For the first time in Nu Who we get a mid series mini finale.
Amy has been exposed as a flesh ganger, whilst the real Amy has given birth on board a spaceship, seemingly run by eye patch lady. The Doctor must assemble a team to take on eye patch Lady Madame Kovarian, her guards and the headless monks, in order to get Amy and her baby back. More is learnt about River Song. Madame Kovarian gets the last laugh, and lays down a big marker against the Doctor.
I really didn't like this when it first went out, but now a few years on i've come to like it. I applaud it for the amount it tries to cram in, but to me it's also the weakness. The awful two parter which preceded was too slow and padded, and this felt rushed, how good to have made this the two parter instead. It is definitely saved by the rather brilliant ending. It's a big change for the show.
I absolutely love Madam Vastra and Jenny, they make such a good duo, hopefully there'll be more from them. My favourite character though has to be Madame Kovarian, she's a very sinister girl, Steven Moffat does love a good female villain doesn't he. A hugely better performance from Karen Gillan, Amy's given a much better role then in the last few episodes.
Do I spy the same tunnel set used as in the Doctor's wife?
The token gay couple served absolutely no purpose, did they need to be there, especially with Madam Vastra and Jenny.
A few really good bits, the realisation that a trick has been played for the second time, and River's confrontation with the Doctor.
Lots of surprises in store, it's big fun, it's just too messy to be a classic. Fabulously acted, particularly Frances Barber and Alex Kingston. 7/10