“Doctor Who” returns with its delightful holiday special on Christmas Day

Do I hear a “who?”  Yes, fans of the charming British series “Doctor Who,” it is that time of year again -- the annual Christmas special of “Doctor Who” returns at 9:00 p.m., December 25th on BBC America. 

This marks the first time that the British series will be shown simultaneously in the U.K., as well as in the U.S.  Thus, fans will be able to tweet, email and chat online with friends in both countries now without worrying about the usual time-delay and worry about spoilers.       

It is a rare treat to be able to sit back and enjoy “Doctor Who” on Christmas Day here in the U.S., so I heartily recommend that you indulge and partake in this once a year spectacular event. 

If you caught the 5th season of “Doctor Who” last summer, which introduced Matt Smith as the 11th Doctor, then you know exactly where the season left off:  with The Doctor dancing at Amy Pond (Karen Gillan) and Rory’s (Arthur Darvill) wedding.  In the upcoming holiday special entitled “Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol,” the trio’s adventures continue as The Doctor hastens to help out Rory and Amy as they get into a sticky predicament while on their honeymoon.

The episode will also feature special appearances by Michael Gambon as the Scrooge-like Kazran Sardick and Katherine Jenkins featured as Abigail.  Both Gambon (best known for his role as Dumbledore in the “Harry Potter” films) and Jenkins will round-out the crazy Christmas caper as The Doctor tries to save his friends and Christmas.

For those not was well-versed in “Doctor Who” lore, then I highly recommend that you still tune-in and discover the magical joy that so many fans across the world have already found. 

“Doctor Who” follows the journey of a lonely, but enthusiastic time-lord.  He is the last of his kind (unless you count his arch-nemesis The Master – but that is a story for another day), and The Doctor constantly seeks out companions and friends to sharing in his amazing adventures.  Over the course of the past 35 years, there have been ten prior versions of The Doctor, each played by yet another delightful actor as The Doctor regenerates and a new face (and actor) appears.  The regenerations have helped keep the “Doctor Who” series fresh over the past 3 decades and allows for an ever-increasing audience to appreciate each new incarnation of The Doctor.

With this year’s Christmas 2-hour holiday special, this is the perfect time to jump right into one of the most cherished sci-fi dramas to grace the television screen.  It will charm you, delight you, and dazzle you with its radiant joy, clever quips, and abundance of heart.  It is the quintessential holiday movie that is a must for everyone!

“Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol” airs Saturday, December 25, 2010 at 9:00 p.m. PST on BBC America.

Related article:  “Early, spoiler-free review of the new ‘Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol’ special airing Saturday”

Related article: "A 'Doctor Who: A Christmas' Carol Trailer"

Related article: “Time Lords A-Leaping: Steven Moffat Explains the ‘Doctor Who’ Christmas Special”