[PTeppic]

I thought it was reasonably good: not brilliant (but there's a Stephen Moffatt double later, so I'm expecting better) but good for the season opener. As you say, whilst the reappearance later in the series may be all over the press previews, it looks like it may be drip-fed to us within the episodes. A la "Harold Saxon" and "Bad Wolf". It worked quite well having "monsters" which weren't - they were just innocent creatures wanting to get on in the world. And some fair CGI, though quirky animated features: dancing, waving etc. including some personalities starting to break through. Donna wasn't overly obnoxious for most of the episode - so she may not be too bad. As already said, she's that little bit older than Rose/Martha so can operate as an equal and not a love-struck junior, whilst still providing the face to deliver the explanations to... I liked the half-given description the Doctor realised he was giving to an empty Tardis.

So - do we think reference to the Shadow Proclamation was a nod backwards, or forwards?

PS. To the producers: an astronomer wouldn't have a great big white tube-light... the whole point he's up the hill is to avoid lights! He may have small torch, probably filtered. Though, in passing, it looks like Bernard Cribbins WAS playing his character from the Christmas show, albeit without much reference.