I did have my reservations about the signaling of this episode, but it goes to show that a story outline can't do a good Who epic justice. The episode didn't gloss over the problems of a big pop extravaganza; there are consequences and dark underpinnings to any escapism.
What a whopper of a story for Juno Dawson to land as her first script on the official show. This was truly action packed, showed us the vengeful side of the Doctor that he's covered with smiles and charm — and we got an outrageous reveal to the Mrs Flood mystery.
The Rani — and a Rani to boot. How deliciously idiotic is that? And magnificent, too. This should be fun!
I'll be honest though, all of that pales next to seeing Carole Ann Ford back on the show. All those teases last season, and here we are. It's been 60+ years since the Doctor left her, and I'm not really counting the "Five Doctors" or weird EastEnders crossover cameos as proper reunions. To me, seeing her in 2025 ties the show's present much better to its origins than any number of David Tennant returns.
That's all I have. No critical notes on the cast, sets or story, because Susan is back, somehow, definitely playing into the finale. Don't fuck this up, Davies.