Especially since the author pitted it against people who talk and complain and people who take direct action. I felt deeply for Mauvril in her story about Pakip regardless of her acts and ambitions. I was right with Sam when she realized the alternate Earth with the Tractite people was a nicer place to be than our Earth. Through Sam, the reader actually ponders whether the Earth would be a better place without the human race having ever existed. The author creates much regret in restoring our Earth and makes us look at ourselves in a serious light like all great fiction should.
Every point of view has merit.
This is overtly serious Doctor Who. Mary Whitehouse would no doubt have a field day with the dog attack scene. The virus spreading through all life is a horrific idea. This is NOT the average Doctor Who tale. It is foreboding and makes us question our identities as human beings.