Ep 1. The Christmas Invasion (2005)

The Doctor Who Christmas Specials kicked off with the first of many festive adventures in 2005, with an episode titled The Christmas Invasion. Following on from the explosive finale of Series 1, the Doctor (David Tennant) has just regenerated and Rose Tyler (Billie Piper) is left to deal with the aftermath.

In this episode, Rose is still getting used to the idea of a new Doctor, and her worries are only intensified when he suddenly collapses just as the TARDIS lands on Earth. Rose is forced to seek help from her mum, Jackie Tyler (Camille Coduri), and her boyfriend, Mickey Smith (Noel Clarke), as she tries to discover what's wrong with the Doctor.

Meanwhile, Earth is under attack from a mysterious alien force. With the Doctor incapacitated, it's up to a group of soldiers led by a familiar face from the Doctor's past to defend the planet. The new Prime Minister, Harriet Jones (Penelope Wilton) also tries to rally the troops, but she quickly realizes that she is out of her depth.

As the aliens bring their invasion to London, Rose must step up and take control in the absence of the Doctor. Drawing on her experiences traveling through time and space, she uses her wits to outsmart the enemy and save the day.

The Christmas Invasion is an action-packed adventure that blends humor, drama, and sci-fi thrills. It's a pivotal episode in the Doctor Who canon, marking the start of a new era for the show with David Tennant taking over as the lead. It's also a festive treat for fans, with plenty of nods to the holiday season and some unexpected twists and turns.

The episode explores themes of loyalty, friendship, and trust, as the Doctor struggles to regain his strength and Rose must trust in her own abilities. It's a heartwarming story that celebrates the bond between the Doctor and his companions, and reminds us that even when all seems lost, there is always hope.

Overall, The Christmas Invasion is a fantastic start to the Doctor Who Christmas Specials, and a must-watch for fans of the show. With its mix of action, adventure, and emotion, it's a perfect example of why the show has become a festive tradition for millions of viewers around the world. So grab your sonic screwdriver and settle in for a slice of holiday sci-fi magic!