Warbler said:
Why is Capaldi a shock? We've known for a while that he was going to be the next Doctor.
Yes, and I dug the angry glimpse in Day Of The Doctor. Just something shocking about seeing him fully.
For the most part, I was fine with the story. It did seem weird that the Timelords were so casually accepted, but not a deal breaker. I guess my main disappointment was with the rush. It felt like a two-part episode crammed into one.
Coming on the heels of Day Of The Doctor, which I thought was expertly done, this was a drag for me. I love the relationship between Clara and the Doctor the past few episodes, so I was nowhere near ready to say goodbye to it.
Loved the first few minutes of Day Of The Doctor, with Clara and the Doctor being so comfortable and familiar with each other. The scene in the Tardis discussing cocktails, the flirtatiousness, the elation at seeing each other, the scene in the museum where they hold hands when he feels fear - all of it - perfect.
Near the end, her crying her way through telling him "I never pictured you doing it" - more perfection. Now, just like that, it's all gone. There is a huge loss of opportunity in their time together, their relationship. however, that's where we are now. Whether I want it or not.
I'll certainly give the new series a few chances, but I fear that this will be a demarcation for me.