Jo was a main stay of the show, and with her departure, it was certainly an uncertain time.

However, the introduction of Sarah Jane, and her chemistry with the Third Doctor, made sure that this was smooth. From the off, the pair work perfectly, and even from this story alone, Sarah Jane's impact on the show will be evident. A strong character, not afraid to speak her mind - and she was given plenty of agency in this story.

The story itself is another Holmes triumph - he just got the show, and what made it special, and this story was certainly full of it. A great use of a historical setting, leading the way for the blueprint of pseudo-historical stories to come, and Linx the Sontaran ensured another entry into the pantheon of great villain species.

A proper classic story.

There's so much I adore about The Time Warrior.  At a time I'm sure was uncertain for the show - what would it be like with Jo gone, Sarah Jane comes in and very much steals the show.  She's a lot of fun and I love how her introduction is handled with her role as a journalist.  It's very well done.  It feels like this story breathes in some new air into the series, especially since this is the first time we've done any sort of actual time travelling in a good, long while.  It feels like a shame the show would often skirt away from exploring Earth history, as it is one of the more interesting aspects of the series.

This is also a very fun introduction for the Sontarans.  They work really well here in the historical setting and I like some of the characters such as Professor Rubeish and Irongon.  They were a memorable bunch and added a lot to the story.  Overall these episodes are a great start to what would be Pertwee's final season.  It does feel like production kind of saw the writing on the wall.  With Delgado's death and producer Barry Letts soon to be leaving, Pertwee would follow, and so in many ways it feels like they went all out this season starting with Time Warrior.  It didn't always work out, but a lot of these episodes have a certain energy I can really appreciate.

Not much to say other than what an absolutely fun story! Linx is a very entertaining villain, Elizabeth Sladen is amazing from the jump with instant chemistry with Pertwee, Pertwee puts in such a fun performance as 3, and the dialogue is witty and entertaining throughout.

Just a delight!

Amazing start to the series and Sarah Jane brings that freshness I wanted for a while in the 3rd doctor era

The show feels new again! New diamond shape logo, new companion and most different of all - our adventurer has travelled to the Middle Ages! Robert Holmes is an expert at making sure there is plenty of plot to go round in any given episode and The Time Warrior is certainly no exception - there is an awful lot going on.

Lets start with outstanding Sarah Jane Smith - she was delight from start to finish and was my favourite element of The Time Warrior. I really enjoyed the comedy that came from her simply refusing to believe that she had travelled in time and treating everyone she encountered as actors with costumes and props. She really played it for real and went through the same thoughts and emotions that any member of the audience would have in her same situation. Her forthright, feminist and proactive personality is a welcome addition to the show. Her chemistry with The Doctor grew nicely over the episode, inventively beginning with suspicion and ending with a sparky and joyful playfulness. I loved the character of Jo Grant (her and Jamie are for me the show's join best companions to date) but I definitely did not take to her as quickly as this - this is very promising.

This story acted as a lovely jumping on point for viewers. Pertwee properly re-introducing himself to Sarah in Part Three gave me a warm feeling, I loved him summing up his character in a single scene - and the first ever mention of Gallifrey was tantalising. The Third Doctor himself was on fine form here, perhaps a new companion was keeping him on his toes. The absolutely brilliant scene where he is dodging the inaccurate gunfire of Middle Ages first-time shooters was incredible fun - exactly the kind of bizarre high concept fun that the show thrives on. Pertwee plays that scene perfectly and teams up with Sarah in a way that feels warm and natural.

Time travel, especially heading backwards in history has been conspicuous in its absence in the Second and Third Doctor's eras, so it is a very welcome return bringing further variety to the show. I understand that the hesitance to delve into historical settings was due to a comparative lack of interest the audience showed for Hartnell stories of this kind. Having enjoyed Marco Polo and The Aztecs immensely, I feel like this was a vital component to remove from Doctor Who. The Time Warrior has certainly gone some way to make up for it here.

It was an excellent move to tamper with the historical formula by putting an alien, the brilliant Sontaran Linx into the mix. Irongron and his men vs. the mild nobleman would perhaps not have been as interesting if they were not interacting with the weird and wild time travel meddling that surrounded them. The Sontaran was a brilliant coming together of script, costume and acting. You got a real sense that for Linx, a mighty warrior, this whole situation was beneath him. His unique head emerging from under his helmet, followed by his tongue emerging from those disgusting lips is a wonderfully iconic visual moment. Maggots aside, I think the tactical war loving Sontaran is the best concept for a new alien since the Silurians, and in my opinion better executed.

I respect Holmes for really building up and bringing to life otherwise inconsequential characters like Professor Rubesh. Other writers would be pulling out their hair trying to stretch out a story across four parts, but Holmes skillfully inserts an entertaining character who only adds to the story. So, a wonderful start to season eleven - a delightful story which I had never seen before. I am very happy to have Sarah Jane on board.