'Sarah Jane' S02E12: 'Enemy Of The Bane - Part Two'

Sterling performances from two warring matriarchs go some way towards rescuing the Sarah Jane finale, but can't prevent it from being a damp squib. Or should that be damp squid given the Bane's tentacular nature?

Samantha Bond's Wormwood and Elisabeth Sladen's Sarah Jane share a number of tasty verbal duels throughout the episode, which is certainly better than the first part. The tussle over Luke is superbly portrayed by both actresses, with both delivering passionate, emotive pleas to the poor lad.

However, for a finale this story lacks the necessary impact and oomph. The action sequences are surprisingly poor, especially Kaagh's pursuit of Luke, and the lacklustre CGI is glaringly exposed in broad daylight through the Bane, who possess neither presence nor menace in their true state.

The Brigadier's introduction to a new audience continues to be unworthy of such a great and iconic character, although it is pleasing to see him reel off one round (rapid of course) from his walking stick towards the pantomime villain Major.

Overall, the season finale is nowhere near as good as last year's thrilling and exhilarating equivalent. Although still superior children's television even during its worst episodes, the 'Enemy Of The Bane' simply didn't give a talented cast the story they deserved.

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