TV
S02E03: 'The Day Of The Clown' - Part One
Published Monday, Oct 6 2008, 17:40 BST | By Ben Rawson-Jones | 3 comments

These two story threads are nicely interwoven, but ultimately it's hard to decide what is scarier – the child abducting clowns or Anjli Mohindra's acting as Rani. The jury is out (and probably trying to find Maria Jackson to beg for her swift return).
It was always going to be a tough task for Mohindra, replacing a popular character and settling in to an established team. However, trying too hard is not the answer, lending itself to a performance deprived of any natural ease and credence. Her dialogue is delivered without any mishaps, but there appears to be a wildly contrasting facial expression every second she's in shot. It's painful to watch, and comes across as if her facial muscles have been instructed to melodramatically overreact to every tiny sound or action performed around her.
The rest of the Chandra family fare much better, with Mina Anwar's Gita enjoying some wonderful banter with new neighbour Sarah – now minus the Jane, much to her disapproval. As stern new headmaster Haresh, Ace Bhatti delivers a commanding performance that effortlessly highlights the different 'masks' that need to be worn in different areas of life – in this case the professional and parental environments.
Bradley Walsh is fun to watch as the sinister Spellman, fortunately being more creepy than hammy. Tying in the Pied Piper mythology into the story is a clever move, although the actions of the thought-controlled clowns are less impressive. Have they been watching too many Auton Workout DVDs?

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StansCoffins, London, on October 7th, 2008
I'm sorry, but I couldn't disagree more with your comments on Rani. I thought she was brilliant. And to me the Auton rip-off scene was the creepiest bit of the episode. Those shots of their heads moving with those painted smiles grinning at you as they moved towards the camera! *shudders*
I'm sorry, but I couldn't disagree more with your comments on Rani. I thought she was brilliant. And to me the Auton rip-off scene was the creepiest bit of the episode. Those shots of their heads moving with those painted smiles grinning at you as they moved towards the camera! *shudders*
Corwin, Ireland, on October 7th, 2008
Creepy enough episode and will no doubt give a few kids nightmares. Though again we have new characters introduced who seem to have no idea about all the mass alien invasions (not to mention the Earth being moved across the Universe) that have happened in the last couple of years.
Creepy enough episode and will no doubt give a few kids nightmares. Though again we have new characters introduced who seem to have no idea about all the mass alien invasions (not to mention the Earth being moved across the Universe) that have happened in the last couple of years.
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I think Rani was played well, maybe a few hiccups but shes just started! Trying to replace a popular character must be hard and i think she does a good job..can't wait to see her develop.. :)