Aliens of London / World War Three [TV/2005.4.16 ~ 4.23]

(artwork by Caroline Tankersley)

★★★☆☆

  Aliens of London and World War Three form an essential two-parter to the landscape of the new series (although there would be many two-parters with superior entertainment value down the line), and its importance cannot be overstated even today. The Doctor finally faces consequences for his actions, taking a companion from their place and time and whisking them off into the universe while their family waits for them. Some may bemoan it for all being a bit too domestic, kitchen-sink and whatnot, but it was a refreshing thing for 2005 and it led to a deeper understanding of the Doctor-companion dynamic, at least for me. Jackie and Mickey were becoming very real characters, real in that ever-so-recognisable Russell T Davies way, and they wre leading their lives separately from the Doctor and his adventures onboard the TARDIS. There are so many lovely moments in this two-parter, namely anything to do with Harriet Jones or Jackie looking out for Rose's safety (as any sensible mother would do)... or the Doctor displaying conflicting emotions, confronted by the fact that he's willfully putting Rose in harm's way by travelling with her. These are all fantastic ideas brought to life by some deft writing and incredible performances (particularly from Christopher Eccleston, who makes the heart ache whenever he utters the line "I could save the world but lose you."), and therefore the result shines.

  As a whole, this thing is a very entertaining story about alien capitalists looking to profit off the end of the world. It's unfortunate that its dated CGI and rather wonky practical puppetry left it with the title of 'two-parter people usually watch out for whenever they introduce their friends to Doctor Who because it's so naff', because it's anything but. It's a cleverly written invasion/deception tale, a good showcase of why the Ninth Dcotor is the way he is and how he operates (as well as being a key part of his story arc throughout Series 1), and a groundwork for so many staples of the RTD era -- the focus on companions' lives at home, Harriet Jones and UNIT, Tosh and Torchwood. If you look back on this two-parter and can only remember the Slitheen sending the place up with gas, give it another go. You'd be surprised by how much gold Aliens of London / World War Three contains.