A strong beginning that loses itself through most of part 4 and redeems itself again right at the end. What a roller coaster. Of the three forms we see Eldrad in, the final one (his final one, as opposed to her second one, or its first one) is perhaps the least interesting, but Tom Baker playing the alien really manages to make up for it. Sarah's exit is really well done too, I'm going to miss her.

I've never seen a bigger glow-down than Eldrad going from pretty rock lady to angry rock man. Sarah Jane's departure is easily one of the best companion departures and her dungarees are adorable. Goodbye Sarah Jane you will be missed.

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.

Enjoyable story. Episodes 1-3 were especially good, very third Doctor era. But once Eldrad returns home and regenerates in the last episode, it wasn't as good. And for the exit of a long serving companion like Sarah, it wasn't great for a farewell episode.

Got sold on Hand on Fear again, mostly by just how much stronger it became when it essentially became a four hander (and then 3 hander by end of part 3). Genuinely believe that this is one of Baker’s best performances, where he nails the alienness and the gravitas while also switching to perfect gentleness and affection whenever he’s with Sarah Jane. He also has such great contempt for Eldrad until they reach the planet, where he starts to have a little bit more trust and like … Until he learns Eldrad was lying any way. And the contempt and menace returns.

And Sladen!! As often as Sarah Jane gets possessed or hypnotised, this is easily the best interpretation of it imo. And she’s so confident and fun here. These two really are my TARDIS Team (along with 10/Donna) - they genuinely just feel like real best friends travelling the universe together.

I still think the script is only okay overall and I didn’t super vibe with most of it but it’s a fun story and a good time!

Wait. I feel like I’ve forgotten something to talk about. Hmmm…

Oh! One of the best companion exits of all time! Hard to choose between this and Jo’s really; both are so beautiful and emotional, and played and written to perfection. I’m so glad Sladen and Baker wrote this, as you can see their chemistry and understanding of the characters shine through the dialogue. What a pitch perfect ending to an otherwise pretty good story.

4/5, would be 3.5/5 but the performances and the ending are just too damned good to dock it that much