Sarah Jane: 'Secrets Of The Stars' Part Two

Not delivering the suspense and excitement promised by the stunning cliffhanger, the concluding part of 'Secrets Of The Stars' provides a healthy share of entertainment despite some lacklustre storytelling elements.

The scenario that involves the masses coming under the control of an extraterrestrial force is simply too familiar. In the previous story, devious clown Odd Bob had hordes of balloon-bearing schoolchildren under his spell, while the adventure before that featured a father and daughter operating under Sontaran influence. Consequently, the scenes of certain starsigned public flocking mindlessly towards Martin Trueman's theatre loses any potential impact through deja-vu.

Nonetheless, several nice flourishes and appealing performances ensure that the episode is highly watchable. As in the first part, Russ Abbot commands centre stage as the possessed psychic and lets rip with his booming, emotionless voice and maniacal glares. Yet he seamlessly reverts back to the sad, lonely man we met at the start of the story once his plan to be a somebody falls apart. This ensures that the ending, featuring Trueman's effective suicide, is rather touching.

As Trueman's client and assistant Cheryl, the impressive Carryl Thomas similarly manages to function as both an effective villain and sympathetic victim when the plot demands it. The regulars, apart from the annoying Rani, are all as solid in the acting stakes as ever, with Daniel Anthony's turn as 'Evil Clyde' managing to avoid any unintentional hilarity despite the effeminate voice he puts on.

Moreover, Luke 'earning' his birthday is a lovely touch that makes the story, despite its faults, end on a heartwarming high.

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