Having read a few of the reviews I cannot understand the negative reviews.
The only initial negative point I would go along with would be the fact that they only gave this episode 1 hour. another 20 to 30 minutes could have given the story justice.
I cannot agree that the story was confusing (anyone recall the The Wedding of Riversong and The Impossible Spaceman? Now those had me confused at the first viewing). Also if you are familiar with the writing of Steven Moffatt then you must know that his skills with manipulating Time in his storyline plotting is second to none. If a series needs to keep fresh with story lines by playing with the time travel complexities that go with writing for the more demanding and sophisticated Doctor Who viewer then a writer of Moffatt's skill is a necessity.
I found it a very moving episode with humour and emotion throughout and with a little longer running time then that could have been well spent on the development of a few characters in the town called Christmas. If for no other reason than to create some emotional connection to the occupants.
A rousing finale with a very nicely acted farewell from my favourite Doctor to date a memorable emotional guest appearance and a far too short (but expected) introduction to the new Doctor.
The only other addition I would have liked to have seen would have been to see The Doctor battling a little more with his desire to live against protecting the town just to give his demise more pathos.
But remember this is a Christmas episode and a regeneration episode. I strongly believe that credit should be given to Moffatt for delivering a seasonal episode with all the elements that this traditionally requires especially in the time given.
(Of course if the length of the episode was all that Moffatt's script required then I would lay criticism at his door for not including the things above.)
Roll on season 8. I cannot wait to see how the brilliant Capaldi handles the role and writing of Moffatt.
The only initial negative point I would go along with would be the fact that they only gave this episode 1 hour. another 20 to 30 minutes could have given the story justice.
I cannot agree that the story was confusing (anyone recall the The Wedding of Riversong and The Impossible Spaceman? Now those had me confused at the first viewing). Also if you are familiar with the writing of Steven Moffatt then you must know that his skills with manipulating Time in his storyline plotting is second to none. If a series needs to keep fresh with story lines by playing with the time travel complexities that go with writing for the more demanding and sophisticated Doctor Who viewer then a writer of Moffatt's skill is a necessity.
I found it a very moving episode with humour and emotion throughout and with a little longer running time then that could have been well spent on the development of a few characters in the town called Christmas. If for no other reason than to create some emotional connection to the occupants.
A rousing finale with a very nicely acted farewell from my favourite Doctor to date a memorable emotional guest appearance and a far too short (but expected) introduction to the new Doctor.
The only other addition I would have liked to have seen would have been to see The Doctor battling a little more with his desire to live against protecting the town just to give his demise more pathos.
But remember this is a Christmas episode and a regeneration episode. I strongly believe that credit should be given to Moffatt for delivering a seasonal episode with all the elements that this traditionally requires especially in the time given.
(Of course if the length of the episode was all that Moffatt's script required then I would lay criticism at his door for not including the things above.)
Roll on season 8. I cannot wait to see how the brilliant Capaldi handles the role and writing of Moffatt.