‘Tis the season for a wide array of “very special” television episodes celebrating the holidays.
Unlike King’s book orDavid Cronenberg’s movie version, the series has a lighter tone.
It’s as heartwarming as any Christmas special out there.
Image via Federico Napoli
It is an unusually upbeat and optimistic episode of a series known for its dark twists of fate.
Just like any Christmas classic, it is great to watch every year.
It’s Christmastime in Sunnyvale, and all kinds of amends need to be made.
via USA Network
But at the center of the episode is the vampire Angel (David Boreanaz).
It’s a sweet, seasonal scene that could be right out of a Hallmark card.
It introduces one of the 10th Doctor’s most enduring companions – Donna Noble (Catherine Tate).
Image via CBS
While in flight, the Doctor is astonished when Donna just appears in the TARDIS wearing a wedding dress.
It seems clear Donna is involved in something weird, dangerous, and alien.
Donna and the Doctor escape and travel through time to defeat the Racnoss.
Image via BBC
Mulder talks Scully into investigating a haunted mansion whose ghosts only come out on Christmas Eve.
It’s a nice warm and fuzzy feeling, even amidst the creepiness makes it an X-Files classic.
She assures him that this could be his life if he makes the right choices.
Sadly, the happy feelings are short-lived as Lana goes into labor and rapidly begins to lose blood.
His takeaway: the key to happiness can only be secured with money and power.
He’s about to commit suicide when a ghostly bell rings, calling him back to his classroom.
Image via The WB
There he confronts the ghosts of three former students, all of whom died bravely.
Each of the students credited the professor’s teachings for inspiring them.
In the classic spirit of George Bailey and Ebeneezer Scrooge, he is redeemed and ready to embrace life.
As a result, they have to hunt down their own sacrifices.
The two hold Sam and Dean captive with plans to sacrifice them, but the boys manage to escape.
Definitely a uniquely humorous take on traditional holiday TV episodes.
image via BBC
But most distinctively, it shook up the usual Christmas special formula.
The Doctor asks for his help so that the spacecraft can land safely, which Kazran refuses to do.
It’sDoctor Whoat it’s time-wimey best, with a Dickens-worthy ending that captures the spirit of the holiday delightfully.
image via Fox Network
Keep Reading:The 10 Most Rewatchable Christmas TV Episodes, Ranked
Image via The CW
Image via CBS
Image via CW
Image via BBC
