The Husbands of River Song

Ding dong merrily on high, a Christmas episode to say goodbye. But before she goes to the shelves of books, a quick reprisal of the men she's hooked.

Beholder of times spoilers with endearing watercraft, the rapids on this river were a great place for our raft, of memories and musings that are flowing back in time, a pleasure to have sailed along with the Doctor at his prime.

OK so after last year's Christmas offering I will admit my expectations for this year's were rather high, coupled with the return of Professor River Song I had high hopes. The serious tone of Series 9 was scrapped in favour of a more upbeat, comical outing for Capaldi. Whilst the story itself isn't one that will make you want to put it on frequently, it did have the festive spirit. Commedians Matt Lucas and Greg Davies delivered their lines with good humour, but it was the scenes between Capaldi and Kingston that shone, the last 5-10 minutes or so I thought were fantastically well done, truly moving and beautifully acted, the pair combined beautifully together. The biggest disappointment for me was that there was no mention of the next series, that omission left me a little flat. Overall a great way to enjoy the mice pies and a glass of brandy. 7/10

I used to think no Christmas Special could ever be better than The Snowmen. Now I'm starting to rethink that idea. Steven Moffatt has once again achieved the perfect balance of laugh-out-loud moments and moments that will leave you ugly-crying. Peter Capaldi and Alex Kingston deliver the beautiful chemistry that I never felt between her and Matt's Doctor. It's never scary, which is absolutely fine, and rarely threatening, which is fine for Christmas, but may convince some that it lacks any plot. They would be wrong. Overall, a masterpiece and a half.

I can't get over how great the Husbands of River Song was. The humor was nice, and the beginning was a fun romp; but when it finally got down to business, The Husbands of River Song was one of the most emotional and well made hours of television of the year. I am amazed at how the writers called back to Silence in the Library/Forest of the Dead (some of my favorite episodes) 5 series after they aired. Even the music was a throwback to that two parter. Alex Kingston was as always amazing as River Song, and Capaldi gave another stellar performance. The Special Effects were great too, and the music was just beautiful. The ending is the 100% perfect conclusion to the Doctor's and River Song's love story, and it really is emotional. Overall, 10/10. One of the best episodes of series 9

Other than the doctor, River is my favourite Dr Who character. Of course, Alex Kingston has a lot to with that. She always elevates the episode. Perfect casting. This one was funny, often hilarious, but what makes it special is the most romantic ending I have yet seen. Somehow, I believe only Peter Capaldi (and possibly Chris Eccleston) could have pulled it off. And you don't even need to be a Whovian to enjoy it.