Watch The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe

The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe is a British science fiction television episode of the popular series Doctor Who. Created by writer and executive producer Steven Moffat, the episode first aired on BBC One on December 25, 2011, as part of the show's seventh series (eleven in the British numbering system). The episode stars Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor, alongside guest stars Claire Skinner and Alexander Armstrong. The episode takes place during the Christmas season, and has been praised for its balance of humor, adventure, and heart.

The episode opens with the Doctor escaping from a spaceship on a motorcycle, only to end up crashing into a tree on Earth. He is rescued by Madge Arwell (Skinner), a widow who is struggling to keep her children Cyril and Lily happy during the holiday season. The Doctor quickly realizes that he is in England during the 1940s, and offers to help Madge's family by taking them to a magical planet he calls "Androzani Major." As they travel deeper into the forest, they come across a strange house that seems to belong to a wealthy family that has been mysteriously missing for years.

Inside the house, the Doctor and Madge discover that the family has been trapped within a magical wardrobe that has transported them to a strange, snowy world full of menacing trees and deadly creatures. The Doctor soon figures out that the wardrobe planet is actually a spaceship that has crashed on Earth, and that the trees are in fact an alien race trying to rebuild their ship. He and Madge must work together to rescue the family from the wardrobe and help the alien race return home.

The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe has been praised for its strong story, excellent performances, and spectacular visual effects. The episode features several standout scenes, including an exciting motorcycle chase and a tense confrontation between the Doctor and the alien leader. The episode has also been noted for its emotional heart, particularly with regards to Madge's struggle as a single mother trying to give her children a happy holiday season.

One of the highlights of the episode is the performance from Skinner as Madge, who brings a depth and compassion to her character that makes her a very relatable figure. Meanwhile, Smith continues to impress as the Doctor, mixing humor and eccentricity with a sense of gravity and compassion. Armstrong also shines as Reg Arwell, Madge's husband and a key player in the episode's emotional climax.

The special effects in the episode are genuinely impressive, particularly when it comes to the wardrobe planet itself. The snowy landscape, menacing trees, and glowing lights all give the episode a magical, otherworldly feel. The production values are top-notch throughout, with the episode's 1940s setting adding to its charm and sense of adventure.

Overall, The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe is a standout episode of Doctor Who, and one that is particularly well-suited to the holiday season. With its strong story, memorable characters, and excellent production values, it stands as a testament to the show's continued popularity and appeal.