I think as someone mentioned part of the reason is the splitting of the season, the continuation from the Ponds to Clara does not work at all...I like Clara, she's cute but that's mostly what she is in all the eps - cute.
The highlight of the season was River and the Doctor, also liked Madame Vastra and Co, although they were a little bland for Who-characters I think. The whole mystery of this half-season was a bit rushed, I think it makes sense but I haven't gotten too much into the whole mystery anyway.