Sky is very much a rehash of Luke, but just different enough to not be too boring. It’s unfortunate to know that because of Sladen’s passing, the storyline started here won’t be resolved. Clyde and Rani are however a delight as usual.

A lot of the story felt like rehashed material, following a lot of beats we’ve already seen before. I would have preferred they play most of the elements straight without Ruby White being the predictable twist villain, possibly having some other antagonizing force. The very human concept of losing your memory is already scary enough that I think it really could have worked with a supernatural backdrop. Alas, we do see Luke and K-9, which is always a pleasure.

The plot of this story almost felt like a video game, in the way that each character had a particular object at a particular point in time they needed to get. Having all the different dynamics in the different eras was quite fun, especially Jane and Rani. A lot of stuff in this was surprisingly dark for a kids show but I dig it. Ultimately, the plot was spread a little too thin over all the different timelines, so I found the end a bit underwhelming.

Rani and Clyde at the forefront of this story is excellent. Their dynamic is just wonderful and their very clear development of romantic feelings for each other is adorable. Seeing the two be clever and problem solvers is pretty rewarding. The plot is decent, nothing special but the robots are neat.

This has got to be my favorite episode so far. The monster design of the Shansheeth is totally brilliant, I love the vulture look and the practical puppets. Also, David Bradley voicing the main one? A pleasant and welcome surprise. And it should be known I am a sucker for the 11th Doctor, Matt Smith just plays wonderfully here. The childish aspects of his character work really well with actual young people. And he had some great character moments, like his conversation with Jo. I would be remiss without mentioning Jo Grant (Jones, if I must be pedantic). She’s just an earnest ball of energy and is just so fun to watch. The interactions between her and Sarah Jane were great and very sweet. I loved the talk of other companions and the past adventures. A nice celebration of where the Doctor Who universe was at the time.

I’ll be honest, I appreciated the gratuitous sci-fi references. The Men in Black, Mr. Dread especially, are the highlight of the episode. And Gita’s bumbling in true alien shenanigans, along with the amateur alien investigators Ocean and Minty, built an entertaining subplot. Androvax wasn’t all that compelling as the villain, but he’s kind of ignorable.

A decent send off for Luke as he is given more of a background in this season. I liked how it handled his insecurities and made the commentary that everyone is susceptible to anxieties, even a supposedly perfect human. Lots of great character moments. I just ultimately didn’t like the Nightmare Man much as a villain.

Lots of fun with Clyde and Rani in this story, especially with K-9 included in their antics. I thought the introduction of the Blathereen was interesting but I really wish they had stayed good guys. It feels likes a missed opportunity when they’re essentially just slightly more intelligent versions of the Slitheen.

The plot is kind of all over the place, lots of ideas that end up half baked. The concept of paintings coming to life is super fun but the titular Mona Lisa character kind of unnecessary. The actress does great but her characterization and motivations are just random and not well-written. Also, Clyde is a good artist but that was what ended up being showcased made me laugh.

They had to take on the idea of a ghost story at some point and I feel it went fairly well. It plays with an easy-to-understand reasoning for the “ghosts” that I thought could have been slightly more complex, though I understand why it wouldn’t be. There’s the notable absence of Luke in this story, though it truly allows Clyde and Rani’s dynamic to shine.