as the weak and convenient plot point that forces the Gelth ... to be drawn out of their human hosts by the mere presence of gas". He also criticised Eccleston for making the Doctor appear an "ineffectual goof", and noted that he played no role in the resolution. In 2013, Mark Braxton of Radio Times described the episode as "a sparkling script, as crisp and inviting as a winter wonderland", praising the magical atmosphere and the treatment of Dickens. However, he felt that "the spectral swirlings are all a bit Raiders of the Lost Ark". In Who Is the Doctor, a guide to the revived series, Graeme Burk felt that "The Unquiet Dead" was "terribly, terribly disappointing" on first viewing, as Rose and the Doctor's characterisation did not drive the plot and the story was reduced to playing it safe and being "ordinary", as it just made the aliens evil instead of discussing their morality. Despite this, he wrote that the story was still enjoyable, with a "delightfully ludicrous" set-up, "vividly realized" period setting, and the characterisation of Dickens. Burk's coauthor, Robert Smith? , called the episode a "complete mess". He felt that Gatiss was attempting to recreate the classic series, but that it came across as "half-hearted". He felt that there was no moral dilemma and Sneed underwent an unsettling character change. While he noted that Eccleston and Piper were "excellent", he felt that Rose and the Doctor's developing relationship was not subtle. References Bibliography External links BBC Doctor Who Homepage Doctor Who Confidential — Episode 3: TARDIS Tales "Fantastic!" — Episode trailer for "The Unquiet Dead" 2005 British television episodes Charles Dickens British Christmas television episodes Doctor Who pseudohistorical serials Ninth Doctor episodes Television episodes written by Mark Gatiss Cultural depictions of Charles Dickens Television episodes about zombies Television episodes about ghosts Television episodes about spirit possession Fiction set in 1869 Television episodes set in Cardiff Television episodes set in the 1860s