I don't think this episode is as bad as it's reputation might have you believe.

In fact, I like this episode more than many other episodes this season.

In fact, in fact, I think the start of this episode is flat out good, it just drops off and feels a little slight by the end.

The start with the Doctor and Rose investigating the strange goings on is actually compelling. They're still a little smug and self-satisfied, but unlike in say 'Tooth and Claw', their smugness doesn't undermine the other characters or the story here. Well I guess they do undermine Mr Connelly, but he's an awful abusive husband/father, so I don't really mind.

Speaking of the Connelly's, they're unfortunately not very interesting. The son is a bit annoying, the mum is a bit boring and the dad is simply awful. They do get a good moment where the mum kicks out the dad. They also get a bad moment where the son forgives the dad. It's an unearned bit of redemption. I can't say I particularly care about anything they do, but they don't do anything to ruin the episode.

To begin with the mystery is also interesting. Strange goings on involving televisions, just before arguably the biggest televisual event in British history. The faceless people are also really creepy. The effects look a little dated now, but it's still very effective.

I even like the villain to begin with. Maureen Lipman as a proper, English lady, with her posh, BBC accent is having fun.

But then Rose gets captured, which puts an end to the fun investigating. Now we just have an angry Doctor, pushing the story along. It's understandable but it's not a lot of fun. The Wire then reveals her plan is just suck peoples faces through the TV to get enough energy to give herself a corporeal body, and it's a little underwhelming. The Wire also stops with her facade and spends most of the back half shouting "Hungry!".

This whole episode feels like it needed another rewrite. There's a good setup to what could've been a fun adventure. But it sadly all breaks down to less than I'd hoped. I do like the climax at Alexandra Palace for the most part though.