Watched the first S10 episode last night after everyone had gone home from Easter and enjoyed it a lot. The story was nothing spectacular, but Pearl Mackie's Bill makes a fine Companion — in particular, as the article notes, becaus she's not some amazing, exceptional, cosmically meaningful figure, just a London shop girl. (Though I like her, so far, a lot more than Rose.) And she has a bit of a independent streak, which reminds me of my favorite Companion, Donna.
As to Bill being gay — that was just there, not called out as something new or dazzling or extraordinary or revolutionary. Just part of the character, like being female or mixed race or a chip cook or speaking with an English accent. Which was also kind of nice.
I do hope she sticks around after Capaldi and Moffat's departure.
How New Doctor Who Companion Pearl Mackie Revolutionizes a Sci-Fi Institution
On his way out, showrunner Steven Moffat had one more surprising trick up his sleeve.
I liked it too.
I read that she's not sticking around.
+Ryan M. Dupée I've heard that, but not seen it officially confirmed.