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**Review of "Last Christmas"**

*"Last Christmas"*, written by Steven Moffat, is an evocative and layered 
*Doctor Who* Christmas special that cleverly combines festive charm with 
psychological thrills. This episode, featuring Peter Capaldi's Twelfth Doctor 
and Jenna Coleman's Clara Oswald, seamlessly blends holiday cheer, sci-fi 
elements, and emotional character exploration.

The episode begins with Clara encountering Santa Claus (played delightfully by
Nick Frost) on her rooftop. What initially appears to be a whimsical holiday 
tale soon takes a darker turn as the Doctor and Clara are drawn into a base 
under siege by Dream Crabs-creatures that induce vivid, dreamlike states 
while feeding on their victims' brains. The narrative becomes a mind-bending 
exploration of reality versus illusion, offering both thrilling twists 
and deeply poignant moments.

Moffat excels in using the Dream Crabs as a narrative device to blur the lines
between reality and fantasy. The concept not only creates tension but also 
allows for an introspective journey for the characters. The episode 
effectively builds suspense, with chilling moments as the characters confront 
the Dream Crabs' influence. Rachel Talalay's direction enhances the eerie 
atmosphere, balancing the horror elements with a touch of whimsy.

Peter Capaldi delivers a stellar performance, showcasing the Twelfth Doctor's 
sharp intellect, gruff demeanor, and growing warmth. His interactions with 
Clara are particularly powerful, delving into the emotional fallout from their
earlier lies and separation. Capaldi masterfully conveys the Doctor's guilt 
and longing, adding depth to his characterisation.

Jenna Coleman is equally compelling as Clara. Her dream reunion with Danny 
Pink is one of the episode's emotional highlights, providing closure to her 
grief while exploring the nature of loss and acceptance. Samuel Anderson's 
return as Danny is brief but impactful, offering a bittersweet reflection 
on Clara's journey.

Nick Frost's Santa Claus is a delightful addition, blending humour, wisdom, 
and a touch of mystery. His presence injects levity into the darker moments, 
while his role as a manifestation of the characters' subconscious adds 
thematic weight. The supporting cast, including Michael Troughton 
and Faye Marsay, also deliver strong performances, each adding 
to the ensemble's dynamic.

The episode's themes of second chances, forgiveness, and self-discovery 
resonate deeply. The interplay between dreams and reality mirrors 
the characters' emotional struggles, creating a narrative that feels both 
intimate and universal. The ending, where the Doctor and Clara reunite 
after realising the importance of their bond, is heartwarming and sets 
the stage for their continued adventures.

While *"Last Christmas"* is largely successful, it does occasionally falter. 
The pacing slows in the middle, and some of the dream-layer reveals feel 
repetitive. Additionally, the resolution, while emotionally satisfying, 
leaves certain elements of the Dream Crabs' mythology underexplored.

**Final Rating: 90/100**  
*"Last Christmas"* is a captivating and emotionally rich *Doctor Who* episode 
that skillfully balances festive wonder with psychological depth. It stands 
as one of the show's most memorable holiday specials, offering 
a poignant reflection on love, loss, and the power of hope.
-- 
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