Doctor Who fans look forward to the Doctor Who Christmas Special every year. Despite Clara saying goodbye to the Doctor at the end of season 8, she’s back for Christmas.
Fans now have an extended glimpse into what’s in store at Christmas thanks to the annual Children in Need preview. Children in Need is an annual U.K. charitable telethon, and they always feature celebrity acts and previews.
In the preview Father Christmas, played by Nick Frost, visits Clara and tries to convince her that he is real, and not just the stuff of legend. Judging from the background, it looks like Father Christmas’ sleigh crash-landed for reasons unknown on Clara’s rooftop. Clara’s popped up there in her robe and pajamas to investigate.
Apparently, Clara was 9-years-old when she stopped believing in Father Christmas. She basically came to the opinion that it was her mom and dad, not Father Christmas leaving gifts. She says she stopped believing because, “You’re a fairy-tale, and I grew out of fairy-tales.” Father Christmas retorts with an eyebrow raised, “Did you really?”
Both Father Christmas, and two elves that he’s brought along for the ride, try to convince Clara that they are in fact real. Clara still looks pretty cynical. She’s not ready to accept that this is the real Father Christmas. She been around the Doctor too long, and she is sure there is a catch or trick to what this man claims. Before they get into a solid debate on the matter, the Tardis lands and out pops the Doctor.
The Doctor orders Clara into the Tardis stating, “Clara I want you to step inside the Tardis. I don’t want you to talk. Do as I ask, please!” After Clara looks at the Doctor in disbelief he says, “Yes, I’m really here. I’m back. Now, get inside the Tardis.” A stunned Clara wordlessly obeys.
The Doctor then confronts Father Christmas enigmatically stating, “I know what this is. I know what’s happening. I know what’s at stake.” Father Christmas is doubtful, and tells the Doctor that he will have need of his help before the night is out. The Doctor then departs in the Tardis after some banter confusing Easter with Christmas, and scoffing at the U.K. tradition of Christmas tangerines.
One thing that is interesting is that we have no idea how much time has elapsed between the end of season 8 and the Christmas Special. Is it months or years? By the look on Clara’s face, it’s obvious that she and the Doctor haven’t seen each other in a very long time. In fact, it’s likely that she had never expected to see him again.
The other interesting fact is that Clara does not seem to be pregnant as many fans have speculated. Even with the bulky robe taken into consideration, there doesn’t seem to be much evidence of a “baby bump.”
Lots of questions abound. Why would the Doctor visit Clara after months, or possibly years, of being apart unless it were a matter of life and death? Why is it so important that Clara enter the Tardis immediately and without speaking? Is Father Christmas real? Is Father Christmas a friend or foe?
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