This is a weird episode to review, because the actual plot isn't actually much good. But, it's still a good episode because the plot isn't the most important part of this episode.

Regarding the plot, the opening is creepy and intriguing. However, every time we go back to the Autons or the Nestene Consciousness they become less interesting. The arm coming alive to strangle people is harmless (armless) fun. The part where Mickey gets eaten by a bin and replaced with a plastic Mickey looks bad, is silly and I'm not sure it makes much sense. Then we get to the final showdown. The villain and their plan is thin and uninteresting. It literally just takes Rose swinging from a chain to save the day, which is a fairly underwhelming climax.

Yet I still think this is a good episode. The plot may be bad, but it's a lot less important than the parts of this episode that are done right. As a reintroduction to this universe (many people in 2005 would've never seen any Doctor Who before, especially children) this episode is great. It introduces The Doctor, the TARDIS, the Sonic Screwdriver and explains the universe one piece at a time and in a way that makes perfect sense. It also does this without it feeling like tedious exposition. The usual rule in storytelling is show don't tell. But I much prefer the dialogue scenes of Rose & The Doctor telling us what's happening, than I do any point where we're shown it.

Speaking of Rose and the Doctor, they're where this episode is at it's best. This episode serves as a great re-introduction to the show. It's an even better initial introduction to both Rose and this incarnation of The Doctor. You immediately get a feel for who these characters are. The Doctor's introduction of taking Rose's hand and his first words being "Run!" before they both run down a corridor might be a perfect way to establish this version of the Doctor and this era of the show.

Sadly the supporting cast get a little short changed, but that was probably inevitable and is completely understandable. The episode correctly puts most of it's effort into establishing our new Doctor and new companion, so there is less time to establish anyone else. Plus Mickey & Jackie can't be too likable because we have to accept Rose is willing to leave them at the end of the episode. They're not bad characters by any stretch, but they're not that interesting (yet).

The Doctor and Rose however are so well drawn from the very start. They're interesting, charming, funny, likeable, believable and have a great chemistry together. So even with the flaws in this episode, I think it's good TV and a great intro to the series.