Just watched the last episode tonight, and I have to say, I'm disappointed. I went in expecting to like this a lot more than I did. I've always liked the idea of the Silurians, these Terran 'aliens', but just didn't really enjoy their introductory story. Vague spoilers from here on out. (3/5)

For one thing, the serial went on way too long. I understand that it was likely some financial thing or quota they had to meet - X number of 7-episode serials in the season, something like that - but it really felt detrimental to the story, or, should I say, stories. It felt like two in one - the first couple episodes were a murder mystery with the possibility of humanity and the Silurians reaching a compromise, with the pace methodical and measured, and then there was a sudden jump to people rushing about and viruses (never tell me these old episodes aren't relevant to today!) and so many bodies piling up... it was just too big a change. I think that it would have worked much better if it had been split into two serials, with the first being the murder mystery and the tentative truce resolution, and the second coming later in the season with a rogue faction of Silurians who want to kill humanity, similar to the zygon invasion/inversion double.

I also thought the costumes weren't great, (though the 'third eye' design was quite cool), the noise the Silurians' eye made was downright horrendous (my sensory processing disorder was screaming in agony), and the ending was abrupt and unsatisfying.

However, the serial wasn't a total loss. Caroline John and Pertwee's acting was splendid, and I felt that the first couple episodes were compelling and entertaining. When there weren't so many people rushing about, just Liz and Three talking about the lengths that UNIT might go or the secrets they were keeping, the serial was at it's most interesting. And the sombre tone at the end and the examination of UNIT's actions and intentions were certainly moving and thought-provoking.

So, that brings my review to an end - I didn't personally enjoy it much overall, but there was some great acting and some fantastic moments that makes the serial worth watching.