S02E01: 'The Lost Sontaran' - Part One

Published Monday, Sep 29 2008, 17:00 BST | By Ben Rawson-Jones | 6 comments

"There's something in the woods," shrieks the petrified telescope worker Lucy. Yes, a Sontaran who has clearly seen Predator far too many times. Yet away from the dubious cloaking 'homage' to the '80s action classic, The Sarah Jane Adventures has returned with its fine blend of child-friendly drama and sci-fi adventure with a very grown-up edge.

A suspenseful mystery is at the heart of the story, although entitling the episode 'The Last Sontaran' does mean that the build up the the spudfaced extraterrestrial being revealed is a bit pointless (but partially salvaged by some nifty retractable helmet FX). Indeed, the absorbing mystery mainly revolves around why Commander Kaagh is on our planet at all and what he wants in the aftermath of The Doctor and Luke Rattigan's defeat of their previous invasion attempt.

Its success is largely down to Anthony O' Donnell's performance as Kaagh. It's certainly not easy to be expressive in a latex mask, but through his eyes and voice one can sense the sadness over his race's defeat and his burning desire to make mankind and The Doctor pay for their actions. The character could easily have been a chest-thumping, chanting one-dimensional being, but there's an interesting feeling of loneliness lurking beneath the bravado.

Similarly, engrossing layers are added to Sarah Jane's persona, as her cold reaction to Maria's sudden news of her departure is a fascinating departure from her usual maternal role to the children. It highlights just how psychologically 'battle scarred' Sarah Jane has become as a result of her extraordinary experiences over the years, and perhaps how she has never recovered from the Fourth Doctor dumping her back in Croydon in 1976.

Elsewhere, Clyde and Luke are as dependable as ever, while the subplot featuring the Sontaran-controlled Professor stalking his own daughter Lucy is rather disturbing for a CBBC show that airs at 4.35pm. Children love a bit of a scare though, as do adults. It's just a shame that this wonderful show is not being shown in a timeslot when the whole family could sit down to enjoy it together.

> Click here for our review of episode two

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Julia Dawson - Norfolk, on October 28th, 2008
I thought this was a great start to the series. I love the wat RTD has still kept in the emotional scenes like he said he would. To hear Maria might be leaving is a bit upset.

Slushccool, London, on October 6th, 2008
Great start to the series (sorry about the belated posting). Thought the backstory of the Sontaran was good and the acting was top notch. Will really miss Maria and hope that Rani is a worthy replacement. SJS was yet again outstanding and Lis Sladen is utterly fantastic...

Shawn Lunn, Galway, on October 6th, 2008
As much as I'm not a huge Sontaran fan, this is a good start to what looks like a great season ahead.

anonymous manchester, on October 1st, 2008
I thought it was a very good episode with a shocking cliff hanger on the end!

TimCypher, on October 1st, 2008
I thoroughly enjoyed the episode - it's almost impossible not to enjoy 'The Sarah Jane Adventures', as it's such a charming little show. If I had to pick fault, I thought Lucy was a bit wooden, and the Sontaran came across as uncharacteristically merciful in keeping them alive despite Clyde's cheekiness, but maybe there's a reason for this. Great stuff on the whole!

Nick D, Bournemouth, on October 1st, 2008
MUCH better than the opening of the Doctor who Sontaran two-parter, though maybe this is partly due to the very welcome absence of Martha. SJA is the only safe haven from her these days.

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