It's interesting that this episode is regarded as being so reviled when it has a rather middling score here. Perhaps it's just polarizing.

I quite enjoyed it, and I think the worst you can say about it is it doesn't live up to its potential thanks to the budget. If this story had appeared in NuWho, with plenty of extras to fill out the Rezzies, sets that looked like they'd faded from glory rather than being unfinished, and Cleaners that didn't look like milk jugs with Sharpie (no, the Dalek method of creating an iconic monster did not work this time), it would absolutely slap. Actually, having said that, if we'd gotten a remake of this with Nine and Rose, society would be cured.

I guess there is one other problem, which is that for the third story in a row, the plot makes less sense the more you think about it. For instance, it must have been a long time since the war for the people's language to have evolved the way it has, but unlike the Sevateem or the villagers in State of Decay, these characters seem to be the same ones who were originally sheltered in the Towers (unless the Kangs can reproduce asexually!).

But there's a lot to enjoy here. The interesting angle on a post-apocalyptic setting, the Rezzies' delightful acting, "The quest is the quest"-esque mantras like "Build high for happiness," and Mel once again proving herself as entirely capable on her own, when she's not screaming. The Kangs' hand jive ought to be a staple of fandom! And it's a good adventure with a worthy setup; it really is just the details that let the story down.