BBC
Nothing says a happy British Christmas like paper crowns and a new Doctor Who special, but this year’s romp will serve up some drama and mystery along with the usual holiday cheer. It’s Matt Smith’s last episode as the 11th Doctor, and the recently released synopsis for the special, named The Time of the Doctor, gives us some hints about his final adventure as the Doctor.
“Orbiting a quiet backwater planet, the massed forces of the universe’s deadliest species gather, drawn to a mysterious message that echoes out to the stars… Rescuing Clara from a family Christmas dinner, the Time Lord and his best friend must learn what this enigmatic signal means for his own fate and that of the universe.”
So if we were to take several educated guesses, what’s going to happen in the upcoming Christmas Special?
Silence Will Fall
This enigmatic phrase has lurked around the corners of the 11th Doctor’s adventures since his first journey in the TARDIS, and in the three years (or hundreds) since, there are still some wrinkles to The Silence and their call to action that still need ironing out. We’re betting the “Silence Will Fall” story arc will finally come to an end in the Christmas Special, serving as the beginning and ending bookmarks to the 11th Doctor’s tenure.
Trenzalore
The synopsis mentions that the finale will take place on a “quiet backwater planet.” Now, what else could that planet be other than Trenzalore? In the Season 7 finale, “The Name of The Doctor,” we learned that the planet Trenzalore was the final resting place of the Doctor, so we can definitely assume that the planet will be making a repeat appearance in the upcoming special, especially since the planet is mentioned by name in the teaser trailer that followed the 50th anniversary special.
Dangerous Party Guests
Nothing makes a goodbye party like a gathering of your best friends and your worst enemies. We’re betting the 11th Doctor’s final send-off will be filled with his most noteworthy rogues for one last battle for time and space. Expect The Angels, The Daleks, The Cybermen, and The Silence to all make an appearance for one last attempt to exterminate the Doctor. We’re also guessing that the Doctor’s greatest allies will show up, including Madame Vastra, Jenny, and Strax. This is going to be one awkward Christmas party.
The Regeneration Scene
This one’s a given, since we know that this is the 11th Doctor’s last adventure. But how exactly will his regeneration take place? Will it be a quiet moment of acceptance, or will this Doctor beg for more time like the 10th did? Whatever it is, we’re betting that the second Peter Capaldi emerges from the regeneration process, he will makes a wise crack about the 11th’s favorite accesory, the bowtie. It’s only fitting that the piece of neckwear begins and ends with Matt Smith’s Doctor.
It’s Going to Be a Really Sad Christmas
The one thing the Christmas specials usually have in common is that they are light, consequence-free romps that embrace the joyful spirit of the holiday season.But given Matt Smith’s departure and the somber tone of the synopsis, this is setting up to be the most depressing Christmas special in the show’s history. Get ready to cry into your eggnog, ’cause this one’s going to sting.
