Today's Entertainment

2 D ecember 21 - 27, 2014 Br ainerd Dispatch By Meagan Sylvester TV Media F ans of the popular British tele- vision show "Doctor Who" have most likely been suffering from some program withdrawal after series 8 concluded in Novem- ber. Thankfully, they'll be getting some relief as the out-of-this- world program gears up for its an- nual holiday special, airing Christ- mas Day on BBC America. This year, the cherry-nosed, jolly old elf from the North Pole pays a visit to the good Doctor, but some critics are raising concerns over the show's portrayal of Father Christmas. Early previews of the Christmas-themed episode sug- gest a sneering divide between the time-traveling doctor (Peter Capaldi, "The Thick of It") and Saint Nicholas (Nick Frost, "Shaun of the Dead," 2004, "Spaced"), but showrunner Steve Moffat af- firms that the special will portray Santa Claus just as he is: a true hero of the holidays. "No, no, don't worry any par- ents who were worried about that," Moffat said about the up- coming episode, "Last Christ- mas," at the series 8 DVD launch in November. "Santa is presented, as he is in real life, as a great Christmas hero. "He actually is the real Santa," Moffat continued, talking about the casting of Frost as the sleigh- riding gift-giver. "He's been faking it up until now. For the first time, he's allowing the natural color of his beard to show through. You could figure it out, you know, Nick Frost, Nicholas Frost — you see?" As for Frost himself, the English actor and comedian couldn't be happier to ride the TARDIS. "I'm so thrilled to have been asked to guest in the 'Doctor Who' Christ- mas special, I'm such a fan of the show," he said in a news release. "The read-through was very diffi- cult for me; I wanted to keep stuff- ing my fingers into my ears and scream 'No spoilers!' Every day on set, I've had to silence my internal fanboy squeals." The special itself promises to be intriguing. In a teaser clip that un- doubtedly raises more questions than answers, Clara Oswald (Jen- na Coleman, "Emmerdale") — the Doctor's longtime companion — comes face to face with the man in the big red suit, while it appears the Doctor and Santa have been acquainted in a previous time or realm. Producers have been dili- gent so far in keeping plot details under wraps, but the festive episode will place the Doctor and his companion in a race against time when they find themselves trapped inside an Arctic base as green, slimy creatures attack them from all sides. Of course, this is where Santa steps in, as the duo calls on the big man for some help. "Doc- tor Who" episode titles have often been used as a way to allude to what goes on in any giv- en episode, and the Christmas special is no different. "Last Christmas" is especially cryptic since newspapers, entertainment websites and fan blogs have long been speculating that Coleman will depart the hit sci-fi program after this holiday chapter. The actress has remained rather mum on the subject ahead of se- ries 9, but U.K. tabloid newspaper "Daily Mirror" reported at the end of November that Oswald will re- turn for at least the first half of the new series when it airs next fall. A BBC spokesperson, however, wouldn't confirm or deny the new rumors swirling around, instead encouraging people to tune in to the show to see what transpires. "This is speculation, so we won't be commenting," the spokesperson told RadioTimes.com. "Viewers will have to watch the Christmas epi- sode to find out!" Capaldi, on the other hand, has confirmed his return as the Twelfth Doctor, and the manic Missy (Michelle Gomez, "The Acid House," 1998, "The Wedding Video," 2012) also looks like she'll be in the mix for series 9 after the stunning re- veal in the series 8 finale. Talk of series 9 is already heating up, and with filming slated to get un- derway in January, some other de- tails have already emerged. For the first time since 2008, and for only the fourth time in "Doctor Who's" 50- year history on the small screen, a woman will be writing an episode for the sci-fi drama. British TV news and review website "Cultbox" first reported that Catherine Tregenna, who has written four episodes for the "Doctor Who" spinoff series "Torchwood," will be penning at least one episode for series 9. The holiday season is always a joyous time, and for fans of cult clas- sic "Doctor Who," that statement rings doubly true. After a series 8 that saw the "Whoniverse's" popularity skyrocket on BBC America — with its first episode becoming the high- est-rated season premiere ever on the network — "Whovian" with- drawal is starting to set in. Thankful- ly, relief is on the horizon as the oth- erworldly program gears up for its annual holiday special, titled "Last Christmas," airing Christmas Day on BBC America. Otherworldly Christmas The good Doctor returns for annual holiday special Cover Story this week Nick Frost and Peter Capaldi as seen in the "Doctor Who" Christmas special 7788 Fairview Rd, Baxter 218-829-1739 Like us on Facebook to receive info and specials at Baxter Country Kitchen www.baxtercountrykitchen.com Guest Check on guest checks totaling $18.00 or more (Before Tax) Coupon Exp. 1/7/15 Not valid with any other offers or discounts. One coupon per table, per person, per visit. No cash value. Customer pays all applicable sales tax. Valid at Baxter location only. Off $ 3.00 rson, per visit. , p The Original Country Boy Burger! IS BACK! REAL Cappaccino, Latte & Hot Cocoa $ 1.00 COUNTRY CREPES Not valid with any other offers or discounts. One coupon per table, per person, per visit. No cash value. Customer pays all applicable sales tax. Valid at Baxter location only. erson, per visit. , p Coupon Exp. 1/7/15 Off oy Stop In & Have One! 001173797r1 "Your One-Stop, Locally-Owned Medical Supply Company." 206 W. Washington, Tyrol Hills Center Brainerd (218)829-2100 BRAINERD MEDICAL SUPPLY We Process Medical Assistance, Blue Cross, Medicare and Most insurance. 24 Hour Emergency Oxygen Service Remember: If you haven't purchased your diabetic shoes now's the time before the end of the year! Certified fitters on hand. GREAT HOLIDAY GIFTS Valid With Coupon. CASH sales only. No other discounts apply. Expires Dec. 24, 2014 PRIDE LIFT CHAIRS Valuable Coupon $75.00 OFF NICE SELECTION OF COLORS AND STYLES With Serta's Premium cool action memory foam Valid With Coupon. CASH sales only. No other discounts apply. Expires Dec. 24, 2014 NEW! DR. COMFORT BOOTS AND SLIPPERS Valuable Coupon EXCEPTIONAL COMFORT AND STYLES Free delivery in our service area 8-5:30pm M-F, 9-12 001174078r1 NOW 10% OFF AND STYLES NOW 10% OFF NOW 10% OFF

• Cover