Doctor Who: All 40 Steven Moffat Episodes Ranked From Worst To Best

Yes, the loose ends in the Eleventh Doctor's story arc - stretching all the way back to his very first episode - are explained away as if with an all too familiar swish of his sonic screwdriver. Yes, there may be too many villains chucked in at the expense of an original storyline.

Nevertheless, Matt Smith’s swan song is an enjoyable extravaganza of pure festive frivolity. And no, it's not the traditional tot of sherry at Christmas talking.

That Tasha Lem is such a tease not only towards the Doctor but also us in saying that "If you speak your name, the Time Lords will return", thus "the Time War will begin anew".

Ok, admittedly that bit was written with fanboy indulgence in mind and also having watched the sugar rush spectacle that is Avengers: Infinity War numerous times. Yes, perhaps the sherry is taking effect now.

However, the Doctor’s heroic peacekeeping endeavours narrated in fairytale fashion by Tasha, is more of a thematically befitting send-off for Smith as it reflected his overall era. That aspect is quintessentially captured by the children’s countless hand-drawn pictures of the Doctor fighting monsters and of his many adventures he regaled them with.

Smith gives it everything before Eleven’s hour is over. His tenderness towards Handles is similar to the affection Chuck Noland has for Wilson in Cast Away. He’s infectiously comical doing the inelegant yet entertaining drunk giraffe dance, and his Doctor will always be remembered as he bids an emotionally meaningful farewell.