Doctor Who Christmas Special (2011): “The Doctor, The Widow and the Wardrobe” Teaser Spoilers

The pre-titles sequence may just be the most audacious cliffhanger in Doctor Who history.

 

If I knew what the laws of physics were I could confidently say that it leaves them broken, sobbing and crying for Mummy Physics.

 

Listen out for references to no less than two Peter Davison era stories: one a direct wink to the fans, one possibly unintentional.

 

There’s also a call-out to Christopher Eccleston tale “The End Of The World”.

 

What is it with this incarnation of the Doctor and taps?

 

If the Doctor ever gives you a present, it will probably take the form of a blue box. Well, naturally. Do not open it before Christmas.

 

Time Lord wisdom #1: Panthers are terrifying.

 

Time Lord wisdom #2: There’s no such thing as foretelling.

 

Time Lord wisdom #3: Doors are irresistible.

 

It’s considerably more linear than last year’s Christmas special.

 

It’s directed with style, filled with a fine sense of period atmosphere (think People’s Friend covers) and studded with memorable visuals: some moments feel folkloric, others trade in the kind of juicy juxtaposition that Doctor Who’s always been so brilliant at, colliding two realities together.

 

Cake mix: Enid Blyton, with a pinch of Douglas Adams, a sprig of Star Wars and perhaps a buried sixpence in the form of Jason And The Argonauts.

 

It lines up alongside The Green Death as one of Doctor Who’s more ecologically-minded stories.

 

You may even feel a pang of conscience as you look at your Christmas tree. Now that’s subversive, Mr Moffat.

 

Matt Smith delivers a smile that will smash your heart to pieces.

 

Doctor Who “The Doctor, The Widow And The Wardrobe” will be shown on BBC One at 7pm on Christmas Day, ( And on BBC America at 9pm/ SPACE 8pm ) Australia airs on ABC TV on Boxing Day . . .

 

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