My Review of The Sarah Jane Adventures 3x06: "The Gift"

Written by Rupert Laight
Directed by Alice Troughton

Clyde (upon being covered in Blathereen guts): “Why does this always happen to me?”

When it comes to finales, I won’t lie – I wanted something else. Anything else. Instead we got the Slitheen for five minutes and the Blathereen for the rest of the story. The phrase ‘mixed bag’ definitely seemed appropriate for this story.

The opening sequences had the gang chasing a young boy. Already this was a clue that he wasn’t human. As soon as it was mentioned that the boy had a matter compressor that was the second clue that he wasn’t human. To be honest if the trailers hadn’t spoiled it, I would’ve thought he was some other life form.

Instead the mystery angle was up reasonably quick when the boy’s assistant got out of his guise and revealed himself to be a Slitheen. Aren’t child Slitheen more annoying than their adult counterparts? This one certainly was. In terms of plans, it was another let’s crush Earth and make a profit spiel.

The only difference this time around is that Sarah Jane didn’t save the day. No, that honour went to husband and wife duo, Tree and Leaf who took out their rivals. Certainly a way to introduce the Blathereen but even their seeming act of nobility didn’t quell the gang’s suspicions of them.

Come on, why should we trust the Blathereen? Apart from the fact they’re orange, they look exactly like the Slitheen and they did come across as being a bit too good to be true. Rani seemed to be the only member of the team who was quick to embrace them. It could show recklessness on her part but I sort of got why she was eager to trust them.

Without their intervention, the Slitheen child might have killed Rani and the Blathereen themselves did apologise at great lengths to the gang for the Slitheen crimes committed on Earth. They even offered to come to dinner, which ended up having Clyde to use his culinary skills.

The dinner scene was certainly one of the funniest moments on the show this season. I think this is one of the first times we’ve seen an alien of their ilk chowing down on tomato soup and shepherd’s pie instead of something meatier. It still didn’t stop Clyde from making a few snarky comments though.

Of course the main reason why the Blathereen wanted to attend dinner with the gang was to give them Rackweed. Apparently it was the miracle plant, able to quell famines and the like. Sarah Jane did muse about the fact that aliens bearing gifts rarely turned out well but it didn’t stop her from accepting the gift no less.

I guess the disappointing thing about this story is the gift itself. There was no way that the Rackweed plant was going to be a benevolent offering. It would have to be something sinister and it also had to be something clever enough to even dupe Mr Smith as well. It also didn’t take long to spread either.

In less than a day, it seemed to spread all the way throughout London without Sarah Jane even making it public. Worse than that, it also began infecting people at random. Luke notably was the one who we saw suffer the worst from the plant’s effect, succumbing to the point of near death as well.

It gave Tommy Knight some good scenes to play off with Elisabeth Sladen but as bad as Luke’s predicament was, I never felt that we were actually going to lose him. I’m also glad we didn’t either. But I did find a more ruthless side to Sarah Jane far more interesting than the arrogance The Doctor displayed last Sunday in “The Waters Of Mars”.

When she was on the Blathereen spaceship, I actually wanted her to kill them on the spot. After all minutes before she landed on their ship, they openly ridiculed her stupidity for trusting them. They even managed to briefly turn the tables on her by keeping her captive for a few minutes.

The story did reveal two interesting things. One that the Blathereen had a bit of Slitheen in them and that they were ten times worse than their cousins and two, their addiction to the Rackweed. Seeing them chomp on the stuff was less funny, more grotesque but even they acknowledged that a planet filled with Rackweed would be too much for them.

It seems that the inhabitants from that planet are all just desperate to make money any way they can. Sadly in spite of all the danger surrounding them, that fact almost diminishes the carnage that ensued as a result of the story. Sarah Jane’s trapped on a ship, Luke’s near death and Clyde, Rani and K9 are trapped in the school with Rackweed after them. It doesn’t look.

The solution however of all the noise destroying the Rackweed was a little random though. However it did pay off when such noise also caused the deaths of both Tree and Leaf. Who would’ve thought that farting to death would pop up on this show? Not the most glorious of villain demises, now is it?

As for the end of the story, I thought the picnic scene was touching if a little twee. It’s been an interesting year for this show with the cast certainly more and more grounded into their respective roles. We had moments of Clyde’s silliness for trying to use K9 to cheat in a test, Sarah Jane fears of losing Luke and the snarky factor between K9 and Mr Smith. However for the next season, can we please have the Trickster?

Also in “The Gift”

The opening scene played a little similar to the trailer of the interactive game that was around during the promoting of Season 3.

Rani (re Slitheen): “How do we find him?”
Clyde: “We’d need a bloodhound.”
Sarah Jane: “Oh, why didn’t I think of that?”

This finale was scripted by a new writer, Rupert Laight. I wonder if he’ll be back next season.

Slitheen: “Sarah Jane Smith, how predictable.”
Sarah Jane: “I prefer reliable. Now I won’t ask you again, switch it off.”
Slitheen: “No chance.”

Clyde: “Look at me, cooking for the enemy.”
Sarah Jane: “I didn’t know you could cook, Clyde.”
Clyde: “I’m a man of many talents and it’s only shepherd’s pie. Mum taught me.”

The Blathereen have previously appeared in the Doctor Who book, “The Monster Inside”. This is their only TV appearance so far.

Tree: “Imagine the fame and the glory.”
Sarah Jane: “I’m not too bothered about the fame thing. We do what we do to help the world.”

Mr Smith: “I was going to thank you. A break from the dog is most needed.”
Clyde: “Bit annoying is he?”
Mr Smith: “I couldn’t possibly comment.”

I loved the little shout out to Perivale in this story. I’ll take my Seventh Doctor/Ace references where I can get them.

Rani: “Do you know what cynical means?”
Clyde: “I call it being realistic.”

Rani: “You’re actually going to go through with this, aren’t you? Cheating on a test, you’ve no morals at all.”
Clyde: “Oh and that’s why you love me.”
Rani: “Dream on, Clyde, dream on.”

Once again, both Gita and Haresh were absent from proceedings. So much for them getting bigger roles this season. And Tree was voiced by Simon Callow.

Tree (re Sarah Jane): “You have to feel sorry for her.”
Leaf: “Why? She took the Rackweed because she wanted glory. Same reason they always do. Get their ugly faces in the paper.”

Sarah Jane (re Slitheen): “You’re as bad as they are.”
Leaf: “For that remark we won’t kill you. We’ll keep you alive to watch your beloved planet Earth die and then we’ll kill you.”

The third season is due for DVD release in January 2010. Hopefully there’ll be no delays for it either.

As a finale goes, “The Gift” is a mixed bag. I can’t help but wonder if with some tweaking whether or not “The Wedding Of Sarah Jane Smith” would’ve been the better way to have ended the season. Still the Blathereen weren’t that bad and the character moments were nice as usual and here’s hoping for a fourth season. The show definitely deserves it.

Rating: 8 out of 10.

That Man Is Dead (Doctor Who Christmas 2009/Season 5 Spoilers)

It's been five days since the last spoiler blog. That's what happens when things get interesting.

First promotional picture for The End Of Time with Wilfred Mott (Bernard Cribbins), The Doctor (David Tennant) and The Master (John Simm). One word - brilliant!

Outgoing Doctor (David Tennant) in one of the silliest things that the Doctor has ever worn. Tonight's preview for The End Of Time Part 1 (originally rumoured to be The Last Days Of Planet Earth, which sounds a little better if not strictly true) aired tonight. Some pointers.

- When you're summoned, it's usually best not to take a detour, especially when you're getting stuff about your song ending and someone knocking four times. No wonder Ood Sigma wasn't in the mood for the Doctor's jesting.

- The Ood we saw in the trailer is the Elder Ood. They've advanced in the last 100 years and have bad dreams. Nice to see that this alarmed the Doctor.

- 'That man is dead?' Doctor, you ever learn? Every time you bleat on about something or someone being dead, they usually show up and prove you wrong. Like the Master laughing maniacally in the shared dream thing with the Ood there.

- They are returning? Has to be the Time Lords. Now is the perfect them to reintroduce them en masse, isn't it?

- I wanted some Donna in those scenes (they were four and five). Still, only 35 days to go.

The clip can be seen here ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OO4tsGOHn0U

Meanwhile some more Season 5 filming photos have shown up. Hey, I'm in heavy looking forward to Eleventh Doctor/Amy Pond mode while coming to terms with Tenth Doctor's imminent departure. I'm a bit weird in that way.

Rory (Arthur Darvill) and Amy Pond (Karen Gillan) head into a lovely red mini. From some of the rumours I've read, Rory's a recurring character in the fifth season. I think he's also Amy's boyfriend/brother.

Rory and Amy share an embrace. Well danger can be a clear motivator for getting close to a companion.

It may be sunny in November but clearly The Doctor (Matt Smith) is feeling a bit cold himself. From the pictures taken today by the usual suspects (thank you, Alun Vega and the Willows for making me aware), this is the touching up bit of the first episode.

A bit of a rear shot from the newest actor to play The Doctor. Just cause. Hey, we if we get to see Amy in mini-skirts, it's only fair we see The Doctor from behind. There's been some rumours about the titles of the episodes. One of the titles rumoured for the first one is supposed to be The Eleventh Hour, which is a little anvilicious for my liking. Then again by early January, all the main titles should start leaking anyways.

More can be seen here ... http://community.livejournal.com/doctoreleven/54780.html?#cutid1

Filming video can be seen here ... http://community.livejournal.com/doctorwho/5291244.html?view=78493420#t78493420

Who Didn't See This Coming?

Getting caught up in other kinds of stuff, I neglected to address the cancellation of Dollhouse. I wish I could say it was a shock to the system but it isn't. It's a shame though, because Season 2 was showing an increase in quality and there are plenty of other things that FOX could bin instead.

Now that the show is gone, what are Joss Whedon's options? I can think of a few.

- Try taking the series to another station. Albeit a smaller one than FOX and even they might not be interested. Dollhouse is pretty out there as series go. Though SyFy are a likely choice.
- Movie it? It worked for Firefly mainly but I can't see studios fighting over themselves to bring this series to the big screen.
- Concentrate on the Buffy comics. 2010 will finally see Season 8 end and I'm pretty sure we'll get spoilers about Season 9 as well.
- Do another TV series. Preferably not on FOX.

What are other people's opinions on the Dollhouse situation? Were FOX right to pull the plug or has Joss Whedon been shafted by the wretched station once again?

The Darkness Only Heralds One Thing (Doctor Who Christmas 2009 Spoilers)

If you haven't seen The Waters Of Mars, do not read ahead. Massive Christmas spoilers and the like.

Well, wasn't that something else?

The Doctor thought he was victorious, Adelaide shot herself and he began the slow realisation that death was coming his way. In forty days time, we will see the first part of The End Of Time, the story that will usher out the Tenth Doctor and judging by the trailer, it won't be pleasant.

Friends Reunited: Wilfred Mott (Bernard Cribbins) meets The Doctor (David Tennant) and learns that his hero is going to die. Having Wilfred as the main companion for the finale is a stroke of genius. I can't think of a more deserving candidate. Oh, wait a minute.

She Has Returned: Did anyone really think for a second that Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) wouldn't show up in the finale? She's rumoured not to be the only one reappearing but outside of Wilfred, I'm pretty sure her role is rather crucial. If that phone call is anything to go by, then it looks like Donna's getting a trip down memory lane.

My Name Is: The Master (John Simm). No smart suits or sleak brown hair. A dark blond look and hoodies, almost like a male Rose. Kidding! It will be interesting to see exactly what he's got in store for the universe. It's been rumoured that the Time Lords are returning in these specials. Would certainly be thematic for The Doctor.

Bad Dreams: Ood Sigma is definitely the harbinger of death. His role in these specials seems to be warning The Doctor of imminent regeneration as more spoilerish photos back at the start of the year have shown. Here he looks like he's in a white robe.

If The Doctor can have his companions, then surely The Master can still have his? Lucy Saxon (Alexandria Moen) clearly can't get enough of her psychotic husband and whatever trouble he's bringing, you can guarantee that Lucy won't be an innocent bystander in the matter.

Joshua Naismith (David Harewood). Who exactly is this bloke? We know he has a book called 'Fighting The Future' and that parts of it are triggering Donna's memories. It's also pretty clear that he's aligned with The Master as well.

Remember a scene of this episode will appear on Children In Need, between 8pm and 8.30pm on BBC1 from November 20th. The first part of this story is due on Christmas Day. Time has yet to be confirmed.

For more photos, try ... http://s416.photobucket.com/albums/pp245/combomweek3/teot%20trailer/ and
http://scifi.rawr-caps.net/thumbnails.php?album=68&page=10

The End Of Time Part 1 Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfIcmcWcZxE

My Review of Doctor Who's 4x16: "The Waters Of Mars"

Written by Russell T. Davies And Phil Ford
Directed by Graeme Harper

The Doctor (to Adelaide): “It’s taken me all these years to realise that the laws of time are mine and they will obey me.”

Those are the kind of words that only a man who knows death is upon him could say. That being said, no-one should ever utter those kinds of words and the actions of The Doctor in this story alone prove why.

In the last two specials, we’ve had Cybermen in Victorian London as well as Tritovores and the Swarm in a ravaged planet. Here, we’ve got a planet that we actually know of only too well and a storyline that mostly attempts to be more tangible in terms of reality that Doctor Who has arguably ever done.

Mars, the red planet, the inspiration of a David Bowie song and in recent years, also reported to have water on it. If anything you could almost wonder why the writers have waited until now to tackle a story. As soon as The Doctor touched base on the red planet, trouble was always going to be looming behind him.

A harmless robot named Gadget didn’t waste much time in arresting him and as soon as The Doctor met the crew of Bowie Base One, he had to do some talking to win over Adelaide. His usual snarky behaviour about guns aside, credit had to have been given to Adelaide. She might have been suspicious of him but evidently not enough to blast him into the middle of next week. That probably took some patience on her part.

Keeping with the classy casting, Lindsay Duncan was an interesting choice for the role of Adelaide. On paper and from some of the descriptions we’d gotten over the last few months, Adelaide was supposed to be one of the cleverest companions that The Doctor had travelled with.

Also from the trailer that aired at the end of “Planet Of The Dead” back in April, we also saw that she was tough as nails. Adelaide certainly deserved the adulation bestowed on her by the writers and even by The Doctor. After all, hers is the only crew that are currently living on Mars and they seem to be doing a good job of it.

They’ve got a stable enough base, are able to keep birds and thanks to Maggie and Andy, also seemed to be able to grow carrot. Mars might not be the place to make a life for yourself but it certainly was working for Adelaide. Then The Doctor had to show up and everything else had to go down the drain.

Okay, it’s not exactly The Doctor’s fault for the chaos that happened on Mars but it would’ve been weird if Adelaide’s crew didn’t at least entertain the thought, given his unexpected arrival. Ed was even trying to get The Doctor to admit at one point that he was some sort of spy while Maggie was trying to speculate what nationality he was from. Given the lack of contact that they’ve had with other people, I don’t blame them.

As for the trouble element of the episode, when you make such a big deal about the fact that there is water of Mars, naturally this would have to become the source of the problem. It also happened rather quickly into the episode. One minute Andy was gushing about his carrots, the next his skin broke, water was dripping from him and he became something called the Flood.

It seemed that for the most part of this episode, the transformations were happening at different times with the crew members. Maggie got infected straight after Andy but it was Tarak who changed quickly. It was also him and Andy that started chasing both The Doctor and Adelaide without a thought to spare.

Maggie’s transformation was something more complex. Stuck in sick bay, Yuri started talking about his family and where he lived and Maggie began asking the right questions. If previous trailers hadn’t spoiled it, I still would’ve guessed that when Maggie was probing Yuri about his hometown’s water that she had become the Flood.

The surprising thing from that exchange was the fact that Yuri didn’t become the fourth Flood victim there and then. Then again, it did seem too obvious and given the loss count of this episode, Yuri was one of the luckier ones. Too bad that the rest of his comrades didn’t really follow suit.

Ed for example was Adelaide’s second in command and their relationship seemed pretty tense at best. I know for the most part that it made sense for Adelaide to treat Ed with the same icy reserve as the rest of the crew but he was trying to help and I think she could’ve handled it a little better.

After all, we could thank him for trying to get the shuttle working in order to get everyone off Mars on Adelaide’s command. Out of everyone, I almost expected him to survive the Flood but instead of allowing himself to be taken over, he blew himself and the shuttle to smithereens. I wish I could say that that was the only time someone in this episode had to end their lives in quite a drastic way.

Roman was also another unfortunate victim but his transformation came after Steffi’s traumatic turn into a Flood creature. The best thing about this story was the fact that a lot of the crew on Bowie Base One seemed to stand out a little more compared to other stories. Roman was the man behind Gadget and Steffi was also a rather tragic character in her own right. The scene where she’s transforming is pretty painful to watch.

The Flood themselves were interesting enough villains. Largely spewing water got them out of having proper dialogue with The Doctor and Adelaide in the end. Plus their origins were a little ambiguous as well. That certainly helped with the mystique factor of them.

However the painful thing about this episode in general is the knowledge The Doctor has. He knows that Bowie Base One is a fixed point in time and that everyone is meant to die. His first reaction when realising who Adelaide and her crew are is to leg it. He had at least a few good opportunities before everything really went to hell to get out of there. I hare to say but he should’ve taken them.

The Doctor did himself no favours with being cryptic as well. When you know that someone’s going to die and the laws of time cannot be broken in order to save, it’s probably not a brilliant idea to give the unfortunate people the biggest of inklings of being aware of their demises. Even Adelaide didn’t need to know her smarts to twig that The Doctor knew more than he was letting on. He was practically spelling it out for her.

The fixed point in time idea was something that “The Fires Of Pompeii” touched on. Donna persuaded The Doctor to save Evelina and her family and he did, with reservation. Nothing happened as a result. Maybe it was because of this that The Doctor finally decided that he could do whatever he wanted when it came to the time lines.

After all, Adelaide is certainly an inspiring character. Her past encounter with a Dalek and how the creature inspired her to travel to the stars was hard not to be moved by. The fact that the horrific events of “The Stolen Earth”/“Journey’s End” could make her want to do something so wonderful was brilliant. And then there was the tying in of how her death would inspire her granddaughter to go further in the universe.

It’s because of this that The Doctor made a fatal error. Earlier on, Adelaide begged The Doctor to find a way for her to live, to spare her crew. She was even close to her own salvation until the Flood destroyed the shuttle. But even Adelaide realised that the laws of time couldn’t be tampered with.

When The Doctor came back to save her, her reaction was to tell him to leave. Adelaide knew what The Doctor was attempting to do was wrong. Even throwing the fact that he was the last of his kind and the four times a knocking wasn’t enough to dissuade. In fact there wasn’t a single person who thanked The Doctor.

Landing back on Earth, Gadget broke down, Mia freaked out and legged it and Yuri swiftly followed her. When it came to Adelaide, what really brought everything crashing down around her was The Doctor’s arrogance about changing a fixed point. The way he demanded that someone thank him was enough to make me want to punch him.

David Tennant played the last couple of scenes in this story brilliantly. If it wasn’t obvious before that The Doctor’s song was coming to an end, then this certainly made it abundantly. Adelaide rightfully tore The Doctor to shreds about what he had done but it wasn’t until she had to correct his mistake did he realise that she was right.

There are times on this show when I’m glad that something is concealed. I think Adelaide shooting herself inside her house where it couldn’t be seen was just as effective than if she had done it in front of The Doctor’s face. It’s depressing that in order to keep history consistent, Adelaide was forced to end her life voluntarily, even if that had been the original course of action she would’ve taken on Mars.

Seeing The Doctor’s reaction added to the intensity of the moment. For all the talk he had of being the Time Lord Victorious, Adelaide’s death was a big reality check for him. Then there was the sight of Ood Sigma. If ever there was a suitable harbinger of death, then the creature that told The Doctor his song was ending was the best way of doing it. Christmas is most definitely not going to be a bed of roses for The Doctor, that’s a guarantee.

Also in “The Waters Of Mars”

This is the second episode of the new series to have a co-written effort. Then again, because of this, Phil Ford can now say that he’s written for all three shows. Good for him. Lindsay Duncan’s name was also in the credits for this episode.

The Doctor (re gun): “But you could hurt someone with that thing. Just put it down.”
Adelaide: “Oh, you’d like that.”
The Doctor: “Can you find me someone who wouldn’t?”

I read somewhere that Adelaide almost went by the name of Grace. I think one is more than fine fans.

The Doctor (to the crew): “I’m sorry with all of my hearts but this is one of those rare times when I don’t have a choice.”

The Doctor: “That’s the Adelaide Brooke I’ve always wanted to meet. The woman with starlight in her soul.”

I liked the design of Gadget, deliberately scrapped together and the moment where Roman’s being electrocuted as a result of The Doctor’s upgrade is probably the funniest moment in the episode.

Adelaide: “Are you the Doctor or the janitor?”
The Doctor: “I don’t know, sounds like me. Maintenance man of the universe.”

Adelaide: “I thought you hated robots.”
The Doctor: “I do.”

The earliest trailer we got for this episode, post April was back in July as a result of Comic-Con.

The Doctor: “Water is patient, Adelaide. Water justs waits. When it’s done the cliff tops, the mountains, the whole of the world, water always wins.”

Adelaide (re Dalek): “It simply went away. I swore that night I would follow it.”
The Doctor: “But not for revenge?”
Adelaide: “What would be the point of that?”

Despite a lot of rumours, this episode did not feature the Ice Warriors but there was the strong implication that they trapped the Flood in a glacier on Mars.

Adelaide: “Why won’t you help, Doctor, if you know all this, why can’t you change it?”
The Doctor: “I can’t.”

Ed (to Adelaide): “You never could forgive me. See you later.”

This episode had an “In Memory” tribute to the recently deceased Barry Letts. I love this show for honouring past producers.

Adelaide: "It can't be stopped. Don't die with us."
The Doctor: “No, because someone told me, just recently, they said I was gonna die. They said he would knock four times and I think I know what that means and it doesn’t mean right here, right now ‘cause I don’t hear anyone knocking, do you?”

The Doctor (to Adelaide): “We’re not just fighting the Flood, we’re fighting time itself and I’m gonna win.”

A DVD for this episode and all of the specials (including “The Next Doctor”) is due for a January 2010 release.

Adelaide: “Is there nothing you can’t do?”
The Doctor: “Not anymore.”

The Doctor (to Ood Sigma): “I’ve gone too far. Is this it, my death? Is it time?”

The trailer showed the Master, Lucy, Donna, Wilfred, Joshua Naismith, Ood Sigma, alluded to nightmares and went under “The End Of Time”. A preview scene can be seen on Children In Need, BBC1 at 8pm from November 20th.

Given it’s unfortunate position, “The Waters Of Mars” not only turned out to be better than the previous episode but it was amazing. Devastating, highlighting a real beginning of the end feel that we’ve had to be accustomed with for the past year. Thank goodness we only have to wait a month for the next special. I don’t think I would be able to wait any longer for it.

Rating: 10 out of 10.

My Review of The Sarah Jane Adventures 3x05: "Mona Lisa's Revenge"

Written by Phil Ford
Directed by Joss Agnew

Mona Lisa (to Luke): “I’ve just had five centuries hanging on a wall, sugar. What is it you think I want? It’s time I had a bit of fun and I think I’ll start with a bit of target practice.”

They say that you should never meet your heroes because they’ll only end up disappointing you. If that’s really the case, then a suddenly made flesh Mona Lisa really does one worse, doesn’t she? I never knew the object of Leonardo’s painting was such a psychopath until this story surfaced.

Flown in from the Louvre, Mona Lisa’s arrival was going to generate much attention. If Doctor Who can give us Dickens, Shakespeare and Agatha Christie, then building an alien related story around the Mona Lisa was always going to be a walk in the park. In a way it painted a very different picture behind the famous lady.

Of course Mona Lisa coming to life from her painting had to involve the gang, so Clyde winning a competition to see Mona Lisa was a good way of getting them right into the action. Let’s just say that Clyde’s artistic talents are a big part of this story. After all, he drew Sontaran blasters on his own prize winner and Lisa certainly had fun using one of them at her disposal.

Suranne Jones, mostly known for her role of Karen McDonald in Coronation Street was an interesting choice for the title role. Certainly not what I would’ve envisioned for the role but it worked out very well. Provided you put your pedantry about the real Mona Lisa aside and switched your brain off.

In some ways, watching her in action as Lisa was like watching her Corrie alter-ego all over again. Lisa might have boasted about being the classiest woman around but she certainly didn’t act that way through the whole story. Even in the 1500s they must have had ladette culture.

Still her allure was enough to get Lionel Harding mostly trying to appeal to her better nature. This story wouldn’t have been complete without at least one person gushing over the Mona Lisa and Lionel was the very fellow who worshipped the painting and the woman come to life as a result.

It meant because of his worship that he chose to ignore Sarah Jane’s warning about Miss Trupp’s awful fate being bound in a painting. It was also the same fate that befell Sarah Jane and pretty much everyone else as well as a result. Well, Lisa did need something other than a Sontaran blaster at her disposal, didn’t she?

So, apart from escaping a painting, where else could they have gone with the character? It seemed that the writer Phil Ford wanted to strive for a bit of an emotional arc. That meant Lisa wanting to release her brother from the painting that he had been trapped in. If you think that underneath it all, there’s a touching story here, look again.

Not only was Lisa utterly clueless about what her alleged brother actually looked like but it turned out very fast that the mysterious was also something of a sociopath. As if one nutcase wasn’t enough, this story was going to throw two into the mix. At this point, even Harding was beginning to realise that Lisa’s release from her painting was a bad thing.

Discontent with the fact that she was trapped in the museum itself, releasing her brother was going to be the best revenge she could get. After all, he went by the name of the Abomination, apparently drove people insane who gazed upon and once released would burn the world. It was also due to their connection and both of them being in the same building that she was able to get free in the first place.

With Sarah Jane mostly out of the loop, it was up to the kids to save the day with this one. Mona Lisa herself delighted in taunting Luke about his mother being trapped in a painting and she also wasted no time in releasing the Dark Rider to try and keep them out of the way.

The macguffin of the story however lay in the Chinese lock the story was under. When Luke agreed to help Lisa get her brother after Harding smashed the lock, the plan seemed obvious enough. Clyde drew a new lock; Mona Lisa brought it to life and inadvertently K9 along with it. K9 destroyed the Abomination and Mona Lisa found herself going back into her painting.

There was an air of simplicity to it but it was effective enough. Mona Lisa went from being affronted by the idea of being living art (Harding’s original offer) to seeing it as the lesser of two evils. I guess the moral of the tale here was that some things really are best left to where they originally were.

As a concept Mona Lisa did work. She was evil enough to drive the story, had a fairly original take on wanting to be reunited with a lost family member and Suranne Jones, despite being a bit OTT in places really seemed to have a lot of fun with the role.

As for Harding, I actually felt a little sorry for the bloke. He wasn’t a terrible person, just blinded by his appreciation of the Mona Lisa but at the same time, I did think it was a smart idea for Miss Trupp to tell him off for the way he treated her. That was something that he needed to hear, even if he did do the right thing in the end.

The other part of this story then fell into Luke and Sarah Jane. For the first time we saw Luke act like a real teenage with his argument with Sarah Jane. We also saw Sarah Jane beginning to realise that he’s growing up and like other teenagers, was definitely prone to being a bit lazy from time to time.

Rani’s part in this story by comparison fell a little short. Not very much happened with her at all but there were some moments with Clyde. There was definitely something rather telling with the way he talked to Luke and Rani about drawing for company and even Haresh were forced to admit that Clyde had talent.

Also in “Mona Lisa’s Revenge”

Clyde’s picture contained three scantily clad girls with Sontaran blasters. Not my thing but I can see why it would appeal to others.

Luke: “I don’t know what you want from me. You say you’re trying to give me a normal life but when I act like a real teenager, you want me to be perfect again. The way the Bane made me.”
Sarah Jane: “I’m sorry you feel like that.”
Luke: “So am I.”

There’s a wonderful reference to “Planet Of The Dead” where Harding commented about the cup of Athelstan. I guess the cops never did catch up with Christina and her flying bus.

Phyllis: “Do you know how lucky you are? Lionel worships you. If only he looked at me with the same eyes.”
Mona Lisa: “Oh, quit your moaning love. Do us all a favour.”

Rani: “Good cover story.”
Luke: “No, I really need the loo.”
Rani: “Oh, well like Dad said, be quick.”

One of the things that was promised this season was Haresh and Gita getting more to do but apart from their Judoon encounter, they’ve been pretty underused this season.

Mona Lisa: “Seems like no-one wants you around, Sezza, not even your son.”
Sarah Jane: “What?”
Mona Lisa: “Heard him talking before. He’d like you to keep your nose out. So would I.”

Luke (re Sarah Jane): “What have you done to her?”
Mona Lisa: “Do you not like it? I know art’s meant to be subjective but I think she looks pretty as a picture. Well, most pictures.”

The alien element of Mona Lisa’s appearance seemed to be paints derived from the rocks were from a meteorite.

Lionel: “Can’t you appreciate the wonder of what’s happened today?”
Clyde: “Can’t you appreciate that she’s nuts?”
Mona Lisa: “I’m standing right here, boys.”

Lionel: “I’ve been a fool.”
Mona Lisa: “Well I could’ve told you that any day. Now give me the puzzle.”

Lizo Mzimba was a guest star in the first part of this episode. And I liked Sarah Jane’s reaction when Mr Smith was reading Miss Trupp’s personal ad.

Mona Lisa: “You know, Clydey, this Sultana blaster -”
Rani: “I think you mean Sontaran.”
Mona Lisa: “Whatever.”

Mona Lisa: “I can’t go back into that frame, I won’t.”
Luke: “You’ve got no choice.”
Mona Lisa (to Lionel): “Please. That room you promised me, a living work of art, that’s what you said, I’ll do it. I’ll do anything if you let me stay here. If you let me live.”

Chronology: None was exactly specified in this story, was there?

“Mona Lisa’s Revenge” seems to have divided some online posters. I choose to look at it as a bit of silly fun. Not the best use of an historical character as such but definitely a fun, frothy story. I just hope the finale can be just as good.

Rating: 8 out of 10.

My Review of "Angels In America"

Written by Tony Kushner
Directed by Mike Nichols

Prior: “I’m almost done. The fountain’s not flowing now; they turn it off in the winter, ice in the pipes. But in the summer it’s a sight to see. I want to be around to see it. I plan to be. I hope to be. This disease will be the end of many of us, but not nearly all, and the dead will be commemorated and will struggle on with the living, and we are not going away. We won’t die secret deaths anymore. The world only spins forward. We will be citizens. The time has come.”

Quite a lengthy speech but it’s certainly one of many memorable ones from this play. A play that 18 years after its debut became one of the most successful and engaging mini-series that HBO have ever produced. If you haven’t seen it, do yourself a favour and grab a copy.

Angels In America is primarily as gay themed as you can get. On one hand you have Prior and Louis, a couple who’ve been together for the last four years but whose world are turned upside down when Prior finds out that he has AIDS. Louis’s ultimate response is to abandon his lover and take with a new one.

That leads to our second couple, Harper and Joe. From the offset their marriage is on thin ice with her erratic behaviour and his distancing from her. Learning that he’s gay and deeply closeted will shock very little people but his self-loathing and hypocrisy is ultimately the ending of both his marriage and his dalliance with Louis as well.

The other main gay character in the frame is Roy Cohen. One of the most ruthless men on the planet, he also suffers from AIDS (like Prior) and is deeply closeted about his sexual identity (like Joe from the start). His ending is the one resulting in death, haunted by the nice Ethel, who he had sent to the electric chair.

In between these stories, is also the arrival of the Angel. She’s the one that convinced Prior that he was a prophet of some kind, though it’s sort of disappointing that he doesn’t really get to realise that out. Though there is a moment within both plays were he got to see heaven, so things weren’t all bad.

One of the strongest things about this story is the characters. They’re all as fucked as you can get and for some reason, it’s great to see that neither Harper/Joe nor Prior/Louis actually reconcile. Some relationships are meant to be shipped but the two prominent ones in this story aren’t those of relationships. It also that every character is believable, regardless of how you might feel about them.

Some of the other characters in this story flourish brilliantly as well. While Harper is actually the character I empathised with (apart from Louis), I also immensely enjoyed Joe’s rather repressed mother, Hannah and Prior’s flamboyant friend, Belize who certainly provided moral support for his pals and wonderfully pithy dialogue all the through.

In terms of sexual content, there isn’t actually a lot to speak of. Joe got at least two sex scenes with both Louis and Harper and the Angel herself had sex with both Prior and Hannah. Now that was weird to watch. Then again, this was a polemic double play with a strong message in regards to AIDS back in the 1980’s, a message that still holds relevance today.

- This was made into a mini-series in 2003, with Meryl Streep, Emma Thompson, Mary Louise-Parker, Jeffrey Wright, Al Pacino and Justin Kirk tackling the main roles.
- Between plays and mini-series, there isn’t much in the way of changes. I think some scenes were a little skimmed but that’s all.
- The plays themselves went under the titles of “Millennium Approaches” and “Perestroika”.
- Jeffrey Wright is one of the few actors to have played the character of Belize both on stage in 1993 and on screen in 2003.

Touching on a lot of important themes, “Angels In America” certainly made great use of its six hour running. Also with a powerhouse cast, it’s no wonder that this is one of the most highly regarded pieces of work.

Rating: 10 out of 10.

Something To Look Forward To (Skins Season 4 Spoilers)

Reasons why I love Afterellen all the more.

It seems that the fourth season of Skins is still being filmed and while it's unlikely that I'll ever care about Cook/Effy/Freddie triangle of boredom, the writers are certainly showing some happy Emily/Naomi action.

The girls share a moment in bed, minus the sex part. Not that the show won't give viewers some girl on girl material. But clearly there's some calmer moments with them this year.

And some snogging between them as well. Their relationship is pretty out in the open. It's only having to deal with the reaction from Emily's parents, especially the mother seeing as Katie has approved them.

Mexican hats, beards and tequillas. More party time on the only show that shows teenagers being genuinely hedonistic at times.

Season 4 debuts on E4 from January 21st 2010 and will have eight episodes. More pictures can be seen here .... http://www.afterellen.com/blwe/11-13-09?page=0%2C3

Season 4 Trailer: http://www.e4.com/video/bsT92GRq7Lu6v6G5QKRjl1/play.e4

My Review of Dollhouse's 2x04: "Belonging"

Written by Jed Whedon And Maurissa Tanchereon
Directed by Jonathan Frakes

Nolan: “I have offered you everything. What else do you want?”
Priya: “I wanna walk out the damn door.”

If this show doesn’t make it to a third season, then this is without a doubt going to be one of the most discussed episodes this show has pulled since “Epitaph One” to be honest. Last season we got hints of Sierra’s back story. This episode went one better by detailing the entire thing.

So, Sierra prior to her life in the Dollhouse was a nice girl named Priya who tried to resist the advances of wealthy Nolan. You can see why. Nolan might be a good looking man and loaded but he’s also a deeply horrible man and this story highlighted beyond doubt that some people really do deserve to have their ass handed to them.

Nolan realised quickly that he couldn’t buy Priya and he tried his best on that one. Even getting her to paint something for an art show wasn’t helping. Heck, not even Echo and Victor could try and get Priya into fancying Nolan. Actually putting Victor in proximity of Priya was a big mistake for Nolan.

It sucks fancying someone who doesn’t feel the same way but to completely destroy that person’s life because they refused your advances is unbelievable. Viewers hated Nolan when he debuted in “Needs”. Now that hate just tripled and intensified all the more.

Priya made it clear that nothing would get her into bed with Nolan. Of course this episode would have to open with Sierra in Nolan’s arms, believing that he was the perfect man for her. Another reminder of how horrific the Dollhouse is.

I did wonder how Nolan exactly got the right to be able to sign Priya up for the Dollhouse. It turned out that all he had to do was drug her up so badly that she was institutionalised and the likes of Topher would believe that he was giving a mentally unbalanced woman a better life. Yeah, Topher not the brightest button, is he?

Funnily enough, we have Echo to thank for a lot of this episode. In spite of the fact that she’s underused in the story, she did show Topher one of Sierra’s pictures that alluded to the bad man. In some ways, there were two bad men to speak of. Nolan doesn’t have to be explained but Topher was bad for not looking at everything properly.

It was only when he went through Sierra/Priya’s scans again that he realised that she was drugged. In a lot of the ways, this episode was to be proof that in spite of viewing the Actives as toys, there’s a part of Topher that actually gives a shit about them as people. It’s good to know. Better was his intent to try and remedy the situation.

Alerting Boyd to it was one thing, involving Adelle was another. Granted she overheard the exchange but even Adelle was disgusted by the lengths that Nolan went to keep Priya as his love slave. Was Nolan right to lambast Adelle as a hypocrite? Was Matthew Harding, the Rossum guy? Yes and no!

Working in the Dollhouse is a degrading business because we’ve seen that the majority of the Actives were often coerced or plain forced into signing up, so on that level, Adelle might not have a lot of moral high ground. However, the fact that Harding elected to do nothing but force Adelle to hand over Priya to Nolan forever was cold.

Seeing Topher and Adelle argue over the decision made for some of the best TV from the series. Both of them raised points about protocol and each other but the idea of Priya being trapped with Nolan forever was an unbearable idea in of itself.

Because of that it wasn’t surprising that Topher did some tampering of his own. Making Priya remember everything about her last year was supposed to be his way to help her and atone himself. Sadly, like some of the well intentioned plans, something had to do horribly wrong.

In a realistic world, I wouldn’t waste a second grieving over someone like Nolan. Even when Priya stabbed him, it was in self-defence and it horrified her. This was after seeing him knocking her into next week when she was finally able to stand up to him. Goodbye Nolan, you won’t be missed.

As for Boyd and Topher, it was their job to help cover the mess. Something tells me that burning the body aside in sulphuric acid won’t be enough. There will be some long term consequences to what just happened with Nolan. Even Adelle herself didn’t seem convinced when Boyd told her that Nolan skipped the country.

As for the final scenes with Priya and Topher, choosing to forget might be the best thing for her now. Until Echo’s plan goes into motion, she’s still stuck in the Dollhouse but at least one joyful thing came out of this story – her and Victor.

We know that they love each other and the writers and actors have made it hard for viewers not to love them as a couple and this episode proved why. Victor’s devotion to her (he tried to get rid of the black paint) and Sierra realising how he felt for her (after Priya taunted Nolan about her love for Victor) was just delightful.

Echo on the other hand, if Boyd can catch up with you trying to stir things in the Dollhouse, then soon enough someone else will to. Luckily for us, Boyd is actually on her side and even gave her an All Access card. He also might have a valid point about Echo causing a storm also.

Also in “Belonging”

We had a Season 2 episode of Angel, which was also called “Belonging”. This was obviously better.

Sierra (re black): “I don’t like this colour though.”
Victor: “Why do you use it?”
Sierra: “It’s always here.”

Matthew Harding, the Rossum guy was played by Keith Carradine. I have a feeling we’ll see him again this season.

Victor (re black paint): “Is this wrong?”
Echo: “No, it’s good. You’re taking charge. You’re taking matters into your own hands.”
Victor: “They’re in my shirt.”

Matthew: “What are we already?”
Adelle: “We’re not slave merchants.”

Because of this episode, we got to hear Dichen Lachman more in her native tongue, with the writers acknowledges that Priya is Australian.

Adelle (to Topher, re Sierra): “You have always thought of people as playthings. This is not a judgement, you’ve always taken care of your toys but you’re going to have to let this one go.”

Topher: “Do you know where you are?”
Priya: “I’m in hell.”
Topher: “You’re in Los Angeles but I can understand the mix up.”

In the UK, Sci-Fi will air the remaining episodes of Season 2 in January.

Echo (to Boyd): “I don’t care. Something bad is coming, like a storm and I want everyone to wake up.”

Priya (to Nolan, re Victor): “I love him so much more than I hate you.”

This is the first episode not to feature Paul and to be fair, it works perfectly well without him.

Topher (re Priya): “I was just trying to help her and now she’s ruined.”
Boyd: “You had a moral dilemma. Your first and it didn’t go well.”
Topher: “Priya does not belong in the Dollhouse.”
Boyd: “She does now.”

Priya (re Victor): “I love him, is that real?”
Topher: “Yes, it’s real. He loves you back.”

Chronology: A year since “Ghost”, according to the flashbacks we saw in this episode.

Without a doubt the best episode from the series. “Belonging” is just wonderful storytelling, brimmed with shocking and discussion worthy moments and sublime performances from Dichen Lachman, Vincent Ventressa and Fran Kanz.

Rating: 10 out of 10.

My Review of Buffy The Vampire Slayer's 8x30: "Retreat Part 5"

Written by Jane Espenson
Artwork by Georges Jeanty

Buffy: “The goddesses. They’re not on our side.”
Willow: “What? We – they --”
Buffy: “They’re not on anyone’s side, they’re killers and we’re not getting our powers back. We didn’t bring help. We brought death.”

And this is how you make a dire situation ten times worse – summon three unhinged goddesses who’ll happily kill everything and anything in their way. Goddesses are clearly never going to be a benevolent force on this show. Buffy just made her outcome even worse than she already had inadvertently done.

At first it did look like everything was moving in their favour. The goddesses arrived and started despatching most of Twilight’s soldiers. Then it started in on the slayers as well. As allies went, the goddesses were a very poor choice.

I knew there was going to be consequences for the slayers surrendering their power to the Earth but this was just devastating. Completely powerless, they were barely able to defend themselves from both Twilight and the goddesses and in the end, the most predictable of outcome happened – they lost.

The last scene with the majority of them being rounded up proved that sometimes, the villains do win. Twilight effectively just waited for the dust to settle to snare the survivors and what he plans to do with them is something we won’t be finding out until the New Year.

Twilight’s motives in this one were strange enough, I’ll grant you. He was pretty unfazed when he realised that Riley had double crossed him and while he’s probably tiring of Amy and Warren’s constant bickering, he was also perfectly happy to walk away and let them squabble amongst themselves like a bunch of children.

Then there was sacrificing his soldiers. That didn’t sit too well with the commander guy that was begging Twilight to let him pull his men out of the fight. But at the same time, was it shocking that Twilight was interested in seeing what the goddesses could do to the men? Not for one second.

That might end up coming back to haunt Twilight in future issues. If he’s too willing to sacrifice his men on a whim then I can see the soldiers turning on him. Twilight might be clever but he’s also been dependent on the government as well as Amy, Warren and Riley to pull off some of his schemes so far. What happens when one of them decides that they don’t really need Twilight in order to best Buffy once and for all?

Speaking of someone not being needed, Warren really was made to feel like the Zeppo of the bunch in this issue, wasn’t it? I absolutely loved Amy for her sheer belittlement of Warren, who’s out and out misogyny underlines a little man syndrome if ever there was one. He really is threatened that Amy is cleverer than him and not mightily impressed with her constantly reminding him that she’s his skin.

I’m hoping by the end of this comic season that Warren is permanently killed off because although there was the initial shock of his return earlier on in the series, the writers haven’t actually utilised him all that much and it’s pretty apparent in this issue alone that Twilight and Amy see him as neither use, nor ornament as well. Plus, no-one would actually miss Warren either, so there’s another valid reason why Amy should finish what Willow started.

She already perceptively pointed out that Warren’s plan of tricking Andrew at the start of this arc was ridiculous. It was ridiculous, in the same way that Warren attempting to undermine Twilight when the latter realised that Riley was working for Buffy all along. I guess we should’ve seen that coming. I’m glad that Riley isn’t a bad guy.

That being said, Riley didn’t fare all that much better in the story either. Like Bay, he’s alive but also seriously injured and at this point in time, probably captured as well. He had some nice little moments with Buffy and the gang but even during his time undercover, he still wasn’t able to come up with anything to help the gang stop Twilight.

However the biggest talking point of the entire story are the goddesses. Seemingly because of them, everyone is still powerless and that’s something that Twilight is going to delight in no doubt but the strangest moment was when one of them grabbed Buffy and then dropped her to the ground without a second thought.

By rights, Buffy should’ve been dead from this. Instead she rose from the snow and watched as the goddesses continued their rampage through Tibet. Thinking about it, this probably means that Buffy now has everyone’s powers to boot, including Willow’s. Sucks for everyone else, but will Buffy be able to mentally handle all of that power surging through her?

Also in “Retreat Part 5”

Adam Hughes cover for this issue is gorgeous. Buffy in a blizzard, which got added into the issue itself for good measure.

Warren: “It didn’t have to get to this point. I was working on Andrew. He was buying it. If you’d let me continue -”
Amy: “Your whole plan didn’t even make sense – The First tempted him before, not you, and you are no The First.”
Warren: “But the whole we-are-as-gods thing was totally getting to him! I mean, just look out there! Gods are a big deal.”

The fact that Amy knows that The First tempted Andrew as Warren was a good indicator that she did have ties to it in Season Seven.

Bayaarma: “They shouldn’t have come here.”
Oz: “Who? Buffy and everyone? Or the goddesses?”
Bayaarma: “We gave them everything.”

Amy: “Buffy’s in that jeep. Where’s she going?”
Warren: “Why don’t I have binoculars?”
Twilight: “The goddesses almost killed them.”

Maybe it was due to the severity of what was going on, but Buffy was less agitated with Xander in this issue.

Bayaarma (re goddesses): “It’s been too long since we shared the surface with them. They don’t recognise the ones who feed them.”
Kennedy: “Are we going to get our powers back?”
Faith: “No.”

Buffy: “Hang on.”
Riley: “People always say that when someone’s hurt really badly, but I don’t think it helps.”

Dark Horses are doing some one shots with Dr Horrible and Sugar Shock for all you Joss Whedon fans out there.

Amy: “Shut up, Warren.”
Warren: “Stop cutting me down!”
Twilight: “We can’t trust anyone anymore. Tell me -”
Warren: “You’re the least supportive girlfriend ever!”
Amy: “I’m your skin.”
Warren: “Oh, you always have to go there!”

Buffy (re being able to fly): “What the hell?!”

Next issue, a one shot called “Willow” is due out on December 23rd.

As arcs end, this one is definitely something of a traditional cliff hanger. “Retreat Part 5” does move beautifully and it’s certainly the best issue from the entire arc. But I’m hoping that by this time 2010, all of the events leading up to this will pay off spectacularly.

Rating: 9 out of 10.

Another Returning Monster (Doctor Who Season 5 Spoilers)

I know this week should all be about The Waters Of Mars and it is, but here are some recent (ish) updates on filming for Season 5.

Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith) and Amy Pond (Karen Gillan) seemingly in the midst of a discussion or pally moment, I'm not really sure which to be honest.

Apparently this story (still episodes 8 and 9) does feature a family that comes into contact with our new Time Team. One of the characters is called Elliot.

Vaguely in this photo and if you check my last set report, you're supposed to see a Silurian. If it's them, fantastic but if not, I'm sure they'll be an interesting adversary, especially to get a two parter dedicated to them.

Some more scenes filmed at a local church. I'm guessing this was one of the places where the Silurians (if it's them for sure) were supposed to attack. There does seem to be an old school feeling to this upcoming season, which I'm intrigued by.

Alun Raglan is one of the guest stars confirmed for this story. Nothing too specific has been disclosed in regards to his character. I think he's called Mo Northover. I also read on GallifreyBase that Meera Syal is playing Nasreen Chaudhry. Interesting casting in the latter case. Alun Vega also has the building they're coming out called the "Silurian Senate" on his Flickr account (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alun_vega/)

And a certain truck shows that UNIT have returned. Notice the words, "Byzantium" and "Fanny Magnet" also on the vehicle in question. Apparently this story is to have a bit of a Season 7 feel to it. Reminders of the Pertwee era? Wonderful! After this story is completed, it's supposedly Richard Curtis's episode that gets filmed next and that's going to feature Van Gogh apparently.

My Review of The Sarah Jane Adventures 3x04: "The Eternity Trap"

Written by Phil Ford
Directed by Alice Troughton

Erasmus (to Clyde/Rani): “You cross my threshold of your own free will and now by my will, you shall stay for eternity.”

When it comes to this verse, we get it already – ghosts do not exist. Another story that solidifies this belief would be this one where the goings on of Ashen Manor may look spooky but supposedly aren’t, in the supernatural sense of things.

At least that’s what both Sarah Jane and Professor Rivers seem to believe. Despite his absence, we’re also told that Luke isn’t convinced by the existence of ghosts either. So, why do Clyde, Rani and more vocally, Toby seem to think that there’s some truth in the supernatural then?

Well, even before anything ‘spooky’ happened, Ashen Manor does look like the sort of clichéd home to attract the supernatural, doesn’t it? Erasmus Darkening certainly seemed to be enjoying tormenting those who unwisely lived in the house for the past three hundred plus years that’s for sure.

Sarah Jane’s cynicism about the spiritual elements is duly maintained throughout the whole story. Even though there are certain moments where Toby thought he was vindicated in his beliefs of the paranormal, Sarah Jane’s lack of belief never faltered. If it wasn’t for her own experiences, she’d appeared to be a very silly woman for not at least entertaining the idea of ghosts.

In terms of ghostly activities, a lot of the stuff does seem to be rather textbook examples here. Weird crying/noises, things being moved around, the house shaking and things being thrown at different points. If it’s alien, then it certainly has a peculiar sense of humour in that regard. Of course it’s alien, even though it took a while for Sarah Jane to confirm it of course.

But the kind of alien that Erasmus Darkening is however was never revealed in this story. He certainly knows enough about dimension and his fractured accelerator was certainly a way of trapping various people and prolonging his own existence. That was appropriate, given the title for this story.

It also wasn’t long before Professor Rivers became one of the people trapped as well by Erasmus’s little trap. Someone had to get it and Rivers I guess made the best candidate. It meant that Toby also largely spent his time with Sarah Jane while Clyde and Rani failed miserably to stay out of trouble themselves.

The team up with Sarah Jane and Toby was interesting enough. Toby certainly seemed like a character that is likely to return to the series, especially given that Professor Rivers herself has been a recurring character as well. He certainly learned a lot from Sarah Jane by the end of the Erasmus debacle.

His belief in the paranormal seemed to stem from a single incident that he couldn’t put a scientific explanation onto. The fact that he also doesn’t make any attempts to hide the fact that he wanted approval from his father was revealing in its own way. Something that Sarah Jane also commented on. I also can’t help but love his joy at seeing Lord Marchwood and not freaking out as well. Good for him.

For every villain of the piece, there needs to be a victim and Lord Marchwood is probably the biggest one here. It was his foolishness and trust in Erasmus that put the alien into his proximity and it was an attack gone wrong that damned Erasmus to being stuck on Earth and snatching people for his own survival.

Callum Blue was a good a choice for Lord Marchwood, neatly highlighting the character’s anguish at Erasmus’s reign of terror and also the heroism. Several times in the story, it’s both Marchwood and his lost children that try to warn the gang to leave Ashen Manor or save them from being attacked by Erasmus.

Erasmus certainly did attack at great length, though he never actually succeeded in snaring Sarah Jane, Clyde, Rani and Toby without Marchwood scuppering his plans. Even the one chance he had to get them without Marchwood, Erasmus spent too much time bragging about his genius to actually do the deed in question.

It just goes to show that you can have a colossus of genius and still be a halfwit at times. Erasmus spent too much time with childish ghost tactics and bragging about his own importance that Marchwood, Toby and Sarah Jane were able to get their own back and turn him into electricity. As comeuppances went, it was fine, though maybe finding a way to send him home or into the nearest black hole might have better.

The ending for this story was pretty simplistic as well. Professor Rivers came back and realised that while ghosts still don’t exist, something did. I’m not sure how much Sarah Jane filled in but Toby’s talk of looking into the stars should’ve given her a vital clue. As for Clyde and Rani, jokes references aside, both of them felt a little underused in certain parts.

Also in “The Eternity Trap”

Does anyone know why Tommy Knight wasn’t in this one? Something to do with exams, seeing as he’s the youngest of the child actors.

Sarah Jane: “It’s a good story professor but I don’t believe in ghosts.”
Professor Rivers: “Of course you don’t and neither do I but Ashen Manor is reputedly one of the most haunted locations in the UK.”

Erasmus Darkening really looked like and sounded like Borusa from “The Five Doctors”, despite him being played by a different actor.

Clyde (to Sarah Jane): “No wonder Luke wanted to stay at home. I could get bored at jumping out of my own shadow pretty fast.”

Toby: “That’s better professor. The camera doesn’t do you any favours.”
Professor Rivers: “I heard that.”

Toby’s father is the reputed, Sir Rupert Silverman. The creature he was supposed to have seen as a child was the Trickster from the way Toby described him.

Rani (to Erasmus): “It’s not that we’re not tempted but we’ve got school on Monday.”

Erasmus: “We exist at different frequencies. Your steel cannot hurt me, Marchwood.”
Lord Marchwood: “And your magic cannot hurt me again.”

This was another story not to feature Rani’s parents, though apparently Luke had no problem beating Haresh six times at chess.

Erasmus: “I’m Erasmus Darkening, Lord of magic.”
Sarah Jane: “You really shouldn’t believe your own press, you know. Maybe people believed in magic when you were conning Lord Marchwood, that you could make gold from lead but not anymore.”

Rani: “So how do you distract a ghost?”
Clyde: “Um, you find them a pretty ghoul friend?”

In case you don’t know, we now know that Doctor Who’s “The Waters Of Mars” airs on November 15th at 7pm on BBC1 so we’re getting doubly spoiled next week.

Clyde (to Rani): “Some aliens are like us. The Doctor looked human.”

Erasmus: “You disappoint me, Miss Smith.”
Sarah Jane: “I never like to disappoint.”

Chronology: Nothing specified since “The Wedding Of Sarah Jane Smith”

Out of the four stories that have aired so far this season, “The Eternity Trap” for me is the weakest of the bunch. It’s not a terrible story and Luke’s absence doesn’t deter proceedings but even with the presence of Callum Blue and a good villain in Erasmus Darkening, it’s just not a favourite of mine.

Rating: 7 out of 10.

My Review of True Blood's 2x01: "Nothing But The Blood"

Written by Alexander Woo
Directed by Daniel Minahan

Sookie (to Bill): “I shared every dark, horrible corner of my life with you. What made you think I couldn’t handle yours? I’m a lot stronger than you think.”

I never doubted that Sookie had inner strength but it’s nice to hear her assert herself to Bill because if this episode is anything to go by, then the second season certainly isn’t going to be that much of a walk in the park. Yet again, she stumbled across a dead body. The only difference was that this time both Andy and Tara were there as well.

If we were going by “Living Dead In Dallas” like this season is setting out to, then the unfortunate corpse in the car should be Lafayette by all means. Instead it was Miss Jeanette. I wasn’t particularly fond of the woman but even I don’t think she was deserving of the death dished out to her here. So, who the hell did it?

I’m not even going to entertain the notion that either Tara or Andy were responsible for Jeanette’s death. Tara didn’t do herself any favours by originally denying all knowledge of the woman but at least she did the right thing when Sookie advised her to. Going off on one wouldn’t have been Tara’s strongest of ideas in this situation.

Andy himself seems to enjoy grilling people he knows of murders. While he was nowhere near as mean spirited with Tara like he was with Jason, he certainly didn’t give her an easy time of it either. Which was stupid on Andy’s part when Bud mentioned that he was a suspect as well. That certainly didn’t leave a happy taste in Andy’s mouth. Oh well, at least Andy can’t blame Jason for this one, right?

As for Lettie Mae, I veer between feeling a glimmer of sympathy for her and then realising she’s an out and out bitch for her negligence of Tara over and over again. I wasn’t surprised that Lettie Mae refused to accept that Miss Jeanette was a con woman and I certainly wasn’t fazed when she kept insisting on Tara’s demon as well. The weird, liar or not, Jeanette did ‘cure’ Lettie Mae. What are we supposed to make of that?

The fun part about Lettie Mae’s tirade was having Maryann sock it to her in a massive way. There was nothing more gratifying than watching Maryann remind Lettie Mae of how much of a bad mother she really was. The only sad part was that while Maryann was totally right to say all of those things to Lettie Mae, the woman is trouble and this episode only continued that trend.

With Tara you get the impression that she’s being groomed or used by Maryann and that’s before Sam even raised the notion. What it is about Tara that Maryann wants exactly? If it’s to cause a rift between Tara and Lettie Mae, then that’s easily done. However if it’s something to do with Eggs, then Tara is going to be in some serious crap before we even get to the halfway point of this season.

Why else would she go apeshit on poor Carl? All the guy did was give Tara and Eggs some towels. If that’s enough to have her smacking employees, then I’m pretty sure she’ll be scarier when she’s actually got a really good reason to be pissed off with someone. Like maybe Sam for instance.

“You’ll Be The Death Of Me” indicated that there was a certain amount of history between them. This episode went one better by showing us flashbacks. Younger Sam slept with Maryann and stole from her. Our Sam wanted to pay her back because he believed that was her reason for catching up to him. Whatever it is that Maryann wants, it definitely isn’t money. I’ve read the books but I’m assuming the series have bigger plans for Maryann.

With her around both Sam and Tara (and as the series goes on, Sookie) had better watch themselves. At least she’s different to fang-banger killer Rene and it’s rather Buffy-ish to have season Big Bads and I mean that in a good way of course. Hopefully though Maryann will make as good an impact as Rene did in the first season.

Speaking of impacts, Sookie and Bill definitely had plenty to get through with this episode. Both Jessica’s making as a vampire and Uncle Bartlett’s death were something that certainly got Sookie’s goat for this one. To be fair, I can actually defend Bill a little on this one.

Uncle Bartlett – I’m sorry but while Bill shouldn’t have done him in, I don’t exactly find myself mourning the loss of a paedophile, no matter how old he was. But Sookie raised a point about Bill not killing every single person who upsets. She even compared her own discomfort of bumping off Rene and that was in self defence to address the point even further.

Jessica on the other hand was doomed from the start. If Bill didn’t make her, then the Magister would’ve gotten someone else to do it or had the girl simply bumped off. Not much in the way of choices and it was also Bill’s punishment for saving Sookie from Long Shadow, which was something that Sookie needed to be reminded of as well.

Jessica’s bratty behaviour was still a good source of fun in this episode. She found Sookie strange, was thrilled about the idea of dressing like a Slattern but also found herself slowly yielding to Bill’s way of thinking by finding a cocktail of Tru Blood that didn’t taste as bad as the rest of them. I see a lot of fun here if done right. And it gives Bill something to do other than protect Sookie all the time.

In terms of the shipper stuff, both Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer got some beautiful material in this episode. Bill is far better in the series than in the books and the sex scene between them in the episode, even with the blood was something else alright. Then again at this point if you’re not used to the racy sex of this show, then why watch it?

In relation to sex, how funny was it to see Jason turn down a girl because he wanted to be pure? Unlike the start of the last season where Jason was intentionally depicted as a jackass, this year he actually does want to do the right thing. Too bad his idea of that happens to be joining up with the Fellowship Of The Sun.

When even Hoyt is pointing out that the Fellowship are a bunch of vampire hating psychos, it’s good reason to listen up fast. Steve Newlin embodies every ounce of bigotry as his father did before and no amount of perkiness is ever going to make me like Sarah. Also when religion starts demanding $1200 for you to join up, then there’s a reason to be even dubious of it’s motives. Poor Jason. No way in hell is hooking up with the Fellowship going to end well for him.

As for Lafayette, the good news is that he’s alive. Bad news is that Eric has him as a prisoner, which must mean that he thinks Lafayette is responsible for Eddie’s disappearance/death. Watching Lafayette’s scenes were certainly grim but oddly when Eric in the middle of getting his highlights done came down and killed one of those homophobic hicks from last season. Nice to know in a weird way that Eric does have a bad side. Too bad Amy didn’t make it until Eric offered her his own brand of justice.

Also in “Nothing But The Blood”

Deborah Ann Woll (Jessica), Mehcad Brooks (Eggs), Michelle Forbes (Maryann) and Anna Camp (Sarah Newlin) were added to the regular cast this season.

Sam: “I don’t know about you but I think I’ve seen enough dead bodies to last me a lifetime.”
Sookie: “Except this one, I just don’t get. With everyone Rene killed, you would see his rage but this? Cutting out this poor woman’s heart? Someone just wanted to see her suffer.”

Bud Dearborne seems to be into square dancing, which has to be the most harmless secret anyone in this show seems to have. Although obviously it’s not a secret.

Tara (re Miss Jeanette): “The woman’s got a voodoo bus out in the middle of the woods.”
Andy: “Any particular place in the woods or just the middle of the woods?”

Royce: “How long have you been here?”
Lafayette: “I ain’t got no idea.”

While Tara acknowledged Lafayette’s absence, it would be nice if Sookie or someone actively started looking for him.

Maryann (to Lettie Mae, re Tara): “What a rare opportunity this is. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to gaze into the eyes of someone so devoid of human compassion that she would abandon her own child when she needed you the most.”

Steve: “It’s a beautiful, sunny morning in America, Miss Flanagan. I wish you were here.”
Nan: “Give me twelve hours, Reverend. I’ll be right there.”

In case of confusion, it’s pointed out in the episode that Nan is actually in Tokyo at the time she was speaking to Steve Newlin. Hope we see more of her this season.

Sam: “What are you?”
Maryann: “Baby boy, you’re the only thing that’s special in this world.”

Royce: “What else is there to do down here? Don’t you talk to the others?”
Lafayette: “No. Mostly I keep to my fucking self and think.”

Lafayette seems on the verge of a character assessment for himself. On another note, how lovely was it seeing Terry defending Arlene? Plus there was the poignancy of Jason grieving for Amy and Sookie going through Adelle’s stuff and we have a new barmaid in Daphne as well.

Sookie: “Jason, Amy was a V addict.”
Jason: “That don’t mean she had to die. I can’t help it, Sook, I loved her and when you love someone, you gotta love it all. Otherwise it ain’t love.”

Sam (to Sam): “I’m tired of charring my ass on your back burner.”

Standout music: “The Golden State” by John Doe/Kathleen Edwards and “Nothing But The Blood” by Randy Travis.

Maryann: “You have something of mine.”
Sam: “I don’t know how you found me but I assume this is what you came for. I’m sorry. I was young and scared at the time.”
Maryann: “I remember. Money. Oh, you sweet thing. It’s not your money I want.”

Chronology: Exactly from where “You’ll Be The Death Of Me” left off.

For a season opener, there are moments where you think things are moving slowly but seriously, “Nothing But The Blood” never seems to stop with the amount of storylines that are clearly being set up for the new season. A wonderful opening episode.

Rating: 9 out of 10.

My Review of Dollhouse's 2x03: "Belle Chose"

Written by Tim Minear
Directed by David Solomon

Ivy: “First Paul is going to take you on a spree.”
Echo: “Shopping or killing? Joke.”

Whoever said this show had a dark sense of humour? Well if you haven’t, then why not? The humour might not tickle you in the same vein as Dexter but this show certainly doesn’t waste time in delivering one of the creepiest characters yet.

Opening up with Terry was a different tack in a way for the series. He looked suitably demented and it wasn’t that much of a shocker when we saw four innocent women paralysed and positioned like shop door dummies. Sadly when the paralysis wore off one of the women, her attempts of escape were thwarted with Terry bumping up her in quite a grim fashion.

Adding further to the violent opening, Terry himself got ran over when he decided to get a replacement for his Aunt Sheila. Karmically, it’s a beautiful thing to happen to the deranged sociopath but if that had been the end of him; we’d be 75% out of an episode as well, so Terry winding up in a coma instead was to be expected.

When even Topher has moral qualms against wanting to wake Terry up, it’s probably a good indicator that a) Topher does some scruples and b) a further reminder of how seriously we’re suppose to take Terry as a threat. His uncle Bradley wanted Adelle to wake him up, even after admitting to some of Terry’s horrid acts. Personally, I’d probably pull the plug Terry if I had the choice, so it’s probably a good thing that I’m not a doctor then.

Of course Adelle’s a lot shrewder and connecting the disappearance of four women from Bradley’s claims of his nephew’s nasty activity, she spotted a potential case to solve. This also meant Paul getting to utilise his FBI skills. Paul doing something useful. No, actually this is a good episode for him.

His approach with Terry was pretty good. I liked that Paul didn’t want to try the softly, softly approach even if Bradley felt it was the better method with Terry. Having Victor don the psycho’s body meant a great performance from Enver, who certainly has proved his capability as an actor on this show and in this episode alone.

Terry’s motives for his actions weren’t spectacular or even original. Paul conveyed that beautifully when he tore into Terry’s need for having a fake family, even though his real one was very much alive and breathing. The only problem was that in spite of Paul’s wonderful breakthrough (Terry admitted to killing the woman he forced to be Aunt Sheila), Bradley broke him out of the Dollhouse while still in Victor’s body.

Victor running loose as a psycho is not a good thing and even Adelle felt the pressure by demanding Topher to do a remote wipe. It was only a matter of time before someone other than Alpha would have to achieve and lo and behold, Topher did the deed. Too bad that he took the psycho out of Victor and slammed him into Echo. Not your best work, Topher.

Having both Victor and Echo swap from the imprints they had was a genius idea for this episode. Okay so Eliza Dushku isn’t quite as good as Enver Gjokai but she does a good effort in still conveying the menace when Terry killed/injured poor randy professor Edmund and also when he went back to finish the rest of his victims off.

The final few moments however with Echo trying to suppress Terry’s killer instincts and help the women out when she wasn’t attacking them was a little rushed. I did however find some of the ending confusing. Did Terry actually die in his coma and did Echo manage to retain him, even after being wiped? The latter is definitely not a good thing if true.

As for the other assignment, Echo as Kiki felt a little too first season for me. The naive girl, not getting her medieval literature and having a randy professor enlighten and sleep with her. Been there, done that does seem to be the nicest way of conveying that it’s nothing new. Edmund getting killed/seriously injured when Echo went from Kiki to Terry however was a bit more original. If he survived, could Adelle have a lawsuit on her hands?

However the best thing about this episode was Victor as Kiki. It might have been short-lived but it was certainly a lot of fun and far funnier than you’d ever expect a show like this to be. Paul was especially kind of cute when he stepped in from Victor getting potentially beaten up by a few disgruntled night clubbers. Certainly a talking point for this series.

Also in “Belle Chose”

The literary allusions in this episode were interesting. In his own way, Edmund was trying to encourage female sexual liberation while Terry was trying to suppress it.

Topher (re Terry): “It could also give him a man reaction.”
Adelle: “I choose not to hear that.”

Boyd and Adelle both argued over Claire in this episode. Even Victor commented on not liking the new doctor as well.

Boyd (to Adelle): “Topher has ethical problems. Topher.”

Echo: “I’m like the Scarlet Lady with an F on her chest.”
Edmund: “A.”

Bradley was played by Michael Hogan (Tigh from Battlestar Galactica). If we’re really lucky can we have Tricia Helfer or James Callis next?

Bradley (re Paul): “This is the wrong approach to take with Terry. He needs to know you’re on his side.”
Adelle: “But we’re not on his side.”

Echo (to Edmund): “I guess having a fat ass was a great thing in the 1300s.”

In the UK, Sci-Fi seems to keep airing their ads for evening repeats of Buffy during the breaks for this show. Gee, I wonder why.

Topher (re Victor): “He’ll be an empty headed robot walking around Hollywood. He’ll be fine. We’ll find him.”

Edmund: “You do have power over me. You’re an incredible woman.”
Echo/Terry: “What did you call me? I am an incredible woman. Goodness gracious.”

Victor/Kiki (to night clubber): “You suck. Trying to hit a girl. Oh Paul, why did you ever leave me?”
Paul (to man): “You got a problem?”

No Sierra this week but the next episode is supposed to more than make up for that, so I’m happy with that.

Paul (re Terry): “Think he’ll ever wake up?”
Adelle: “Wouldn’t it be nice if he didn’t?”

Paul and Adelle seem friendlier with each other. Either that or Paul is trying to be more clever in taking the Dollhouse down. Latter I suspect.

“Belle Chose” is definitely the strongest contender from the first couple of episode we’ve had this season. Some good performances from Eliza and Enver and priceless comic moments all help make this one a winner.

Rating: 9 out of 10.