Review: Doctor Who Christmas Special

The Doctor Who Christmas specials tend to amplify the show's more outrageous elements – they can be goofier, more self-indulgent, and more violent than the show's regular episodes. (In last year's special, "Voyage of the Damned," the death count ran to the hundreds – including the one-off companion, Astrid, played by Kylie Minogue.)

There's plenty of exaggerated elements in "The Next Doctor," but the story is more than Russell T. Davies's tweaking of the audience over the forthcoming departure of David Tennant. The 2008 special manages to be a fun romp through 19th century London that also begins the show's exploration of Tennant's legacy as the Tenth Doctor; and its anchored by a solid, emotional performance by David Morrissey as the man who calls himself The Doctor.

"The Next Doctor" aired Christmas Day in the UK; it's not clear exactly when Sci Fi, which has the U.S. rights, will broadcast the special. Note: The review and the image gallery may contain mild spoilers.

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