TV
Sarah Jane: 'Mark Of The Berserker' Part One
Published Monday, Nov 3 2008, 17:40 GMT | By Ben Rawson-Jones | 4 comments

The ever-dependable Daniel Anthony dominates proceedings as Clyde, whose life transforms when his estranged father returns to the house. In rather moving scenes, the bitterness of a betrayed young man gives way to the eagerness of a child trying to seek approval from his daddy. This is cleverly tied in to the alien medallion plot, as Clyde tries to impress his father by showing off his extraterrestrial connections.
Jocelyn Jee Esien is superb fun as Clyde's mother, dishing up delightful banter with her son and Luke. Spare a thought for poor Mr Chandra though. Not only does his ghastly daughter Rani humiliate him by forcing him to impersonate Bianca from EastEnders, but he also has to contend with former Albert Square regular Gary Beadle barking out commands!
An understated blend of family conflict and mysterious sci-fi elements, this episode's quality even makes the absence of Sarah Jane herself barely noticeable.

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Ryan McGuinness Clarkston , Airdrie, Scotland Just Outside Glasgow,, on November 8th, 2008
I Don't Like The Idea That the title character won't be in it because i loved all the other episodes of The Sarah Jane Adventures But this i don't think it will be that good than previous episodes or what is still to come in series 2 i don't see the point in not making the title character in it alot it looks stupid .
I Don't Like The Idea That the title character won't be in it because i loved all the other episodes of The Sarah Jane Adventures But this i don't think it will be that good than previous episodes or what is still to come in series 2 i don't see the point in not making the title character in it alot it looks stupid .
Karen, Manchester, on November 5th, 2008
The best episode so far for me. Sarah Jane certainly gives Dr Who and Torchwood a run for their money. I can't wait for part 2.
The best episode so far for me. Sarah Jane certainly gives Dr Who and Torchwood a run for their money. I can't wait for part 2.
Phil, Sheffield, on November 4th, 2008
Go further, this was the best damn episode since the show began! Straight into it, the action never let up, with the brilliant pre-credits scenes setting up perfectly the power of this thing. So much of the dialogue was enjoyable, from Mrs Langer's over-enthusiastic motherly ways to Clyde and Luke chatting in the bedroom. One slight lapse would be the way Clyde told his father about Sarah Jane (quite sudden given his attitude up to that point), but when the rest of the script is so good, a small flaw here and there is permissable. This kind of quality can make Doctor Who, let alone Torchwood, seem sub-par. Bring on Part 2!
Go further, this was the best damn episode since the show began! Straight into it, the action never let up, with the brilliant pre-credits scenes setting up perfectly the power of this thing. So much of the dialogue was enjoyable, from Mrs Langer's over-enthusiastic motherly ways to Clyde and Luke chatting in the bedroom. One slight lapse would be the way Clyde told his father about Sarah Jane (quite sudden given his attitude up to that point), but when the rest of the script is so good, a small flaw here and there is permissable. This kind of quality can make Doctor Who, let alone Torchwood, seem sub-par. Bring on Part 2!
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I am a 28 year old professional woman and I love The Sarah Jane Adventures! - it is briliant TV and shows and teaches emotional depth, this episode for me is a prime example - I'm sure Part 2 will be heartbreaking and I'm looking forward to the Jackson's return even if brief, because I'm sorry I can't warm to Rani and her family the way I warmed to Alan, Maria and even the very annoying, patronising mother with the alien realisation shock twist at the end...How I love this show...sigh :)