First broadcast on April 23, 2005, World War Three is the thrilling conclusion to Aliens of London, marking the 161st televised adventure of Doctor Who. As the revived series’ first two-parter, it carried the weight of proving that cliffhangers could still work for a modern audience while balancing action, political intrigue, and social satire. Written by Russell T Davies and directed by Keith Boak, the episode further develops the Ninth Doctor’s relationships with Rose, Jackie, and Mickey while delivering a chaotic yet compelling alien invasion storyline.
Picking up immediately from Aliens of London’s dramatic cliffhanger, the Doctor, Rose, and Harriet Jones (Penelope Wilton) find themselves trapped inside 10 Downing Street as the Slitheen reveal their true form. Having infiltrated the highest levels of government, these grotesque green-skinned aliens intend to plunge the world into chaos for personal profit. With nuclear war looming and London in lockdown, the Doctor must find a way to outwit them while navigating the growing tension between his life and Rose’s responsibilities on Earth.
Christopher Eccleston continues to shine as the Ninth Doctor, blending his sharp intellect with his increasingly apparent moral outrage. His frustration at human bureaucracy reaches new heights as he navigates a crisis manipulated by opportunistic aliens. His dry wit remains intact—his sarcastic remark about Harriet Jones (“Yes, I know who you are!”) becoming one of the show’s most iconic running gags—but there is a clear sense that this Doctor is learning when to step back and let humanity take charge. His dynamic with Harriet, in particular, foreshadows his role in shaping Earth’s future leaders, making her rise to prominence all the more satisfying.
Billie Piper’s Rose continues to grow in confidence, actively assisting the Doctor rather than just reacting to events. However, the real standout of this episode is Jackie Tyler (Camille Coduri), whose emotional confrontation with the Doctor over Rose’s safety adds significant weight to the story. Jackie’s demand for reassurance—that her daughter will be safe if she stays with the Doctor—is a raw, human moment that forces the audience to consider the dangers of time travel beyond the excitement. Meanwhile, Noel Clarke’s Mickey, still dealing with the fallout of Rose’s disappearance, proves himself unexpectedly heroic, showing that even the unlikeliest characters can rise to the occasion.
The Slitheen remain as divisive as ever, balancing menace and absurdity in equal measure. Their plot to trigger nuclear war under the guise of an alien threat, then sell Earth’s remains to the highest bidder, is both darkly humorous and eerily plausible. While their frequent reliance on juvenile humor—particularly the farting sound effects—continues to undermine their credibility as villains, their sheer ruthlessness makes them an undeniable threat. The moment they casually joke about the destruction of humanity while in their human disguises is particularly chilling, emphasizing their callous disregard for life.
Visually, World War Three expands on the political thriller elements introduced in Aliens of London, with the Doctor’s attempts to outmaneuver the Slitheen feeling more akin to a high-stakes espionage drama. The tension is heightened by the sense of claustrophobia, with key characters isolated in different locations—Harriet and the Doctor trapped in Downing Street, Jackie and Mickey facing Slitheen threats from afar. The use of hacking as a plot device, allowing Mickey to override government systems and help take down the Slitheen, also reinforces the show’s modern sensibilities, grounding its sci-fi elements in contemporary technology.
Themes of power, responsibility, and trust run through World War Three. The Doctor’s moral dilemma—whether to risk Earth’s safety to defeat the Slitheen—mirrors Jackie’s struggle to accept Rose’s choices. Harriet’s unexpected rise as a leader reinforces the idea that true heroes are often found in the most unassuming places. Meanwhile, the episode continues Doctor Who’s long-running critique of political corruption, using the Slitheen as a satirical reflection of self-serving politicians who exploit crises for their own gain.
Rewatching World War Three in 2025, it remains a flawed but entertaining entry in the series. While the Slitheen’s humor still divides opinion, the episode’s action, character development, and political intrigue ensure it holds up as an engaging conclusion to the first major story arc of the modern era. More importantly, it cements the Ninth Doctor’s role as a mentor and protector, setting the stage for the deeper emotional arcs to come.
With the Doctor extending an olive branch to Mickey and Rose’s ties to Earth growing ever more complicated, World War Three closes one chapter while hinting at the larger journey ahead. The adventure isn’t just about stopping an alien invasion—it’s about the consequences of choosing to step into the TARDIS and never looking back.
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