43: The Key to Time: The Ribos Operation

The beginning of a mammoth two-week-long Mary Tamm marathon is here... it's The Key to Time Part 1/6: The Ribos Operation.

THE RIBOS OPERATION (1978, Fourth Doctor and Romana I, Doctor Who TV)

This isn't the best story, to be honest. The script feels overlong and begins to become boring halfway through Part Two. There's a handful of good lines and characters, but this is a mediocre effort, lend some respect through Mary Tamm, who will forever be fantastic, and impressive sets and lighting. 6/10. 50 words.

 

BUY THE ENTIRE SERIES AT: http://www.bbcshop.com/tom-baker/doctor-who-the-key-to-time-boxset-dvd/invt/bbcdvd2754


TOMORROW: Pirate fun in The Pirate Planet...

42: Boom Town

BOOM TOWN (2005, Ninth Doctor, Rose, Mickey and Jack, Doctor Who TV)

Reintroducing the Slitheen is a nice idea, and this story really helps to flesh out Margaret's motivations and character. Annette Badland, Christopher Eccleston and Billie Piper are fantastic throughout, and whilst this story is by no means a highlight of the series, it's a nice companion to the other stories. 8/10. 50 words.

 

BUY IT AT http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-Series-Volume-DVD/dp/B0009YVCBS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380463853&sr=8-1&keywords=doctor+who+series+1+volume+4




TOMORROW
Exciting announcement... for a fortnight only, all the regularly scheduled reviews (ie Wizards vs Aliens Wednesday or Wolfblood Tuesday) will be dismissed. Instead, for these two weeks, it's every little bit of Doctor Who with Mary Tamm, my favourite companion, in it.

Monday 30 September - Saturday 5 October: The Key to Time (Doctor Who Series 16, 1978)
Sunday 6 October: The Key to Time Retrospective (look back at the whole season)
Monday 7 October - Saturday 12 October: Big Finish Fourth Doctor Adventures Series 2 (2013)*
Sunday 13 October: Big Finish Fourth Doctor Adventures Series 2 Retrospective

*apart from Phantoms of the Deep, which has already been reviewed. Search for it, it was reviewed in August.

Normal service will be resumed from the 14th.

41: Day of the Clown

DAY OF THE CLOWN (2008, Sarah Jane, Clyde, Luke and Rani, Sarah Jane TV)

This story has got to have been one of the creepiest Sarah Jane Adventures stories ever. It takes the idea of coulrophobia, turning it into something truly memorable. Packed with exciting action, enjoyable dialogue and a commitment to giving every character something to do, this brilliantly-produced story is a joy. 9/10. 50 words.

 

BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/Childrens/Sarah-Jane-Adventures-The-Complete-2nd-Series-DVD/invt/bbcdvd2919

TOMORROW: To finish the week off, it's Series 1 story Boom Town reviewed in 50 words...
ALSO: Coming your way soon is a big announcement for the blog...

40: The Forever Trap

THE FOREVER TRAP (2008, Tenth Doctor and Donna, Doctor Who Audio Original)

Music and sound design is AWESOME on this fantastically written tale encompassing drama and comedy. I have to mention Catherine Tate's SUPERB rendition, complete with a Tenth Doctor impression so accurate you occasionally believe it's David Tennant. Tate does a fabulous job with all the voices in a great story. 9/10. 50 words.

 

BUY IT HERE: http://www.bbcshop.com/science-fiction/doctor-who-the-forever-trap-audio-exclusive/invt/9781408406786

TOMORROW: Creepy clowns in Day of the Clown for Sarah Jane and the gang...

39: Frontier in Space

FRONTIER IN SPACE (1973, Third Doctor and Jo, Doctor Who TV)

This story isn't bad, it just goes on for a bit too long. There's nice central ideas and the story feels quite nostalgic when viewed today. The set design is brilliant, as are most of the performances, and there's a nice political sense, although it would have been better shorter. 7/10. 50 words.

 

 

 

BUY IT HERE: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-Frontier-Planet-Daleks/dp/B002KSA3T8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380221567&sr=8-1&keywords=frontier+in+space
TOMORROW: A scary hotel, lots of aliens and a good wodge of Catherine Tate... it's The Forever Trap reviewed in 50 words.

38: The Last Day

Oh, and this week was going so well...

THE LAST DAY (2012, Wizards vs Aliens)

A series finale should be epic, exciting, emotional, perhaps the best story so far. Unfortunately, this isn't. There's some nice special effects and the set design is good, and of course Michael Higgs and Annette Badland can't be praised enough, but the mediocre script doesn't feel too exciting. Expected better. 2/10. 50 words.
 

IF YOU HAVE TO, BUY IT (OVERPRICED) HERE: http://www.bbcshop.com/childrens/wizards-vs-aliens-series-1-dvd/invt/fhed2974


TOMORROW: The Master, Ogrons and Daleks in Frontier in Space...

37: Dark Moon

Sorry, Tuesdays aren't the best days for me. So, a day late (but who's complaining really?) here's Dark Moon, reviewed in 50 words...

DARK MOON (2012, Wolfblood)

There's some nice ideas in this captivating story, coupled with good dialogue and convincing performances. There's a few logistical problems, but the writing on the whole is impressive, as is the direction. This is a great piece of work on the whole, and one of the best episodes so far. 8/10. 50 words.

NEXT: It's Wizards vs Aliens series finale 'The Last Day'...

36: The One Doctor

THE ONE DOCTOR (2001, Sixth Doctor and Mel, Doctor Who Audio @ Xmas)

This Christmassy audio is a delight from start to finish. It's imbued with the traditional Roberts & Hickman comedy, and has got wonderfully funny ideas. The music and sound design are fantastic, and Clare Buckfield and Christopher Biggins are great. This is honestly one of the best Big Finish stories. 10/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT www.bigfinish.com
TOMORROW - Wolfblood time again! "Dark Moon" is reviewed in 50 words tomorrow.

35: Bang-Bang-a-Boom!

BANG-BANG-A-BOOM! (2002, 7 and Mel, Doctor Who TV)

This story gets a lot of stick. Why? It's absolutely brilliant! There's some fantastic and funny dialogue, great, great ideas, and captivating, fabulous performances from all members of the cast. Music and sound design is wonderful, and the whole thing makes for one of the best Big Finish stories. Faultless. 10/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://bigfinish.com/releases/v/bang-bang-a-boom-205
TOMORROW: It's Christmassy Roberts-and-Hickman audio "The One Doctor"...

34: Secrets of the Stars

SECRETS OF THE STARS (2008, Sarah Jane, Luke, Clyde and Rani, Sarah Jane)

This story, voted one of the worst by readers of DWM, is a bit of a mixed bag. The astrology idea is nice and Trueman is played well, but this does become quite boring at times. There's unnecessary padding and unconvincing dialogue playing alongside nice special effects. In the middle. 5/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT: http://www.bbcshop.com/childrens/sarah-jane-adventures-the-complete-2nd-series-dvd/invt/bbcdvd2919
TOMORROW: Reviewed in 50 words, it's a night to be remembered in Bang-Bang-a-Boom!

33: The Claws of Axos

THE CLAWS OF AXOS (1971, Third Doctor and Jo, Doctor Who TV)
This story, when watched now, is a fantastic piece of nostalgic drama. The dialogue and the setting are perfect, the aliens are believable and well-designed, the story never becomes boring, and UNIT are on top form. The guest appearances are nice, and Roger Delgado is brilliant. GREAT visuals too. Fantastic. 10/10. 50 words.


BUY IT AT: http://www.bbcshop.com/jon-pertwee/doctor-who-the-claws-of-axos-special-edition-dvd/invt/bbcdvd3670
TOMORROW: A mad astrology faces Sarah Jane and the gang in Secrets of the Stars...

32: Invaders from Mars

INVADERS FROM MARS (2002, Eighth Doctor and Charley, Doctor Who Audio)

This is an... interesting fusion of light comedy and impending disaster. Charley, who's an awful companion, is completely sidelined, and most of the accents aren't great, and the gangster dialogue is so fake and film noir that it hurts (but maybe that was the point?) There's still things to like. 5/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://bigfinish.com/releases/v/invaders-from-mars-652
TOMORROW: The Claws of Axos...

31: Friend or Foe

FRIEND OR FOE (2012, Wizards vs Aliens)

The storyline actually isn't an awful one, and the first part begins well. However, the direction is substandard and the cinematography isn't anything special either. I'm still doubtful on the acting of the two leads, and the second part is just boring. Not a patch on The Sarah Jane Adventures. 5/10. 50 words.

IF YOU REALLY, REALLY WANT TO, THEN BUY IT AT: http://www.bbcshop.com/childrens/wizards-vs-aliens-series-1-dvd/invt/fhed2974

TOMORROW: Invaders from mars in, uh-huh, Invaders from Mars...

30: Maddy Cool!

HOW-OOO! It's time for another Wolfblood review (PS: Aimee Kelly? Louisa Connolly-Burnham? Leona Vaughan? All in one shot? What are you trying to do to me, Wolfblood people?)

MADDY COOL! (2012, Wolfblood)

Oh my god, Aimee Kelly has never looked hotter. Um, sorry, what was I talking about? Yes, this story has a very intriguing storyline, gorgeous cinematography and direction, and pitch-perfect performances from everyone involved. This is a fabulous piece of work, all things considered, and a highlight of the series. 9/10. 50 words.

TOMORROW: A return to the world of average telly with Wizards vs Aliens: Friend or Foe

29: Fear Her

FEAR HER (2006, Tenth Doctor and Rose, Doctor Who TV)

This story gets a lot of stick. It deserves it, though Matt Graham has made the most of what he's been given. This episode obviously had a limited budget, but the story isn't awful. Chloe Webber is an awful character, completely miscast, and the episode is best forgotten. Not great. 2/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-The-Series-Vol/dp/B000FG6BR0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379352372&sr=8-1&keywords=doctor+who+series+2+volume+5. OR DON'T

TOMORROW: More Wolfblood action (and I'm loving Series 2) in "Maddy Cool!"

28: The Guardians of Prophecy

THE GUARDIANS OF PROPHECY (2012, Sixth Doctor & Peri, Doctor Who Audio Lost)

This story has a lot to live up to, being the sequel to The Keeper of Traken. And it so delivers, with absolutely wonderful dialogue, inventive characters, ideas and scenes, and fabulous performances. It truly feels magical, helped in part by the authentic and atmospheric music and sound design. Fantastic. 9/10. 50 words.

 

BUY IT AT http://bigfinish.com/releases/v/the-guardians-of-prophecy-416
TOMORROW: Olympic action in Fear Her (do I have to review this one?)

27: Revenge of the Slitheen

REVENGE OF THE SLITHEEN (2007, Sarah Jane & Clyde, Maria & Luke, Sarah Jane TV)

This story is funny, intriguing, cosy, warm and lovely. Not one person here has been miscast, and the production is superb, with fantastic direction and cinematography. The story itself is interesting and there's some sparkling dialogue and... wow, just wow! Sarah Jane's back, what more could you want? Brilliant stuff. 10/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/childrens/sarah-jane-adventures-series-1-boxset-dvd/invt/bbcdvd2700
TOMORROW - It's Sixth Doctor audio Lost Story The Guardians of Prophecy...

26: The Two Doctors

THE TWO DOCTORS (1985, Sixth and Second Doctors with Peri & Jamie, Doctor Who TV)

The Sontarans look AWFUL. Despite that, this script oozes Robert Holmes. It's funny and clever and full of suspense and action and drama. It's a joy to watch, is directed perfectly, and never gets boring. The characters are fleshed out and acted well. All Doctor Who should be like this. 10/10. 50 words.

BUY IT INDIVIDUALLY AT: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-The-Doctors-1984-86/dp/B0000AISJA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379087059&sr=8-1&keywords=doctor+who+the+two+doctors
OR: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-Sontaran-Collection-Experiment/dp/B0015083QM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1379087077&sr=8-2&keywords=doctor+who+the+two+doctors (and I'd recommend you get this, you get four fantastic Sontaran stories and a bunch of great extras)

TOMORROW: It's the turn of Revenge of the Slitheen, the second ever story for The Sarah Jane Adventures, to be reviewed in 50 words.

25: Flip-Flop

FLIP-FLOP (2003, Seventh Doctor with Mel, Doctor Who Audio Main)

This intriguing play takes the form of two discs – one black, one white – which can be listened to in either order. This is a fabulous idea and works perfectly. The script itself is an interesting timey-wimey Moffat affair, and the guests, particularly Francis Magee (Victor Rodenmaar!) are fabulous. 9/10. 50 words.

FIND IT AT http://bigfinish.com/releases/v/flip-flop-212
NEXT - Two doctors team up in... uh... The Two Doctors...

24: The Fall of the Nekross

God Wizards vs Aliens is so not as good as Sarah Jane or Wolfblood... or Teletubbies...

THE FALL OF THE NEKROSS (2012, Wizards vs Aliens)

Once again Gareth Roberts manages to deliver the best story you could ever hope for, turning the concept of the show on its head in a clever little story idea. Annette Badland can't be praised highly enough, and this is the best story of an otherwise dim season. Very good. 7/10. 50 words.

TOMORROW: Intriguing 2003 audio story Flip-Flop

23: Occam's Razor

WOLFBLOOD TUESDAY! Here's Series 1 episode, Occam's Razor, reviewed in 50 words (for anyone who was wondering, I'll be running through Wolfblood chronologically, every Tuesday, with no break between Series 1 and Series 2, with a brief two-week break in November [all will be explained later] and by my reckoning this should run through to February 18 2014)

OCCAM'S RAZOR (2012, Wolfblood)

This episode takes place in Lindisfarne and feels very cosy compared to the others. The format of the show is really setting itself in stone as the acting from the lead characters gets better and better. This captivating story possess vigour and keeps interest up. Great script and fabulous acting. 9/10. 50 words.

NEXT - Wizards vs Aliens story 'The Fall of the Nekross' reviewed in 50 words...

22: The Rebel Flesh / The Almost People

Yes things can go downhill from Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS (which I reviewed yesterday)... here's my review (in 50 words) of The Rebel Flesh and The Almost People...

 

THE REBEL FLESH / THE ALMOST PEOPLE (2011, Doc 11 w/ Amy & Rory, Doctor Who)

This mediocre effort does have a good central idea, I'll give Matt Graham that. The idea of human duplicates doing all the dirty work is interesting, and this allows for some FANTASTIC and yucky special effects, but the attempt at emotion is ineffective and the story quickly becomes boring and is slow-paced. 2/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/doctor-who/doctor-who-series-6-part-1-dvd/invt/bbcdvd3428
BY THE WAY - Did you like the new colour? It's my FIRST REVIEW IN GREEN! Yay!
NEXT - It's back to the world of Wolfblood with Occam's Razor...

21: Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS

Oh god oh lord oh blimey. I've just been too busy with schoolwork and things to post these past few days, so today I'm uploading today's scheduled review and the THREE OTHERS I missed out! Here's the first one... (you can have this review in orange to make up for it)

JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE TARDIS (2013, 11th Doctor, Clara, Doctor Who TV)

Blimey the acting is awful in this one. It's truly terrible. I know the Time Zombies are meant to look human-ish, but they're too human to be scary in early scenes. The concept is alright, but the Friendly Button idea is an easy way out, even though it's set up. 3/10. 50 words.

BUY IT HERE: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-Series-Part-DVD/dp/B00BJ66DEG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378915198&sr=8-1&keywords=doctor+who+series+7 (worth it just for The Crimson Horror [review of which is coming in November/December])

NEXT: The Rebel Flesh / The Almost People

20: The Eternity Trap

THE ETERNITY TRAP (2010, Sarah Jane w/ Clyde & Rani, Sarah Jane Adventures TV)
There are some really interesting themes and ideas in this creepy and atmospheric Sarah Jane Adventures story, and it's all shot, directed and photographed adequately, with all the cast performing well. However, for some reason this story just doesn't feel as special or good as others. Could be lots better. 4/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/sarah-jane/sarah-jane-adventures-series-3-dvd/invt/bbcdvd3137 OR http://www.bbcshop.com/sarah-jane/the-sarah-jane-adventures-series-1-5-box-set-dvd/invt/bbcdvd3604

TOMORROW - This year's TARDIS-set story Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS is reviewed... in 50 words.

19: Dragonfire

DRAGONFIRE (1987, Seventh Doctor with Mel & Ace, Doctor Who Audio)
There are interesting ideas in this charming story, which is spoilt by some bad acting and immediately forgettable, underdeveloped characters. The scenes with Mel and Ace are nice and there is a good if basic central plot. It may take two or three watches to appreciate this fully. Average story. 7/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/sylvester-mccoy/doctor-who-ace-adventures-box-set-dvd/invt/bbcdvd3387
TOMORROW: The Eternity Trap - a spooky adventure for Sarah Jane...

18: The Shadow of the Scourge

THE SHADOW OF THE SCOURGE (2001, 7th Doctor w/ Ace & Benny, Doctor Who Audio)
Seven, Ace, Benny. A brilliant team. In this story they deliver marvellous dialogue and really become fabulous. Despite this, the story itself is a bit mangled, with loose elements all over the place. It's an inventive plot, but the characters are stereotypical. Better if it was trimmed to three parts. 5/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://bigfinish.com/releases/v/the-shadow-of-the-scourge-636
TOMORROW - Icy action introducing Ace in Dragonfire....

17: Grazlax Attacks

My first Wizards vs Aliens review is the second story, by Phil Ford...

GRAZLAX ATTACKS (2012, Wizards vs Aliens)

There's a nice plot which allows room for adventure and comedy, and it's written quite well. Despite this, the Grazlax are awful villains, I still haven't been won over by the main cast (bar Annette Badland), and there's no denying that The Sarah Jane Adventures would have done this better. 5/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/childrens/wizards-vs-aliens-series-1-dvd/invt/fhed2974TOMORROW - Big Finish goes into Virgin territory with The Shadow of the Scourge

16: Cry Wolf

The second of today's 50 word reviews...

CRY WOLF (2012, Wolfblood)
There's some great ideas and interesting moments in this story concerning Maddy's first transformation at the time of the school exams. The performances of all the cast are exemplary as always, and the direction, editing and writing has to be praised. The plot is basic but is pulled off nicely. 7/10. 50 words.

TOMORROW: My first Wizards vs Aliens review is "Grazlax Attacks".

15: The Genocide Machine

Forgot to update yesterday, so you can get two reviews today! Here's the first...

THE GENOCIDE MACHINE (2000, Seventh Doctor & Ace, Doctor Who Audio)

There's so many interesting aspects in this story: Daleks, a library, a new character called Bev Tarrant. Unfortunately all these aspects are used or written badly. Bev is annoying, the Daleks are pretty un-Dalek-like, and the performances are dull – even Sylvester and Sophie give some of their weakest performances. 3/10. 50 words

BUY IT AT http://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/the-genocide-machine-625
NEXT - Wolfblood: Cry Wolf

14: The Seeds of Death

Whovians are your friends. No, really, we are.

THE SEEDS OF DEATH (1968, Second Doctor with Jamie and Zoe, Doctor Who TV)

There's a good central idea and Part One is beautifully shot, with Ice Warrior POV. There's memorable moments, but it begins to become boring about three episodes in. It perks up for Part Six, but you'll be checking your watch several times. Interesting characters and performances in an average story. 6/10. 50 words.

BUY IT HERE - http://www.bbcshop.com/classic-dvds/doctor-who-revisitation-boxset-volume-2-dvd/invt/bbcdvd2956 (it comes with Carnival of Monsters, which is truly a brilliant story, and Resurrection of the Daleks, which is definitely worth a watch)

TOMORROW - Seventh Doctor audio The Genocide Machine, featuring the DALEKS!