I was trying to come to terms with this weird new Doctor who was jumping around so much but hadn't yet fallen for him. And I clearly remember this being the first episode that I actually loved.
Aw, that is just lovely. ♥ (And I can understand why.)

Clearly Moffat had no idea what to do with the others and only wanted to tell this story. But it's beautiful and it's sad.
Hmmm. I think it works very well with them - the fact that he abandons them to go save Reinette is the most Doctor-y thing ever. It wouldn't have the same impact if he wasn't leaving something behind.