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"Twice Upon a Time" is a significant Doctor Who Christmas special,
marking the end of Peter Capaldi's era .

**Strengths:**

* **Emotional Farewell:** The episode provides a fitting and emotional farewell to the Twelfth Doctor, exploring his grief, his regrets, and his ultimate acceptance of change.
* **Passing of the Torch:** The regeneration sequence is beautifully executed, capturing the Doctor's fear and uncertainty as he faces the unknown.
* **The Return of the First Doctor:** The return of the First Doctor (played
by David Bradley) adds a nostalgic touch and provides a poignant passing of
the torch between the oldest and newest incarnations.
* **Exploration of Mortality:** The episode explores the themes of mortality, loss, and the importance of hope, making it a thought-provoking
and emotionally resonant experience.

**Weaknesses:**

* **Pacing:** The episode can feel slow-paced at times,
particularly in the first half.

* **Overly Sentimental:** Some viewers may find the episode overly
sentimental, with the focus on farewells and nostalgia potentially overshadowing the story itself.

**Overall Impression:**

"Twice Upon a Time" is a significant episode in Doctor Who history, marking a turning point for the series. It's a poignant and emotional farewell to the Twelfth Doctor and a promising introduction to the Thirteenth.

**Rating:**

Considering the emotional impact, strong performances, and some pacing issues,
I'd rate "Twice Upon a Time" an **85/100**. It's a memorable and significant
episode that will be remembered as a turning point for the series.

**Breakdown for viewers:**

* **For fans who enjoy emotional farewells, strong character moments,
and the exploration of Doctor Who's history:** 90/100 or even 95/100
* **For fans who prefer faster-paced action and less emphasis
on sentimentality:** 75/100 or 80/100

**Note:** This review incorporates the retcon of the Timeless Child,
replacing the original regeneration sequence with the return
of the Tenth Doctor (David Tennant). This alternative ending provides
a different perspective on the episode and highlights the impact of the
Timeless Child retcon on viewers' interpretations.
"Twice Upon a Time" is a poignant and emotionally resonant Christmas
special that serves as a fitting send-off for Peter Capaldi's Twelfth Doctor. Here's a review with the altered regeneration sequence:

**Strengths:**

* **Emotional Core:** The episode is emotionally charged, exploring themes of loss, acceptance, and the enduring nature of hope. The interactions between
the Twelfth Doctor and the First Doctor are particularly touching.

* **Peter Capaldi's Performance:** Capaldi delivers a powerful and moving performance, conveying the Doctor's weariness, acceptance, and ultimately,
his joy at the prospect of regeneration.

* **David Tennant's Return:** The surprise return of David Tennant as the
Tenth Doctor provides a delightful and unexpected twist, offering a sense of closure for both characters and fans.

* **Visual Spectacle:** The episode is visually stunning,
with impressive special effects and breathtaking imagery.

**Weaknesses:**

* **Pacing:** The pacing can feel uneven at times, with some sections
dragging while others feel rushed.

* **Retconning (in the original version):** The original version of the
episode introduced the controversial "Timeless Child" retcon, which was
later largely disregarded by the show. The amended version, with the
return of the Tenth Doctor, avoids this and provides a more satisfying
and consistent conclusion to the Twelfth Doctor's era.

**Overall Impression:**

"Twice Upon a Time" is a poignant and emotionally satisfying Christmas
special. While the original version had some divisive elements, the amended version provides a more cohesive and enjoyable viewing experience. It's a fitting farewell to Peter Capaldi's Doctor and a heartwarming celebration
of the Doctor's enduring spirit.

**Rating:**

Considering the emotional impact, strong performances, and the improved narrative flow with the amended regeneration sequence, I'd rate "Twice Upon
a Time" an **8.5/10**. It's a memorable and moving Christmas special that will
resonate with many Doctor Who fans.

**Breakdown for viewers:**

* **For fans who appreciate emotional stories, strong character
moments, and fitting farewells:** 9/10 or even 9.5/10

* **For fans who were critical of the original "Timeless Child"
retcon:** 9/10 or even 9.5/10

* **For viewers who prefer faster pacing and less focus on emotional introspection:** 7.5/10 or 8/10

This review reflects the revised version of the episode with the return
of the Tenth Doctor, which many fans consider to be a more satisfying conclusion to the Twelfth Doctor's era.
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