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TARDIS Guide

Review of The Hand of Fear by Ryebean

3 June 2025

This review contains spoilers!

Sarah's final story...

Four and Sarah Jane's relationship is seriously strained in this story, and you can tell that it's having a toll on Sarah, but the Doctor's used to it, which really highlights the dynamic between them. Nevertheless, they're still having a lot of fun, which makes the final scene all the more heartbreaking. You can tell how saddened the Doctor is by Sarah's departure, but I'm glad how Sarah isn't all snotty and depressed because those small moments are what set her apart from other companions. Elizabeth Sladen did a fantastic job with the first half of the story, where Eldrad's got control over her, and that plotline kept me hooked throughout.

I personally preferred Eldrad's form for the majority of the story - firstly, it looks a lot better design-wise, and they're also a lot more complex, which is something you really want to have for an interesting villain. It's also a clever idea to have a male character in a female body, as it shows some really progressive views on gender stereotypes for the 70s, and it would've had a much stronger message for the audience. However, the yelling, rock person at the end ruined Eldrad for me. The ring reminded me of the crystal from Metebelis 3.

The nuclear power station was very similar to Inferno, and I was surprised so long was set there, but that worked well for me. What a surprise - another Earth story - but for me, it meant that the stakes were familiar but high. The Kastria settings were quite standard and they could definitely do more with it.

Not much to say about the side characters. Professor Watson was okay, and that moment where he called his family was really sweet and a great way to develop his character. Poor Dr Carter, having a demise like that - I really liked him, and I think they could've done more with him.

Very well-done send off to Sarah Jane Smith. Might I add, I was also very impressed with the cinematography of this story - Lennie Mayne was a fantastic director, and I really hope he does more. One of the best directors of the classic show, I think. But I will miss you, Sarah Jane. You were wonderful.


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