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 From: doctor@doctor.nl2k.ab.ca 
  
 "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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