Doctor Who and the Hand of Fear

Rating:
Summary: A big hand for the Doctor's best ever companion
Review: The last regular televised Doctor Who story to feature the wonderful Lis Sladen as Sarah Jane Smith (Sarah made return appearances in 'The Five Doctors' and the 'K-9 and Company' pilot that never amounted to anything more) this story is actually quite good.

It begins with the execution of Eldrad, a criminal of the planet Kastria, blown up in space with the words "Eldrad must live!" on his lips. The Doctor is trying to get Sarah back to her home in South Croydon, but they land in a quarry in which explosive excavation is taking place. Sarah is caught in the aftermath of an explosion, and buried alive. When she is rescued, she is clutching a large stone hand. Shortly after she awakes, she is acting strangely and says "Eldrad must live"...

A story of megalomania that transcends death, Sarah is a strong focus of the action. The story falls neatly into two parts: the possession of humans by the hand of Eldrad, and Eldrad's quest for revenge on the Kastrians.

Sarah's departure, while sad, is rather more human than many departures given that it derives from good character interaction between her and the Doctor.

If you can get this on video, its better than the book as Lis Sladen turns in a sterling performance and Eldrad should be seen rather than simply read about.