Tread Merrily begins with the Doctor Who Christmas special "The Return of Doctor Mysterio."
While investigating a potential alien invasion, The Doctor discovers a boy he met years earlier is using his accidental superpowers to become a real-life superhero. But "The Ghost" leads a complicated civilian life that is now intruding on his costumed one as the invasion, The Doctor, and the woman he secretly loves all join him for Christmas Eve Day. Will The Doctor foil the aliens? Will "The Ghost" unmask himself in front of the smart reporter he fancies? Will we remember the events of this episode in a year?
Erik forgets to check his mic, leading to crackly audio throughout. Both he and Justin struggle to remember the plot and stay on task as the special is, to quote another Doctor Who showrunner, "standard." Erik vaguely recalls it ended a particular year without Doctor Who, but forgot Nardole is the companion. Justin notes the two emotional arcs of the story do not intersect. He also learns the 2025 Gallifrey One guest list. The Berlantiverse influence on the tale is obvious. The Child Compressor makes its annual Xmas pitch. Wavering Scottish accents occur. Justin defends the work of Matt Lucas. Dragonball Evolution gets remembered and Erik continues to develop his Doctor Who version of It's a Wonderful Life.
