That's pretty much RTD's ongoing failing (in every Ten season, at least -- he did better with Nine): Making a season look like he's building up to a point, hammering on particular themes, and then coming up with a finale that's heavy on spectacle and Rule of Cool but light on plot and completely flubs the payoff for the season's thematic arc.

ETA: I, too, am now eagerly looking forward to Eleven, which shocked me. I kind of figured my Who love had burned out and I'd just be watching the new season to keep track of what the friends list was talking about -- the same reason I watch Torchwood, IOW. And then that final minute with Eleven onscreen had me hooked.