The Geeky Girls braved the rain in Cardiff on Thursday night to walk the Tardis-blue carpet and get a first look at Matt Smith's debut episode of Doctor Who, The Eleventh Hour, and we're pleased to report that it was nothing short of spectacular. Smith's manic and magical turn as the 906-year-old Doctor; Karen Gillan's charming but ballsy new companion, and Steven Moffat's perfectly judged introductory script all combine to produce a satisfying and enjoyable series opener.
We could wax lyrical about the greatness of the new Doctor Who all day, but we'll keep it short and sweet with our top five reasons to tune in to the new series (BBC1 / HD: Sat 3 Apr).
1. Amelia Pond
Amelia, it doesn't take too much guessing, is Amy Pond. And while we don't want to give too much away about how the pair meet, we will say that from the off flame-haired Amelia is fearless, feisty and fun. She'll be brilliant this companion, if she lets go of her crush on the Doctor.
2. Moffat's Monsters
The first monster of the Moffat-era Whoniverse is the rather disappointing and unremarkable Multiform - an alien that can turn itself into anything (or anyone - remember that). But while in this first episode the monster is a simple and obvious plot device, the new trailer hints at much more weird and wonderful things to come from the mind of the Moff - once all the setting up and establishing stuff is done with. Weeping Angels, Daleks, Cybermen, Silurians and vampires are all on the way.
3. Adult Humour
There's no point in pretending that Doctor Who isn't intended for family viewing, but this regenerated show is happy to include the odd racy joke, innuendo, or pun in the hope that it'll go over the heads of its younger audience. From potential porn on a laptop and a cameo from a very frisky Sir Patrick Moore to a bit of semi-gratuitous (off-screen of course) nudity from the 11th Doctor, we hope that the fifth series is starting as it means to go on.
4. The Third Wheel
Amy Pond isn't the first companion to have a "sort of" boyfriend, and while there'll always be a place in our hearts for Mickey Smith we think Rory might take his mantle as the best third wheel in Doctor Who history. He's a nurse, he drives a mini, he's clearly clever, the Doctor doesn't find him attractive and he's known Amy since childhood - when she used to make him dress up as the Time Lord (not in a kinky way, that'd be obscene). Trust us, he's one to watch.
5. The Doctor
The Geeky Girls were devotees of Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant for their fine performances in the role, but Matt Smith has managed what many thought was impossible - he's made the part his own. As the Doctor, Matt is energetic, aggressive, manic and reckless. He brings a delightful energy and enthusiasm to the Time Lord that was so lacking in David Tennant's final few episodes. In short, he is the Doctor. We're a little bit in love with him. Can you tell?
Check out the sneak peek at the fifth series below for a glimpse at what's in store.
