Good actually

Ok, firstly, apologies for the Richard Curtis headline pun, couldn't possibly resist.

The Rom Com specialist added a star name to this year's writing crew and certainly lived up to his big billing in my book, adding yet more variety to this glorious pick and mix of a series.

The underlying story - of an invisible monster seen only by Van Gogh which was actually left behind and alone and scared - wasn't exactly ground breaking but added a sound base for some fantastic character-led screen time.

The Doctor and Amy were once again on top form, dovetailing well for comic effect in a formidable double act. Vincent meanwhile was a brave portrayal of a complex and slightly sad figure from history. It was brave in the sense that this was someone troubled with mental health issues, not easy for a 45 minute family TV romp. It was handled perfectly and well played by Tony Curran, adding depth to the tale that complemented the fun the story's principal trio enjoyed.

It was that touching combination of fun and emotional depth that made this such a good watch. I loved the bit where the Doctor, Amy and Vincent laid on the ground and watched the sky as it turned into the famous Starry Night - and the heartwarming ending - showing Vincent how loved he was to become, worked well without drifting into soppy.

The beginning and end also brought a cracking cameo from that old Richard Curtis favourite Bill Nighy, an understated but glorious little starring role.

This week may have evoked memories of Tom Baker's gallery visit in City of Death but the educational aspect this week also took us straight back to the early days of Hartnell - and the aim to educate. In fact its just one of a few ways Hartnell's days in the Tardis have been brought back to life for me - an other-worldy portrayal of the Doctor, a clutch of wildly different stories (people forget under Hartnell was where Who was at its most experimental, eg Gunfighters through to Web Planet to Inside the Spaceship) and now a strong educational under-current.

Hats off to everyone involved in this one, it was funny, interesting, well scripted and acted, beautifully set (what an advert for Croatia this and Vampires have been!!) and downright entertaining.

9/10