I just finishing watching the latest incarnation of Dr. Who. I am not sure how much I like Smith in the role of 'John Smith' yet, but he is much better than I was afraid he might me. Time will tell if he can match Tennant, or heaven forfend, Tom Baker. I like the new Tardis and the Spoiler:  (Select to view)
and I am completely smitten with Karen Gillan as the latest companion, Amy Pond. Red hair and freckles with a cute accent does it everytime.    And the series trailer at the end of the episode left me hopeful with anticipation. 

I absolutely loathe the new opening titles however. The look like something made for an late 80s American action program with tacky music to match. 

Got to agree with bob9000 as well on most things.

As someone said to me elsewhere, it often takes a few episodes to get the new cast up to their full potential so I'll certainly give them a few episodes to see how good they'll be.

Quoting bob9000:

Quote:

I absolutely loathe the new opening titles however. The look like something made for an late 80s American action program with tacky music to match. 

Definitely agree with this. IMHO, they've varied the traditional theme far too much this time.

It may be the titles were just for that episode since the tardis was going haywire - lets see if they actually use the same for the rest of the episodes..

And I always thought Mat Smith looked weird when I first saw pictures of him.. which fits exactly with what he is supposed to be.

ANd what a relief to find the first episode complicated enough for me to need to see it a 2nd time.. 

I wasn't expecting to like Smith at all and was pleasantly surprised.

Personally, I felt he did an excellent job of mimicking David Tennant as the episode started...but I felt as it progressed he managed to insert some new idiosyncrasies and personal touches as he adjusted to his new body.

I also thought the trailers for the series looked amazing.

Thought Amy Pond was very likeable - but certainly no Rose Tyler!

Over the past six days I watched Doctor Who Series 2, 3, 4, the 2009 Specials, Series 5 Episode 1 and Doctor Who Confidential for Series 1 and 2.

Ironically the first thing I noticed about the new series was that the TARDIS doors opened outwards which I can't remember the ever doing before. The plot seemed pretty straight-forward, I can't say there were any surprises for me (e.g. that the Doctor isn't the most punctual man has been proven time and time again [e.g. when he brought Rose home for the first time in Aliens of London; The Girl in the Fireplace]; that he challenges his enemies to look him up [e.g. Forest of the Dead]).

Even the threat that silence is descending isn't a surprise - they need a plot for the season finale.


But I like both characters so far - i.e. I'm willing to give them a chance -, I'm just wondering if we will see any of the old characters ever again (With the exception of Professor River Song who was in the series preview).

Quoting Ken Cole:

Quote:
Sucks to be where I am - the new season doesn't start for another 2 weeks here. 

Do what I did: download it!    I couldn't handle the wait.

I just finished watching the episode a few minutes ago and loved every second of it.  I came into the episode with an open mind on Matt Smith, so I was willing to give him a chance.  I liked his interpretation of the character.  Although a bit similar to Tennant's Doctor, he lacked the main I disliked about Ten (the unbearable self-righteousness when he would give a speech).  I am also a huge fan of Steven Moffat's work on Coupling and Jekyll, as well as his scripts for Doctor Who.

And I am with bob9000 on Karen Gillan.  Instant crush. 

Don't know of any channels that broadcast it here so I will have to wait for the DVDs, as usual...

(Or is it done in HD now? Time to get blu-rays instead.)

So Episode 2 impressions: Still digging the production designs, still loving Amy Pond, still not sure about the new Doctor and still not liking the opening, although they seemed a bit toned down from last week...or maybe I am imagining the last bit.

It is still Who though so I am still enjoying it much as I have since getting hooked on those late night Saturday broadcasts on PBS as a kid.