Message #54137

[Dame Roger]

4. Whatever problems I have with RTD's big dramatic finales (and I have plenty of those) I always like his series-openers. And this is no exception; it introduces the new companion very well, and just has a great sense of fun to it all the way through. Casting Anne Reid as an evil bloodsucker was a masterstroke, the Judoon work really well (although the uber-nerd in me might quibble that RTD missed the perfect opportunity to bring back the Ogrons) and the relationship between the Doctor and Martha is established quickly and effortlessly.
Also, as always seems to be the case with RTD series openers, there's just a great sense of fun about the whole thing. It doesn't try to be moving or profound, other episodes can do that, it's just a lighthearted and enjoyable way to get a new series moving.