This is a fun and dynamic story, and a pretty heartfelt start to the new series.

Of course, it gets dogged for some goofy costumes and special effects, the latter of which I would argue is definitely the weakest aspect of the episode of the four categories, but it also is what I love most about these episodes. It's a sincere and lovely take on not only the human experience but also all the wacky and wonderful aspects of the franchise. It isn't afraid to be alien as hell, all the while working in plenty of great character moments for the Ninth Doctor and Rose.

I'm not surprised this episode isn't considered the strongest among the fan community, but it is a lot of fun and does good work in establishing how weird Doctor Who can be. That it happens so early in the new franchise is a blessing I really appreciate.

There is a lot of fun mix of humour and neat ideas too. From the idea of one final "pure" human against an ocean of normal people that just have a bit of alien in them this far into the future, to the "classical music" played on the jukebox (which never gets old to me as a joke), there's a lot to like here.

Stuff like the Doctor having to go through a video game level to save the day, with the whole moving fan bit, is quite silly, but even that services to show us (especially new viewers) how special and alien the Doctor really is. The CGI and practical effects can be a bit wonky, but by 2005 television standards, they are on the whole more impressive than not.

It's certainly not an ideal jumping on point with Rose a single episode away, but an excellent second episode for new viewers.