Matt Smith’s Doctor is known for being a few notches higher on the Bonkers Scale than his predecessors, a measure that arguably reaches its peak in The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe. His captivating antics early in this story — where he takes a London family on a tour of a country manor that he’s upgraded with with playrooms, hammocks and taps that spout lemonade — underscore the 11th Doctor’s “mad man in a box” appeal, and set the stage for a emotional story with surprising weight. The script almost blows it, though, but, as we discuss, showrunner Steven Moffat adds a key ingredient to perfect this pleasing Christmas treat. Hint: It’s not the wood.

Play Pull To Open Bingo!

Rate and review Pull To Open on Apple Podcasts!

Follow us on:

Story Essentials

Pull To Open: The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe

Hosts: Pete Pachal and Chris Taylor

Feedback loop and interlude music: Martin West/Thinking Fish

Outro music: Chronos by Alexander Nakarada