We're exactly one month away from the airing of the Doctor Who Fiftieth Anniversary Special, an episode we now know is titled "The Day of the Doctor," which makes today the perfect day to publish the third in my countdown series honoring this amazing show. In August, I counted down my five favorite stand-alone episodes and in September I counted down my five favorite two-part episodes. Tonight's new countdown is for the specials, a collection of episodes which consists of all the Christmas specials and the set of specials that rounded out David Tennant's run as the Tenth Doctor. Unlike the other countdowns this one will only have three entrees instead of five since there are only ten specials to choose from.
Oh, what the hell, let's throw in an honorable mention too.
Honorable Mention: Planet of the Dead (2009 Easter Special)
This special makes the list because it's a fun episode that gives the Doctor a great group of back-up characters and a great co-star, Michelle Ryan as the Lady Christina De Souza. Ryan's character, a master thief, is a great match for the Doctor in this episode and it's a terrible shame that she never appeared again. Plus, y'know, watching Michelle Ryan for an hour sure as hell ain't a bad thing.
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| It's a shame that Bionic Woman remake she starred in was such hot garbage. |
3. The Snowmen (2012 Christmas Special)
Forget the mystery of Clara or the beginning of the Great Intelligence story arc. Forget even killer sentient snow, the joy of a cranky Eleven, or the voice talents of a certain special legendary actor. There are three simple reasons to love this special: Vastra, Jenny, and Strax.
2. The Christmas Invasion (2005 Christmas Special)
This special picks up right after the Ninth Doctor's regeneration, and the Tenth Doctor spends most of the episode unconscious and/or bedridden while Rose and her family watch an alien invasion of London. The greatness of the special comes when Ten wakes up, gets into a sword fight, scares the entire invasion off, and then in a fit of rage at an act perpetrated by the British government, starts a chain of events that takes that government down with just six simple words: "Don't you think she looks tired?" It's our first taste of just what kind of Doctor the Tenth Doctor is going to be... the Oncoming Storm.
1. A Christmas Carol (2010 Christmas Special)
My favorite Doctor. My favorite companions. An episode structured around the Dickens classic. Flying sharks. A paradox created by unintended consequences. There is absolutely nothing not to love about this special that I think is not just the best special the series has ever done, but really one of the best episodes. If The Day of the Doctor is even half as good as this special was, it'll be worth the wait and the hype.
Alright Whovians, use the comment box and let's hear your thoughts!
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