I thought on this rewatch I'll have no distractions and just concentrate on this. But, once again, I didn't find it exciting. It's one of those that fandom loves and I just don't get it.

I love how Graham Williams was brought in to make Doctor Who more kid-friendly and the first story he does is a scary base-under-siege which kills basically everyone.

It’s a shame that Tom Baker was apparently very stubborn behind the scenes, yet his more stilted performance gives off an uneasy style in this creepy setting, and I think that, while he isn’t the director, he has been there a long enough time to know what works and what doesn’t, and I wish that their relationship improves in the future. It’s hilarious how well Leela deals with the side characters, even going to slap people in the background and taking pride in destroying the Rutan. Her eyes changing colour was very strange to watch, but I think it made sense in the context.

Speaking of the Rutan, man is it creepy. When Reuben the Rutan smiles, it's both hilarious and uneasy at the same time. It definitely works that it doesn’t really show up until Part 4. Something I really dislike, however, is how it moves. I wish they could’ve had it float in the air like it usually does. I also don’t get why there was a Rutan on Earth 80 years before. If it was another scout, how come the Empire hadn’t invaded already? It was also defeated extremely poorly. Despite all that, it's an intimidating villain and I'm surprised it hasn't returned on TV.

The setting for Fang Rock is very effective, being misty in the open and cramped on the inside, creating a claustrophobic feel for both - especially when the Doctor says "I've locked it in... with us!" because you realise that that small lighthouse got even smaller. I think it might be one of the best locations we've had in a while, and the director was very skilful in utilising the settings, especially showing off the change in tone.

Every character had their own story, which meant that the Doctor was putting out a lot of fires and built up the tension - I think that's one of the best things about this story, and I hope that every character gets something to do within this era. There's the posh people who are arguing amongst themselves about that fortune; the keepers discussing the Beast of Fang Rock - and none of them survive!

Overall, the Williams Era starts on an absolute high, and I can't wait for what's next!

I think this might be hands down one of the best 4 n Leela stories it’s definitely the strongest opener for Tom so far and it’s such a hammer horror vibe the hinchcliff era tried and failed to do so many times for my liking

• Right up my alley, this story is, spooky, by the sea, and gloomy as hell
• Leela and the Doctor as a Tardis team works so well here it's great
• This story is a little grim, considering everyone dies
• The Rutan makes for a great foe
• Honestly would 4 stars but I found the random introduction of the new character midway just a bit unnecessary, either have them all there already or not at all, felt a bit like they were starting to stretch the story

I quite like Horror of Fang Rock overall, with a fun sense of characters in a distinct setting, and a very strong sense of atmosphere.  I'd rate it higher but it really feels like we are giving similar plot beats to another season premiere story, Terror of the Zygons, and I much prefer the earlier version with Sarah and Harry over Leela.  I don't have anything against Louise Jameson or her character, she just feels a little more awkward here compared to most other Fourth Doctor companions.  I find the whole bit around changing her eye colours weirdly distracting for something so trivial.  I don't know.  I enjoyed this one overall but can see how this was a start of a bit of a weird season in Doctor Who history.