📝6/10

Thworping through time and space, one adventure at a time!

This is a review of both Aliens of London and World War Three.

"Aliens of London & World War Three: A Tale of Two Tones"

The Ninth Doctor’s first two-parter brings Rose back to the present day, blending family drama, political intrigue, and an alien invasion. While the premise is ambitious and parts of it succeed, the execution is uneven, with tonal inconsistencies and pacing issues marring what could have been a standout story.

The episodes struggle to balance comedy, drama, and action, often lurching awkwardly between them. The Slitheen’s farting gags might delight younger viewers but detract from the otherwise sinister qualities of the aliens, whose design and predatory nature are genuinely creepy. The shift from slapstick humour to moments of high tension (such as the Slitheen’s human-skin disguises and their clawed attacks) creates a jarring viewing experience.

That said, the comedic tone does work in places, particularly in Harriet Jones’ subplot. Penelope Wilton is a delight, delivering both humour and gravitas as she begins her rise from backbencher to world leader.

The Slitheen concept has its strengths and weaknesses. Their grotesque designs and head-chipping process give them a menacing edge, but their motivation—a family-run business aiming to profit from Earth’s destruction—feels more whimsical than threatening. It’s a clever subversion of the typical "alien invasion for conquest" trope, but the execution leans too heavily on broad humour.

Christopher Eccleston continues to shine as the Ninth Doctor, adding layers to his character through his interactions with humanity, aliens, and Rose. His speech in Aliens of London, where he praises humanity’s potential while confronting the Slitheen, is a standout moment.

Rose feels sidelined compared to earlier episodes, reduced to a more traditional companion role as the Doctor takes charge. However, Camille Coduri as Jackie Tyler steps up, delivering a heartfelt performance that showcases her love for Rose and mistrust of the Doctor. Mickey Smith also has moments of growth, proving himself capable in the crisis, even if his character still leans on comic relief.

The visual effects vary wildly: the crashing spaceship looks impressive, but the CGI Slitheen at the end of Aliens of London has not aged well. The practical Slitheen costumes, however, are excellent, effectively conveying the aliens’ size and menace.

The production design is serviceable but unremarkable, relying on familiar settings like Downing Street and the Tyler flat. The action-heavy pace of World War Three contrasts with the slower buildup in Aliens of London, but both episodes feel slightly padded.

Final Thoughts:

Aliens of London and World War Three represent a bold attempt to modernise the alien invasion story, blending political intrigue with family drama and action. While it doesn’t always succeed, the episodes are still enjoyable and showcase the strengths of the Ninth Doctor’s era: character-driven storytelling, emotional stakes, and ambitious (if flawed) narratives.

An uneven two-parter that alternates between thrilling and juvenile, with strong performances and a memorable cliffhanger saving it from mediocrity.