104: Invasion of the Bane

INVASION OF THE BANE (2007, Sarah Jane, Luke, Kelsey & Maria, Sarah Jane)

Russell T Davies and Gareth Roberts should have written every episode of this show ever. On the basis of this, at least, a story combining humour with drama. Elisabeth Sladen is FANTASTIC, and while Kelsey is a poor character, the story plays out fascinatingly. Kudos to great villain Samantha Bond. 9/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sarah-Jane-Adventures-Invasion-Bane/dp/B000TCSWJA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1385817803&sr=8-1&keywords=invasion+of+the+bane
TOMORROW, The Abominable Snowmen, reviewed in 50 words...

103: Cuddlesome

CUDDLESOME (2008, Fifth Doctor, Doctor Who Audio DWM)

For a magazine exclusive, this is an impressive story. Stemming from the Audio Visuals series of the 1980s, this tale combines light humour with real menace in a story which ends up being quite entertaining. Despite all the right elements being in place, however, there’s something that doesn’t feel right. 6/10. 50 words.

LISTEN AT https://soundcloud.com/big-finish/doctor-who-cuddlesome-complete
NEXT, we go back to the beginning (of The Sarah Jane Adventures, that is) with "Invasion of the Bane", reviewed in 50 words...

102: The Scapegoat

THE SCAPEGOAT (2012, Wolfblood)

Jermain Julien and Sophie Petzal need to produce a full episode together for Series Three. This mini-episode is stylishly-shot and well thought-out, with powerful scenes with Rhydian and his mum. New girl Jana settles in fantastically in this enjoyable mini-episode, and this could have been expanded into a full episode. 9/10. 50 words.

TOMORROW, Cuddlesome, reviewed in 50 words...

101: The Five(ish) Doctors - Reboot

THE FIVE-ISH DOCTORS REBOOT (2013, Doctors 5-8, 10-11, Doctor Who Spoof)
DOCTOR WHO @ 50

What more could you want than this? The classic Doctors reunite! Peter Davison’s penned – and directed – a fantastic script, which really made me laugh, and it was amazing to see all the famous people who appeared in it (Olivia Colman, Frank Skinner, Peter Jackson etc). A truly wonderful anniversary present. 10/10. 50 words.

 

 

WATCH FOR FREE AT http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b03lv3mj/The_Five(ish)_Doctors_Reboot/


TOMORROW, your weekly Wolfblood fill continues with web episode "The Scapegoat", reviewed in 50 words...

100: The Five Doctors

Welcome to... the 100th 50 Word Review!!! HURRAY! PARTY!



THE FIVE DOCTORS (1983, Doctors 1-5, various companions, Doctor Who TV).

DOCTOR WHO @ 50

This is one hell of an overcrowded story. Some monsters – and Doctors! – barely do a thing. But who cares? It’s a nice celebratory romp. The Time Lords get up to their scheming fairytale-esque politics. Someone says “No! Not the mind probe!”. A Cyber-Leader is sick. Let’s celebrate it for that. 7/10. 50 words.

 

 

NEXT, The Five Doctors(ish) Reboot. A reboot of... this very story!

BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/dvds/doctor-who-the-five-doctors-anniversary-edition-dvd/invt/bbcdvd2450

99: An Adventure in Space and Time

AN ADVENTURE IN SPACE AND TIME (2013, William Hartnell and co, Doctor Who)

DOCTOR WHO @ 50

I uphold a theory that it’s impossible for a Doctor Who fan to watch this and not have a tear in their eye. David Bradley, Brian Cox, Jessica Raine, Sacha Dhawan – that’s the best cast ever. Mark Gatiss has written the loveliest script ever for a truly monumental docu-drama. The sets are absolutely beautiful, perfect recreations of the originals. David Bradley’s performance is haunting yet still comedic in places. This is surely the most comprehensive and accurate account of the genesis of Doctor Who ever (barring a documentary called “Beginnings”). With amazing performances and amazing script, this is absolutely stunning. 10/10. 100 words.

PRE-ORDER AT http://www.amazon.co.uk/An-Adventure-Space-Time-DVD/dp/B00GJOXW1A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1385397213&sr=8-1&keywords=an+adventure+in+space+and+time+dvd
TOMORROW, for the hundredth 50 Word Review (party time!) it's the penultimate "Doctor Who @ 50" review, with 1983 special "The Five Doctors", reviewed in 50 words...

98: The Day of the Doctor

Welcome, for the first of two days only, to the 100 Word Reviews...

THE DAY OF THE DOCTOR (2013, Doctors 10 & 11, War Doctor, Clara & Rose, Doctor Who TV)
DOCTOR WHO @ 50

Steven Moffat has finally, after three years of showrunning Doctor Who, delivered a script which I’m immensely happy with. It’s a thing of beauty, full of those moments we never thought we’d see. David Tennant, Matt Smith and John Hurt work so well together. It’s possibly the funniest script for the show by Steven Moffat, and Billie Piper is superb. The script is one that makes nostalgic fans cry. There’s not a single character miscast (I want Osgood to get a spin-off). Zygons! Daleks! Tom Baker! Peter Capaldi! This was definitely the best anniversary treat you could have wished for. 50/10. 100 words.



PRE-ORDER IT AT: http://www.bbcshop.com/doctor-who/doctor-who-the-day-of-the-doctor-50th-anniversary-dvd/invt/bbcdvd3869


TOMORROW, An Adventure in Space and Time, reviewed in 100 words...

97: 100,000BC

100,000BC (1963, First Doctor, Susan, Ian & Barbara, Doctor Who TV)

DOCTOR WHO @ 50

It pains me to be so negative on Who’s special day. So let’s begin with the good stuff. The first episode of this story is possibly the best episode of Doctor Who. William Hartnell and William Russell are fantastic. So’s Waris Hussein’s direction. But the cavemen sections are just boring. 5/10. 50 words.

 

BUY IT AT: http://www.bbcshop.com/science-fiction/doctor-who-the-beginning-boxset-dvd/invt/bbcdvd1882
TOMORROW: The Day of the Doctor

Happy birthday Doctor Who!

96: Warriors of Kudlak

WARRIORS OF KUDLAK (2007, Sarah Jane, Clyde, Luke & Maria, Sarah Jane TV)

This is… well, a bit, what’s the word, awful, to be honest. The weakest story of the series, it tries to create a sense of youthfulness around its characters by including a Laserquest setting which never really works. Populated by a bunch of unconvincing and badly-acted characters, this is poor. 3/10. 50 words.

 

 

 

 

 

BUY IT AT: http://www.bbcshop.com/childrens/sarah-jane-adventures-series-1-boxset-dvd/invt/bbcdvd2700

TOMORROW, Doctor Who's first ever story, 100,000BC, reviewed in 50 words...

95: Max Warp

MAX WARP (2008, Eighth Doctor & Lucie, Doctor Who Audio 8DA)
Wow. Think about what this could have been – a pathetic pastiche with some Agatha Christie elements clumsily added in. But it’s not. Jonathan Morris crafts a perfect – and immensely humorous – story, full of fabulous characters who are wonderfully performed. Paul McGann and Sheridan Smith are brilliant in this unforgettable story. 10/10. 50 words.


BUY IT AT http://bigfinish.com/releases/v/max-warp-524

NEXT, Warriors of Kudlak, reviewed in 50 words...

94: The Curse of Crowe

THE CURSE OF CROWE (2013, Wizards vs Aliens)

The first ten minutes of this story are set-up for what’s about to come, and therefore awful. “Aww we’re such good friends!” But from then it really develops. Whilst maybe not as showy as other stories, Annette Badland delivers her finest performance yet, and there are some beautiful moments. Great. 8/10. 50 words.

 

TOMORROW, strap yourself in, engage thrust and prepare for... Max Warp, reviewed in 50 words!

93: Irresistible

IRRESISTIBLE (2012, Wolfblood)

This story lives up to its title. It’s actually irresistible. Writer Debbie Moon – she of the brilliant plot ideas – creates a sense of impending doom and betrayal well, and the conclusion is particularly well structured, with fantastic acting from everyone (special mention to Louisa Connolly-Burnham). This is really, really good. 9/10. 50 words.

TOMORROW, brand-new WvA story "The Curse of Crowe", reviewed in 50 words...

92: The Ghost House

THE GHOST HOUSE (2008, Sarah Jane, Clyde, Rani & Luke, Sarah Jane Audio)

There are some intriguing, interesting ideas in this time-travelling tale for Sarah and her sleuth sidekicks. Writer Steve Cole makes good use of classic clichés and twists them to create a ghost story which turns into sci-fi at the halfway point. Elisabeth Sladen’s reading is perfect. This is absolutely great. 9/10. 50 words.

Welcome to The Week of the Doctor! Or something. No, it's not really the Week of the Doctor, since only three of this week's seven reviews have the Doctor in them. But anyway...

TOMORROW, Wolfblood's 1st series concludes with "Irresistible", reviewed in 50 words...

91: The Long Game

THE LONG GAME (2005, Ninth Doctor, Rose & Adam, Doctor Who TV)

This story is heralded for being awful. And it's really not. Just watch it again. Christopher Eccleston and Billie Piper are at their best, relishing each scene. There are fabulous concepts which are executed well. The Jagrafess is an impressive creation. Simon Pegg's marvellous. But Bruno Langley's awful. Oh well. 8/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://www.play.com/DVD/DVD/4-/632679/Doctor-Who-Complete-Series-1-Box-Set/Product.html?searchstring=doctor+who+series+1&searchsource=0&searchtype=allproducts&urlrefer=search

TOMORROW, oh, well, who knows? No, I do, it's Sarah Jane audio original The Ghost House, reviewed in 50 words...

90: The Gift

THE GIFT (2009, Sarah Jane, Clyde, Rani & Luke, Sarah Jane Adventures TV)

There is some stupidly silly stuff in this third season finale, but it's enthralling and at least fits with this interesting story with several interesting elements. The characters are all perfect and the Blathereen an interesting enemy. There are memorable moments and great scenes in this well-directed finale. Good stuff. 8/10. 50 words.

 

BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/sarah-jane/sarah-jane-adventures-series-3-dvd/invt/bbcdvd3137


TOMORROW, in contrast to some recent Doctor Who classics, an episode of Who remembered for being awful, which isn't just as bad as you think... it's The Long Game, reviewed in 50 words...

89: The Night of the Doctor

THE NIGHT OF THE DOCTOR (2013, EIGHTH DOCTOR!!!, Doctor Who TV Minisode)

DOCTOR WHO @ 50

This is faultless. Steven Moffat's redeemed himself for all the bad things he's done. Cass is a believable character with only a minute or two of screen time. PAUL MCGANN'S IN IT! He slips effortlessly into the role with a beautiful portrayal. His regeneration is finally handled – magnificently. Amazing. 10/10. 50 words.

WATCH IT AT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U3jrS-uhuo
TOMORROW: Sarah Jane Blathereen action in Series 3 finale The Gift, reviewed in 50 words...

88: Dalek

WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS

DALEK (2005, Ninth Doctor with Rose & Adam, Doctor Who TV)

This is an exciting, action-packed story. Let's just get that sorted. The characters, bar Van Statten, aren't too fully fleshed out, but are acted well. The Dalek reveal will live on forever, and there are several other great scenes, brought to life by Nicholas Briggs, Christopher Eccleston and Joe Ahearne. 8/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-Series-Volume-DVD/dp/B00095L9EC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384456779&sr=8-1&keywords=dr+who+series+1+vol+2

TOMORROW, well it was going to be The Long Game, but stuff that, tomorrow's impromptu review has just GOT to be The Night of the Doctor, hasn't it? MCGANN! REGENERATION! SISTERHOOD OF KARN! BIG FINISH MADE CANON!

87: The Cave of Menla-Gto

THE CAVE OF MENLA-GTO (2013, Wizards vs Aliens)

This story is packed with emotions. Every single emotion you can think. Joseph Lidster's best script of anything ever includes really funny scenes with Randal Moon – and a shout-out for Dan Starkey, who is IMMENSELY good – and some heartbreaking Tibet scenes. The design has never been better. Faultless. 10/10. 50 words.

TOMORROW, Ninth Doctor Dalek action in Dalek, reviewed in 50 words...

86: Caged

CAGED (2012, Wolfblood)

This penultimate story from the first series of Wolfblood perhaps has a little bit less of plot than the other stories. However, the actual plot itself is an intriguing one which plays out interestingly. Louisa Connolly-Burnham is at her absolute best in an exciting script with twists and turns. Great. 7/10. 50 words.

NEXT, brand-new The Cave of Menla-Gto reviewed in 50 words...

85: The White Wolf

THE WHITE WOLF (2009, Sarah Jane with Luke, Clyde & Rani, Sarah Jane Audio)

Some stories you can't just explain why they're not perfect. This story has got some great elements in there, and on paper it's brilliant. Somehow, despite fantastic narration by Elisabeth Sladen and a nice story, this just doesn't have the full WHOOMPH you need from a Sarah Jane story. Good. 7/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/science-fiction/sarah-jane-adventures-the-white-wolf/invt/9781408426685
TOMORROW, Wolfblood story Caged, reviewed in 50 words...

84: Pyramids of Mars

PYRAMIDS OF MARS (1975, Fourth Doctor & Sarah Jane, Doctor Who TV)

Let me start off by saying that I don't hate this. It has impressive lighting, visual effects and music, with outstanding costumes and design. There are several impressive set pieces in an enjoyable story offering some memorable moments. However, this story doesn't manage to live up to its high expectations. 7/10. 50 words.

 

BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/science-fiction/doctor-who-pyramids-of-mars-dvd/invt/bbcdvd1350

TOMORROW, Sarah Jane audio action in The White Wolf...

83: The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith

THE WEDDING OF SARAH JANE SMITH (2009, Sarah Jane, 10^th Doctor, Clyde, Luke, Rani & K9, Sarah Jane TV)

This is, put simply, great. Despite a cluttered cast of wonderful, fantastic performers, everyone gets a fair share of the intriguing story, and perfectly crafted dialogue. There's love and war, comedy and tragedy, perfectly blended. This is one of the best stories from the series, showcasing what it can do. 10/10. 50 words.

 

BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/sarah-jane/sarah-jane-adventures-series-3-dvd/invt/bbcdvd3137

TOMORROW, Pyramids of Mars, reviewed in 50 words only... another of those 'classics' that might not just be as good as legend would have it...

82: The Runaway Train

THE RUNAWAY TRAIN (2010, Eleventh Doctor & Amy, Doctor Who BBC Audio)

Ouch. Okay, this is one to avoid. This is the most easily forgettable Doctor Who story ever. Barely anything happens, and what does happen is full of plot holes, bad plotting, and awful characters. This is a four-year-old's idea of Doctor Who, with absolutely terrible reading by Matt Smith. Sorry. 0/10. 50 words.

I know, I know. That was harsh. Tomorrow, Sarah Jane's getting married... to Nigel Havers! The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith, reviewed in 50 words...

81: The Ring of Steel

THE RING OF STEEL (2010, Eleventh Doctor & Amy, Doctor Who BBC Audio)

The TARDIS lands in Orkney amongst killer pylons in this better than average story. The setting is intriguing and the sound design and music are good, reflecting the events well, especially at the climax. Arthur Darvill's narration is great, but the story just doesn't have that special ZING to it. 5/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/doctor-who-ring-of-steel-audio-original/invt/9781408427613
NEXT, another Eleventh Doctor audio original in "The Runaway Train"...

80: Vice-Versa

VICE-VERSA (2013, Wizards vs Aliens)


This show goes from strength to strength. This is easily the best story yet, full of some great Annette Badland action. Varg becomes a real character instead of a shouty thing, and Tom and Benny are wonderful. Clayton Hickman's comedic writing is the best thing that's ever happened ever. AMAZING. 10/10. 50 words



TOMORROW, Eleventh Doctor audio original The Ring of Steel, reviewed in 50 words...



Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me-ee, happy birthday to me...

79: Eolas

EOLAS (2012, Wolfblood)

Another powerful Wolfblood story incorporates some great performances and impressive visual effects in an enjoyable story. The direction, cinematography and editing is sublime as ever. Ceri promises to be a great character, and Rhydian is fast developing as a character. This is another fab example of Wolfblood's power. Very enjoyable. 8/10. 50 words.

TOMORROW (which is my birthday!), it's brand-new Wizards vs Aliens tale Vice-Versa...

78: Earthshock

EARTHSHOCK (1982, Fifth Doctor, Tegan, Adric & Nyssa, Doctor Who TV)

I know, I know, this is a classic story and it's more important than the Queen. Adric's demise is one of the boldest things ever attempted ever, but otherwise this is, to me at least, only average. Despite great Cybermen, this isn't just as good as legend would have it. 6/10. 50 words.

 

BUY IT AT: http://www.bbcshop.com/dvds/doctor-who-earthshock-dvd/invt/bbcdvd1153

NEXT, it's another Wolfblood story: "Eolas"... reviewed in 50 words...

77: Thin Ice

THIN ICE (1990+2011, Seventh Doctor & Ace, Doctor Who Audio: Lost Stories)

This story features the Ice Warriors, 60s Russia, bank robbers, crazy Russians, and more! It's got all the makings of a hit story, and develops Ace magnificently. All the characters, acted beautifully, have a chance to shine, and we're introduced to some interesting people and scenarios. This is utterly amazing. 9/10. 50 words.

 

BUY IT AT http://bigfinish.com/releases/v/thin-ice-432

TOMORROW, a Doctor Who classic that isn't actually that good (sorry), it's Earthshock, reviewed in 50 words... (well, at least it gets rid of Adric)

76: Eye of the Gorgon

EYE OF THE GORGON (2007, Sarah Jane w/ Clyde, Maria & Luke, Sarah Jane TV)

There are some lovely moments in this classic story, which makes it all the more sad that ultimately, this tale becomes boring during the second part. Locations, sets and performances are all great, but the script becomes boring and repetitive in the second part. This is merely an average story. 6/10. 50 words.

 

BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/childrens/sarah-jane-adventures-series-1-boxset-dvd/invt/bbcdvd2700

NEXT, to end the week, it's a Lost Story, and we're on Thin Ice...

75: The Hounds of Artemis

Three-quarters of the way to 100 reviews! What will Review 100 be? Do you know? Do I know? No, no I don't. Sorry.

THE HOUNDS OF ARTEMIS (2010, Eleventh Doctor & Ace, Doctor Who BBC Audio)

And this week was going so fantastically. The central ideas behind this BBC audio original are okay, but there's not enough story to support the storyline, as it were, and the whole thing becomes boring. The idea of two narrators doesn't work, and, bar some memorable moments, this is dull. 3/10. 50 words.

 

BUY IT AT http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-Hounds-Artemis-Original/dp/140842746X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383325792&sr=8-1&keywords=THE+HOUNDS+OF+ARTEMIS

TOMORROW, Eye of the Gorgon...