Synopsis: After the events on Sentinel Island, Lockwood and Natasha Alexander have disaapeared. Computer systems are breaking down, an entire village vanishes and only Lockwood holds the key.

• A Review by Stuart Gutteridge

A Review by Stuart Gutteridge 25/11/99

As the final part of BBV`s Auton trilogy, Auton 3 had a lot to live up to considering expectations were high  following the successes of Auton and particularly Auton: Sentinel. But does it succeed? Well yes, it does in a surprising sort of way. Auton 3 is much more character driven than the previous two tales and also answers the mysteries presented in its predecessor. As such great use is made of the psychic abilities of Natasha Alexander and newcomer Ross Palmer.

This time around Bryonie Britchard`s  Dr Sally Arnold is used a great deal more, although Lockwood plays a less central role to the proceedings. On the acting front it is difficult to say who comes out on top, as, due to some sparkling dialogue, all of the regulars shine. The Autons themselves take centre stage here and rightly so, being both servants and killers. They are also shown to be vulnerable,to various kinds of attack, as well as acquiring new methods of killing of their own. The mixture of studio and location filming works well and is complemented by the excellent use of CGI effects.

So are there any bad points? Well providing a resolution to the mysteries already posed and trying to tell a new story isn`t easy at the best of times, so Auton 3 might alienate the casual viewer, as it requires concentration, but overall it provides a great conclusion to a great trilogy. Just don`t expect any happy endings...