Well, I gave up on the Eighth Doctor audios and such. Instead, I've gone back and started watching the show from the beginning (I'm partway through the last serial of season 1 right now). I did, however, get a chance to check out the new episode over the weekend after it aired.
Impressions:
- Story was a bit all over the place, but this episode was more about the new Doctor finding out who he is and taking us along with him. I can forgive it for this episode.
- Matt Smith = freakin' AMAZING! I was skeptical, especially after how awesome Tennant was, but damn if he didn't exceed every one of my expectations. I'm really looking forward to seeing him in action over the course of the next few years.
- Karen Gillan as Amy Pond = super hot, and a nice feisty personality that isn't outright bitchy like Donna was (I know people liked Donna, but, well, I didn't).
- New TARDIS = MUCH improved over the last one. Some people have been complaining that it's over-the-top, but the way I see it, it's the second time (after the atricous TV movie) that they've really taken advantage of the "It's bigger on the inside!" idea (bearing in mind that I haven't seen seasons 2-26, so I could be wrong on that). I like it a lot.
- New Sonic Screwdriver = I was really hoping he wouldn't get a new one after his was broken. It better not become as overused as it was in the Eccleston/Tennant era. I do like the design, though, and green is my favorite color.
- Ten Doctors Hologram = awesome, if very fan-service-y.
All in all, I was more entertained by this than nearly any episode of series 4. I'm excited about where this will go!
Also, the CGI didn't bother me too much. Sure, it wasn't perfect, but none of the CGI in the last 4 series was any better IMO.