I can remember really looking forward to this story at the time (and the new series as a whole) having bought the Radio Times 10th Anniversary Dr Who special - featuring an interview with new assistant Lis Sladen, and a publicity photo of her and Linx on the shoot for this story.
The story itself revolves around the aforementioned Linx - an alien Sontaran 'Time Warrior' (as opposed to a Time Lord), and how he rocks up with his damaged space ship near a castle in medieval England.
After he 'befriends' the castle's war-hungry inhabitants, he uses a time-transference system to bring scientists from 1973 back in time to help him repair his ship - and at the same time arms them for battle with the rival castle up the road.
The doctor is soon on the case - though he appears to have brought a stowaway along in the Tardis...
This is a bright and memorable episode to get the new season underway, and new companion Sarah-Jane Smith is likeable and feisty.
The location of a real castle is good too, and used very effectively.
I liked spotting lab equipment (last seen in the previous story The Green Death) - left over of course from the Moonbase set in Gerry Anderson's UFO series, and hired out to the Beeb.
But the best thing about the story (at the time anyhow) was the big 'reveal' at the end - as Linx finally removes his helmet to present an ugly and dome-shaped head, exactly the same shape as the helmet that encased it!
I remember feeling quite shocked seeing Linx's appearance (as a child), and it's played really well (though not such a surprise I guess nowadays - what with Linx depicted on the DVD cover, and further Sontaran stories made through the years).
All in all, a good strong start to what would sadly be the final Jon Pertwee season - still my favourite era of Dr Who to this day.
The story itself revolves around the aforementioned Linx - an alien Sontaran 'Time Warrior' (as opposed to a Time Lord), and how he rocks up with his damaged space ship near a castle in medieval England.
After he 'befriends' the castle's war-hungry inhabitants, he uses a time-transference system to bring scientists from 1973 back in time to help him repair his ship - and at the same time arms them for battle with the rival castle up the road.
The doctor is soon on the case - though he appears to have brought a stowaway along in the Tardis...
This is a bright and memorable episode to get the new season underway, and new companion Sarah-Jane Smith is likeable and feisty.
The location of a real castle is good too, and used very effectively.
I liked spotting lab equipment (last seen in the previous story The Green Death) - left over of course from the Moonbase set in Gerry Anderson's UFO series, and hired out to the Beeb.
But the best thing about the story (at the time anyhow) was the big 'reveal' at the end - as Linx finally removes his helmet to present an ugly and dome-shaped head, exactly the same shape as the helmet that encased it!
I remember feeling quite shocked seeing Linx's appearance (as a child), and it's played really well (though not such a surprise I guess nowadays - what with Linx depicted on the DVD cover, and further Sontaran stories made through the years).
All in all, a good strong start to what would sadly be the final Jon Pertwee season - still my favourite era of Dr Who to this day.