic Who and the David Tennant Episode "Midnight").
Bit of Who trivia for you. The chubby guy in the control room that's always eating is mikael troughton,son of Patrick troughton who played the second Doctor in the 60s.
I absolutely love this special. It perfectly resolves Series 8 and clears the air/ sets things up for the spectacular Series 9. Looking forward to your reactions! :-)
Getting in quick to make a possible suggestion for a reaction (although I'm sure you've got enough lined up for now anyway). Not sure if you've watched "Broadchurch" before, but it's really good and it's kind of like "Doctor Who bingo". Only recommending it because I was looking for reactions online the other day and can't find a single one. Again, I'm sure you're busy enough with the reactions you've got on the go, just a thought, not sure if anyone else agrees
Several of us have been suggesting Broadchurch every time she asks what she should watch next. AlicePlays and 3 Cuckoos Podcast reacted to it. (Or maybe they just reviewed each episode; I don't remember now)
Mentioned it before but kinda late on a vid, so thought I’d say you need to react to MERLIN when you need a show to react to. It is a very similar feel to Doctor Who and I suspect 90% of the people watching this is a fan.
Really enjoyed this reaction. I'm actually in London right now, and we did a DW tour around the city yesterday, so I feel like this tops it off. :) Looking forward to the next one. ;)
Yes, you're right, Shona (Faye Marsay), played the Waif in GoT, and also that cop in Black Mirror's, Hated in the Nation! Whatever roles she takes on she alway leave an impression, even if she's a bit player, going by her prior work, there is something about her. I think we will be seeing and hearing a lot more about her in the future!
There was a reason for THAT ending, it was written that way the old Clara and young Clara cause Jenna Coleman hadn't agreed to come back for series 9 and this was going to be her final episode but then Steven Moffat asked her to stay for one final season
So Happy you got into the music when Shona started dancing in the Hospital Section. So did I, Ha! Ha! This was supposed to be Jenna's (Clara) last Episode. Half way through filming she changed her mind and the end had to be re-written. If she had left Shona was supposed to be the next Companion.
Another great reaction video, Jess. I am glad you enjoyed the Christmas Special. One of my favourite episodes of Season 8, along with the previous two. I have waited a while to think what I wanted to say in this message. There are quite a few call backs to previous episodes in this. Not just the Christmas Cracker scene (reminiscent of Matt Smith's last Christmas Special), but also the fact that Clara was in her night clothes when she travelled with Doctor in this episode, like Amy was when she first travelled with Eleven. Then there's the fact that this episode was about trying to figure out whether or not they were in a dream state, like the episode Amy's Choice. Dream Danny and the Doctor worked closely together to help Clara out of her dream state, but I think that has more to do with Clara wanting the Doctor and Danny to get along. It was touching to see the Doctor holding Clara's hand with those "dream crabs" (or face huggers) on them. This is the episode that made me warm to Twelve. BTW, Nick Frost who played Santa brilliantly looks nothing like Richard Attenborough's Kris Kringle in real life! That may surprise you. Great make-up department at the BBC! It's no coincidence that he was made to look that way as Shona had a DVD of Miracle on 34th Street with her, when she woke up, in case you didn't notice. The first two episodes of Season 9 are a two-part storyline and another two favourites of mine of Season 9. That's all I am going to say but, if you are anything like me, you will enjoy them and I look forward to watching your reactions. Every Christmas is last Christmas. Finally, nobody wants crabs at anytime of the year, not even dream ones! 😁
The best Xmas special for my money and for me this is really the start of the 12th Doctor as we come to know him, the rest of s8 more or less him just figuring himself out...
You are right, that was Faye Marsay who also plays the Waif in GoT. She was also in that bee episode in Black Mirror, "Hated in the Nation". I really like her.
I can’t wait for the next Christmas special reaction too. And I swear NOBODY better have spoiled even the title for Jess. (Jess if you see this, I hope you put the episodes on before finding out their titles)
The aliens were completely an Alien "face hugger" reference. Shona (dancing girl) had a to-do list for Christmas day which included watching watching Alien, The Thing from Another World and Miracle on 34th Street.
G'Day sesskasays. Its a bit late, but I hope your Easter was great. Mine was nice with family in the usually heat of this time of the year in SW Sydney (34C on Easter) Anyway, I love this episode, my favourite Chistmas Ep so far. It has everything, great acting, great atmosphere, and terrific concept of a dream within a dream (which I have experienced and I am sure many others has as well). I might be wrong, but I think I remember from the Blu-ray commentary that the dance to 'Merry Christmas everybody' was an improv done on the day. Looking forward hearing your s8 wrap up.
There was a subtle call-back at the end here - Clara runs off with the doctor in her nightie - and the 11th doctor took off with Amy Pond who was also in her nightie. Of course 11 said "Oh, don't worry - plenty of clothes in the wardrobe - and maybe even a swimming pool". I think of all the new series doctors, Matt was the zaniest - but I have enjoyed Capaldi just as much.
Clara: "Don't you soldier me..." Danny: "Do as your told." Aaaaaaaand back in Series 8, Episode 4 - Listen: Doctor: "I don't take orders..." Clara: "Do as your told."
The actress playing the young blond scientist we see at the beginning with the music is indeed the same one playing the Waif on GoT haha. I still feel like the scene between Old Clara and the Doctor would have been a perfect, very nostalgic and poetic send-off to Clara. But hey, his quote about never having a second chance is so touching that I'm willing to get over it, haha
18:33 - *“Ooooh! Whoah! Sorry, sorry, sorry.”* Clearly his sleigh-driving skills are _exactly_ like his skills at driving a TARDIS… 27:08 - *“Sorry, if I sound weird. I have allergies.”* Yes. _⁎sniff⁎_ Allergies. I, too, am allergic to sappy, happy, christmassy endings. 27:27 - *“I believe she was the Waif in **_Game of Thrones_** ”* Yup, that was her. Maybe that's why she had “THRONES Marathon” as one of the items on her Christmas list, besides watching _Alien_ and _Miracle on 34th Street._
Oh man, it's one hell of a ride from here on out with 12 and Clara. Season 9 is such a great one - definitely has some of my favourite 12th Doctor stories.
Last Christmas, also known as Alien: Inception, a good blend of horror, sci fi and Christmas fantasy. It’s a strong showing to not only end S8 (where they saved Danny Pink’s character big time these last 3 episodes) but to kick off Season 9, the relationship between the Doctor and Clara gets a nice fix, the music is great and the writing stellar. Trust me when I say this, Season 9 is gonna rock, there’s a Season 9 prologue you can watch too, it’s only about a minute and a half long but it sets a little of the season up
Apparently, Jenna wanted to leave at the end of series 8 so they wrote her out in the finale. But she had a change of heart, so they offered her the Xmas special to round off her story. The original story had her die an old woman as the Doctor sat with her. But Moffat didn't want her to go and she too decided she wasn't ready to leave so they rewrote the ending to have her return for series 9.
Fun fact, this episode was written on the assumption that Jenna Coleman would be leaving and this would be Claras last story. However she changed her mind late on and the ending was changed so it was one more dream within a dream.
I've seen this episode twice -- once on initial broadcast, once as part of this reaction. And each time I get a brain crab headache in my right temple. DO NOT WANT.
If I recall correctly, this was meant to be Jenna's final episode. She was eager to leave the show, I'm guessing old Clara was meant to be a fixed point, and he couldn't rejoin young Clara after this. However, a last minute change of mind, meant the ending had to be rewritten... Was the final shot through the window a call back to Ten's first story (The Christmas Invasion) , the last satsuma in the dressing gown pocket?
Brilliant reaction, as ever. Can't wait for you to get started on Series 9. For me, it's the best series since the return of Doctor Who, and contains the greatest ever Doctor Who episode!!
I think i enjoyed this reaction almost as much as i enjoyed the episode (which is very much). Really looking forward to next week's season roundup/review: i really love season 8, but i know it's quite divisive and others feel differently, so an overview of the whole year's worth of episodes should be really interesting.
I loved the "Clara, pick a number, make it a good one" and her replying with 12. That nicely wrapped up the season due to one of the major themes being the "Am I a good man" and Clara is saying that she believes he is
“There’s an Horror movie called Alien” The Doctor would be shocked if he watches it considering John Hurt is in it
A Guy On RUclips: Hah, John Hurt has been mentioned a fair bit in Doctor Who. Tosh mentions him, by name, in an episode of Torchwood.
It'd be fubnier if they did a scene with 13 watching Alien and saying "I know him from somewhere..."
Maybe thats where he got the face from.
"Doctor, am I young?"
"No idea."
I think I love this a little bit too much 😂
Can't wait for season 9 and its Christmas Special ! 🙄
Pain D'épices hilarious scene.... same here 😂😂😂😂
its very important scene,and next scene too, very important moment in all 8 series
This genuinely might be my favourite Christmas special.
I enjoy the darker tone intertwined with the festive wonder, and the character development is beautiful.
Also, fun fact, the man who dies is the real life son of Second Doctor, Patrick Troughton.
For me it's a toss up between this and 'A Christmas Carol' I think - both ultimately lovely, hopeful stories but neither entirely denying that Christmas sometimes has a darker edge.
Some christmas specials are more than just christmas episodes, like "The Time Of The Doctor" and "The End Of Time". But as far as christmas episodes go, this one is the best. This season was filled with heavy themes (old age, death, lost love, being lost). I think it was meant for an older-than-usual audience. One of the best seasons so far.
Fun fact: Santa is played by Nick Frost!
R Wojo - Nick Frost was brilliant as Santa. 🎅 Reminded me of Richard Attenborough in Miracle on 34th Street.
2 Quick fun facts:
1. This was originally supposed to be Jenna Coleman's last episode as Clara and was supposed to die with the Doctor as an old woman. However VERY last minute Jenna decided she's really like to stay for longer and thus the ending was re-written :)
2. The older male scientist that was pulled through the monitor screen is Michael Troughton, son of the second Doctor, Patrick Troughton and younger brother of David Troughton, the scientist from the Tennant episode "Midnight" :)
Great reaction as always! Can't wait for Season 9 !
Was about to post 1. myself, figured someone would have beat me to it though!
Wait I thought #1 was debunked
No, Moffatt actually confirmed it during an interview. Coleman had seriously considered leaving the show. But changed her mind Moffat confirmed this.
futurism.media/jenna-coleman-was-set-to-leave-doctor-who-after-series-8
Michael Lukash Coleman herself said otherwise though
There are so many stories that fly around Doctor Who, and Moffat lies, so who knows what is the real truth? Since 2014 I've read variously that Jenna wanted to leave, but changed her mind because she thought just 1 season with Capaldi wasn't enough...that she changed her mind after the table read...that the she changed her mind after looking at herself in old age makeup the day she shot those scenes, causing Moffat to write the last 2 pages of the script at the last second, etc. What matters is that she stayed and they were actually able to keep it a secret. Personally I think she considered it, but in the end she and Capaldi got along so well she wanted another year. Moffat probably had an early draft of the script and was able to change it. I don't believe it was literally in the middle of filming or after the table read.
I was a crying mess at the end of this episode. The old Clara and Doctor scenes along and the parallels to old Eleven really hit me. So glad it had a happy ending.
some behind the scenes info: jenna coleman was set to leave after the end of series 8 (deaath in heaven) then was persuaded to be in this episode and "old clara" was going to be her character resolution. then she changed her mind and signed on again. the ending of this could easily have been much more melancholy
Odd Job wasn’t that just a rumor?
moff jenna and capaldi confirmed it in interviews
I honestly wish that this was Coleman's last episode. I thought the parallels between the old 11 with young Clara and then old Clara with 12 was brilliant. It was such a beautiful scene and, in my opinion, finished their story perfectly.
This may be just me, but I honestly believe the real love story of this whole series was between the 12th Doctor and Clara. Their relationship was the main crux of Series 8, showing the rise, then the fall, only to be together again by this episode. Before Danny came into her life, the Doctor was the centre of Clara's world, so when Danny entered the fray, she started moving away from the Doctor living her life on Earth, which would most likely explain the Doctor's animosity towards Danny (especially in 'The Caretaker'). Yet, Clara couldn't get away from the Doctor no matter how hard she tried, which shows that he still holds a special place in her heart. 'Last Christmas' really shows how much The Doctor genuinely cares about Clara and vice versa. Especially after Series 8 where the Doctor hid his emotions a lot, the ending showed how much both him and Clara loved each other, and this close bond will become the main crux of Series 9.
Oh, I completely agree with you. They are both completely and utterly in love with each other, and it's one of my favourite relationships we ever get between a Doctor and companion. Soulmates to the end.
I'm not one to immediately ship if two characters are best friends, like with Donna and 10, or 11 and Clara, etc, but definitely without a doubt Clara and 12 had a thing. Completely. I frankly think they confirmed it during the Mummy episode when she's talking to Danny but looks directly at 12 and says "I love you"
TheRanter Yeah, and then there's Clara's line in this episode too. She literally states outright that the only other man in her life who could have matched up to Danny was the Doctor, and yet somehow people still try to convince themselves otherwise.
I think what puts people off on Whouffaldi is that in real life, Peter is 30 years older than Jenna, but they need to understand that this is fiction, of an alien who's 2000 years old and growing, and a woman who created millions of versions of herself who knew and crushed on that same alien when he had a face of a younger man
Exactly. Jenna Coleman confirmed in an interview that Clara's "I love you" in that scene was really directed toward The Doctor
Yes! I've been looking forward to this!
This is the most underrated Christmas special, in my opinion. Santa's "bigger on the inside" line is one of my favourite lines that I don't feel gets enough love. :D
Btw Shona, the girl you loved so much when dancing to Christmas music, played the Waif in GoT!
I remember people wanted her to be the new companion (if Jenna was gonna leave after this episode)
Marley Lake shona is the best girl xD
The actor who plays Gendry in GoT is in the Episode The Doctors Daughter...
She was also one of the co-stars in Black Mirror Hated in the Nation.
Viserys Targaryen is Son of Mine.
This is my favourite Christmas special. So surreal and dreamlike. The scene at the end when the Doctor says "All of time and all of space sitting out there in a big blue box" Was so magical especially with that angelic music and it kind of reminded me of the end of Invasion of the Dinosaurs with the 3rd Doctor tempting Sarah Jane Smith to join him on his travels, just wonderfully magical. Great reaction.
Thoroughly entertaining Christmas special. Nick Frost's sassy Santa and the dream crabs are brilliant. Absolutely love Shona (another should-have-been companion, imho) ...hardly anyone notices amazing actress Faye Marsay is also 'the Waif' from Game of Thrones! Really looking forward to your season 8 review :)
She's also in David Tennant's new movie, You, Me, and Him.
Ten suits the beard in You, Me and Him. Looks good!
You mean his yak hair. LOL
Yes. She's also in Black Mirror :)
The Danny moment in this makes me cry and I killed a lot of people man...
i saw night king and Dany * :P
The Night King Strangely enough, it's the dream version of Danny that had the best scenes of the caracter.
George Alexander well snow apparently is short in all departments if you know what I mean so she comes to me when she is bored of him
Lol
So you could say
Game of Thrones spoiler
this melted your glass heart?
As usual, loved your reaction! And, to prepare you for season nine there are two prologue minisodes that were released before the season 9 premiere. One is called "Series 9 Prologue" and one called "The Doctor's Meditation", both nice primers for the season to come. And trust me, this next season is a whopper!
"Last Christmas" is my favorite Christmas special. Our family Christmas is always planned around Doctor Who and every member gets at least one Doctor Who present. My son usually gets a new Sonic Screwdriver. It's something we look forward to each year. We binge watch Doctor Who from Christmas Eve thru Christmas night and during the course of that we hit every Christmas special but we always watch "Last Christmas" a few times.
Loved, loved, loved the way the show portrays Santa. The magic of Santa, in a kids show, is something I always feel is kind of sacred. You don't want to ruin it for the little ones. I love how this episode confronts that question head on and then in the end, Santa saves the day. How can that not warm your heart? I love when Santa is giving his speech about "trust me" and "I've looked after you from Christmas to Christmas". When one of the crew says "But you're not real" and he counters " and yet that has never stopped me". I love that line.
This episode has high "rewatchability" in my opinion. The second time you watch it, you realize how "dreamy" everything in the opening scenes are and think "how could I have missed that?". Anyway, glad you liked it. I was looking forward to your reaction on this episodes, since obviously, it's one of my favorites.
She learned to fly a plane. What a great call back to her and Eleven.
This special was like the lovechild of Alien and Inception.
Alien, The Thing and Miracle on 42nd Street - see Shona's DVD list.
I'm surprised The War Doctor didn't make a cameo appearance only to have an alien pop out of his chest
@@ZakJordan98 He did that in the movie Spaceballs.
Interesting behind the scenes fact: The Actor playing Professor Albert in this is the 2nd Doctor (Patrick Troughton)'s younger son Michael Troughton. His eldest son David was a two time classic series guest star, but this is the first TV Doctor Who appearance for Michael. (He has appeared in Big Finish audio adventures before.)
AubreySciFi Michael Troughton has had plenty of other appearances in Doctor Who. In the Big Finish stories: "Lords Of The Red Planet", "The Romance Of Crime", "The Well-Mannered War"
Sorry, I should have stated that as his first TV Doctor Who appearance. I have not heard his Big Finish performances yet, but I have heard about them.
If Shona had become a companion, I would've been delighted. Did you spot Strax?
"You can miss me for five minutes a day." God that scene 😭 I cry every time.
"Any moment now, season 9's a comin' "
Zerofever One of my favorite scenes in New Who is the tank entrance in TMA.
My second favourite Capaldi special! I love it, but the next one holds too special a place in my heart.
Joe Astbury I agree. This is beautiful, next is perfect.
Best one in my opinion is the after next one. This year's. 2017th Christmas special. 2016th Christmas special is second and this one is third for me.
I did enjoy Capadl's final special, but the one after the next one is the Return of Doctor Mysterio. Which was okay but def my least favourite of the moffat specials. (Yeah, I like Wardrobe sue me.)
Joe Astbury oh. I didn't meant doctor mysterio one. I meant most recent one. Twice upon a time.
It is my mistake. I forget about doctor mysterio one.
Elder Wraith yes she is good let's have her be super surprised- I look forward to these every Friday!!!
I love how shona has "thrones marathon" on her christmas list seeing as her actress was on thrones 😂
Perhaps she was a prophetic woods witch.
This was to be Clara's exit, but she changed her mind after the read through.
The Waif was the one dancing to Slade.
Yes, that was Doctor 2's son Michael Troughton.
This is honestly my favorite Christmas special.
This one and A Christmas Carol are the best specials for me.
mine too. Horror/sci-fi/Christmas. It works much better than it should.
As of the end of S8, agreed. In fact it’s probably in my top ten of all episodes.
It's actually quite difficult for me to choose between this one, A Christmas Carol and Twice upon a Time
All three of these are awesome
"What is Danny Pink doing right now? He's probably flirting with your neighbor! Or texting women of low moral character...." Hahahahahaha God, that line never fails to make me laugh. Because Danny is the last guy who would do that at all.
I love this one, and that end scene is one of my favourites ever. It's the only time we actually went into an episode not knowing if the companion was staying or leaving as Series 9 hadn't started filming yet and Series 8 had all wrapped up. It was an actual surprise watching, and if you happened to like Twelve and Clara together it was a really satisfying story.
It worked perfectly as a magical moment in an otherwise quite dark Christmas special. But it's a balance I liked...some of the specials get a bit too carried away. I never thought I'd say one with Santa in it would end up being a favourite.
How many of us are re-watching the Episodes along with Jess?
Easily the best Christmas Special Capaldi had. A few things to note:
1) Fans of the time did not know that Jenna Coleman renewed her contract, so the tension was real at the end
2) Stephen Moffat did not know Coleman was going stay or leave, so the "old Clara" scene was a backup final ending when writing the episode.
3) The man on the station is another son of a Patrick Troughton, the second Doctor.
4) Yes it's the waif. There were calls for her to be the next companion after Clara, she was so popular.
5) I saw a lot of British fans groan a little bit at the selection of the song she danced to amazingly. Its new to the States, but freaking overplayed in England.
At this episode, Capaldi was comfortable enough to his natural silliness come through. For me, Smith had a high silliness to serious ratio, while Peter had a high serious to silliness ratio.
Capaldi sort of derailed Moffat's romantic plans for Clara and the Doctor. Peter didn't want his Doctor bogged down with that, especially with the age difference between Coleman and him. So occasionally Moffat hints at the relationships potential, of how much unrequited love there was between the two.
I wish I could actually discuss this with you :-)
Merry Xmas Everybody is the best christmas song ever and anyone who says other wise need to fight me
watched the episode yesterday it was scary and fun
From This Episode I never cut my hair ever again
That was definitely the Waif, her name's Faye Marsay :)
"There was one other man, but that would have never worked out... He was impossible" is one of my favorite lines in the series.
*sees notifcation*
*stops working*
*makes sandwich*
*sits down to watch*
robvanriot why would you wait to make a sandwich
Hey, I have to eat sometime!
You have chosen... wisely.
I freaked out when I saw the notif!!!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Good on you for noticing the callback to Time of the Doctor. I like the actress who played the Waif in Games of Thrones in this episode. I hope to see her character again in the future, perhaps as a potential companion. And I like how you described the place the Doctor and Clara's relationship is in by the end of the special.
And Clara’s little “when I wake up you won’t be there” breaks my goddamn heart
Sass-kasays
When I saw Clara running out with the doctor to the Tardis, in her nightie, I recalled Amy's first episode, in which the doctor invited her to travel with him and she said "You expect me to run away with you? I'm wearing my nightie!"
The older male researcher is Michael Troughton (one of the sons of 2nd Doctor Patrick Troughton to appear in Who. David was is classic Who and the David Tennant Episode "Midnight").
Bit of Who trivia for you. The chubby guy in the control room that's always eating is mikael troughton,son of Patrick troughton who played the second Doctor in the 60s.
most beautiful ending, 2 people face to face,and big love and friendship in one
I absolutely love this special. It perfectly resolves Series 8 and clears the air/ sets things up for the spectacular Series 9. Looking forward to your reactions! :-)
Getting in quick to make a possible suggestion for a reaction (although I'm sure you've got enough lined up for now anyway). Not sure if you've watched "Broadchurch" before, but it's really good and it's kind of like "Doctor Who bingo". Only recommending it because I was looking for reactions online the other day and can't find a single one. Again, I'm sure you're busy enough with the reactions you've got on the go, just a thought, not sure if anyone else agrees
Herminbean I’d love to see her watch broadchurch! X
I would LOVE to see Broadchurch reactions!
She should definitely react to Broadchurch! 😃
Several of us have been suggesting Broadchurch every time she asks what she should watch next. AlicePlays and 3 Cuckoos Podcast reacted to it. (Or maybe they just reviewed each episode; I don't remember now)
Or the funnier Who actor show, The Thick of It, simply to see how she reacts to Malcolm.
Mentioned it before but kinda late on a vid, so thought I’d say you need to react to MERLIN when you need a show to react to. It is a very similar feel to Doctor Who and I suspect 90% of the people watching this is a fan.
Gilanes I SECOND THIS!!
Really enjoyed this reaction. I'm actually in London right now, and we did a DW tour around the city yesterday, so I feel like this tops it off. :) Looking forward to the next one. ;)
Yes, you're right, Shona (Faye Marsay), played the Waif in GoT, and also that cop in Black Mirror's, Hated in the Nation! Whatever roles she takes on she alway leave an impression, even if she's a bit player, going by her prior work, there is something about her. I think we will be seeing and hearing a lot more about her in the future!
The moment everyone fell in love with the waif😂😂
She was Shona before she was the Waif.
Absolutely loved this special. The professor was played by Patrick troughten's ( 2nd doctor) son Michael
Just finished S10 a few day ago. Capaldi was a legend and I personally think he had the best Christmas specials!
Yeah after this episode, everyone wanted Shona to be the next companion! I still wish that!
There was a reason for THAT ending, it was written that way the old Clara and young Clara cause Jenna Coleman hadn't agreed to come back for series 9 and this was going to be her final episode but then Steven Moffat asked her to stay for one final season
So Happy you got into the music when Shona started dancing in the Hospital Section. So did I, Ha! Ha! This was supposed to be Jenna's (Clara) last Episode. Half way through filming she changed her mind and the end had to be re-written. If she had left Shona was supposed to be the next Companion.
This is a show that gets better with rewatches. I forgot how this was their reintroduction. Fantastic!!! Great reaction!
Another great reaction video, Jess. I am glad you enjoyed the Christmas Special. One of my favourite episodes of Season 8, along with the previous two.
I have waited a while to think what I wanted to say in this message.
There are quite a few call backs to previous episodes in this. Not just the Christmas Cracker scene (reminiscent of Matt Smith's last Christmas Special), but also the fact that Clara was in her night clothes when she travelled with Doctor in this episode, like Amy was when she first travelled with Eleven. Then there's the fact that this episode was about trying to figure out whether or not they were in a dream state, like the episode Amy's Choice.
Dream Danny and the Doctor worked closely together to help Clara out of her dream state, but I think that has more to do with Clara wanting the Doctor and Danny to get along. It was touching to see the Doctor holding Clara's hand with those "dream crabs" (or face huggers) on them.
This is the episode that made me warm to Twelve.
BTW, Nick Frost who played Santa brilliantly looks nothing like Richard Attenborough's Kris Kringle in real life! That may surprise you. Great make-up department at the BBC! It's no coincidence that he was made to look that way as Shona had a DVD of Miracle on 34th Street with her, when she woke up, in case you didn't notice.
The first two episodes of Season 9 are a two-part storyline and another two favourites of mine of Season 9. That's all I am going to say but, if you are anything like me, you will enjoy them and I look forward to watching your reactions.
Every Christmas is last Christmas.
Finally, nobody wants crabs at anytime of the year, not even dream ones! 😁
The best Xmas special for my money and for me this is really the start of the 12th Doctor as we come to know him, the rest of s8 more or less him just figuring himself out...
I can’t wait for Season 9, it’s going to be a hell of a season
18:40 is probably when Capaldi became my Doctor.
8:45.... Pure twelveclara... One of my favourite moments.... 10000000000000% twelveclara
25:00 I'm crying 😭😭😭😭😭
WHOUFFALDI FOR THE WIN
You are right, that was Faye Marsay who also plays the Waif in GoT. She was also in that bee episode in Black Mirror, "Hated in the Nation". I really like her.
This is my favorite Doctor Who Christmas special so far, bar none.
Horror, comedy, drama, feels...and sass. So, so much sass.
Professor Albert was played by Michael Thoughton, the son of Patrick Troughton
I predict that Twelve will be your favourite by the time he regenerates...
I can’t wait for the next Christmas special reaction too. And I swear NOBODY better have spoiled even the title for Jess. (Jess if you see this, I hope you put the episodes on before finding out their titles)
Everytime she says "its like alien" I laugh because of THAT line
The aliens were completely an Alien "face hugger" reference. Shona (dancing girl) had a to-do list for Christmas day which included watching watching Alien, The Thing from Another World and Miracle on 34th Street.
You're one of those youtubers that get a thumbs up from me as soon as I click on your videos ❤ you're getting so close to being caught up!
This episode had so many parallels within my own life it boggles the mind!, i won't even go into it, its just to deep.
G'Day sesskasays. Its a bit late, but I hope your Easter was great. Mine was nice with family in the usually heat of this time of the year in SW Sydney (34C on Easter)
Anyway, I love this episode, my favourite Chistmas Ep so far. It has everything, great acting, great atmosphere, and terrific concept of a dream within a dream (which I have experienced and I am sure many others has as well).
I might be wrong, but I think I remember from the Blu-ray commentary that the dance to 'Merry Christmas everybody' was an improv done on the day.
Looking forward hearing your s8 wrap up.
I do not remember that you loved Shona when she was trying to kill Arya in your reaction videos of Game of Thrones haha
Yeah, “we should do this every Christmas!” kinda broke me!
The man in the polar Expedition team is Michael Troughton. He is the son of Patrick Troughton. He played the 2nd Doctor.
Here's a fun fact Strax's actor Dan Starkey was an elf in this special
There was a subtle call-back at the end here - Clara runs off with the doctor in her nightie - and the 11th doctor took off with Amy Pond who was also in her nightie. Of course 11 said "Oh, don't worry - plenty of clothes in the wardrobe - and maybe even a swimming pool". I think of all the new series doctors, Matt was the zaniest - but I have enjoyed Capaldi just as much.
6:20 "you better watch out" lol
Clara: "Don't you soldier me..."
Danny: "Do as your told."
Aaaaaaaand back in Series 8, Episode 4 - Listen:
Doctor: "I don't take orders..."
Clara: "Do as your told."
The actress playing the young blond scientist we see at the beginning with the music is indeed the same one playing the Waif on GoT haha. I still feel like the scene between Old Clara and the Doctor would have been a perfect, very nostalgic and poetic send-off to Clara. But hey, his quote about never having a second chance is so touching that I'm willing to get over it, haha
F for Shona McCullough, the companion that nearly was. Also, I absolutely LOVED Nick Frost's performance as Santa!
I LOVE this Christmas special so much. So glad you liked it too!
18:33 - *“Ooooh! Whoah! Sorry, sorry, sorry.”*
Clearly his sleigh-driving skills are _exactly_ like his skills at driving a TARDIS…
27:08 - *“Sorry, if I sound weird. I have allergies.”*
Yes. _⁎sniff⁎_ Allergies. I, too, am allergic to sappy, happy, christmassy endings.
27:27 - *“I believe she was the Waif in **_Game of Thrones_** ”*
Yup, that was her. Maybe that's why she had “THRONES Marathon” as one of the items on her Christmas list, besides watching _Alien_ and _Miracle on 34th Street._
Oh man, it's one hell of a ride from here on out with 12 and Clara. Season 9 is such a great one - definitely has some of my favourite 12th Doctor stories.
I feel like we need a video of you recreating Shona's dance moves.
Last Christmas, also known as Alien: Inception, a good blend of horror, sci fi and Christmas fantasy. It’s a strong showing to not only end S8 (where they saved Danny Pink’s character big time these last 3 episodes) but to kick off Season 9, the relationship between the Doctor and Clara gets a nice fix, the music is great and the writing stellar.
Trust me when I say this, Season 9 is gonna rock, there’s a Season 9 prologue you can watch too, it’s only about a minute and a half long but it sets a little of the season up
Apparently, Jenna wanted to leave at the end of series 8 so they wrote her out in the finale. But she had a change of heart, so they offered her the Xmas special to round off her story. The original story had her die an old woman as the Doctor sat with her.
But Moffat didn't want her to go and she too decided she wasn't ready to leave so they rewrote the ending to have her return for series 9.
Daniel Barker damn she should have got that ending instead of what actually happened🙄
They’re called Christmas crackers btw. In case you haven’t already been told that a thousand times.
think this episode was very important in the development of theses characters and their relationship. This will be clearer in the next series.
And Santa has Time Lord's technology, bigger in the inside. I really love this episode.
Next season will knock your socks off, and the next xmas special..... one of my all time favorites who episodes of all time
I can't remember much about this Christmas special for some reason. It definitely needs a rewatch!
Fun fact, this episode was written on the assumption that Jenna Coleman would be leaving and this would be Claras last story. However she changed her mind late on and the ending was changed so it was one more dream within a dream.
I've seen this episode twice -- once on initial broadcast, once as part of this reaction. And each time I get a brain crab headache in my right temple. DO NOT WANT.
If I recall correctly, this was meant to be Jenna's final episode. She was eager to leave the show, I'm guessing old Clara was meant to be a fixed point, and he couldn't rejoin young Clara after this. However, a last minute change of mind, meant the ending had to be rewritten...
Was the final shot through the window a call back to Ten's first story (The Christmas Invasion) , the last satsuma in the dressing gown pocket?
One of my fav christmas specials along with the season 9 xmas special too !
DVD wise the Christmas special is collected on the next season box set.
Loved your S8 reactions. (All your reactions, really) Thank you so much! Looking forward to S9 reactions.
Brilliant reaction, as ever. Can't wait for you to get started on Series 9. For me, it's the best series since the return of Doctor Who, and contains the greatest ever Doctor Who episode!!
The best Christmas episode. Love it.
Thank you for reacting to my favourite christmas special!
I think i enjoyed this reaction almost as much as i enjoyed the episode (which is very much). Really looking forward to next week's season roundup/review: i really love season 8, but i know it's quite divisive and others feel differently, so an overview of the whole year's worth of episodes should be really interesting.
nice to see Patrick troughton'2nd doctor' son in this.
Twelve's Christmas Specials are more tearjerker-y