Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol

As it has since the beginning of the post-millenium series, "Doctor Who" returns for Christmas with a new special, a teaser of the season to come. This time, it's a Dickensian Christmas-themed trip on a honeymoon spaceliner with returning cast Matt Smith and Karen Gillan as The Doctor and Amy Pond. Arthur Darvill also returns as Amy's newlywed husband, Rory. At least that's what might be expected from the previews, and the episode's title, "A Christmas Carol."

We begin on board a plummeting spaceliner, this being "Doctor Who" all spaceliners are doomed, but we find Amy and Rory arriving from the bridge of the ship, from the honeymoon suite, in meter maid and Roman soldier outfits (!), telling the crew everything is all right because they've called for help. Yeah, you guessed it, The Doctor, cue opening credits.

The spaceliner is careening into a planet whose atmosphere is controlled by an evil old man who refuses to grant entry, dooming the passengers of the ship, unless The Doctor can change his mind. Between the Dickens references, the Victorian steampunk culture of the planet, and the more obvious "A Christmas Carol" parallels, this is not what you think it is, and goes in a completely different direction. And I would expect nothing less from writer/producer Steven Moffet.

Yes, this is Dickens' classic tale of redemption, but not in the way you think. While Amy and Rory are here, they are barely here. The story revolves around Michael Gambon as the Scrooge template, Kazran, whose past is altered helter skelter. Gambon is terrific here, as are his younger self Laurence Belcher and the love of his life Katherine Jenkins.

Steven Moffet spins a wonderful but bittersweet time travel tale that also mirrors last year's season finale. It's almost as if Moffet decided that if "Doctor Who" is a show about time travel, let's make it a show a time travel gosh darn it - and he pulls out all the tricks. The result is delightful, and the Christmas tradition continues. I can't wait for the new season to start.