I only gave it an 8. Like Plane Sailing says, there were a couple of really good emotional scenes, but overall I don't feel it lived up to the promise of the cliffhanger of last episode. The whole Badwolf/Rose/Tardis thing was too little of a payoff for what it turned out to be (especially given its prevalence as a running theme all season). Not to mention the brief mention of the Time War and all that it entailed. I wanted to know more, darn it!!
Viking Bastard mentions he thinks the ending was originally different, and I agree on one major point-
[sblock]I get the sense that Jack was supposed to have really died, and that he was resurrected because of the popularity of the character. For a second, knowing he returns next season, I was thinking that the Jack we see next season is the Jack who had two years of memories wiped out, and that when he finishes his next season arc, he'd be mindwiped- and, hence, wouldn't remember meeting the Doctor and Rose this season... but that he'd still be dead as of this episode. Does that make sense? Willan on haven it maden sense?[/sblock]
In any case, am very sorry to see it all end. Eccleston was a bit shaky to me in the first two episodes, but quickly grew into the role and did a bang-up job. Glad to see Rose sticking around- Billie Piper has done a wonderful job, and the continuity of companions will be a boon to David Tennant's performance. Not familiar with the actor, so I hope he'll do a good job. I liked the little bit we saw of him here, so I'm hopeful. He seems a bit more lighthearted than Eccleston, so that may be a different take on next season.
A good run. Looking forward to more, and picking this up on DVD. Can't wait for the Cybermen, and hopefully we'll see a return of the Master next season as well.