Ghostbones, i'd like to refer you to your own signature: "If you don't like it, why are you watching it then?" -Joey Deacon
It was an off-hand remark made by someone who neither knew Conan Doyle nor the inspiration behind his stories. It was a joke for the audience given by a character with no real knowledge; it certainly doesn't contradict my beloved NAs.
This is bugging the crap out of me. The explanation was so vague; I hope we learn more about how Strax returned from the dead...did Rory do it? Vastra, Jenny, and Strax were with the Doctor when he lost Amy before. Maybe having them around is the next best thing to being with the Ponds, if only vaguely.
I enjoyed it. As a ASOIAF fan, I giggled every time the words "Winter is Coming" were uttered. I think that Smith and the new companion have great chemistry. I put it into the "jolly good time" category. Strax was my favorite. Grenades! I found the whole saga of River Song to be tiring and off putting. I am optimistic about the new season.
"I'll see your two Amys & raise you three Claras" I'm actually very glad its Vastra & Co. after AGMGTW. I think it opens up more story options that having the Doctor meeting them before Strax "died", earlier in their timelines. Maybe River still had some regeneration energy for Strax? And Strax probably doesn't think of himself as their butler. They likely give him the idea he's a mercenary or something, just to keep his interest. "She said to give you a box of grenades". Also, Richard E. Grant isn't quite "lick the mirror handsome" anymore, is he?
Loved it, absolutely loved every second (with the possible exception of all the Doctor Who?s.) Great new title music and fab titles, just wonderful, and we get his face in them, yay!! Love the new Tardis console (although am I alone in finding the spinning rings above the time rotor somewhat reminiscent of the Event Horizon's engine?) Loved that Grant reined himself in and made Simeon quite creepy, and whilst it was a bit of a "Love conquers all" ending, it made more sense than usual given the salt/snow combo. Loved the tie in to the 2nd Doctor, and Vastra Jenny and especially Strax really need a spin off show. Strax stole every scene he was in, so many hilarious lines clara...hmm. I liked her, liked her a lot, but oddly I think I prefered her as Oswin, so we'll just have to see what present day Clara is like. And yes she is gorgeous but...well personally I'm a little in love with Jenny, such a shame I'm not her type I should point out that smith was great, but really that goes without saying. One major problem of course...they hired the wrong Silent witness cast member!!
Is your criteria for worst episode based on how recent it is? Even if you don't like any new Who episodes, you'd have to concede that there are worse episodes than that one.