214: The Mind Robber

THE MIND ROBBER (1968, Second Doctor, Jamie & Zoe, Doctor Who TV)

Filled with surreal images, excellent sound design and an intriguing example of the show differing from the norm, this makes up for its lack of substance with a fantastically-crafted opening episode, though it continues in a dull way. Troughton’s at his best, though this could’ve been condensed to four episodes. 5/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/patrick-troughton/doctor-who-mind-robber-dvd/invt/bbcdvd1358

TOMORROW, back to Jago & Litefoot, for some ghosts of the future...

213: The Rings of Akhaten

THE RINGS OF AKHATEN (2013, Eleventh Doctor and Clara, Doctor Who TV)

Clara wanted to see something awesome. And forgetting all the undeserved bad press this episode garnered, it certainly is something awesome. With its breath-taking choral songs, fantastic alien designs, laudable performances all round, triumphant speech and unforgettable sets, this episode is one of the best from recent years. Utterly spectacular. 9/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/matt-smith/doctor-who-series-7-part-2-dvd/invt/bbcdvd3802

TOMORROW, hold onto your minds...

212: The Man at the End of the Garden

THE MAN AT THE END OF THE GARDEN (2011, Jago & Litefoot)
Sparkling’s a good word for this. The script sparkles with all the brilliant hallmarks of Jago & Litefoot. There’s very good and convincing acting, a plot that never becomes boring or convoluted, expert direction, and excellent music and sound design from Howard Carter. A strong second story of the series. 9/10. 50 words.


BUY IT AT http://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/jago-litefoot-series-three-box-set-555
TOMORROW, what time is it, Mr Wolf?

211: Vincent and the Doctor

VINCENT AND THE DOCTOR (2010, Eleventh Doctor & Amy, Doctor Who TV)
It has to be said: nothing actually happens in Vincent and the Doctor. Oh, I know, it’s a “moral and fascinating picture on a mentally diseased man’s mind” or whatever. Yeah, no, it’s not. This has nice moments – I was tickled by the ending – but all in all, is dull. 3/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-Series-Volume-DVD/dp/B003TEGGR0/ref=pd_sim_d_h__2?ie=UTF8&refRID=17FN042QVQA1387HG0RM
NEXT, more Jago & Litefoot...

210: The Curse of Fenric: Movie Version

THE CURSE OF FENRIC: MOVIE VERSION (1989+2003, Seventh Doctor & Ace, Doctor Who TV+DVD)
Brilliant. Extra footage, updated special effects, tighter editing and more music means this is the fullest version of Doctor Who’s most grown-up story, adding a lot of extra drama. Everything just seems more perfect here than in the original, giving a realistic picture of what 80s Who could have been. 10/10. 50 words.


BUY IT AT http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-The-Curse-Fenric/dp/B0000AISJ9

NEXT, another story everyone apart from me loves to bits...

209: The Curse of Fenric

THE CURSE OF FENRIC (1989, Seventh Doctor & Ace, Doctor Who TV)
Let’s get the bad stuff out of the way – the editing, effects and lighting could be better. That’s it. That’s all the bad stuff. This is a fabulous tale, playing on ideas of morality and the effects of war, with a good cast, wonderful and deep writing, and great direction. 8/10. 50 words.


BUY IT AT http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-The-Curse-Fenric/dp/B0000AISJ9
TOMORROW, The Curse of Fenric gets another review, but this time it's the 2003 'Movie' version compiled by Mark Ayres. Will it be better, the same or worse?

208: Goodbye, Sarah Jane Smith

GOODBYE, SARAH JANE SMITH (2010, Sarah Jane, Luke, Clyde & Rani, SJA TV)
This is a beautiful script that details with memory loss sensitively and well (with Elisabeth Sladen giving one of her most fabulous performances), but of course this is Sarah Jane, so we have a brilliant CGi stomach and Julie Graham being absolutely great as Ruby White. Goodbye, Sarah Jane Smith. 9/10. 50 words.


BUY IT AT: http://www.bbcshop.com/science-fiction/the-sarah-jane-adventures-series-4-dvd/invt/bbcdvd3503
NEXT, morality, war, undercurrents, suggestive references, blood, vampires, poison, fingernails, bombs, firing squads, babies, coats, cripples, wheelchairs, Germans, subtext and more...

207: Planet of Fire

PLANET OF FIRE (1984, Fifth Doctor, Peri & Turlough, Doctor Who TV)
This. Is. Awful. Doctor Who’s team went to Lanzarote for no reason. Anthony Ainley’s gives the only good performance in a sea of bad acting. The writing is so, so pointless and boring, there are little to no memorable scenes, Kamelion returns – for no reason – and it’s all depressingly bad. 2/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-Kamelion-Demons-Planet/dp/B002SZQC6Q (though I wouldn't)
NEXT, it's goodbye for Sarah Jane...

206: The Mystery of the Haunted Cottage

THE MYSTERY OF THE HAUNTED COTTAGE (2013, Tenth Doctor & Martha, Doctor Who Prose)
Derek Landy’s work is so marvellously original, mind-boggling and brilliant; he seemed like a natural fit for this series. But is this good? Yes. The characterisation is good, the plot is reduced but enjoyable, and there’re nice peril-y moments. But something feels a bit wrong, and I can’t explain what. 7/10. 50 words.


BUY IT AT http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-Mystery-Haunted-Anniversary-ebook/dp/B00CJ1NT8I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1394738320&sr=8-2&keywords=HAUNTED+COTTAGE
TOMORROW, I have no idea. Some sort of Doctor Who thing

205: Dead Men's Tales

DEAD MEN’S TALES (2011, Jago & Litefoot)
I wasn’t sure what to think about this after my first listen. Then I realised. While the third season’s opener may lack all of the action and drama of several previous tales, it’s got some fabulous character opportunities, fantastic watery performances and intriguing new villains. All in all, a success. 8/10. 50 words.


BUY IT AT http://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/jago-litefoot-series-three-box-set-555
TOMORROW, the Tenth Doctor and Martha try to uncover The Mystery of the Haunted Cottage...

204: Attack of the Cybermen

ATTACK OF THE CYBERMEN (1985, Sixth Doctor & Peri, Doctor Who TV)

My my. This is so awful it doesn’t deserve any praise at all. So I won’t give it any. This is tedious and boring. There is little plot. The Doctor and Peri are characterised badly and given nothing to do. The music is terrible, and the Cybermen used terribly. There. 1/10. 50 words.

 

 

BUY SOMETHING BETTER AT http://www.amazon.co.uk/Perfect-Contradiction-Paloma-Faith/dp/B00HDMWEUC/ref=sr_1_2?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1394646061&sr=1-2&keywords=a+perfect+contradiction

NEXT, a new series begins for our favourite Victorian sleuths, with terrifying tales of a dastardly danger down in the Thames...

203: Terminus

TERMINUS (1983, Fifth Doctor, Tegan, Nyssa & Turlough, Doctor Who TV)
This is utter trollop, a hundred minutes of bare-minimum sets and unconvincing acting. There is little story, with the Lazar’s disease idea being the only saving grace of what was described in an online review as “four long, gruelling episodes of misery and boredom”, directed atrociously. Never ever watch this. 1/10. 50 words.

Normally I'd give you a "Buy it at" link; Terminus doesn't even deserve that. Oh, and that picture to the right - that's what happened shortly after Janet Fielding and Mark Strickson read the scripts for Terminus.
TOMORROW, the return of an old foe for a new Doctor...

202: Timelash

TIMELASH (1985, Sixth Doctor & Peri, Doctor Who TV)

I was surprised when I watched what’s known as one of the worst Who stories ever – because I like it. Its faults are with its budget – cheap 80s effects and unconvincing puppets – but the story has got some very nice elements (such as the timephasing crystals). All in all, underappreciated. 7/10. 50 words.

 

BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/Colin-Baker/Doctor-Who-Timelash-DVD/invt/bbcdvd2333
TOMORROW, a companion says goodbye to the Fifth Doctor in the most awful 100 minutes of Doctor Who ever screened...

201: The Temptation of Sarah Jane Smith

THE TEMPTATION OF SARAH JANE SMITH (2008, Sarah Jane, Clyde, Luke & Rani, Sarah Jane TV)
This is a delicious concept – temptation, and being able to go to your past and meet your parents before they died, and would you save them? – and it’s acted perfectly by Elisabeth Sladen in particular. The writing’s stellar, and the direction conveys the strong messages of a monumental story. Great. 9/10. 50 words.


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

TOMORROW, a story generally regarded as one of the worst, that I actually like...

200: Daleks - Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D.

For my 200th 50-Word Review it's one of my all-time favourite Doctor Who stories in any medium...

DALEKS – INVASION EARTH: 2150 A.D. (1966, Peter Cushing Doctor, Tom, Susan, Louise)
I adore this. It’s gloriously 60s, and full of charm. The Daleks have never looked better, neither have the effects, and Bernard Cribbins is in it! He is absolutely amazing. The sets and locations are all perfectly made and chosen, the direction is tight and the script’s simply divine. Heart-stopping. 10/10. 50 words.


BUY IT AT http://www.amazon.co.uk/Daleks-Invasion-Earth-2150-A-D/dp/B00BM8W9JY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394213982&sr=8-1&keywords=daleks+invasion+earth+2150ad
TOMORROW, Sarah Jane may be her own worst enemy when she finds herself meeting a face she never thought she'd see again...

199: The Beast of Babylon

THE BEAST OF BABYLON (2013, Ninth Doctor, Doctor Who Prose)
This is… interesting. Perhaps it’s the unfamiliar setting or the Ninth Doctor being with a new companion, but this feels like it’s on the way to being a Doctor Who story, but not there yet. The Doctor’s written well, and the writing style’s nice, but this ultimately is a miss.4/10. 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, it's a special time, people. It's the 200th 50-Word Review!!! Hurray!!!

198: The Ruthven Inheritance

THE RUTHVEN INHERITANCE (2011, Jago & Litefoot)
Featuring a fabulous script, excellent sound design, sparse music and amazing performances from all involved, The Ruthven Inheritance is a winner. Its subject matter – evolution - plays out in unexpected ways and this is the first ‘edge of your seat’, chilling play in the series. A triumph. With great sound design. 9/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/jago-litefoot-series-two-box-set-559
TOMORROW, the 199th 50-word review is another step sideways, with the second Peter Cushing film reviewed in 50 words...

197: The Discovery

THE DISCOVERY (2013, Wolfblood)

It’s the end… but the moment has been prepared for. This is Debbie Moon’s finest script yet, really playing with your emotions. The performances from all of the cast have never been better, and Matthew Evans’ direction is superb (so glad he’s back for Series 3). Very highly recommended story. 9/10. 50 words.

 

NEXT, Jago & Litefoot face a foe a bit less human than he might appear in The Ruthven Inheritance...
FOR THE PICTURE for today's review, I wasn't sure what to do. Maybe a picture of that fabulous little hill, with the sun shining, as seen right at the end of the episode? Maybe a Maddian picture? But no. Then I realised. I realised it was about to time to get a picture of the real star of Wolfblood. So without further ado:

196: Dr. Who and the Daleks

DR. WHO AND THE DALEKS (1965, Peter

Cushing Doctor, Susan, Ian, Barbara)
Introducing a unique new format for the show, this movie benefits from its eye-catching sets, gorgeous retro feel and intelligent script. Perhaps too much action is crammed into its running time, but Peter Cushing’s present, and he’s fabulous! So much could’ve been at risk here, but it pays off perfectly. 8/10. 50 words.


BUY IT AT http://www.amazon.co.uk/Who-And-The-Daleks-DVD/dp/B00BMMHGBQ/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1394047184&sr=8-5&keywords=DR.+WHO+AND+THE+DALEKS
NEXT, the end of an era, as Maddy and her family's safety becomes compromised in Wolfblood...

195: The Invasion of Time

THE INVASION OF TIME (1978, Fourth Doctor & Leela, Doctor Who TV)
Heralded as something awful, this is in fact a great story. To me at least. Making good use of the Gallifrey sets from The Deadly Assassin, this story’s filled with great ideas – the Gallifreyan outcasts, the Doctor being evil, the Vardans moving on wavelengths. And Derek Deadman is very Sontaran-like. 9/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/doctor-who-dvds/doctor-who-the-invasion-of-time-dvd/invt/bbcdvd2586
TOMORROW, we take a side-step into new territory, a new Doctor, new companions, a new TARDIS, but the same old Daleks...

194: The Vault of Secrets

THE VAULT OF SECRETS (2010, Sarah Jane, Clyde & Rani, Sarah Jane TV)
A confident story, this has a slightly uneven tone which adds to its awesomeness –comedy one minute (BURPSS indeed), and peril the next. Mina Anwar is perfect handling the comedy, and Elisabeth Sladen’s great with the peril. Sets and lighting are perfect in a good story. And Androvax is amazing. 9/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/sarah-jane/the-sarah-jane-adventures-series-1-5-box-set-dvd/invt/bbcdvd3604
NEXT, my fourth and final Classic Sontaran review, and the Doctor's not as nice as you think...

193: The Time Warrior

THE TIME WARRIOR (1973-4, Third Doctor & Sarah Jane, Doctor Who TV)
The introduction of the Sontarans – one of the series’ finest alien races – comes in a story which begins well, droops in the middle – understandable, as Robert Holmes despised historicals– and comes back at the end. There’s many memorable moments, good locations, and the fabulous Elisabeth Sladen, in a good story. 7/10. 50 words.




BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/jon-pertwee/doctor-who-the-time-warrior-dvd/invt/bbcdvd2334

NEXT, Sarah Jane faces an old enemy... returned! But make sure you don't burp...

192: Spore

SPORE (2013, Eighth Doctor, Doctor Who Prose)
The DWM review of this remarked that it could credibly be part of the series that would follow the TV movie. I agree. But as I hate Philip Segal’s plans for the series, this doesn’t feel great – it’s dark. However, the Doctor’s characterised perfectly and the central idea is good. 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 introduction of a brand new foe and a brand new friend for the Third Doctor...

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...