The Doctor Who episodes The Empty Child/The Doctor Dances won the Hugo award for best dramatic presentation, short form, beating other worthy contenders including Battlestar Galactica, much to Doctor Who writer Paul Cornell’s surprise.

So how are we all enjoying the 2006 series? Overall, I’m loving it. And in keeping with my one-year-old tradition, here’s a review of the first half of it. (Matching what the ABC is up to.)

The Christmas Invasion — a fun introduction to the new Doctor. Gotta like any story which has references to Arthur Dent and in which a cup of tea saves the day.

New Earth — an okay romp in the future, but a fairly bland story, and one which doesn’t stand up at all to a second viewing, IMHO.

Tooth and Claw — ah, that’s more like it. Starting with martial arts Matrix monks, a nice exciting claustrophopic big monster chase. Torchwood reference rather rammed down the throat at the end.

School Reunion — lump in the throat stuff. Few TV shows can build such a rich pop-culture history they can draw on decades later. Nostalgia overload and Buffy’s Giles make up for the light story.

The Girl in the Fireplace — first really clever writing of 2006, a genuinely intriguing story in which the viewers (but not the Doctor) see the real answer to the mystery at the end.

Rise of the Cybermen/The Age of Steel — ooh yeah, the Cybermen are back. Terrific visuals with the zeppelins. Amusing Mickey/Ricky bits. Loved the mid-story cliffhanger.

The Idiot’s Lantern — some amusing moments. Some moments that are probably meant to be thought-provoking but which don’t quite get there. Fun nontheless. Notice how even the dog almost falls victim to the alien?

(Previous: 2005 part 1, 2005 part 2.)

Note: If you’re leaving comments and have seen the remaining episodes, be careful to leave no spoilers for other viewers.