She cares so I don't have to.

"Into the Dalek" features some much needed character development for Clara. The episode uses her as a foil during the Doctor's journey quite successfully. The trend of darker cerebralism continues in this episode with a look at the nature of hatred. The leading duo play with this well, regardless of them being separated for parts of the episode.  The idea of the Doctor making a good Dalek is revisited here in a way that doesn't feel cheap or rehashed. The internal struggle is played well by Capaldi. You can really see his mind at work here. It will be interesting to see how the events of this episode effect the Doctor/Clara relationship.

Just see me.

New theme/titles, call backs that don't necessarily confuse the plot for a new audience, not to mention a very Hinchcliffian feeling, all give the first episode of season 8 "Deep Breath" its bite. Peter Capaldi definitely has a very 1st/4th/6th Doctor vibe. Especially when it comes to Clara. I can see a Doctor/Sarah Jane dynamic start up. The episode seemed more cerebral than the vast majority of episodes that have aired in the last 9 years. That's not to say that the action was lacking. It found itself at a fast pace, even for its 76 minute length. If we can use Deep Breath as a baseline, season 8 will be on lists with seasons 5 (1967),13 (1975), 25 (1988), and 5 (2010).