Ep 5. World War Three

As a new generation of fans were introduced to the world of Doctor Who in 2005, season one episode five ("World War Three") brought viewers an intense invasion storyline with plenty of action, humor, and heart. The episode picks up where "Aliens of London" left off, with the alien Slitheen posing as government officials and plotting to destroy the Earth in order to make a profit.

Thrown together with the Doctor (Christopher Eccleston) and his companion Rose (Billie Piper), cabinet member Harriet Jones (Penelope Wilton) finds herself fighting for survival as the Slitheen enact their plan and launch a missile directly at 10 Downing Street. As the Doctor disables the missile and the group flees to a safe house, they discover that the Slitheen are actually a family of alien criminals who have been banished from their own planet and are now attempting to sell Earth's nuclear codes to the highest bidder.

While the Doctor and Rose work to track down the source of the material used to make the forged IDs of the Slitheen, Harriet and several other government officials find themselves trapped in a meeting room with one of the aliens. Through a combination of quick thinking, bravery, and humor, they manage to subdue the Slitheen and free themselves.

Together again, the group races to the location of the Slitheen's ship in order to prevent them from setting off a nuclear explosion that will destroy most of London. In a thrilling final showdown, the Doctor and Rose manage to disable the ship and save the day once more. In the aftermath, Harriet Jones is inspired to pursue a political career of her own, while the Doctor and Rose set off on their next adventure.

As with many Doctor Who episodes, "World War Three" blends intense action and suspense with moments of levity and heart. The humor of the episode comes primarily from the interaction between the Doctor and Rose, whose growing relationship and banter add a layer of warmth to even the most dire situations. Wilton's performance as Harriet Jones is also a standout, her character's quick thinking and determination making her a valuable addition to the team.

At its core, "World War Three" is an exploration of the best and worst of humanity. While the Slitheen are ruthless and selfish, they are far from the only characters willing to endanger the lives of others for their own gain. The episode also touches on themes of accountability, with the Doctor and his companions grappling with their responsibilities as time travelers and the consequences of their actions.

Overall, "World War Three" is a standout episode of Doctor Who's first season, offering a thrilling adventure that showcases the series' unique blend of action, humor, and heart. For both fans new and old, it's a great example of what makes the show so beloved.