Christmas Invasion Reviews

Several reviews of The Christmas Invasion have now appeared, thanks to this week's press screenings:

TV Zone says that "Most of the overtly Christmassy elements appear in the first half of the story, as the vanguard of an alien invasion force dons various festive disguises to attack the Doctor's companion Rose Tyler (Billie Piper) ... Later on, the more obvious Christmas trappings vanish in favour of more subtle (though equally seasonal) themes of peace and rebirth; there are a few none-too-subtle jibes at the British government's foreign policy in there too, as Prime Minister Harriet Jones refuses to kow-tow to American demands to attack the alien spaceship. In retrospect, the Americans might've been right; the Sycorax are a savage bunch, given to trials by combat and indiscriminate murder, and poor Rose isn't really up to the task of taking them on without the Doctor's help. ... It's hard to believe the Christmas Special only lasts an hour; it manages to pack a feature film's worth of incident into its short running time, with visuals to match. There are one or two moments when the effects waver a little, but on the whole, this blockbuster TV movie is a worthy substitute for the traditional Christmas film – certainly, the sight of the Sycorax battleship looming over Nelson's column easily beats watching yet another bloody wedding in Albert Square..."

Heat magazine gives the Christmas Invasion 5 Stars and list it at number 2 in their terrestrial 20 Best TV Shows chart (at number 1 is Eastenders on Christmas Day). Heat also has an interview with David Tennant: "I just laughed," he said about getting the role. "I found it hilarious and impossible. And I remember [Dr Who writer exec producer] Russell T Davies very perceptively saying: 'Don't say anything now. I know the experience is quite a weird one.' But it's such a great job. I get to play a Time Lord and have a TARDIS. You can't knock that. ... Every time the Doctor goes through the regeneration process, he changes to an extent. So you get a blank canvas where you don't have to worry too much about what has gone before. Viewers are going to see a slightly more no-nonsense Doctor, influenced by what Chris [Eccleston] did with him. He's less indulgent and more ruthless. ... I opted for a scruffier-style suit. It's more what you'd expect to see a student sporting than a college professor. And inevitably the look is influenced by the sort of things I like wearing. ... The Christmas episode is a new start for the Doctor and Rose. They've got to rediscover each other and decipher whether they still feel the same. Despite the new face, he's fundamentally the same bloke and still has a huge amount of affection for her. However, the Doctor's outlook on life has changed as has the way he tackles situations. I think he's just hoping Rose can accept the changes and they can pick up where they left off. ... It's watched by groups you wouldn't expect to be huge Doctor Who fans. I'm continually surprised by the number of trendy teenage girls and middle-aged mums who come up to talk to me and who genuinely love the show. That's what 's extraordinary and unique about it. I doubt I'll ever do anything that attracts such a varied audience again."

Star magazine gives it 5 stars and comments: "Billie Piper is joined by new co-star David Tennant in this special. He's great casting, make no mistake. And sure to make a few ladies feel a bit unnecessary. TV is awash with strangely sexy men these days... Tennant, David Walliams, Chris Evans (we jest). Anyway, the plot: Mickey and Jackie get the shock of their lives when the TARDIS appears - and Rose steps out with a stranger. Disorientated, this new fella - the new Doctor - passes out. They leave him convalescing in bed, and head out to Christmas shop, but Mickey and Rose are attack§ed by a brass band of masked Santas. The usual, really, with a festive seasoning of extra campery."

Reveal magazine also gives the Christmas Invasion 5 stars. "The Doctor takes Rose home for the festive season, but the regeneration process has taken its toll and he ends up unconscious. Will he wake in time to save the planet from sinister Santas and killer Christmas trees?"

In Closer magazine, Jason Arnopp writes of its main Christmas Day TV pick: "Doctor Who's back for a one-off special - and it's the first episode with David Tennant as the Doc. When the last series finished, we saw Christopher Eccleston regenerate into David Tennant. In last month's Children in Need special mini-episode, Rose (Billie Piper) was struggling to come to terms with the Doctor having changed face and most of his personality. This full-length instalment sees them crash-land the TARDIS into the London council estate where Rose lives. The Doctor chirpily wishes onlookers a Merry Christmas, then keels over. While he's bed-ridden, there's a gloriously silly Yuletide-themed alien assault, complete with sinister Santa impersonators, a deadly Christmas tree that attacks Rose's mum Jackie and the return of Penelope Wilton's character Harriet Jones. Prepare to be enthralled."