A Review by Richard Radcliffe 30/9/04
Liking Sapphire and Steel as I do, I suppose it was inevitable that I would like this. There was an episode of S & S that was set in a train station as well, and it proved the best story of that show. Deserted train stations are great places to set stories - and what about that old steam train. Superb!
I have always had a nostalgic glow about trains, but I never trainspotted. Travelling is my thing, and there are very few things more pleasant than riding through marvelous scenery in a comfy seat, with no cares of the world anywhere in sight. I am constantly am amazed at the power of those great steam trains of yesteryear. They look tremendous, I stand in awe of them. For BBV to photograph such a train, in such a story, means that we get a wonderful mixture of the past, the present and the future, all in the same production.
Colin Baker is the Stranger, but in this story he really could be anybody. Same applies with Nicola Bryant as Miss Brown. They have lost their memories you see, and are just striving to solve the mystery of the train station. Both DW stalwarts excel, both look great, and show off their acting mettle. The only other charactor is Minor. Nick Briggs is great in this role, proving again what a fine actor he is. He gives the hologram part just the right level of the mysterious.
The script, by Nicholas Briggs again (can this man do everything!), is a good one. Full of mystery and intrigue it combines fantasy with sci-fi, whilst being a very good character drama in its own right. The production values are very high. From the excellent special FX of the flying robot, to the appearance of the alien, this is BBV showing it can equal and surpass its parent show.
I think it's about time I got all these Stranger videos. So far the two I have seen have been very good indeed (More than a Messiah and this one).
All in all this is definitely one of the best video DW spin-offs there is. Very good. 8/10