Thursday, December 27, 2012

Review - "Doctor Who: The Snowmen"

Merry belated Christmas all who frequent this blog. I have been rather preoccupied these last few days with my new presents, some of which will find their way onto this blog. Anyhow, I promised my readers a review of this year's "Doctor Who" Christmas special. At first, I didn't think this review would have much to do with our old friend Sherlock Holmes, but I was fairly surprised at how much it was connected. So without further ado - let's begin, or as the Doctor might have said; "Allons-y."

Winter - 1892. The Eleventh incarnation of the Doctor (Matt Smith) is puzzled by what appears to be alien snow. Aided by Madame Vastra, a half-lizard, half-human alien, and Clara (Jenna-Louise Coleman), a part-time barmaid and governess, the Doctor discovers that the alien snow may be originating from the laboratory of Dr. Simeon (Richard E. Grant). However, what the Doctor does not anticipate is that there is more to his current predicament than he expected.

Steven Moffatt's newest Christmas special is brilliant. Following the pattern he set with the previous two Christmas specials, the episode is in the style of a famous author's writing. Two years ago was Charles Dickens. Last year was C.S. Lewis. This year was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The setting was indicative of Doyle's writing as was the plot structure and even the characters. At one point, Dr. Simeon declares that readers of the Strand Magazine would be surprised if they learned that Dr. Doyle's stories were based on Madame Vastra's adventures. And later, the Doctor (calling himself Mr. Sherlock Holmes) is seen dressed in a Inverness cape and deerstalker hat.

The Doctor showing off the new Tardis interior
At the end of the first part of Season 7, the Eleventh Doctor's companions, Amy Pond and Rory Williams left the show. Therefore, the Doctor  began as a depressed man, having changed not only his costume but Tardis interior. The cosmetic changes made to the show were brilliant. I loved the Doctor's new costume and Tardis design - and even the title sequence was different. I have included the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-oJqJM7OTo

"The Snowmen" was a wonderful Christmas special. The new companion, Jenna-Louise Coleman, promises to be a perfect traveling companion for the Doctor in the coming episodes. Sadly, we Whovians have to wait until April for the show's return. I give "The Snowmen" a 4 out of 5 stars.

Oh, and for Whovians who cannot wait for the show's return - I have included another video for you all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhaP8bXt6CQ

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