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DOCTOR WHO - DAVID TENNANT and BILLIE PIPER in THE CHRISTMAS INVASION
SPECIAL EPISODE - THE CHRISTMAS INVASION (Photos below)
 
"...You see that's the thing. I'm the Doctor.
but beyond that I just don't know.
Literally, I do not know who I am. It's all untested..."

PLOTLINE

Jackie Tyler is at home preparing for the festive season, unsure of whether or not her daughter Rose will be home in time, when she hears the familiar sound of the TARDIS.

Mickey, who is hard at work, also hears it and they both race across the estate just in time to witness its glorious, chaotic crash landing. The doors open and, much to their delight, out steps Rose and a complete stranger.

Except it isn't a stranger. It's the Doctor. Disorientated, yet overwhelmed to see them, he takes a few minutes to regain his balance and considers what it is he wants to tell them before yelling: "Oh, I know! Merry Christmas!" then promptly collapses.

The Doctor falls in and out of consciousness, with Rose and Jackie powerless to help him. In a bid to boost Rose's spirits, Mickey suggests a spot of Christmas shopping, but they soon find themselves under attack by a sinister brass band of masked Santas.

Not-so Happy Christmas, everyone!

EPISODE REVIEW

It seemed like an age since June.

In the lyrical words of "WHO CARES" back in 1985, "six months is too long to wait".

Waiting is something that DOCTOR WHO fans are very good at, whether an epic three hour wait in a Longleat Convention autograph queue or sixteen years for a new series to be commissioned.

With the first Christmas Day episode since 1965, THE CHRISTMAS INVASION had the similar marketing hype that Christopher Eccleston's first episode had earlier in the year but could it ever match (or exceed) its predecessor's impact? Not only is Eccleston a 'bigger draw' but also Christmas is a busy time for potential viewers. Selection boxes to rummage through, lost Grandparents to be salvaged from a mass of discarded wrapping paper, and gifts to be opened. And then there's the plethora of televisual options to choose from.

How on earth could a British sci-fi fantasy TV show be noticed?

Oh, but it did.

From the opening "oh, yes!" opening sequence of the TARDIS ram-raiding the Powell Council Estate, pin-balling itself from building-to-building over the heads of Rose's mum and (former) boyfriend, Russell T Davies' THE CHRISTMAS INVASION hinted at an epic. For the next hour, the episode rocketed from one set piece to another set piece, leaving even the most jaded, plum pudding laden viewer wanton.

Weapon wielding Santa Claus; a mentally unstable Doctor; dervish-like homicidal artificial Christmas Tree; seemingly suicidal earthlings; a vast spaceship hanging over London; a decisive sword fight for which planet Earth was the prize.

You cannot make it up! If you see what I mean.

It could be said that Davies is a one-trick pony with yet another Earth-based story, with the same threats (i.e. another invasion) to the same array of characters (i.e. Jackie, Mickey and, now Prime Minister, Harriet Jones MP). However, whether it is being a "one-trick pony", or playing safe or retaining the essence of the DOCTOR WHO DNA, the unfolding tale of family, loss and anti-war was rewarding and refreshing (more so for being on Christmas Day). And, of course, there's a smattering of adult innuendo that either makes you smile or wince.

Unashamedly, it's a two-part story and like a TERRY'S CHOCOLATE ORANGE, each segmented into delightful shareable treats.

First part: focusing on Rose's relief to return home and her pain & frustration that the new man at the centre of life has changed/died and re-born.

Second part: the Doctor's revival, restitution and reprobation.

The first "segment" takes Rose back to the bosom of familiar; her mum, Mickey, and her manor. All of which, as we have seen from Davies before, establishes the cosiness only to be shredded (literally in the case of a razor-tipped revolving festive decoration) by an alien invasion but with a incapacitated Doctor she has to be step up to the plate. Has travelling with the Doctor furnished her with the resourcefulness and wits that she has so admired? Or has she merely been a parasitic joy rider within the TARDIS? This is her defining moment, becoming the person that she had longed to be - independent, strong and, finally, a woman. And, the Doctor seemingly dying, she said it for herself; "Someone has to be the Doctor".

ROSE (addressing the Sycorax): I command you to leave this world with all the authority of the Slitheen Parliament of Raxacoricofallapatorius and the Gelth Confederacy, as sanctioned by the Mighty Jagrafess, and the Daleks. Now leave this planet in peace!

Okay, the Sycorax scoff in her face but she tried; a character that has come of her age. The same can be of both, to differing levels, of Jackie Tyler and Mickey Smith.

Whether or not Davies' intended to make Jackie softer, less abrasive, less CARRY ON. , Camille Coduri's alter ego is, for the first time, likeable and, like a Swiss Army Knife, useful. Her grocery list tirade as the Doctor's struggles with pain is skillfully crafted not only as a piece of 'light comedy' but it demonstrated as this Council Estate worldly mum only could her warming to the time traveller. After slapping him across the face (ALIENS OF LONDON), she was redeeming herself the only way she knows - 'smotherly love'.

Query: why does Benefit recipient, Jackie have a bottle of expensive Abbey Well Spring Water in her fridge? Even though she is, under the new Harriet Jones' "Golden Age" Government, surely she'd be buying 'value range' groceries?

Mickey Smith played "Adric". A supporting role that adds little to the episode other than to remind viewers that the concept of 'family' is central at Christmastime. We are promised that his time will come in SERIES 2.

Additionally, as part of the first "segment" is Davies' anti-war sermon and how one decision can be correct and damned simultaneously depending on your point of view. His foray in side swiping at those who govern is nothing new (See WORLD WAR THREE: ".massive weapons of destruction. Capable of being deployed within forty-five seconds...") but here he sets out a political stance that leaves nothing ambiguous.

PRIME MINISTER (of the USA President): He is not my boss and he is certainly not turning this into a war.

A comment that came back to haunt this inexperienced leader as she embraces wilful destruction without a comprehension of inevitable consequences. As Davies said: "She does that very easy speech about not listening to the American president but at the end she's out of her depth and she does the wrong thing."

And again it is the Doctor's responsibility, as Earth's 'champion', to hypocritically admonish her. Indeed, he seems to be a Doctor without 'second chances' for those cross the line.

It is within the second "segment" of THE CHRISTMAS INVASION that we meet the (Tenth) Doctor for the first time, (seemingly) free from Vortex energy and completely regenerated.

Like his performance in CASANOVA, David Tennant is an actor that does not precociously demands attention for his on-screen performance; he just deserves it. A talent. An effortless performance every time, and, having spent some 40 minutes flat on his back, is rewarded with a defining monologue that will be recreated by ardent fan look-alikes at conventions for years to come.

The gems?

THE DOCTOR (to Rose): Am I ginger?
ROSE: No. You just sorta brown.
THE DOCTOR: Oh, I wanted to be ginger. I've never been ginger. And you, Rose Tyler! Fat lot of good you were. You gave up on me.

(Beat)

Oh, that's rude. Is that the sort of man I am now? Rude. Rude and not ginger.

And

THE DOCTOR (to the Sycorax Leader): You see that's the thing. I'm the Doctor but beyond that I just don't know. Literally, I do not know who I am. It's all untested. Am I funny? Am I sarcastic? Sexy?

(Winks aside to a bashful Rose)

Mild misery? Life and soul? Right-handed? Left-handed? A gambler? A fighter? A coward? A traitor? A liar? A nervous wreck? I mean judging by the evidence I've certainly got a gob.

And

THE DOCTOR: No second chances. I'm that kind of man.

Defining three words, pertinent to not only aliens invading Earth and hypocritical governments but no doubt TARDIS travelling companions (remember Adam - see THE LONG GAME). We have been warned.

However, with the planet safe (.for the time being.), normality returns to the Tyler household. Turkey, Brussels sprouts and a man who can change his appearance.

And that's where it all kicks off again.

A universe of possibilities, a garrulous Time Lord and a bored wanting teenager and Police Public Call Box.

Unlike the "stupid Satsuma" abandoned in the Christmas stocking, this special episode is like finding, well, a special episode of DOCTOR WHO printed on the Christmas Day page of the RADIO TIMES.

Beguiling, imaginative, funny, flawless and pure magic.

 

Things to look out for...
 

DOCTOR WHO FOLKLORE UNIT reappears with it's London HQ (featured within the Tower of London). Previous encounters with aliens are mentioned, including a hint at the Ice Warrior invasion (THE SEEDS OF DEATH).

DOCTOR WHO FOLKLORE Once again the TARDIS's unique "language translator" which infiltrates it's non-Gallifreyan occupants is linked to others, boosted by the Doctor himself.

DOCTOR WHO FOLKLORE We see a very extensive TARDIS wardrobe room, including past Doctor's outfits. Was the Hawaiian shirt homage to DOCTOR WHO's longest serving Producer, John Nathan-Turner?

DOCTOR WHO FOLKLORE The Tenth Doctor (like his First and Fifth incarnations) wears spectacles.

CONTINUTY ERROR The spelling of GUINEVERE ONE appears on-screen to be misspelled.

CONTINUTY ERROR Harriet Jones asks the Doctor if there are others out-there in space, though earlier in the episode she accepts the information about the existence of aliens from Mars (i.e. Ice Warriors).

 
DOCTOR WHO - DAVID TENNANT in THE CHRISTMAS INVASION
DOCTOR WHO - DAVID TENNANT in THE CHRISTMAS INVASION

DOCTOR WHO - DAVID TENNANT in THE CHRISTMAS INVASION
DOCTOR WHO - DAVID TENNANT in THE CHRISTMAS INVASION
DOCTOR WHO - DAVID TENNANT in THE CHRISTMAS INVASION
DOCTOR WHO - DAVID TENNANT in THE CHRISTMAS INVASION
DOCTOR WHO - DAVID TENNANT in THE CHRISTMAS INVASION
DOCTOR WHO - DAVID TENNANT in THE CHRISTMAS INVASION
DOCTOR WHO - DAVID TENNANT in THE CHRISTMAS INVASION
DOCTOR WHO - DAVID TENNANT in THE CHRISTMAS INVASION



Review - MATTHEW WALTER
EOH RATING

Rated 5/5

THE CHRISTMAS INVASION
THE CHRISTMAS INVASION
CAST
DOCTOR WHO
David Tennant
ROSE TYLER
Billie Piper
HARRIET JONES, PM
Penelope Wilton
ALEX KLEIN
Adam Garcia
DANNY LLWELLYN
Daniel Evans
SALLY
Anita Briem
MAJOR BLAKE
 
Chu Omambala
SYCORAX LEADER
 
Sean Glider
MICKEY
 
Noel Clarke
JACKIE TYLER
 
Camille Coduri
 
PRODUCTION CREW
1st ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Jan Older
2nd ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Steffan Morris
3rd ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Lynsey Muir

LOCATION MANAGERS

Lorwri Thomas
Gareth Skelding

UNIT MANAGER
Justin Gyphion
PROD.
CO-ORDINATOR
Jess van Nierkerk
PRODUCTION / SCRIPT SECRETARY
Claire Roberts
PRODUCTION RUNNERS
Debbie Medlrum
Tim Hodges
Sarah Davies
A/PROD. ACCOUNTANTS
Debi Griffiths
Kath Blackman
Bonnie Clissold
CONTINUITY
Llinos Wyn Jones
SCRIPT EDITOR
Helen Raynor
CAMERA OPERATOR
Julian Barber
FOCUS PULLERS
Marc Issac
Terry Bartlett
GRIP
John Robinson
BOOM OPERATOR
  Jeff Welch
GAFFER
  Mark Hutchings
BEST BOY
  Peter Boy
STUNT
CO-ORDINATOR
  Peter Brayham
STUNT PERFORMERS
  Dean Foster
Kim McGarthy
Dani Biernat
Maurice Lee
SUPERVISING ART DIRECTOR
  Stephen Nicholas
ART DEPT PRODUCTION MANAGER
  Jonathan Allison
STAND-BY ART DIRECTOR
  Arwel Wyn Jones
ASST SUPERVISING ART DIRECTOR
  James North
DESIGN ASSISTANTS
  Ben Austin
Matthew Savage
STANDBY PROPS
  Phil Shellard
Trystan Howell
STANDBY CARPENTER
  Silas Williams
STANDY RIGGER
  Bryan Griffiths
SET DECORATOR
  Julian Luxton
PROPERTY MASTER
  Adrian Anscombe
PRODUCTION BUYER
  Catherine Samuel
PROPS STOREMAN
  Stuart Wooddisse
SPECIALIST PROP MAKER
  Mark Cordory
PROP MAKER
  Penny Hawarth
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
  Matthew Hywel-Davies
GRAPHICS
  BBC Wales Graphics
COSTUME ASSISTANT
  Lindsay Bonaccorai
Barbara Harrington
MAKE-UP ARTISTS
  Anwen Davies
Steve Smith
Maira Thomson
CASTING ASSOCIATE
  Andy Brierley
ASSISTANT EDITOR
  Ceres Doyle
POST PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR
  Chris Blatchford
POST PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR
  Marie Brown
ON LINE EDITOR
  Matthew Clarke
COLOURIST
  Mick Vincent
3D VFX ARTISTS
  Chris Petts
Paul Burton
Jean-Claude Deguara
Nicholas Hernandez
Andy Howell
Matthew McKinney
Neil Roche
Chris Tucker
Mark Wallman
Nick Webber
2D VFX ARTISTS
  Sara Bennett
David Bowman
Melissa Butler-Adams
Joseph Curtis
Bronwyn Edwards
Simon C Holden
Russell Horth
Kim Phelan
DIGITAL MATT PAINTER
  Alex Ford
MODEL UNTI SUPERVISOR
  Mike Tucker
DUBBING MIXER
  Tim Ricketts
SOUND EDITORS
  Paul McFadden
Doug Sinclair
SOUND FX EDITOR
  Paul Jeffries
     
With thanks to the BBC National Orchestra of Wales
   
ORIGINAL THEME MUSIC
  Ron Grainer
CASTING DIRECTOR
  Andy Pryor CDG
PRODUCTION ACCOUNTANT
  Endaf Emry Williams
SOUND RECORDIST
  Simon Fraser
COSTUME DESIGNER
  Louise Page
MAKE-UP DESIGNER
  Sheelagh Wells
MUSIC
  Murray Gold
VISUAL EFFECTS
  THE MILL
VISUAL FX PRODUCER
  Will Cohen
VISUAL FX SUPERVISOR
  Dave Houghton
SPECIAL EFFECTS
  ANY EFFECTS
PROSTHETICS
  Neill Gorton and Millennium Effects
EDITOR
  Llana del Giudice
PRODUCTION DESIGNER
  Edward Thomas
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
  Ernie Vincze BSC
PRODUCTION MANAGER
  Tracie Simpson
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
  Helen Vallis
   
PRODUCER
  Phil Collinson
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
  Mal Young
Julie Gardner
Russell T Davies
DIRECTOR
  James Hawes
  Produced by
BBC WALES
WRITER
  Russell T Davies
     
INFORMATION
BROADCAST DATE
25 December 2005
 
REPEATED DATE
  1 January 2005
     
FIRST RUN UK RATINGS (millions)
9.84 Million (10.4 Peak)
 
DVD RELEASE
1 May 2006
     
   
ENLARGE IMAGE

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