The End of Time: Part One (2009)
The one with: David Tennant’s swan song, The Master’s return, Timothy Dalton (AKA James Bond) as a Time Lord, lots of cameos
Verdict: The Tenth Doctor’s final adventure started here, and was completed with The End of Time: Part Two on New Year’s Day. There is so much going on here that it’s hard not to call it bloated but seeing the Master, the Time Lords and lots of old faces back more than makes up for any plot and pacing problems.
A Christmas Carol (2010)
The one with: Harry Potter‘s Michael Gambon as Space Scrooge, flying sharks, Victorian/Steampunk planet
Verdict: The most Chrismassy Doctor Who Christmas special. One of Steven Moffat’s finest scripts balances the timey-wimey aspects with a lot of festive sentiment – plus there’s a Jaws parody with a flying space shark Just because. Also, Gambon is fantastic.
The Doctor, The Widow and the Wardrobe (2011)
The one with: Chronicles of Narnia references, wooden tree people, snowy planet hidden in a Christmas present
Verdict: Who and C.S. Lewis should have blended beautifully but Moffat’s eco-themed plot wastes the potential. It’s a very slight story and it’s sad to see Amy and Rory sidelined in another Christmas special. It’s as weightless as a snowflake but harmless fun nonetheless.
The Snowmen (2012)
The one with: Jenna Coleman’s first appearance (as Clara), living snowmen, Strax the Sontaran
Verdict: Fans of Sherlock Holmes will enjoy this Victorian mystery/ghost story featuring evil snowmen (and the voice of Sir Ian McKellen!). Strax makes for hilarious comic relief and Jenna Coleman gives a great debut performance as Clara (after appearing as Oswin in a previous episode).
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