User Reviews

Review of both parts -

This story was not that bad, interesting plot, more character development, and had a great conclusion.

This was the first really good episode of the season. The season was 'meh' until part 1 of this 2 parter. This was great. the slitheen are not great, which this season doesn't seem to notice.

The Ghost of a Nun is reported at Lavender Lawns, a Nursing home, Sarah Jane and co investigate.

I did enjoy this one, I think there's a little more for a mature fanbase to enjoy here than in the first couple of episodes. I really did like the story, I loved the characters. There's definitely something wonderful about a villainous nun, Beth Goddard is great as Sister Helena, she'd wear a habit again in Appointment with Death (Poirot.)

There are two wonderful, mature actresses here, the wonderful Phyllida Law, who plays Alzheimer's suffering Bea Nelson Stanley so well, and of course there's Doreen Mantle, who's basically playing the wonderful Mrs Warboys (One Foot in The Grace,) with the same humour.

I think that's the first time I've ever seen Sarah Crowden play a villain, known for scatty, Patrician characters, I really liked her.

Maria's a little screechy at times, I do think she developed more so with time.

If you're looking for titbits, the property used for Lavender Lawns was also used in Turn Left, the place where the prize winning Nobles spent Christmas.

Davies really did know his audience, great episode, 9/10.

Review of both parts:

This story is when the series really kicks into gear and shows how it can be a really strong companion show for Doctor Who. This story still has the teenage aspect that differentiates it from the main show but the quality and even the horror scares are comparable to many Doctor Who stories.

The storyline is that a talisman which has been kept safe by a now elderly lady suffering with onset of dementia is being sought by an order of nuns who worship the ancient Gorgons of mythology. The Gorgons are actually an alien race who can travel through a portal opened by the talisman to destroy the Earth. Sarah Jane and her teenage companions must stop them.

There are serious issues like dementia which are sensitively dealt with, there is proper scary menace and there is strong storytelling from writers Russell T. Davies and Phil Ford. I loved that the scariness of the Gorgon was not watered down. The effects and make up are good and the direction by Alice Troughton is excellent. I think the climactic section of the story is less impressive than the effective build up but it is still dramatic and fun.

The cast is great with Lis Sladen wonderful as always and the teenage cast members performing well. Phyllida Law is an engaging guest character and the dialogue is very nice.

My ratings: Part 1 - 9/10, Part 2 - 8/10. Overall 8.5/10.

Simply This one is the best. It's not as bad as people think. It has really good music, a fantastic plot. An increasing this one is better then the first episode not by far but still it is better. And I thought it was enjoyable to watch so if you haven't seen it enjoy watching it because it is truly magnificent. If you don't enjoy it I can see why, but you probably and hopefully will enjoy it.