This episode is the lightning in the bottle that people are still trying to catch 20 years later. It is a supremely confident, instantly iconic debut for Doctor Who in the 21st century. It's not perfect, but boy does it have charm, and gusto. Rose feels unbelievably real in a way that is so difficult, and it feels like a whole world of adventure is being opened up. Christopher Eccelston isn't completely dialed in yet, but his madcap adventurer is great fun. Noel Clarke is, uh, appropriately pathetic. Camille Coduri is instantly memorable. Autons? Bringing something so basic to life, it fits this episode like a glove. Truly a classic.