Although arguably he comes across as a tad two dimensional, and lacks more development which I can only assume Moffat will focus on more in later stories. A result of being afforded a superior introduction and overall better material to work with than what Noel Clarke was lumbered with.

Although Rory is arguably too similar to RTD's Mickey Smith he never the less Arthur Darvill plays his part well and puts in a splendidly anxious and craven performance as the apprehensive Rory who manages to be likable. The performances overall though are mostly very good with Gillen making an instant impression as Amy who portrays the necessary blend of feisty determination, independence and charisma well. And the energy and pace never slows down although ultimately things begin to drag towards the episodes conclusion once the dust has settled. Never the less, the special effects and set design is exemplary and Moffats script as usual has contains some beautiful dialogue, witty one liners that his cast are gifted with and is littered with wonderful tech no babble and continuity references that die hard fans will relish. The pace of the episode gallops at a quick pace but with so much going on its easy to get confused when there is so much going on which can be tasking.

The all too less than subtle hints at a potential romance being highlighted by an all too hormonal reaction by Gillen's Amy when she witnesses the eleventh personae of the good Doctor disrobe. His character and personality eerily reminiscent of the more cowardly, moronic Mickey Smith which leads me to suspect that another Rose/Mickey/Doctor dynamic is going to be thrown once again in to the works. However, the inclusion of Amy's fiancé Rory who rather coincidentally works in a hospital with patients who partially add to the plot, has too much of a sense of 'been there seen it' about it. Which in its context and like TGITFP puts a nice emotional spin to proceedings. Also borrowing elements from series twos 'The Girl in the Fireplace' Amy is unique among past companions in that her initial introduction to the Doctor occurs when she is a seven year old girl. An alien, criminal fugitive is hiding out on Earth where it is being hunted by a largely unseen horde of intergalactic police called the Atraxi. It's basic premise and the overall plot is slightly too reminiscent of series three's 'Smith and Jones' which in it self was a new series opener. One of the main drawbacks of Moffats opening episode is it suffers from a case of been there, seen that. But for all that the story overall falters on some accounts. And no doubt while these aspects will leave fans old and new divided they for my money are fairly effective. With its new opening titles sequence and a more ominous fresh take on Ron Graniers classic theme tune practically everything comes with a new sheen. What with the task of introducing for all intents and purposes a new protagonist in Matt Smiths eleventh incarnation, a brand new companion in Karen Gillens fiery and beautiful Amy Pond, a new TARDIS interior design and sonic screwdriver it's safe to say he had a lot on his plate. As it happens The is a fun if ultimately underwhelming opening to the latest series although given the demand put upon him to deliver so much within its first story which is fresh and knew I could be willing to forgive its imperfections. This is the man after all who gave us the inspired and ingenious 'Blink' and has overall written some of the stronger scripts. Considering as well that Matt Smith is also not only the man writing the story but the new executive producer you could argue that he has higher expectations from fans from the show. 'The Eleventh Hour', clearly a reference to actor Matt Smiths first televisual hour and his standing as eleventh official actor to play the Time Lord, has clear ambitions. After over a long year wait and after all the on going hype surrounding the latest actor to step in to one of the most iconic roles in Television history, series 5 of 'Doctor Who' opened with this opening story.

Doctor who season 5