One-line Summary:

Doctor Who: Last Christmas by Paul Wilmshurst

In “Doctor Who: Last Christmas,” directed by Paul Wilmshurst, the Doctor and Clara find themselves trapped in a dream within a dream, battling against the insidious Dream Crabs. As they navigate through layers of reality, they encounter Santa Claus and his elves, who join forces to save humanity from the creatures’ mind-controlling clutches.

Main Cast and Crew:

• Director: Paul Wilmshurst
• Writer: Steven Moffat
• Main Cast:
  • Peter Capaldi as the Doctor
  • Jenna Coleman as Clara Oswald
  • Nick Frost as Santa Claus
• Music Director: Murray Gold
• Director of Photography: Michael Snyman
• Producers:
  • Steven Moffat
  • Brian Minchin

Plot:

“Doctor Who: Last Christmas” begins with the Doctor and Clara waking up in the Arctic, surrounded by Dream Crabs, alien creatures that latch onto their faces and induce a dream state. The Doctor realizes they are trapped in a dream and must find a way to wake up. They are soon rescued by Santa Claus and his elves, who take them to his workshop at the North Pole.

Inside the workshop, the Doctor and Clara meet other people who are also trapped in dreams, including Shona, Ashley, and Albert. They discover that the Dream Crabs are using dreams to feed on their victims’ brains. The group must work together to escape the dreams and defeat the Dream Crabs.

As the Doctor and Clara delve deeper into the dream world, they encounter various scenarios, including a base on the moon and a Christmas party. They also face their fears and regrets, forcing them to confront their own mortality. Throughout their journey, the Doctor and Clara rely on their wit, courage, and the help of Santa Claus to outsmart the Dream Crabs and wake up.

Themes and Motifs:

“Doctor Who: Last Christmas” explores themes of dreams, reality, and the power of imagination. It delves into the idea of facing one’s fears and the importance of hope and belief. The presence of Santa Claus symbolizes the spirit of Christmas and the power of kindness and generosity. The Dream Crabs represent the dangers of complacency and the need to stay vigilant against external threats.

Reception and Legacy:

Upon its release, “Doctor Who: Last Christmas” received positive reviews from critics and fans. It was praised for its clever storytelling, strong performances, and emotional depth. The episode was nominated for several awards, including a Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation (Short Form).

The legacy of “Doctor Who: Last Christmas” lies in its exploration of the Doctor’s character and the bond between the Doctor and Clara. It serves as a pivotal moment in their relationship, highlighting their trust and reliance on each other. The episode also showcases the enduring popularity of the Doctor Who franchise and its ability to captivate audiences with imaginative storytelling.

Recommendation:

“Doctor Who: Last Christmas” is a must-watch for fans of the Doctor Who series. It combines science fiction, fantasy, and Christmas themes into a captivating and thought-provoking story. The episode is filled with humor, suspense, and heartwarming moments, making it an enjoyable experience for viewers of all ages.

Memorable Quote:

“Santa Claus: You know what the big problem is in telling fantasy and reality apart? They’re both ridiculous.”