It was big on the whimsy and sentiment, and shoddy on the science -- but Matt Smith has really proved his doctorial mettle

When “Doctor Who” can make me cry, I know it's been a good episode

At least Matt Smith is showing some vulnerability

Smith's Doctor is proving to be a man who is a little more easily unnerved than previous Doctors

Plus, Alex Kingston returns as River Song, (Kingston) who just may or may not be the Doctor’s wife somewhere in his future

New 'Doctor Who' Matt Smith acquits himself admirably, as does showrunner Steven Moffat -- but the villains could use some work