Fair enough, it's not everyones cup of tea. Heck - I don't watch soaps because I can't stand them. Same thing here for some people I guess
kietotheworld, to answer your questions:
I think the man in the potting shed was merely an aid to further the story along.. through him we learnt that the Doctor has had a hand in human affairs for some time (heck, a hell of a long time)... and has been at the epicentre of several historic events at least. It also introduces the notion that he's immortal (or rather, can travel through time)
As for the shop dummies.. I get the feeling they were put in place by the sentient invasion creature? Otherwise... yeah, I don't know. The abilities of the plastic creations seemed to be quite varied - I guess guns were another feature of them. Or perhaps they're just something silly.
That's how I see it, anyhow.