191: The Theatre of Dreams

THE THEATRE OF DREAMS (2011, Jago & Litefoot)
Baffling, slightly paradoxic and downright weird, this is the weirdest Jago & Litefoot story yet. Jonathan Morris has truly delivered something amazing here – playing with your head but brimming with comedy and serious stuff in abundance. Some nice performances too, in the strongest story of the second series. Very exceptional. 10/10. 50 words.


BUY IT AT http://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/jago-litefoot-series-two-box-set-559
TOMORROW, the Eighth Doctor gets a new friend to help him face a dangerous infection...

190: Going Underground

GOING UNDERGROUND (2013, Wolfblood)
I’m not the only one who gets horrified when a TV series begins its dark descent to a shattering climax, am I? Just checking. Whilst there’s loads of drama, it’s not uneasy to watch. There’s some of the finest performances yet from the cast and perfect direction accompanying the script. 7/10. 50 words.


NEXT, Messrs Jago & Litefoot face a dreamy danger...

189: Castrovalva

CASTROVALVA (1982, Fifth Doctor, Nyssa, Tegan & Adric, Doctor Who TV)
This isn’t a big enough bang for a new Doctor, the threat of the Big Bang isn’t realised well, it’s slightly boring. But there’s a great surprise reveal, memorable moments, a good performance from Peter Davison (unusually), great locations, and fab music. And the idea of recursion (Castrovalva) is perfect. 5/10. 50 words.


BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/Peter-Davison/Doctor-Who-New-Beginnings-DVD/invt/bbcdvd1331
TOMORROW, Jimi and his mates are Going Underground in Wolfblood...


FUN FACT ABOUT THIS STORY: Castrovalva was erroneously named "It's Castrovlava" in a 1982 newspaper preview...

188: Gridlock

GRIDLOCK (2007, Tenth Doctor & Martha, Doctor Who TV)

On first appearance this could appear quite boring, and it’s true the premise isn’t complicated and the sets, although designed brilliantly, are limited. But that’s what Doctor Who thrives on. There are many fabulous characters, sparkling dialogue and interesting ideas packed into these forty-five minutes. Not classic but still great. 7/10. 50 words.


BUY IT AT http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-The-Complete-Series/dp/B000RL5H6Y/ref=pd_cp_d_h__1
NEXT, a fresh start, a dangerous problem and a headache-y town on a hill...

187: The Last Sontaran

THE LAST SONTARAN (2008, Sarah Jane, Maria, Clyde & Luke, Sarah Jane TV)
This is packed full of moments I remember from when I first watched this. Kaagh isn’t the best character, but is backed up by a backstory which is realised well. With good direction and emotional moments for the gang, this is a good opener, if not spectacular. A good script. 6/10. 50 words.


BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/childrens/sarah-jane-adventures-the-complete-2nd-series-dvd/invt/bbcdvd2919
NEXT, continuing with our Series Three reviews, it's a civilisation on the brink of being eaten by giant crabs (just a normal day for Doctor Who then...)

186: The Shakespeare Code

THE SHAKESPEARE CODE (2007, Tenth Doctor & Martha, Doctor Who TV)
Well, they had to do Shakespeare eventually. However, Dean Lennox Kelly (who portrays the Bard here) is a little bit un-noteworthy. Anyway, David Tennant, Christina Cole and Freema Agyeman are great, Martha’s not too annoying, and the sets, costumes and CGi are all fabulous. An amazing story – a real gem. 9/10. 50 words.


BUY IT AT http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-The-Complete-Series/dp/B000RL5H6Y/ref=pd_bxgy_d_h__text_y
TOMORROW, Sarah Jane faces off against a foe she's met many years before... but she will lose somebody before the end...

185: The Ripple Effect

THE RIPPLE EFFECT (2013, Seventh Doctor & Ace, Doctor Who Prose)
The idea of good Daleks is definitely overused now. This is by no means the best story in the series, and a little obsessed with its premise of ‘the ripple effect’. The Doctor and Ace aren’t realised brilliantly either, but there are gorgeous visuals and a good sense of drama. 6/10. 50 words.



BUY IT AT http://www.amazon.co.uk/11-Doctors-stories-Doctor-Who/dp/0141348941/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1387997125&sr=1-1&keywords=11+doctors+11+stories
NEXT, the Tenth Doctor faces some supernatural villainesses alongside a famous face...

184: The Necropolis Express

THE NECROPOLIS EXPRESS (2011, Jago & Litefoot)
Jago & Litefoot does full-on horror! This is a wonderfully Hammer-style horror story, written perfectly by Mark Morris, embellished by a fantastic performance from guest star Vernon Dobtcheff. There are a few issues with the story itself but the ongoing storyline continues to enthral. A stellar addition to the series. 8/10. 50 words.


BUY IT AT http://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/jago-litefoot-series-two-box-set-559
NEXT, (and sorry about the lack of reviews, I was making images including the one you can see below), it's an unfortunate ripple effect and some benevolent Daleks facing the Seventh Doctor...

183: Best of Both Worlds

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS (2013, Wolfblood)

There’s a fantastic central idea, and Jana was always meant to be the leader of her pack. Leona Kate Vaughan plays her scenes brilliantly, in a well-written episode that contributes very little to the ongoing storyline and becomes a bit dry in places but is still packed with emotion. Good. 7/10. 50 words.


TOMORROW, corks! It's back to the intrepid investigators of infernal incidents and particularly preternatural practices, as Jago and Litefoot face the Necropolis Express...

182: Smith and Jones

SMITH AND JONES (2007, Tenth Doctor & Martha, Doctor Who TV)
I’d forgotten how awesome this is. The idea of aliens – and the Judoon are fantastically-realised – transporting a hospital – perfect for a Doctor – to the moon to find a prisoner – Florence Finnegan is brilliant – is fantastic, and the action deploys without disappointment, never boring. The design, script and acting are amazing. 10/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-The-Complete-Series/dp/B000RL5H6Y/ref=pd_bxgy_d_h__text_y
NEXT, back to Wolfbloodland for "Best of Both Worlds", reviewed in 50 words...

181: UNIT: The Coup

THE COUP (2004, The Brigadier & Isis, UNIT)
This is a bold move – a series based around UNIT. But it works, oh it works. Nicholas Courtney gives as fine a performance as he ever gave in the 70s on telly, and the Silurians are a welcome returning enemy. Realised and directed perfectly, this is an intriguing new UNIT. 9/10. 50 words.

LISTEN FOR FREE AT
https://soundcloud.com/big-finish/doctor-who-u-n-i-t-the-coup

NEXT, it's the good old Tennant era again, with crazy rain, a new companion and some seriously scary biker boys. And remember, if you ever get thirsty when reading the review, make sure you've got your little straw...

180: Whatever Happened to Sarah Jane?

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO SARAH JANE? (2007, Sarah Jane, Clyde, Maria, Luke, Sarah Jane TV)
The best story of the first series, this benefits from Gareth Roberts’ script, which knows exactly what it wants to do and does it perfectly, dollops of emotion and also drama, cleverly- and well-shot sequences (in particular the 1964 sequences) and the inclusion of a Graske – because they’re great. Amazing. 10/10. 50 words.


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

TOMORROW, a whole new lease of life for UNIT in The Coup...

179: Doomsday

DOOMSDAY (2006, Tenth Doctor & Rose, Doctor Who TV)
Murray Gold’s score is fabulous on average story. It’s not brilliant– the ‘Daleks vs. Cybermen’ thing is a bit fan-boyish, but there’s one really good thing going for it: Yvonne Hartman. Tracy-Ann Oberman is the star of the show, fantastic, and Rose’s final goodbye heartbreaking. But the design is AWFUL. 5/10. 50 words.


BUY IT AT http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-The-Complete-Series/dp/B000FFL702/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389984535&sr=8-1&keywords=doctor+who+series+2

TOMORROW, back to Sarah Jane with a mysterious box, a tricky Trickster, and a whole new world for Maria Jackson...

178: Something Borrowed

SOMETHING BORROWED (2013, Sixth Doctor & Peri, Doctor Who TV)
Completely evocative of its era in all details (bar, perhaps, the opening pterodactyl scene) and filled with glorious visuals, Something Borrowed is the best story in this series so far, by a mile. The Sixth Doctor, Peri and the returning villain are realised fantastically in an exciting and evocative story. 10/10. 50 words.


BUY IT AT http://www.amazon.co.uk/11-Doctors-stories-Doctor-Who/dp/0141348941/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392405630&sr=8-1&keywords=11+doctors+11+stories

NEXT, since it's Valentine's Day, how about a lovely story where the (let's be honest) love of your life gets sucked into another dimension? Ah, lovely!

177: Litefoot and Sanders

LITEFOOT AND SANDERS (2011, Jago & Litefoot)
An effective opener to the new series, this begins with an intriguing central plot and great performances from the regulars and David Collings in particular, who makes an interesting character out of Sanders. With a fiery conclusion, good sound design and music and a good script, this is a hit. 9/10. 50 words.


BUY IT AT http://bigfinish.com/releases/v/jago-litefoot-series-two-box-set-559

TOMORROW, it's a new adventure for the Sixth Doctor and Peri, and there's a wedding gone wrong...

176: Fall of the Wild

FALL OF THE WILD (2013, Wolfblood)
Another interesting episode, as the plot begins to thicken for Wolfblood. There’s great acting from all of the leads, and a script that is good if not exceptional. The CGi is all very good, and the direction is good too from new director Matthew Evans. Nothing spectacular, but still good. 6/10. 50 words.


TOMORROW, it's back to a brand new series for some supernatural sleuths, a creepy vampire villain, a blind match girl that's not as blind as you think, and a roaring fire... corks! It's Jago & Litefoot: Litefoot and Sanders

175: Colditz

COLDITZ (2001, Seventh Doctor & Ace, Doctor Who TV)
Like 42, this is a macho-y adventure. The history is correct in this interesting tale. The Doctor and Ace in Colditz is a good central idea, and David Tennant plays his part as Kurtz well, as does Tracey Childs as Klein. Memorable moments but this doesn’t feel overly spectacular. Good. 7/10. 50 words.


BUY IT AT http://bigfinish.com/releases/v/colditz-627

TOMORROW, Wolfblood reviews continue with "Fall of the Wild"...

174: 42

42 (2007, Tenth Doctor & Martha, Doctor Who TV)
Real time. That is a fabulous idea for Doctor Who. And new author Chris Chibnall writes a rollicking adventure, sweaty and action-packed. There are several memorable moments, and some creepy ones, with interesting sun-possessed villains. And the sun’s evil – that’s so great! Good, if you like this sort of action-adventure. 7/10. 50 words.


BUY IT AT http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-The-Complete-Series/dp/B000RL5H6Y/ref=pd_bxgy_d_h__text_y

NEXT, another audio review with the Seventh Doctor and 'McShane' holed up somewhere they really don't want to be...

173: The Nightmare Man

THE NIGHTMARE MAN (2010, Sarah Jane, Luke, Clyde & Rani, Sarah Jane TV)

Creepy and confident is a phrase used by Doctor Who Magazine to describe Image of the Fendahl, but could also be used perfectly for this, SJA’s creepiest and scariest story, full of memorable visual moments. The script and acting are divine and so is the camerawork and direction. Highly recommended. 9/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005EEZ56Q/ref=s9_simh_gw_p74_d0_i3?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=06VN1GMJV0TSB23VCT3R&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=455344027&pf_rd_i=468294
TOMORROW, things hot up for the Tenth Doctor and Martha...

172: Planet of the Ood

PLANET OF THE OOD (2008, Tenth Doctor & Donna, Doctor Who TV)
This is a rollicking sort of adventure, with good locations, an interesting plot and a fabulous lead guest appearance from Tim McInnerny. The CGi is impressive and brainy, and both David Tennant and Catherine Tate are good, not brilliant. All in all, this has flaws but is an enjoyable watch. 8/10. 50 words.


BUY IT AT http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-Complete-BBC-Series/dp/B0011W2IN8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391797126&sr=8-1&keywords=DOCTOR+WHO+4

TOMORROW, Sarah Jane faces the nightmare man...

171: Tip of the Tongue

TIP OF THE TONGUE (2013, Fifth Doctor & Nyssa (barely), Doctor Who Prose)
The Doctor’s barely in this one, which is bad. I like Patrick Ness’ novel More Than This but this just feels a bit not-Who. It’s an intriguing story – the Truth-Tellers etc, but the characters are undeveloped, the ending fairly rushed and this feels like a standalone novel, not Doctor Who. 3/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://www.amazon.co.uk/11-Doctors-stories-Doctor-Who/dp/0141348941/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1387997125&sr=1-1&keywords=11+doctors+11+stories
NEXT, beware the red eyes...

170: The Similarity Engine

THE SIMILARITY ENGINE (2010, Jago & Litefoot)
As has been noted in other reviews, this doesn’t live up to the other stories of Series 1. Perhaps it’s due to the need to fulfil the story of Dr Tulp (Toby Longworth is fantastic), but something doesn’t feel right. The guest actors are good but it’s a bit uneventful. 5/10. 50 words.




BUY IT AT http://bigfinish.com/releases/v/jago-litefoot-series-one-box-set-557

NEXT, there's a menace in a sleepy American town in another Doctor Who prose story - I can't remember what they're called, but it's just on the tip of my tongue...

169: Dances With Wolfbloods

DANCES WITH WOLFBLOODS (2013, Wolfblood)
Perhaps Jermain Julien and DOP Tim Pollard are trying a little bit too hard in this, the most domesticated episode of the series. The Wolfbloods themselves get little Wolfblood-y action, but Louisa Connolly-Burnham is brilliant and the writing is exceptional. Not just fab for kids’ TV, but fab for TV. 9/10. 50 words.

NEXT, it's more action for Jago & Litefoot as they face... the similarity engine...

168: The Wormery

THE WORMERY (2003, Sixth Doctor & Iris Wildthyme, Doctor Who Audio)
Let’s begin by saying this is the campest Doctor Who story since “Carnival of Monsters”. But that means it’s all the more brilliant. Jason Loborik’s music is fantastic, Katy Manning, Colin Baker, Jane MacFarlane and Maria McErlane are unrivalled and the story, whilst a bit complex, is brilliant. Divine, chuck! 10/10. 50 words.


BUY IT AT http://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/the-wormery-217

TOMORROW, it's your weekly Wolfblood fix with "Dances with Wolfbloods" reviewed in 50 words...

167: Logopolis

LOGOPOLIS (1981, Fourth Doctor, Adric, Nyssa & Tegan, Doctor Who TV)
It’s the end, and the moment has truly been prepared for. Perhaps Christopher Bidmead’s script isn’t entirely up to scratch, but it’s complimented by Paddy Kingsland’s electrifying score, the fantastic acting of Anthony Ainley, and good editing, lighting and sets. Whilst not the best regeneration story, this is definitely something. 8/10. 50 words.


BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/peter-davison/doctor-who-new-beginnings-dvd/invt/bbcdvd1331

NEXT, we're off for a quick drink at a nightclub like no other...

166: Lost in Time

LOST IN TIME (2010, Sarah Jane, Clyde & Rani, Sarah Jane Adventures TV)
This is an interesting story from a writer whose work can go either way in terms of quality, complete with interesting locations which are realised well. Cyril Nri couldn’t be more fabulous, and neither could Daniel Anthony or Anjli Mohindra, in an interesting historical story that works very well. Good. 7/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/sarah-jane/the-sarah-jane-adventures-series-1-5-box-set-dvd/invt/bbcdvd3604
NEXT, it's the end...

165: The Angels Take Manhattan

THE ANGELS TAKE MANHATTAN (2012, Eleventh Doctor, Amy, Rory & River, Doctor Who TV)
I was left thinking “wow” and “is that it?” simultaneously. Don’t get me wrong, New York is a great choice, the Angels are used well, Darvill and Gillan give their finest performances and there’s lots of fantastic emotion, but it still lacks something as the end of Amy and Rory. 8/10. 50 words.


BUY IT ON DVD: http://www.bbcshop.com/doctor-who-dvds/doctor-who-series-7-part-1-with-5-exclusive-art-cards-bbc-shop-exclusive-dvd/invt/bbcdvd3757
OR BLU-RAY: http://www.bbcshop.com/doctor-who/doctor-who-series-7-part-1-blu-ray/invt/bbcbd0215


NEXT, we're celebrating Elisabeth Sladen's birthday with another Sarah Jane review, where Sarah Jane and her friends are lost in time...