I loved it, actually - see reaction on my LJ. :) Much better than last year's, I thought, and I was struck by the lessons the Doctor learns here: he can't save everyone; 'good' people don't always survive; he's not always the one who actually saves the day; he can talk about who he is and where he's from and the sky won't fall.

He's still alternately clingy and arms'-length, and I'm looking forward to seeing how that develops next year.

As a Doctor/Rose(/Jack) shipper, I had no problem at all with the Astrid kisses - also discussed on my LJ - and really don't see what the problem is for people there, those either anti-romantic-Doctor or those who can't bear the thought of him getting close to anyone but Rose.

And, like you, I adored the humour, in particular the way the episode sent up the series itself - London deserted, the Doctor flying with the angels. Wonderful work there :)