All throughout this past season of Doctor Who, there have been web exclusive prequels to each individual episode. So, with the Christmas Special simply a little over two weeks away, we will also receive not only perhaps the most important prequel yet, as it somewhat bridges the gap between the season finale and the special, but perhaps the most shocking.

Obviously, the Doctor gets himself out of this incredibly sticky situation, as the wise Time Lord always does, but just how? And, it’s seemingly confirmed that Amy and the rest of the Tardis Crew won’t be aboard for the special, meaning The Doctor will be going at it alone. Will Amy, Rory, and River ever return? That’s a question that must remain secret for now until the series seventh season returns (speculated for Fall 2012).

Doctor Who’s 2011 Christmas Special airs on BBC and BBC America on Christmas Day.