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This was originally meant to be Clara’s last episode. Jenna Coleman had decided to leave in Death in Heaven but later chose to stay for this special. The original ending had Clara die as an elderly woman, but Peter Capaldi and Steven Moffat practically begged her to carry on, and she changed her mind at the very last minute. Considering all of this, it’s a miracle this episode turned out as well as it did. I’m looking forward to your thoughts on series 9, it’s my favourite series, and the character work is sublime.

My favourite Christmas special. I love the idea of dreams within dreams. That scene at the end where the Doctor says “All of time and space waiting out there in a big blue box” is so magical and he gives me fourth Doctor vibes right there. Excellent reactions.

3:20 That's Dan Starkey, the actor who plays Strax, 4:27 That's Michael Troughton, who is one of the sons of the second Doctor Patrick Troughton, the other son, David, was the professor in the episode "Midnight".

I think one of my favorite bits in this episode is when they all hold hands in a circle, and the doctor makes a big deal about having to hold hands with people, and he finally conceits that he WILL do it, but he wants to hold Clara's hand. It's real quick, but that whole rant is so funny.

The tangerine thing goes back to 50s 60s when were not well off money wise and in England, and as kids we would hang our stocking socks out for Santa Xmas Eve, to get on Christmas day to get a orange /tangerine in it as this fruit was a rarity in those days , because they were imported. So the meaning today is a bit lost on you young guys, but that was the joke reference by Santa. Great reaction guys

the doctor is basically a modern day scifi father christmas in more ways than many people will admit, as resuilt i love moffat's willingness to make the very on the nose comparison

I love that, it's my favourite Christmas special

"All I ask for is logic and....all the other stuff I complain about not being there" hahahaha! That was great.

Yeah, as others have said Jenna changed her mind about leaving at the last possible second so that's why this kind of feels like a goodbye. Also the scientist who is pulled through the tv is played by Michael Troughton who is the son of the Second Doctor. Both points I now note were made in earlier comments...but I'm leaving this one up regardless!

I loved this Xmas special .Grossly underrated and unfairly criticised .Seeing no 12 helping an elderly Clara and both happy and laughing riding with Santa in his sleight were some highlights.

right at the end when capaldi's invites her back his performance reminded me of Nostferatu

I am really happy that you enjoyed this episode. So much good stuff to come in Season 9.

my 2nd favourite special. outside of the plot, atmosphere and character stuff there's some quite cool shots and lighting in this episode.

very good episode i always forget how much i love it. it’s a great mix of everything and i liked how it had a darker tone even with santa. (which nick frost nailed) also a lot of great shots and dialogue, well paced too. all round good’un

It's always good to see you guys. Regarding the fantasy worlds in your head, I don't think they are ever a nonsense or a waste of time because it is pleasurable and makes you happy. That's ok. In my case, I am 38 years old and I play role-playing with other friends, that is, we create those worlds together, we enjoy them together and it is a fantastic experience. I have been an old lady crime investigator, I have faced dragons and rescued entire cities, I have crashed my spaceship into unknown worlds, we defeated a historically real witch (Enriqueta Martí Ripollés) who made cosmetic products with children in the beginning of 1900, I once held back Death and we were knitting, I've hunted Japanese yokai, I've saved digitized migrants in a cyberpunk world, I've been a teenage vampire and helped bring the Antichrist into the world, I've been a lesbian half-snake on vacation, I died in a zombie holocaust... It's not real, but the memories are and the sensations that these stories have produced in me too. P.S.: I live in Spain, next to the Mediterranean, a region known for its oranges and tangerines ;)

I like this episode - probably a bit too clever for a casual audience on Christmas Day, but lots of loose threads tied up. Glad you enjoyed it for what it was - a good bridge!

I like the concept of this episode a lot and it is one of the better christmas episodes in my opinion

no spoilers but there is one thing to watch for in season 9, is that there is one post credit scene.

I didn't know who Nick Frost was when I saw this, and I just thought, is that even really this actor who's playing Santa's name? Because that would be a good alias for Santa Claus, come on.

Yeah, this is a really strong Christmas episode. I think this one and the Christmas Carol one are the two best Christmas episodes in terms of narrative and internal consistency

One of the better Xmas specials. Capaldi had quite good specials compared with some of his predecessor's. As usual a lovely reaction and review. Thanks for a great channel 🫶

Your comment about your high level of self awareness, do you think that your constant pain has been any kind of catalyst in that? Curious.