Husbands of River Song - Take Two Doctor Who Review

The Doctor is traveling alone again, but that doesn't stop him from running into an old friend... who fails to recognize him. Peter Capladi's 12th Doctor encounters Alex Kingston as River Song, with Matt Lucas in his first appearance as Nardole along for the ride. Show-runner Steven Moffat tackles Christmas and the bittersweet nature of endings.
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[@landlighterfirestar5550]

“What is going on???” *Hush, now. Mummy and Daddy are talking* This is why I love River

[@lwaves]

Alex Kingston played her perfectly IMO.

[@MovieMagic515]

@@lwaves Yep

[@alexpotts6520]

The Doctor "discovering" that the TARDIS is bigger on the inside is the funniest scene in all of New Who.

[@FortoFight]

For me it was a little forced tbh. Maybe if he hadn't said "now it's my turn" etc. then I would've liked it more. Lines like that kinda break the illusion that it's happening and all I can see is Moffat sitting behind a desk thinking of silly things to put in the episode.

[@julieeverett7442]

@@FortoFight oh no, this is a combination of the doctor getting to do this for the first time and Peter, as a long time dr who fan getting to do this, makes it kind of special!

[@JimmieColeman00100]

He finally got to do it right

[@carpelibrarium8522]

I think another fictional character whose reaction to the Tardis 12 would have approved of would be River Tam from Firefly. She had to invent a new form of physics to allow for 2 of each animal to fit on Noah's Ark and make sense.

[@Teurger]

It's interesting, how this episode mirrors Silence in the Library. In the beginning, Doctor didn't recognise River, and in the end, the opposite happened. I think this is a good way to look back and honor all the way this character walked through.

[@ryanpollard1166]

I found 'The Husbands of River Song' to be one of the most underrated Xmas specials. It was a charming story about two people who love each other yet aren't sure if the other loves them back, the moment when she recognises the Doctor and the ending on Darillium are both my favourite scenes, and it proved to be a fitting farewell for River, and certainly a better departure than what Clara got in 'Hell Bent'

[@lwaves]

It's easily one of my favourite Xmas specials, even with it's faults. The good/great far outweighs the not so great.

[@chanceneck8072]

A better departure than Clara? Really? Are you sure about that? I mean, I don´t wanna go on a tangent, discussing with people who misjudged Hell Bent can get EXHAUSTING.... However, I do wanna see, what they were doing in those 24 years of time. Certainly they must have built a very special bond, maybe that´s what you meant with your Clara comparison. I mean, they don´t have to bang or anything, but I´m sure, they must have had some own adventures. They certainly didn´t just stay in bed on the same planet for 24 years... I wanna see the moment, where he finally told her his name, and when he ACTUALLY cried. Because he didn´t cry here!! I have eyes! Even though they say, he cries, HE DOESN´T! And I know, Peter Capaldi can act, so this made me very angry!....

[@amelialikesfrogs5778]

don't forget its an actual competent doctor who comedy episode

[@evanmccreesh268]

It’s a wild ride. Starting from “Carol singers will be CRITICIZED” and ending up with the Doctor tearing up at the Singing Towers, this story has RANGE

[@jessetorres8738]

Even though it was only for 1 episode, I feel that 1) Capaldi had some of the best chemistry with River Song, and 2) This was in my Top 5 favorite River Song episodes.

[@class87fan54]

Yeah, I wish we had a full series of River traveling with the 12th Doctor, instead of lumbering him with Clara for two series.

[@lonewolf6884]

Once River recognizes The Doctor this episode becomes really good. The ending made me cry so much and makes Silence in the Library/Forest of the Dead two parter even sadder via rewatch.

[@Venemofthe888]

Greg Davies plays hydroflax and hes more known as a comedian in England. He does have some acting experience mostly in comedy series

[@byungbin1395]

It's the Taskmaster! How come I didn't realize this sooner?

[@ftumschk]

He has quite a lot of acting experience, and was a drama teacher for more than a decade before becoming a professional performer.

[@jamiestevens3074]

@@byungbin1395 but more importantly, it’s mr Gilbert! :)

[@nathanj6671]

Phil Say my name properly Mr Gilbert

[@SteveSmith-wk9dx]

Ironic casting someone 6' 8" tall as a disembodied head.

[@KitsuneRokaku]

I love that little detail of the Doctor "playing" with River's sonic. His actions aren't random and it was his second to last act of kindness for River.

[@thefragrantwookiee]

In all the Eleventh Doctor/River episodes I enjoyed their flirting and the fact that they clearly have a long-standing connection, but it took this episode to sell me on the idea that they're in love. I adore Capaldi's bit where it seems like he's just doing his usual Doctor-y science exposition about the Singing Towers and totally ignoring River but then he says "...when you least expect it, but always when you need it the most... there is a Song". Chokes me up every time.

[@byMidnyt]

I think it echoes River's bit at the end of Forests of the Dead quite nicely ".. Now and then, every once in a very long while, every day in a million days, when the wind stands fair, and the Doctor comes to call...". They both seem to be talking about how special their times together are.

[@matty_mls]

“I’m archaeologist from the future, I dug you up” that is the best way to stay f u to someone without saying it

[@lisakaz35]

See you in 400 years! (Like that part better.)

[@JZBelexes]

Okay so in "Silence in the Library" when River mentions the Doctor's "new suit and new haircut" I had always interpreted that as a regeneration he hadn't yet met, and my mind pictured an older, gray-haired Doctor for that scene. Year and years later, when THIS episode aired, and we actually got to see that scene play out on Darilium--something I was NOT expecting--I was actually blown away to see my accidental prediction come true.

[@nerdfightercommenter6969]

That “happily” part really sent this episode close to the top of my list. It’s one example where I could safely say that a few gems of a story could supercede much of the plot for me. It’s also so unabashedly genuine and sweet.

[@edgeofablade6236]

I've always loved this episode. I don't mind the whole panto thing, as I grew up with it so it's not jarring for me. But I agree, it's the second half of this episode that sells it. Capaldi and Kingston both have amazing chemistry and their banter especially as the ship is coming down is great. The emotional beats - River saying the Doctor doesn't love her and believing it + 'How long does a night on Darillium last' + 'Hello Sweetie' - are the best parts. It's a great episode and a sweet send-off (as of now) for River.

[@jackaylward-williams9064]

The lyrics of the Christmas carols that they’re singing at the beginning are probably completely different to the 21st century versions, The TARDIS is just translating them for the audience.

[@jordon2074]

I wish we had got a season of Capaldi & River Feels like a real missed opportunity

[@julieeverett7442]

THAT would have been fun

[@gozerthegozarian9500]

Capaldi and Kingston are sooo wonderful together, their chemistry is off the charts and their scenes were pure gold!

[@scix8794]

Moffat redeemed himself in my eyes with this story after hell bent. I love this episode and one of the 2 times i like the doctor having romantic ties.River is amazing in this. This is in my top 20 favorite new who episodes This is one of the few times in fiction where a 10 yr buildup pays off.

[@WiloPolis03]

"Shouting isn't a personality" RTD you better be taking notes...

[@thetalisman7722]

There is a theme of finality among the Capaldi Christmas Specials - from "every Christmas is last Christmas" to "Happily ever after doesnt mean forever, it just means time" to "everything ends and it's always sad but everything begins again and its always happy" to all the regeneration stuff in TUAT. It gives this beautiful happy yet melancholic feel to the Capaldi Christmas Specials which are personally my favourite run of Christmas Specials of them all.

[@nightowl8477]

You can achieve Christmas through tone alone, that's why I like this and Dr. Mysterio.

[@ooooneeee]

Agreed, its about love after all. CoG missed that forest for the trees.

[@MichelleK.B.]

Like Day of the Doctor, both feel a little more “fan service” than the typical episode. I like that about them. But then I also love Osgood.

[@lees1328]

I absolutely love this episode. I always felt it was the perfect end to the Rivet Song storyline. It went full circle to Silence in the Library.

[@richardmurgatroyd1616]

As far as holiday specials go, this is probably my favourite

[@Rmlohner]

This episode actually prevented Alex Kingston from making an appearance on Arrow when Sara came back to life, resulting in that awkward scene with Sara just talking to her mother on the phone as they clearly knew they had to show her finding out SOMEHOW.

[@lwaves]

Didn't know that but I'm happy DW won out over Arrow.

[@dubbingsync]

“Look Miss Kingston, you can either appear as the well loved character you’ve been playing on and off for a decade or you can play a side character that literally any actress could have played...?”

[@nightowl8477]

It's one of the most stunning looking episodes of the show hands-down. The lighting and cinematography is unmatched. And I do think the script deserves Douglas's best work. Okay, there are some points in the plot which feel like sitcom-esque comedy set pieces, but we go to some pretty creative locations, and the heart of the thing is so well developed. It's the first time I've actually believed the Doctor's and River's love. I mean, that ending. In my top ten scenes of the whole show.

[@Carabas72]

It's a real shame Capaldi & Kingston didn't get to have more episodes together. I could actually buy them as a couple. Also, best use of the "Hello, sweetie." line.

[@greghawkins59]

Yeah it's a bit of goof but its just the most perfect ending for river, honestly one of my favourite episodes. Also I'm a big Greg Davies fan and yeah he's a bit of a shouter

[@ffionjames7350]

I really liked 12 and River's dynamic this episode, kind of wish we got to see more of it in previous episodes.

[@Sailor_Enchantix]

I love this episode, one of my favorite Christmas specials. I love when River just casually mentions that she has taken the TARDIS before. I think it’s funny to just imagine The Doctor on an adventure, and River just showing up, taking the TARDIS for a joyride, and bringing it back with The Doctor never knowing.

[@rebmoti1]

I love this episode, I can watch it over and over. River and 12’s chemistry is excellent - the best she has with any Doctor. The fact that they’re age appropriate is part of that. But the look on Capaldi’s face right before he reveals himself is priceless.

[@MrRjhyt]

For me, the passion of River's love for the Doctor is soaring, and affirming. But, as ever Peter just completes, deflating the passion without mockery, without desirsion. Moved by her passion, "Hello, Sweetie.... What the roots of the Sunset?", just cracked me up. The joyous almost demonic grin on his face, as she gets flustered...

[@cmmosher8035]

Though I cant disagree that it takes too long to get going, the Hello Sweetie scene gets me misty eyed every time. I love watching Capaldis face reacting to what's going on.

[@timelordrohan9425]

The first part felt like it was trying to be like the hitchhiker’s guide or something.

[@jayanderson9375]

This thing oozes Douglas Adams, in a good way!

[@orangepizzaparty688]

Am I first: No Am I last: No Am I right on time: Yes

[@StillJustDreaming]

Seen this episode (not to mention individual clips of it) multiple times and I just caught an interesting piece during your video at 6:34 . You mentioned that the Doctor is waiting for River to realize who he is - I think this very much mirrors when River met the 10th Doctor and he was young enough that he didn't recognize her. She expects him to recognize her - to really know her, at least a little bit - when she does diaries with him in the Library, and she's surprised and hurt when he doesn't (though they work well together anyway). Same thing here - he keeps expecting River to know him, is surprised and sometimes hurt (by her actions and/or her words) when she doesn't but they still work well together throughout their newest adventure.

[@J954-b1c]

About the Carols, unlike with us looking back thousands of years it's likely that the people of the future would have access to 21st century recordings of Christmas Carols. So it's entirely possible that people really would reuse "Ancient" carols out of a sense of tradition, even if most people no longer understand them intuitively (Tardis translation circuits notwithstanding). Of course it's also entirely possible that they don't as well, who knows what the future hold it's full of endless possibilities.

[@Paul_Ernst]

I love this episode so much. (Bias: 12 is my favourite doctor and River is my favourite other character, so bringing them together it already magic). Christmas specials are supposed to be goofy and a different tone; its not supposed to be taken as a continuation of normal storylines, but just a break for some fun. I guess it might be more of a UK thing to have pantomimes at Christmas (which is why the shift to New Year special didnt work). But to take an episode that begins with farce and suddenly pull on all the heartstrings, not just in River recognising the doctor but the moment we realise this is River's final proper goodbye.

[@HeidiSholl]

I love how there's a difference between when River is around the Doctor, and when she (thinks) she isn't. Kind of the way you behave around family is different to when you're at work. She very much seems to be in this kind of performative work mode, and then loosens up almost when she realises the Doctor is there. Almost like his presence alone relaxes her. I experienced this in a previous relationship myself, and it's just so nice to feel tension you didn't know you had evaporate around someone. It's like you can breathe again.

[@R4ggedyM4n]

Unless it happened in some audio, comic/book....I've always HC that during the 20 odd years spent on the twin towers is where River learns the Doc's true name to then whisper it in 10's ear.

[@BritishAdam]

Hydroflax (or rather his head) is played by British comedian Greg Davies. He has some pretty good stand up routines on KZbin, and stand up DVDs if you like what you see. I personally love him, it was the main thing that made me watch this episode on its day of release instead of on iPlayer a few days later! I also hope this iisn't the end of River Songs appearances. I'd love to see Song meet the 13th doctor, Song and a female doctor would be a laugh I think!

[@lucashucbourg-muller7024]

Nah that is the perfect ending for her. Also it wouldn’t work canonically as she didn’t know that the doctor had a 13th regeneration before so she couldn’t have met the 13 before husbands in her timeline.

[@richardmurgatroyd1616]

Greg Davis (hydroflax) is a very solid british comedy actor, did a few of sitcoms on BBC (mostly bbc3)

[@lwaves]

He's also the Taskmaster. Which could be the name of a classic Who villain.

[@richardmurgatroyd1616]

@@lwaves Would need Alex Horne to be his lackie and punchingbag haha

[@kryten1016]

I honestly think that rivers story line was just genius. Just like George lucas, he planned out the prequels before a new hope was even released. The fact that Moffat mentioned the crash of the Byzantium, and the singing towers 5 series before it even happened.

[@sbi168]

I adore this special. Definitely my favourite. River and 12 are superb. Its a funny romp which doesn't take itself too seriously but grows into a very touching intimate story. Very cool.

[@superraegun2649]

You don't know the actor who plays the head of Hydroflax, well allow me to introduce you to one of the greatest British TV shows ever made, "The Inbetweeners". You're welcome.

[@jamiestevens3074]

Thanks Phil

[@jakebaugh3130]

Or Taskmaster, for the best game show (just not the US version)

[@Daggerzx]

Matt Smith audition for the role of Will McKenzie

[@superraegun2649]

@@Daggerzx Really?

[@Daggerzx]

@@superraegun2649 www.nme.com/news/inbetweeners-fans-cant-believe-that-matt-smith-was-almost-cast-as-will-mckenzie-2425818 I believe so! There are a few articles on it.

[@tonyjohansson7567]

I think this Xmas episode is Moffats best one. River was a great character and the 12th Doctor was the best. 👏👏👏👏👏

[@Caleb42523]

I haven't rewatched this, but I remember coming away very happy with it. Which was a big thing for me, as someone who never liked River, always was opposed to the Doctor having romantic plots in general. But even despite my own biases, I thought this was a lovely end to that arc. And I really hope they don't bring her back. :p

[@lcflngn]

Ahhh, my favorite Doctor coat, love that one! Just to mention, the outfits in this ep are fab, love her dresses!

[@DPS31762]

I was sick of River by the end of Matt Smith's run, but I liked her in this. I think her chemistry with Capaldi is much better than it was with Smith.

[@chanceneck8072]

Props for the restaurant, too! To keep the reservation for four years, no one bribed them, they didn´close or anything.....

[@juliecarriker9950]

This is my favourite "Doctor Who" episode, period! I've seen it at least a dozen times (and always at Christmastime!), yet never tire of it! It's sweet and funny, and sad, with adventure, and excitement, and a fitting finale to the Doctor and River's love story. I would love to see Capaldi and Kingston together in something else, since they have amazing chemistry!

[@melsch8740]

Before I watch this - - - I actually really enjoyed the husbands of river song. It was fun 😂

[@Ben-vf5gk]

I quite like that it's an adventure from location to location, quite like the Chase or Marinus. Even though I don't like every story with it I do enjoy that formula. Really like what we learn about River and the Doctor's relationship, how she doesn't think he loves her back, kinda pointing out how one way their relationship can seem and how there's kind of a disparity there. The ending doesn't feel quite as natural as it could. They kinda already dealt with the singing towers (which tbf they do point out) and stuff like Capaldi giving her, her own screwdriver when the reason it was such a big deal in Library was because it was his own screwdriver. However given how long her arc went on and the order in which it was told little continuity things like that are bound to happen and Capaldi and Kingston do sell the hell out of it.

[@mkitten13]

This is my absolute favourite out of the specials, like I agree with you on the first half. There is some fun in it, but also there are bits I could very much do without. But that second half, oh man, that more than makes up for the first. The Doctor learning how River truly feels about him and their relationship, not just in that confrontation, but also on observing her while they wait for that meeting. He spends a lot of the first part in constant shock over her behaviour, even doubting what their relationship actually means to her, but then he starts seeing beyond the bravado; the sadness, the hurt, culminating in that glorious rant of hers. I just love how it teaches him the ways he's fallen short, which inspires him to do this last night of theirs justice, slowing down, being present for her, right before he loses her forever. I'm so glad we got to go to Darillium and get a proper sense for why River specifically talked about that night right before she died. It brings her story full circle.

[@silverwind3766]

I consider this episode a perfect end point for Doctor Who for people who don't care for the Chibnall era.

[@WiloPolis03]

Nah Series 10 is fantastic and highly underrated imo

[@ooooneeee]

@@WiloPolis03 watch it after season ten then

[@WiloPolis03]

@@ooooneeee I have

[@silverwind3766]

@@WiloPolis03 I also like season 10. I recall the writing being patchy (I'll need a rewatch to confirm that) but I did still enjoy Bill as a companion and plenty of other parts of the season.

[@mindyenglish5305]

Nardole is different in this one because River still has his balls in a jar somewhere. Later, she's gone. But she left him permission to kick the Doctor's butt. So he's a bit more emboldened. And I think he actually cares about the Doctor, too. So he's not afraid to stand up to him.

[@DavidMacDowellBlue]

I feel Moffat veers wildly between over-clever, a little too self-satisfied, sometimes way more formulaic in some bad ways, to brilliance personified. Sometimes in the same episode. This was one that hovered between average and glorious. And wow, did I end up wanting to see more of River with Twelve!

[@julieeverett7442]

in silence in library when River was talking about her doctor, the man who could make armies turn at the mention of his name, she was talking about 12, her true doctor was 12, not 11

[@elizeyt]

I simply ADORE this story, for me it just sums up everything I love about doctor who

[@vpaulbartilucci8544]

To be just as nit-picky, I would rather have "ancient" music like Christmas Carols show up in these future settings as is then be presented with something future-y like "Good King Hydtoflax" or "Go Tell it on the Starship". Future and alien music almost always sounds cringey to me.

[@julieeverett7442]

too true

[@fimbles4211]

I love this episode, personally. Think it's the right amount of fun and later somber moments.

[@chriscaygill6331]

I marathoned all the Christmas Specials in December and I remember enjoying this one more, but now I'm a bit older I've come to appreciate the last twenty minutes a lot more now - Great review.

[@NATHAN-gl9ns]

I rewatched this this year having not seen it since it aired. Hated it initially, love it as a nice, campy weird sci fi bit of Christmas fun. Haven't watched the vid yet but am excited to see your take

[@ZakiAoi]

i;ve rewatched it like 20 times. i absolutely love it.

[@samuelbarber6177]

This episode is... alright. It’s not amazing or anything, but it certainly was fun and it had an absolutely beautiful ending in my opinion.

[@WiloPolis03]

This is a really fun special, but I love it the most for swapping out the death of Clara with the death of River thematically

[@wolf1066]

It's not just that the carols apparently haven't changed at all in thousands of years, it's also that it's *always* a _Northern Hemisphere_ Christmas with snow - like every planet they visit, they only go to the Northern Hemisphere around the shortest day rather than to the Southern Hemisphere where they could have a barbecue on the beach and go for a swim. BTW, we have Christmas songs "down" here that actually reference salads, sunbathing and swimming rather than hot roast meals, sleigh rides and old geezers freezing their 'nads off gathering wood in the snow... Funny how songs like _ours_ never turn up in the North-Hemisphere-centric "Christmas" episodes...

[@christopherpoff4117]

The episode is fun and funny but wow... River's speech about the Doctor moves me to tears. Every time. As someone who's a bit of an unrequited love junkie, myself LOL

[@Ruddigore]

An enjoyable review, you have really whetted my appetite to watch 'The Husbands of River Song' again.

[@carpelibrarium8522]

10:19 reminded me of a quote from The Good Place. CHIDI: I think that's what the Good Place really is. It's... not even a place, really, it's just... having enough time with the people you love.

[@jakem7666]

I think this is my favourite Christmas special.

[@Deady.p]

Greg davies must have been fuming that they made him shorter than his actual height when in the giant robot suit

[@PartridgeQuill]

Such a touching episode! This one had so many good moments, IMO.

[@danielsleeper2307]

And it's also hilarious that Moffat found a way to reuse his concept of Bribing The Architect lmao!

[@james4thedoctor482]

In regards to the Christmas carols, this explains some of the psychology behind the same old music: kzbin.info/www/bejne/apOuYpykpruVlbs

[@Baileyske]

I would have love to see them skating on the Thames ( had been perfect for a christmas special) Helas ...

[@mindyenglish5305]

And... I had a hard time believing that River went that long before figuring out who he was. She's smarter than that. After the first or second very obvious clue he fed her, she'd have put it together. Especially after he explained to her why the Tardis wouldn't take off. But this episode is one of my all time favorites. We waited way too long to see those two get together. They should do a special episode or two covering their adventures on that last night.

[@EileenGallia]

I regularly rewatch the 2nd half.

[@marvelismylife946]

This episode makes me cry 😭 EVERY TIME 😭

[@That_RandomNerd]

Just watched this last night, what perfect timing

[@Ben-vf5gk]

Okay really sorry but I have to bring up Hell Bent one last time. I've seen the argument that it enhances this episode because 12 is putting into practice the lessons he learned there that he needs to let people go. Nope. He's always known River was heading to the Library, has never tried to change history to save her before Hell Bent so it makes no impact on this. There, I'm done, no more Hell Bent talk!

[@nightowl8477]

There's a funny scene in the Day of the Doctor novel where 10 meets with River in a bath and all he can see is her final moments burning in the chair. He says he'll alter the timeline, just ignore her, and leave as soon as he can (a little under seven hours.)

[@OhMightyEvilOne]

The Husband's Of River Song is where I really started to love River. As a character, she was fine in Smith's era but never my favorite. This special makes me a little sad because her and Capaldi have such great chemistry. I would have loved to see more adventures between her and this version of the Doctor. Give me another special, give me an entire season, I'll take it.

[@wolf1066]

It's a "mixed bag" episode for me. Absolutely *loved* the bit when the Doctor gleefully realises _he_ gets a chance to do the "bigger on the inside" thing and hams it up to the max to the point that River just wants him to shut up about it and he's having _none_ of that. This is *his* turn! Some great moments between the Doctor and River. Some bits that just dragged on and could've been done without.

[@MagsPM]

I like the stuff before River figures out that 12 is the Doctor because it shows us who she is without him. For once we see what she is like when she has absolutely no expectation of seeing the Doctor in a given adventure, and I feel that was an important step in fleshing her out as a character. Also, I forget sometimes that non U.K. viewers of this show probably won’t be family with the stand up comedians/ comedy actors who occasionally appear, like Greg Davies in this episode, or John Bishop who will be a companion in series 13.

[@PapaLuge]

Loving your hair rn giving me real s8 vibes

[@jamiestevens3074]

I think it’s cool that head of sixth form, mr gilbert is in this lmao

[@AceOThorns]

I do revisit the revelation scene now and again - and probably will again once I post this comment. My favourite moment for Capaldi, I think.

[@bethannpowers1721]

The thing about River's speech is that it gets infinitely more interesting if you read the doctor as aroace (which I do and I really think is supported in the text but that could be its own video essay.) When she talks about how the doctor "doesn't go around falling in love with people" and that she "doesn't expect him to admirer her back," she's not saying that the doctor doesn't care about her, she's saying that he doesn't, and can't, lover her in the same way she loves him. Now she does kind of romanticize his asexuality/ aromanticism by implying that it's because he's too big and grand to be bothered by those types of feelings which demonstrates somewhat of a lack of understanding on her part, but regardless she is showing in that moment that she knows and accepts who the doctor is even though it hurts to not have those feelings returned. And what really confirms this for me is later when the doctor says "you look amazing" she says "doctor, you have no idea if I look amazing or not" I really don't know how to read that line in a non-asexual way and it perfectly sets up the rest of the scene to show the true nature of their relationship which is a queerplatonic one. The doctor does all this for her because he clearly loves her and wants to show her that although he can't love her romantically the love he has for her is no less meaningful.

[@mystic_mimi21]

I just rewatched this for the first time since it came. I think this is one of my faves it’s the romantic in me. Peter is the best here I think . How he gives the rescue man the diamond and praises him for being brave. I think this is the best River is. She isn’t overly sexualised, she is shown to be a genius but not in an annoying way, her and the doctor just sing with each other , it makes me really sad. I think the ep should have come sooner in the series to make 12 even more determined to not loose Clara or anyone else and aid the hell bent story

[@CoopDVille-rx3hp]

Does it bother anyone about the idea of at least 5,000 guaranteed more years of completely unaltered Christmas carols? I can scarcely think of anything more frightening or upsetting.

[@srhvideo]

They really should have done something about evolving the carols, after all I'm sure you know it takes about 20 minutes to mutate a song at an elementary school. Shouts a lot is kind of Greg Davies's thing; I've not seen his sitcom stuff so much but you'll see he's pretty much the same character in his sketch group (We Are Klang) as he is as Hydroflex

[@StillJustDreaming]

"I'm cross" 5:00 LOL, anyone else right away think of Amy? (Yes, I still miss the Pond era)

[@jamesahanington]

Hydroflax is played by Greg Davies, he's a popular british comedian. He is probably most famous for playing Mr Gilbert in The Inbetweeners

[@silverdoe3658]

One of my favourite episodes of all time 💕💕💕

[@stevetayler9518]

The actor who plays King Hydroflax (Greg Davies) is notable for being six feet seven inches tall! So, it’s very odd that they cast him as this imposing dictator but then put him in a suit so that you can’t tell how tall he actually is anyway and then reduced him to a head.

[@yoinksscoob4889]

I love the intros of these, I think Vera would be a good actress

[@StillJustDreaming]

Just curious - I recently watched your episode review on the first Doctor and Martha episode, and you mentioned that you aren't big on Doctor/companion romantic relationships. So, I was wondering - have your views changed over the past couple of years, or do you view River as being in her own (non-companion) category? Because you seem to be very sweetly shipping River and the Doctor here (and given how great they are, LOL, I completely agree). Great video - it's been fun to revisit old episodes!

[@jakem7666]

The king is Greg Davis. He's best known for the Inbetweeners. Also he's a great stand up.

[@jonathanskinner7647]

I'm very divided on this episode. About 1/3 of this is really touching and wholesome, making a great final episode for River. Another 1/3 is a fun ride seeing what river does without the doctor which is okay but goes on for too long. The finale 1/3 thinks it's being way funnier than it actually it and is just a bit much. So yeah, very mixed

[@cynhanrahan4012]

I think that once characters have run their course, they become caricatures of themselves. It's often seen when a series has jumped the shark, but River has been inserted here in that position.

[@jaygent2836]

Love your current look :-)

[@twilightsmum24]

In the Titanic one the historian screws up big time in a similar way to the way to the way to you're talking about language