I tend to think if you're doing specials instead of a series, you really do need to aim high. This was the 200th story, and a special, and it was average.

The Doctor without an ongoing companion is a chance to investigate some different sides to the Doctor, ala The Deadly Assassin. Unfortunately Russell and co. are tied to this 'temp companion for the story' idea, which hamstrings the chance to explore the Doctor's nature when he's alone.