74: Blink

WooOOOOooooo.... it's Halloween! Or, to be more accurate, WHOlloween! And to mark the occasion, here's one of the spookier new series Doctor Who stories, reviewed in 50 words...

BLINK (2007, Tenth Doctor, Sally Sparrow & Martha, Doctor Who TV)

Carey Mulligan holds this spooky story up well, proving that a Doctor Who story really doesn't need the Doctor. The story plays with suspense and fear – put simply, it's really scary. But it's funny too. This is one of the best-written episodes of Doctor Who and is directed fantastically. 10/10. 50 words.

by the way, is it me or is this possibly the best ever week for the blog? So far this week there's been three 9/10s and a 10/10, and I've said some nice things about Wizards vs Aliens. Yeah, it's not going to last. Tomorrow and Saturday are some pretty bad stories.

BUY 'BLINK' AT: http://www.bbcshop.com/david-tennant/doctor-who-complete-series-3-dvd/invt/bbcdvd2385
TOMORROW, 2010 Eleventh Doctor audio original "The Hounds of Artemis", reviewed in 50 words...

73: 100 Wizards

100 WIZARDS (2013, Wizards vs Aliens)

This is a bit of a departure for the show because it's actually quite good. The scenario is an interesting one, there's the most spectacular pre-credits scene imaginable, a little bit of comedy, dollops of Annette Badland, and good CGi, and Chloe is actually a good character, surprisingly. Enjoyable stuff. 9/10. 50 words.

NEXT, since it's Halloween, a scary episode of Doctor Who - "Blink", reviewed in 50 words...

72: The Call of the Wild

THE CALL OF THE WILD (2012, Wolfblood)

This story introduces an arc which will affect everybody right up until the Series Two finale. With Ceri we have a brilliant, true, honest character portrayed flawlessly. The other performances are excellent and bounce off the new addition well, in this well-written and well-produced story. This is definitely a highlight. 9/10. 50 words.

TOMORROW, the Wizards vs Aliens series 2 opener (from yesterday and today), "100 Wizards", reviewed in 50 words only...

71: Spearhead From Space

SPEARHEAD FROM SPACE (1970, Third Doctor, UNIT & Liz, Doctor Who TV)

This one's an interesting one. It sets up the Third Doctor's era admirably, and introduces many of the aspects of his incarnation we'll come to love. The Autons are a fantastic creation and there's some great scenes and characters here. This is definitely a classic, and I'd really recommend it. 9/10. 50 words.

 

BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/jon-pertwee/doctor-who-spearhead-from-space-special-edition-blu-ray/invt/bbcbd0230
BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/doctor-who/doctor-who-mannequin-mania-boxset-dvd/invt/bbcdvd3135


TOMORROW, Wolfblood action in "The Call of the Wild"...

70: The Androids of Tara - Audio Adaptation

THE ANDROIDS OF TARA (AUDIO) (2012, 4th Doc w/ Romana I, Doctor Who BBC Audio)

This audio adaptation doesn't really make any improvements on the original story, but it retains the same adventurous spirit of it. John Leeson's narration is pitch-perfect, completely nailing characters such as Prince Reinhart. The writing is good, if a little basic and covered in anecdotes. This one's worth a listen. 7/10. 50 words.

 

The original TV version of the story was reviewed on October 3 here: http://doctorwho50wordreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/46-key-to-time-androids-of-tara.html

BUY IT AT: http://www.bbcshop.com/doctor-who/doctor-who-the-androids-of-tara-classic-audio/invt/9781445886282
TOMORROW, Auton action in Spearhead From Space...

69: Mona Lisa's Revenge

MONA LISA'S REVENGE (2009, Sarah Jane with Clyde, Luke and Rani, Sarah Jane TV)

This story, whilst quite funny in places, is flawed. The performances are nice in general, particularly including Elisabeth Sladen's performance, with some weak supporting characters. The scenarios and dialogue aren't brilliant, but they're not awful. Altogether, this is nothing more than an average story, with a great choice of villain. 5/10. 50 words.

 

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

TOMORROW, it's The Androids of Tara's audio adaptation reviewed in 50 words only...







NOTES
- I'm sorry that this is a day late. I forgot to put it up.
- I'm not sure if anyone actually still reads this blog, but if you do, I do take suggestions. Name any TV story from Doctor Who or The Sarah Jane Adventures and I can review it.
- I'm currently sorting out some new series to review. There'll be at least two brand new series being reviewed soon, as well as one review only from a different series (because I only own one episode).

68: The Android Invasion

THE ANDROID INVASION (1975, Fourth Doctor with Sarah Jane, Doctor Who TV)

This story begins effectively and includes some nice mysterious scenes. Generally it holds together well, with a 'Part Three dip' which vanishes by the explosive final part. The characters are unremarkable, the Kraals brilliant, Tom Baker and Elisabeth Sladen faultless, and the writing good. Better than average, a nice watch. 7/10. 50 words.

 

BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/doctor-who/doctor-who-unit-files-box-set-dvd/invt/bbcdvd3376

TOMORROW, even more Sarah Jane in "Mona Lisa's Revenge", reviewed in 50 words...

67: A Town Called Mercy

A TOWN CALLED MERCY (2012, Eleventh Doctor with Amy & Rory, Doctor Who TV)

This is a stylishly shot and directed episode encompassing a real range of emotions. There's bits to make you laugh and cry, some fabulous acting from the regulars, although mediocre acting from all the guests apart from Adrian Scarborough. The locations look gorgeous and the whole thing pulls together marvellously. 9/10. 50 words.

 

BUY IT HERE: http://www.bbcshop.com/doctor-who-doctor-who-series-7-part-1-dvd/invt/bbcdvd3697

 

TOMORROW, it's creepy 1975 story The Android Invasion, reviewed in 50 words...
 

by the way, this is Review 67. Saturday's review will be Review 69, but I have done some thorough checks and I can't find any Doctor Who or Sarah Jane stories explicitly related to sex. Maybe I should review a Torchwood? No, I'll just stick to Sarah Jane and keep those Clyde and Rani thoughts hidden...

66: Rebel Magic

REBEL MAGIC (2012, Wizards vs Aliens)

This is one of the darkest stories of the first season, and it is one of the more well-written ones. The storyline is good, and most of the writing is enjoyable. However, the set design and lighting, whilst atmospheric, don't make nice viewing, and most of the acting is bad. 6/10. 50 words.

 

 

 

 

 

BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/childrens/wizards-vs-aliens-series-1-dvd/invt/fhed2974

TOMORROW, "A Town Called Mercy" reviewed in 50 words!

65: A Quiet Night In

A QUIET NIGHT IN (2012, Wolfblood)

Beautifully shot, beautifully directed, and fantastically acted by everybody involved, this is a strong story full of memorable ideas and moments. The dialogue is believable and the writing is good, and this is an almost faultless story in a faultless series. This story shows just what Wolfblood can really do. 9/10. 50 words.

TOMORROW, back to Wizards vs Aliens with "Rebel Magic"...

by the way - oh my GOD that Wolfblood finale!

64: The Sensorites - Audio Adaptation

THE SENSORITES ON AUDIO (2012, 1st Doctor w/ Ian, Barbara, Susan, Doctor Who BBC Audio)

The original story here was absolutely awful, and this is an improvement. If you skip the first two discs. They're nice and atmospheric, but the story almost works if you start on Disc 3. It's well adapted, improving and expanding what happened on telly, with nice moments and fantastic narration. 7/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/william-hartnell/doctor-who-the-sensorites/invt/9781445892351
TOMORROW, back to Wolfblood with "A Quiet Night In"

63: The Web of Fear

THE WEB OF FEAR (1968, Second Doctor with Victoria & Jamie, Doctor Who TV)

Wow. One of the most-wanted stories has been recovered. And it's great. There's some lovely Yeti action scenes, great dialogue, a fantastic nostalgic feel, enjoyable relations between the Doctor and his companions, a cast of strong supporting characters, and fabulous sets. You have to get this, right now. It's amazing. 8/10. 50 words.

PRE-ORDER AT http://www.bbcshop.com/doctor-who/doctor-who-web-of-fear-limited-collectors-edition-slipcase-dvd/invt/bbcdvd3867
NEXT, the audio adaptation of "The Sensorites", reviewed in 50 words...

62: Sky

SKY (2011, Sarah Jane w/ Clyde, Rani and Sky, Sarah Jane Adventures TV)

This is Invasion of the Bane without the Bubbleshock. Sarah Jane gets another archetype child from aliens. Despite the recycled plot, there is a lot of nice scenes and pieces of dialogue, and some great locations, music and designs. Also Professor Rivers is in it, so this is instantly great. 8/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/science-fiction/the-sarah-jane-adventures-series-5-dvd/invt/bbcdvd3580
NEXT, recently recovered story "The Web of Fear" reviewed in 50 words...

61: The Twin Dilemma - Audio Adaptation

THE TWIN DILEMMA ON AUDIO (2012, Sixth Doctor and Peri, Doctor Who BBC Audio)

Eric Saward's script encompasses a sense of danger as well as some humour, although the story is peppered far too much with admittedly quite interesting anecdotes. It's brought to life by fantastic sound design and music, evoking a real epic sense. Colin Baker's reading is perfect in every respect. Great. 8/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/science-fiction/doctor-who-the-twin-dilemma/invt/9781408468302
NEXT (sorry, been having password problems), it's Sarah Jane Adventures story "Sky".

60: Energy of the Daleks

ENERGY OF THE DALEKS (2012, Fourth Doctor and Leela, Doctor Who TV)

This is a mediocre story at best. It's nothing epic - a routine story with the Doctor and Leela split up early on. The sound design and music are good but somehow don't sound Doctor Who, and whilst there's a few good moments, this is a bit of a let-down. 4/10. 50 words.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BUY IT AT http://bigfinish.com/releases/v/energy-of-the-daleks-657

TOMORROW, it's The Twin Dilemma, the audio version, which isn't as bad as you might think...

59: Dawn of the Nekross

DAWN OF THE NEKROSS (2012, Wizards vs Aliens)

They say episodes where you have to set things up are the hardest to make. That's no excuse for bad acting or a substandard script. The script is indeed nothing like what The Sarah Jane Adventures did, and despite some nice prosthetics, good CGi, and Annette Badland, this feels disappointing. 6/10. 50 words.

 

BUY IT AT http://bigfinish.com/releases/v/energy-of-the-daleks-657

TOMORROW, Energy of the Daleks

58: Wolfsbane

WOLFSBANE (2012, Wolfblood)

This is one of the darker, more Gothic episodes of the first series. The set-up is explained well and is believable – sleepover gone wrong, and Shannon's got some nice lines ('oh poo' springs to mind). There is nice wolf make-up for Maddy, and fabulous acting throughout. A stand-out episode. 9/10. 50 words.

TOMORROW, we go back to the start of Wizards vs Aliens, with Dawn of the Nekross reviewed in 50 words...

57: The Sontaran Experiment

THE SONTARAN EXPERIMENT (1975, Fourth Doctor w/ Sarah & Harry, Doctor Who TV)

For a story confined by its filming needs, this isn't awful. A couple of good fight scenes, a nicely-designed robot, some Sontarans, good scenes with Elisabeth Sladen and Ian Marter – that's all you need really. It's not exactly noteworthy, but it's not entirely atrocious, and reasonable considering the circumstances. 5/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/doctor-who/doctor-who-bred-for-war-boxset-dvd/invt/bbcdvd2617
NEXT: Wolfblood action in Wolfsbane...

56: Fourth Doctor Adventures Series 2

FOURTH DOCTOR ADVENTURES 2 (2013, Fourth Doctor and Romana I, Big Finish)

Only two stories aren't Earth-bound, but the series manages still to be really varying – it's got a bit of everything, from the hilarious comedy of the opener to the darker stories like Phantoms and Final Phase. David Warner is great, as is Mary Tamm, giving her finest performances ever. 8/10. 50 words.

BUY THEM AT http://bigfinish.com/ranges/released/doctor-who---fourth-doctor-adventures
TOMORROW, um... not sure yet!

55: The Final Phase

THE FINAL PHASE (2013, Fourth Doctor and Romana I, Big Finish Audio 4DA)

There's some great music and interesting reveals and twists. Toby Hadoke, Mary Tamm, Tom Baker and David Warner are fantastic throughout, there's some nice dialogue, coupled with the unbelievable characters (unbelievable in a bad way). Still, there's some classic Dalek action, and a great feeling of it being the end. 8/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://bigfinish.com/releases/v/the-final-phase-692
TOMORROW, a retrospective of all of the season...

54: The Dalek Contract

THE DALEK CONTRACT (2013, Fourth Doctor and Romana I, Big Finish Audio 4DA)

It doesn't feel completely like a Doctor Who story. The characters aren't great, neither is the plot, and nothing much happens. But it still manages to feel quite nostalgic, Mary Tamm and Tom Baker are good, and there's some nice scenes with Cuthbert, Dorrick and the Daleks. It's quite divisive. 5/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/the-dalek-contract-691
TOMORROW, the story concludes with The Final Phase

53: The Justice of Jalxar

THE JUSTICE OF JALXAR (2013, Fourth Doctor and Romana I, Big Finish Audio 4DA)

Trevor Baxter, Christopher Benjamin, Mary Tamm and Tom Baker are absolutely fantastic in this enthralling story, although the rest of the characters are a pretty unbelievable bunch. The music and sound design is great, and so is the direction, but they're working from only an average script. An enjoyable romp. 7/10. 50 words.

 

BUY IT AT http://bigfinish.com/releases/v/the-justice-of-jalxar-689

TOMORROW, Cuthbert's evil machinations - BACK AGAIN, with Daleks thrown in too! It's The Dalek Contract, reviewed in 50 words...

52: War Against the Laan

WAR AGAINST THE LAAN (2013, Fourth Doctor and Romana I, Big Finish Audio 4DA)

It's just as good as the first story in the two-parter, if not better. It's got dollops of David Warner, Toby Hadoke and Hayley Atwell, and so definitely needs to be praised, along with excellent music and sound design, a few interesting reveals, and there's good storytelling and direction here. 8/10. 50 words.

 

BUY IT AT http://bigfinish.com/releases/v/war-against-the-laan-688

TOMORROW: Corks! It's Jago & Litefoot battling a pugilist with The Doctor and Romana...

51: The Sands of Life

THE SANDS OF LIFE (2013, Fourth Doctor and Romana I, Big Finish Audio 4DA)

David Warner, Toby Hadoke, Jane Slavin and Hayley Atwell are great, and are Mary Tamm and Tom Baker. The story is three parts long but doesn't need the extra part, because not a lot happens. There's some interrogation and lovely banter, coupled with authentic music, but three parts is excessive. 7/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://bigfinish.com/releases/v/the-sands-of-life-687
TOMORROW, it's the concluding part of the story in War Against the Laaaaaaaaaan

50: The Auntie Matter

It's post 50, Lady Gaga's revealed her ARTPOP cover extravagaganza, and here's the beginning of our second week of Mary Tamm Fortnight...

THE AUNTIE MATTER (2013, Fourth Doctor and Romana I, Big Finish Audio 4DA)This is the best Big Finish release you could ever want. Mary Tamm, Tom Baker and every single guest star, they're all superb. There's some fantastic laugh-out-loud comedy, and a series of almost farcical events worthy of any PG Wodehouse story. With tremendous writing, performances and music this is faultless. 10/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://bigfinish.com/releases/v/the-auntie-matter-686
TOMORROW, it's The Sands of Life - David Warner, space sea cows and lots of John Leeson!

49: The Key to Time Retrospective

THE KEY TO TIME – Doctor Who Season 16 (1978/1979, Fourth Doctor and Romana I)

It was a bold idea, having a whole 26 episodes spent on one storyline. I think it worked. Doctor Who tried out its first ongoing storyline, and it was a success. Mary Tamm was unparalleled, bringing new life, and despite a few dips here and there, it's a satisfying season. 8/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/tom-baker/doctor-who-the-key-to-time-boxset-dvd/invt/bbcdvd2754
NEXT WEEK, it's six of the seven audios in Big Finish's Fourth Doctor Adventures Series 2 (Phantoms of the Deep has already been reviewed), plus a retrospective - more Mary Tamm

48: The Key to Time: The Armageddon Factor

THE ARMAGEDDON FACTOR (1979, Fourth Doctor and Romana I, Doctor Who TV)

This story suffers from what shall now be known as 'Power of Kroll Syndrome'. There are fantastic sets and a handful of fabulously-acted characters, and some good dialogue to go with a believable story, but six parts is too many to sustain this story, though it wraps itself up well. 6/10. 50 words.

BUY THE SERIES AT http://www.bbcshop.com/tom-baker/doctor-who-the-key-to-time-boxset-dvd/invt/bbcdvd2754
TOMORROW: It's a retrospective on the entire Key to Time series...

47: The Key to Time: The Power of Kroll

THE POWER OF KROLL (1978/1979, Fourth Doctor and Romana I, Doctor Who TV)

This story gets a lot of negative feedback, and it starts well. The swamp locations are believable and the costumes, backstory, dialogue and characters are good, though unremarkable. However, it does end up getting boring about halfway through, and would have benefited from having a part shaved off. Average story. 4/10. 50 words.

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

TOMORROW: The series wraps up in The Armageddon Factor...

46: The Key to Time: The Androids of Tara

THE ANDROIDS OF TARA (1978, Fourth Doctor and Romana I, Doctor Who TV)

This adaptation of a classic novel is an nice and satisfying story. The characters aren't great and some of the dialogue isn't perfect, but the sets and locations work, the costumes are great, and Tom Baker and Mary Tamm are on top form. It's a nice watch, start to finish. 8/10. 50 words.

BUY THE SERIES AT http://www.bbcshop.com/tom-baker/doctor-who-the-key-to-time-boxset-dvd/invt/bbcdvd2754
NEXT: It's The Power of Kroll...

45: The Key to Time: The Stones of Blood

THE STONES OF BLOOD (1978, Fourth Doctor and Romana I, Doctor Who TV)

This nostalgic fusion of the Gothic horror and sci-fi elements Doctor Who is so brilliant at is supported by strong, well-acted characters, unusual baddies, fantastic scenes, ideas and dialogue, and good set design and costume. Mary Tamm is fantastic as ever, but that was to be expected. A fantastic adventure. 8/10. 50 words.

BUY THE WHOLE SERIES AT http://www.bbcshop.com/tom-baker/doctor-who-the-key-to-time-boxset-dvd/invt/bbcdvd2754
TOMORROW: Androids on Tara in The Androids of Tara...

44: The Key to Time: The Pirate Planet

THE PIRATE PLANET (1978, Fourth Doctor and Romana I, Doctor Who TV)

It's fairly funny, but that comedy does perhaps go too far. There's a good central idea, but the characters are badly fleshed out. Costumes, and sets in particular, are exemplary. Whilst from an analytical point of view this is weak, when you watch it, you can't help but love it. 9/10. 50 words.

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