Tuesday 16 July 2013

Landmarks No.18


The Time Warrior.
Significant for a number of reasons.
First, and most importantly, it introduces Lis Sladen as Sarah Jane Smith.
Then there is the first appearance of the highly popular Sontarans.
The Time Lord homeworld is named for the very first time.
Pseudo-historicals are still quite rare up to this point, but the success of this story means they will become a mainstay of the programme.
Strange to think that we came so close to having a different Sarah Jane. Instead we were blessed with a brilliant character beautifully realised by Lis. Her success will lead to one of the Nu Who spin-off series - providing a natural home for the Slitheen as well as fantastic new characters that would not be out of place in the parent series - such as the Trickster and Androvax.
Only a few days ago, we had a Sontaran presenting music at the Royal Albert Hall. I do worry a bit that the menace of the race has been lost with the creation of Strax. Kevin Lindsay is the best example of the species we have ever seen. A great performance and a brilliant mask / make-up job.
The name of the Doctor's home planet - Gallifrey - is revealed almost in passing, without fanfare.

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