'Eye of the Gorgon' Part One

After the underwhelming Slitheen story comes this terrific adventure featuring naughty nuns, peculiar pensioners and a gruesome Gorgon. It's so damn good that it sends my alliteration into overdrive.

Free from the pantomime mugging that dogged the previous adventure, 'Eye of the Gorgon' finds exactly the right tone for the young target audience and invites those of all ages to embark on an adventure alongside Sarah Jane and her gang. The action is played straight, but still generates a great sense of fun.

The creepy atmosphere is established right from the opening scene with the scary image of a sinister nun, lit by the pale moonlight, appearing in an elderly lady's bedroom. The sense of mystery continues to build throughout, as does our desire to uncover the truth. Phyllida Law's superb performance as Mrs Nelson-Stanley is worth noting, for she plays a vital role in engaging us and establishes a very intriguing character with apparent ease.

There's also a great deal of honesty surrounding the treatment of Maria's trouble-stricken family. Her mother comes out with so much hot air that it would be no surprise if there's a Slitheen lurking under her skin.