'Eye of the Gorgon' Part Two

The second part of this excellent and sinister story offers a satisfactory conclusion to the tale, with a winning blend of thrilling action sequences and earnest emotions that don't feel contrived whatsoever.

Phyllida Law continued to impress as the Alzheimer-addled Mrs Nelson Stanley, and the fact that Maria couldn't cure her with the talisman provided a very adult twist to the narrative. It's pleasing to see that the children tuning into this show aren't being patronised. Similarly, the sequence involving Maria's mother confessing her feelings to the statue of her estranged hubby Alan was also heartfelt, with Alan's tear trickling down his stony cheek a very touching moment.

There were flaws however, as the Gorgon felt somewhat underdeveloped given the big build up to its unveiling in the first part, while the Mr Smith computer is slightly on the dull side. Can't Sarah Jane negotiate a transfer with Holly from Red Dwarf? Also, the final set piece involving the Gorgon being killed by Maria's mirror did lack the creepy atmospherics present in the first part. Some dark, moody lighting would have done wonders.

Nonetheless, 'Eye of the Gorgon' worked as a surprisingly adult story that was constantly gripping and continued to build our emotional investment in the characters. Besides, how can anyone dislike an adventure involving killer nuns?