While the Doctor has parted ways with many companions during his travels, his parting with the Ponds proves to be especially resonating with him, so much so that he shuts himself away from the world and refuses to get involved with the matters of mankind anymore. One can chalk this up to the familial bond that he had developed with them, not to mention the fact that the Ponds have been with this iteration of the time lord since he first regenerated.
The Ponds themselves are never mentioned, but an actual pond does play a rather significant role in the plot. One can't help but think that Moffatt did that on purpose as a subtle nod to the long time characters. The fact that it is what ultimately convinces the Doctor to come back is proof of this.
His coming to terms with his loss marks the cornerstone of this episode's plot as he is pulled into investigate the rise of carnivorous snowmen that are wreaking havoc in 1892 London.
You might think that having the Doctor sulking up in the clouds (it makes sense in context) would make for a somber episode, but the opposite proves to be true. This episode brings the sense of lighthearted fun that makes the show so popular and enjoyable to watch. The banter is especially effective, both between the Doctor and his new companion Clara, as well as the Doctor with Strax, a Sontaran who takes on the role of comic relief.
Becoming invested in a new companion is always a bitter sweet endeavor, but Clara works out well here. She's smart and she has a sense of spunk, being one of the more overtly flirtatious women that the Doctor has encountered. It was rather touching when she deduced that the Doctor wanted to bring her along with him.
The villain is a tad lackluster, but it works for what it is. The quasi-sentient snow appears from nowhere and we're only given enough information about it to move the plot along. I didn't find "Dr. Simiian" all that menacing either, though the intelligence itself is voiced by Ian McKellan, so that was enjoyable to hear.
I'm somewhat torn on the "Doctor Who" gag. It's one of the oldest jokes in the show, but I still got a kick out of it. I think the fact that Moffatt turned it into this season's arc word helps a bit, but they were executed fairly well overall. Speaking of arc words, I did get a kick out of the fact that "Winter is coming" was a recurring phrase throughout this special. It's vague enough that it might have been a coincidence, but I like to think it was a nod to "Game of Thrones".
I think this special works well as an introduction to the series for anyone who is curious about it. With Clara learning the nature of the Doctor, the viewer gets the necessary information they need. They may not be fully aware of why the Doctor has closed himself off, but Madame Vastra, the Silurian who acts as the Doctor's representative gives enough information to get by.
This might be my favorite of the Christmas specials so far. It was just downright fun and it acts as a nice bridge between the first half of season seven and the yet to air second half. I definitely recommend giving it a watch.
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