 " The Bells of Saint John " received generally positive reviews , but several critics felt underwhelmed by the story . Nick Setchfield of SFX gave the episode four @-@ and @-@ a @-@ half out of five stars . He was positive towards the visual style and the plot , as well as the performances of Smith , Coleman , and Imrie . A Radio Times reviewer was pleased that Coleman was playing Clara as a straightforward companion , and highlighted her chemistry with Smith . He described it as " a hugely enjoyable episode that revels in its modern London setting " , praising the way its ideas were realised visually on @-@ screen . MSN 's Hilary Wardle gave " The Bells of Saint John " episode four out of five stars , noting that it moved at a fast pace and the plot was similar to " The Idiot 's Lantern " ( 2006 ) but was " very well done " . She especially praised the chemistry between Smith and Coleman . 
