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I like the way they handled 14's confusion throughout the episode. Watching Capaldi work out his new identity while integrating the old Doctors was a treat.

Those clockwork cyborgs from prehistory were certainly creepy enough. I did feel a little bad for Ms. Dinosaur.

Clara's reaction to the new Doctor was understandable, if not entirely fair to the Doctor. Vastra's object lesson about appearances was the right thing to do.

I'm not sure I liked Matt Smith's return, even as a cameo. Let Capaldi do his thing, and let Smith's Doctor gracefully retire.

Funniest bits all involve Strax. I had to laugh hardest when he threw the newspaper at Clara and it clocked her in the face. Who knew Strax was a genius of physical comedy?

First big question: Did the cyborg jump from the balloon, or did the Doctor push him? I love that they left it ambiguous, and it's something we'll have to find out as Capaldi and Moffat develop his character.

Second: What's up with the whole Paradise deal? I don't believe for a second it's really heaven, as that woman said it was. Also, that woman is seriously creepy -- creepier than those cyborgs. Even her eyes are a creepy sort of blue. I watched the after show, and Alton Brown (yes, that Alton Brown) said she could be the personification of a TARDIS, while I believe Wil Wheaton said she could be the Master.

Anyway, on to Episode 2.

The After Show pissed me off...well, besides the fact that Hardwick forgot several Doctors in the pre-show. No one theorized that she could be the Rani (a rather evil rogue Time Lady) or even one of the Guardians of Time. I felt like for all their Whoovian-Creds, they don't know the Lore as well as I do.

I wasn't thrilled with the season opener, but then a coworker explained to me where the clockwork cyborgs came from (the Madame DePompadour episode) and that improved my general opinion. Regardless, I love Capaldi and Coleman's chemistry and I'm looking forward to the rest of the season.
@Arte: The pre and post shows were just stupid. Why couldn't they show the Strax short which was in the theaters?
My coworker also put a vote in for the Rani. He's watched far more Dr Who than me. I countered with the wild theory that maybe Clara will become the Rani in the future. She might not be entirely human after the events at Trenzalore.
Its an asspull I admit, especially since I've only heard about the Rani online. I've never had a chance to watch an episode with her in it. Is she a foe of the Third or Fourth doctor?