EPILOGUE ASCENSION TV SHOW SERIES

Thankfully, Moffat addresses this issue with the sensible, simple explanation that, unaware of the events of “The Time of the Doctor,” River is not expecting any Doctor to exist, after Eleven. A running joke where the Doctor is constantly interrupted before he can tell River his true identity is one thing River not realizing the Doctor as her husband – – despite his constant questioning and knowing references to their shared past – – is another, particularly when it is revealed that she knows the Doctor is in the area, and that she is actively looking for him. Yes, there seem to be moments that strain credulity. There is inherent humor in the Doctor being jealous of River’s other husbands, in River not recognizing the Doctor, and in River seemingly willing to murder or endanger each of her “husbands.” Moffat intentionally writes with the audience’s foreknowledge in mind, filling the first half of the episode with witty banter and lively dialogue that plunders each situation for maximum effect. Thankfully, rather than relying on puns, or pratfalls and physical humor, Moffat mines his Coupling past and fills the special with situational comedy. “The Husbands of River Song” is Moffat’s most bitingly funny Doctor Who script.

EPILOGUE ASCENSION TV SHOW SERIES

In meeting all of these challenges, Moffat crafted one of his best scripts to date, which not only works as a Christmas special, but also as the perfect epilogue to Series 9. Finally, River Song needed to be included in a way that furthered her character development, without conflicting with her fairly complete narrative. Additionally, with the premiere of Series 10 nowhere in sight, the story had to stand alone.

The episode needed to be light-hearted, yet involve a Doctor still affected by Clara’s bittersweet exit. Obviously, being a Christmas special, the episode had to appeal to a wider audience than normal, including children distracted by new toys, and casual viewers who perhaps hadn’t seen Series 9.

In writing “The Husbands of River Song,” Steven Moffat faced several challenges. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on Reddit Share on WhatsApp Share on E-mailĬlint Hassell gives his verdict on this year’s festive special.

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