Handman said:
I agree with most of your assessments. The Sensorites is incredibly dull. I liked Reign of Terror a bit more than you did. I haven't sat through the entire reconstruction of Marco Polo, on the DVD there is a 30 minute version, but I liked it well enough. Season 2 is even better.
I wrote my review of the whole season, then found Reign of Terror, and really quickly after watching, added my thoughts to make the review 'complete'. I've sat on it since and think that was more of a reaction than a review. Really I don't mind the story, pure historical is just not usually what I come to Doctor Who for. It has a lot more going for it than the Sensorites. I think the animation left a worse taste than I initially thought. Now some time has passed I don't remember it as clearly and kind of just remember the whole, if that makes sense.
I've since watched through a chunk of season two, I may have cried in front of my wife seeing Susan leave. I had seen the "yes, I'll be back" speech before as a clip and had even skimmed the story before. Seeing it in full in proper context with the previous stories in my pocket, it hit me. But this show often does, sometimes at weird times.
...
I also watched the new, new year special. I liked it a lot! It was long enough to give time to character interactions and it was a lot of fun. And there were surprises even though the media spoiled plenty.
I dunno, I'm trying to share thoughts without spoiling anything, I watched it free on the bbc america website, don't know how long it'll be available, but curious US viewers can watch there for now. Try to watch the previous special first if you haven't and are able, it'll help.