[Thessair]

Opinion time:

I'm just going to spoiler this whole thing, to avoid ruining anything for folks who haven't seen it yet. Read at your own risk.

The new theme is awful and, despite seeming universal internet love, I am not a fan of the titles, either. They're more Alice in Wonderland than Doctor Who to me. Capaldi is brilliant, once he gets to stop being Matt and be his own Doctor. He really looked to settle in around the 'That's the wrong question' bit.

Jenna gives a great performance and Clara seems to improve as series eight progresses. It's shame she's getting shuffled off, because her chemistry with 12 is some of the best stuff I've seen since Who came back, even when having to contend with Moffat's pen.

I am generally a fan of the Pasternoster Gang, but it seems they've simply become caricatures of themselves now. Nothing against the actors, really, they're good at what they have to do but the inneundo was a little heavy-handed and the slapstick comedy (bonk! and the paper) were a poor fit for the rest of the tone of episode.

I know a lot of folks seem to hate it and it was likely put into to address the whining 'He's OOOOOOLLLLD' contingent, but I loved the Matt scene. He, too, seemed at his best when he had a moment to just act, without all the wackiness.

As for the story, the tie-in to Girl in the Fireplace seemed completely unnecessary and it almost feels as if Moffat is just writing generic dialogue between his two shows. Large chunks of the conversation in the restaurant could have been shifted over to Sherlock without changing a word. That scene works, but it's thanks to the actors and not the writing.

Also, the end credits were nicely done, I thought.

All in all, if I was simply rating the story it'd be about 4.5/10. The acting, though, was mostly superb so that really elevates things. I'd probably settle it all in around a 7.5 or 8, if I really pad the figures from the cast. It's more of Moffat's Who. If you like his run, you'll probably be thrilled. I'm just weary of it. With Capaldi, we've got enough of a change injected to carry me through until Moffat leaves. Unfortunately, that means I have all of 9 to get through as well.

(I'm still so bummed Jenna is going after this series. )