This review contains MODERATE SPOILERS for "The Next Doctor," the 2008 Christmas Special for BBC's "Doctor Who".

From the moment the Doctor steps out of the Tardis, the episode is filled with ethereal beauty as those big snowy flakes fall in front of the lens in Victorian London. There is something almost romantic about the notion of Christmas Eve in the Victorian town square (which looks like it wouldn't be out of place in an adaptation of "A Christmas Carol") and it has the kind of majesty that the contemporary episodes can never possess.

Murray Gold's festive score effortlessly supports every breathtaking twirl of the camera in establishing this as a Christmas tale; its upbeat, breezy and epic in filled with so many undertones of hope, joy and peace.

And then comes the cry, "Doctor!," and our hero charges to the rescue of a damsel in distress against a bronze-looking Cyber-villain. Only this time he's joined by a guest companion known only as "the Doctor, simply the Doctor ... the one, the only and the best."

Even with the news that David Tennant is leaving the series at the end of the 2009 specials, it seemed clear from the onset of "The Next Doctor" that Morrissey is not the next generation (or any future generation) of our hero. However, as the events of episode continue to unfold, there comes a point where the lines between the two characters blur and it is more than conceivable that he is in actual fact the future of the legendary Time Lord ... especially as the Next Doctor relives his regeneration at the hands of the Cyber-menace.

There is fantastic chemistry between Tennant and Morrissey and the duo dance a carefully crafted ballet by taking turns on who serves as the companion to the Doctor. Their relationship is almost brotherly at points and engenders a candidness that has until now been foreign to the Doctor's travellers. And best of all, it allows for an intimacy that would normally take the bulk of a season to develop.

And later, as the Cyber-plot comes to fruition, "The Next Doctor" takes a very retro step as a giant robot rises from the Thames to usher in Christmas morning by stomping on London below. How very festive.

What Worked

Just like true "Doctor Who" fashion becomes an additional character in the episode, providing a pause from the Cyber-filled exploits when needed and capitalizing all the right places when the action scenes take dominance.

Thankfully, "The Next Doctor" focuses more on the Cybermen's plan in 1851 than on how they escaped the void following the battle at Canary Warf. There is something chilling and almost gothic about the Cybermen stalking through the graveyard in the snow seeking their black clad prey; metal angels bringing death to all who oppose them with Miss Hartigan very visually standing out as their leader. Dervla Kirwan is a fantastic choice for a villain and carries both her hurt human character and Cyber King role gloriously. She isn't just evil, she's "Doctor Who" evil.

Morrissey has a vulnerability to him after their encounter with the Cybermen that is a wonderful contrast to that of The Ninth and Tenth Doctor following their misadventures in the Time War. What makes him so fascinating however is just how much doubt he promotes regarding the origins of his character; is he the next generation or someone else. Until his memories are unlocked, there is a constant ambiguity to him that keeps his back story fresh and exciting.

And visions of the Doctor's of old are a giddying notion to long term fans that have grown up with the series.

What Didn't Work

The knowledge that there are only 4 more episodes with David Tennant at the controls of the Tardis make "The Next Doctor" a bittersweet event.

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

"Doctor Who" stars David Tennant and David Morrissey. "The Next Doctor" was written by Russell T. Davies and was directed by Andy Goddard.

Alan Stanley Blair is the assistant news editor for Airlock Alpha and its sister site Rabid Doll. Contributing from his home country of Scotland, he is currently studying for a diploma in freelance journalism and can be reached at anytime at ablair@airlockalpha.com.

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