16th January, 2013

The Sarah Jane Adventures Series 4, episode 2: "The Nightmare Man" part 2

     Well, the Joker is now free from the nightmare dimension and free to bring about the end of the real world apparently. Luke has taken the Nightmare Man's place and is trapped in his nightmare, mirroring plot points from "The Mind Robber" and "The Three Doctors". Does an eastern European accent equate to villainy in British culture? In much the same way that a British accent can be an easy way to communicate a cultured villain in American films that appears to be the case here. Or maybe I'm just too used to the PC craziness in the US, and the British are a bit more relaxed in that area.
     The scenes showing Rani's and Clyde's dreams give us an opportunity to get a look into their subconscious. Clyde's afraid that his goal to pursue his art will lead him to a future of menial low-wage jobs to pay the bills, while Rani is apparently afraid that her pursuit of a career in journalism will require her to sell out her friends. My wife was struck by the appearance of an older Sarah Jane in Clyde's dream, reminding her that Liz will never have the opportunity to reach that age. I believe that Liz would never have appeared old and gray, now matter how long of a life she would have had.
     Now K-9 is involved in the plot at last! But really, a sentient rock (with some weird wires hanging out of it) will somehow allow him to enter Luke's dream? At least this gave us an excuse to have K-9 and Mr. Smith have their long due intimate moment. Mr. Smith's deadpan request for a USB cable was the funniest moment of the story.
     The plot was resolved with quite a bit of time left, allowing us to have several satisfying goodbyes, between Luke and the gang, and humorously between K-9 and Mr. Smith. Why is Luke wearing some college t-shirt from Texas? (I can't make out the top of the shirt, but it is purple so it's not the University of Texas.) All that aside, I'm glad they stuck with Luke leaving for university. I guess having K-9 travel with him keeps the show from having to explain why he's not in each episode. I'm just curious how they'll include Luke in the hijinks the rest of the season.

     I think this story was a solid beginning to the series. The spooky vibe was more easily maintained in the first episode due to the rather brief shots of the Nightmare Man. Once we got a good look at him, he does come across as more silly than threatening, but that is true of most of the monsters in SJA. Showing each of the characters nightmares gave each of the regulars a moment to shine, as well as giving us plenty of  character development. The humor between K-9 and Mr. Smith was well done, providing for some break in the tension. I'm not sure how much Luke will factor in to the rest of the season, but sending him off to college I felt was a positive development for the series. I just hope they don't stretch credibility in future episodes trying to get him into each story. A little break from Luke saving the day every time might be just what this series needs.