The Doctor Who 2012 Christmas Special, titled “The Snowmen,” is going to have a lot to juggle. In addition to returning friends Vastra, Jenny and Strax, a post-Pond departure funk, and a holiday-themed storyline, the episode will also be introducing the Doctor’s next companion, Clara (played by Jenna-Louise Coleman). Fans who have been following series 7 will remember that the actress made a surprise appearance in the season premiere, “Asylum of the Daleks,” as marooned space traveler Oswin – leading to speculation regarding how exactly showrunner Steven Moffat intended to reintroduce Coleman and whether or not there is a connection between her two characters.
Now, thanks to a new piece of BBC marketing, fans should prepare for a fresh round of divisive Clara speculation.
The remainder of this article, and the trailer at the top of the page, contain MILD SPOILERS for the 2012 Doctor Who Christmas Special. If you are avoiding further Doctor Who holiday story info, turn away now. You have been warned!
Before we get into the spoiler, check out the 2012 Christmas Special poster below (click to enlarge):
Now, on to the spoiler. In the marketing video, Clara is clearly seen planting a kiss on the very surprised Doctor (at the 30 & 34 second mark, respectively). It might be easy to initially pass the kiss off as little more than a harmless holiday smooch under the mistletoe but, for many fans, the sequence has already called-back memories of the especially awkward (and arguably annoying) elements of 10th Doctor companion, Martha Jones, whose attraction to the Time Lord was largely considered a off-putting storyline misfire.
Of course, plenty of companions had endured complicated feelings for the Doctor, ranging from physical attraction to hopeful romance but, unlike Rose Tyler for example (who’s love for the Doctor was more nuanced and developed over time), Martha’s attraction was introduced almost instantly and never evolved into a meaningful or believable element of the pair’s friendship.
Moffat circumvented the issue entirely in seasons five and six with a clearly defined “Bestie” friendship between Amy and the Doctor that rarely strayed into anything more than casual flirtation. Well, except for the time Pond unsuccessfully attempted to initiate a one night stand (in the episode “Flesh and Stone”).
The 10th Doctor with Martha Jones & The 11th Doctor with Amy Pond
Especially given that the Doctor is now married to River Song, fans have reason to take pause at Moffat’s choice of a Doctor/Clara lip lock. Almost certainly the moment has been included as a forgettable piece of comedy but, given the state of the Doctor after the heavy-hearted Amy and Rory exit, plus typical pressure of introducing a new companion, there’s no doubt the kiss could leave a bad taste in the mouths of fans who are still adjusting to post-Pond life (or anyone who would rather avoid another lovestruck companion).
That said, based on Coleman’s fiery portrayal of Oswin, it’s likely that Clara will share a similarly whimsical and impulsive personality – meaning that the new companion may simply drop the kiss and move on before the Doctor can even wipe the surprise off of his face.
We’ll know more when the Doctor Who 2012 Christmas Special, “The Snowmen,” premieres on December 25th at 9pm ET. In the meantime, check out our Doctor Who Viewing Guide: Tips, Suggestions & Complete Episode List!
-
Follow me on Twitter @benkendrick for future updates on Doctor Who as well as movie, TV, and gaming news.
Doctor Who returns Tuesday, December 25, 9:00pm ET for the 2012 Doctor Who Christmas Special.
Source: BBC [via Bleeding Cool]
Ryan Reynolds Drops Out of 'Highlander' Reboot 
No Loki in 'Avengers 2' 
'Man of Steel' Director & Writer on What Has to Happen in 'Man of Steel 2' 
'Man of Steel' Ending Controversy 
Hate me for this but I did love Donna xD
Why don’t we get it in Australia annoyed !!!!????
(( ))) !
The show or the Christmas special?
Honestly, I haven’t watched since the first few Matt Smith episodes, really couldn’t stand the guy trying to be David Tennant. The best was definitely Christopher Eccleston though (and I say that as someone who grew up in the Sylvester McCoy era and thought he was up there as one of the best besides Tom Baker and Paul McGann).
Glad to hear some different comments and thoughts !
Same here,can’t get really into liking Smith,and I feel since Moffat took over the show slowly goes downhill !
I think Moffat as a show runner isn’t as good as he was as a just writer back with Russel and David !
Eccleston was great,and David..just wish he would have never left!
In the end,I just think the Series changed a lot with Moffat,I miss the feeling and atmosphere it had with Russel!
Still keep watching thought !
“really couldn’t stand the guy trying to be David Tennant”
And that just goes to prove that some people such as yourself haven’t even bothered to watch an episode or two before making unfounded judgments, because Matt Smith’s doctor is NOTHING like David Tennant’s.
Tennant was good to start off but he became rather boring with his OTT ways and Rose Tyler ruined almost every scene she occupied towards the end. Matt Smith is a vast improvement over Tennant.
Tennant is my favorite Doctor, though i like Chris Eccleston and Matt as well. and @ios i agree with you that the atmosphere has changed since Steve Moffatt took over. I think moffat is a brilliant writer. but there just seems to be something missing with the newer stuff than with davies’ era. I still love doctor who, but yeah, the quality seems to be slowly going down. I blaim it on how popular DW is becoming and the need to make it more mainstream. the show was better as a cult film that only a few americans appreciated. i still hold out hope that the series will improve now that a new companion is here. I think a semi fresh start will do the series some good.
what is with all the hate at Moffat? I really like Steven Moffat and I’ve enjoyed the show a lot more since he took over. @christine I’m pretty sure we do get the Christmas special in Australia, it’ll just be a few days later (might be wrong though)
why is the doctor allowing clara to kiss him??? he’s married!!! to river! :O
It’s really a great and useful piece of info.
I am glad that you
shared this useful info with us. Please keep us up to date like this.
Thanks for
sharing.