Doctor Who has always been famous for sending children scurrying behind the sofa. It was reassuring, then, that several parents called the BBC to complain that The Unquiet Dead, episode three of the new series, had been too creepy for their kids.

For a family show, it certainly has a high fear factor. Most of the action takes place in an undertakers parlour where the servant girl has a sixth sense and the dead wont lie down. Moreover, theyre not averse to asphyxiating the living.

It turns out that the lively cadavers are being possessed by gaseous aliens called the Gelth. Their leader claims their race will die unless they can inhabit our dearly departed.

Believing he can save the Gelth and reduce the burden on the nations graveyards, the Doctor encourages the servant girl to use her powers to help them. Unfortunately, when she psychically links with the Gelth, their evil intentions become clear. They flood the morgue and reanimate corpses en masse. In true Romero fashion, the stumbling dead then attempt to recruit the Doctor and Rose to their ranks.

Like the bodies in the morgue, not much is fresh here. Its set in Victorian Britain, so it must be Christmas. It features a famous literary figure, as did Star Trek: The Next Generation's Times Arrow." And, where there are spirits, theres a séance.

Despite this, The Unquiet Dead works. Much credit goes to director Euros Lyn, who creates a real sense of jeopardy. Also, the lead characters continue to evolve through a growing bond. The Doctor shows real remorse at the prospect that his arrogance has put a premature end to his relationship with Rose. They even hold hands. Dont be afraid, though. Theres no kissing in sight.

Doctor Who is broadcast Canadas CBC channel on Tuesdays at 8 p.m.

Michael Simpson is a writer and science- fiction fan living in Canada.