Abyss of the Spider Woman (Chasing “The Runaway Bride”)

When companions go, sometimes it’s sad (brave heart, Tegan), sometimes it’s bittersweet (London, 1965!), and sometimes it’s a nonevent (Dodo who?). But the heartbreaking departure of Rose in Doomsday is on another level altogether, and it simply requires repercussions. Those shockwaves are front and center in The Runaway Bride, yet somehow the story ends up being one of the most fun in the entire series. That’s thanks in no small part to the brilliant comedic banter between David Tennant and Catherine Tate — a pairing that works so well that the duo will return as series leads full time in 2023. Seeing the genesis of that relationship makes a rewatch of Bride feel like Christmas morning all over again, and you also get some great stocking stuffers: a visually breathtaking giant spider lady and some never-before-seen TARDIS maneuvering. Set coordinates for December 25, 2006, and pass the eggnog.

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Story Essentials:

• 2006 Christmas Special

• Story number: 181, per the The Pull To Open Codex

• Production Code: 3.X

• Writer: Russell T Davies

• Showrunner: Russell T Davies

• Aired 25 December 2006

Pull To Open: The Runaway Bride

• Season 3

• Episode 33

Hosts: Pete Pachal and Chris Taylor

Feedback loop and interlude music: Martin West/Thinking Fish

Outro music: Chronos by Alexander Nakarada