The Eleventh Hour, by Steven Moffat
And we're off! Ok, so I'm not immediately fond of the music or titles but I always did think they'd struggle to change the last one for the better. And while we're at it the in-episode music was far too loud! As much as I like Murray Gold's work I'd rather here the dialogue!
Right, that said (and I wouldn't be a-British, b-a Doctor Who fan, without a good old moan) this was a barnstorming good start for the Matt Smith/Moffat era. Series openers can be hit and miss but Smith's incarnation brings instant other-worldly appeal and edge-of-your-seat excitement to the role.
Bringing the Doctor in as the companion's "imaginary friend" was a master stroke, offering a new and interesting take on the Doctor-companion relationship that wouold appear to have good mileage for forthcoming adventures. The look and feel was refreshing too - the good-old English village green a welcome change from the London bubble of previous years.
The alien threat, albeit not always the sole focus of the episode, was decent fare - giant eyeballs chasing shape-shifting lizard/snakes, menacing things in the corner of your eye, an unnerving crack in the wall - all classic Who-style elements that Moffat does very well.
I also enjoyed the slightly more "pat on the back" stuff when the Doctor warns the Atraxi that Earth is defended. It was a long-ish sequence that can only be done in a first episode but gave Matt chance to win us over once more and set the tone for the series to come.
On this evidence it could be a thrilling few weeks ahead...
8/10
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