Doctor Who - The Sontaran Experiment (1975)

By far, not the best episode

I'm surprised anyone would rate this episode above a 2 or 3.

First) The episode is extremely short. The shortest episode of all of the Fourth Doctor episodes. I think the total episode is only 2 parts long and take up only 40 minutes show time.

Second) It is really a continuation of the Ark in Space episode, with the
Doctor going down to the planet to prepare for the colonists to embark on
the planet. So it is not exactly a stand alone episode. It really should of been included on a DVD with the Ark and Space episodes. Should not be included on a DVD as a stand alone episode, because it is not a stand alone episode.

Third) There are a few good scenes in it, and I would say that it is worth watching. But I wouldn't go out and spend as much money as they are asking on Amazon to buy it, especially since this is not one of the best of the Fourth Doctor episodes.

Fourth) My suggestion is to wait until this episode is sold as part of a set before buying it. July 29, 2008

2nd Appearance of the Dreaded Sontarans

This episode marks the first meeting between the 4th Doctor, and the dreaded Sontarans, as well as the 2nd screen appearance of the Sontarans. Rather a good episode that fills the gap between The Ark in Space, and Genesis of the Daleks. April 24, 2008

Sontarans look like Russett Mr. Potatoheads!

This one is a really great episode, one of my personal favorites. Tom Baker plays Doctor Who and Sarah is his sidekick along with one other male sidekick.

Doctor Who stops off on Earth (far in the Earth's future when it is no longer inhabited) to make repairs to some equipment that he has based there. Sarah and her friend come along for some R&R in the beautuful English countryside but they run into a "hole-trap" right away! Pretty soon some human astronaults show up and they are very suspicious of the TARDIS trio because some of their crew members have been killed.

The facts ultimately show that it is Styre, the Sontaran, along with his devilish mobile robot, who has been torturing and killing off the astronaults. He had lured them to Earth with a fake distress call and then destroyed their space ship after they had landed. Styre is conducting "experiments" on humans to detect all their mental and physical inferiorities, (e.g., by water deprivation, by mashing them, etc.), so that his tribe can invade the galaxy and exploit these weaknesses. His superiors are awaiting his final report prior to the invasion.

But Doctor Who has other plans for the Sontarans!

The Sontaran, Styre, looks like a giant russett potato with arms and legs and dressed in a cool space suit, and is actually made up quite good. His robot is also a timeless work of tinsmithing art. The cinematography in this entry is spectacular and the action is constant.

If I have a singular critique of this one it's that it is one of the shorter Doctor Who episodes, having only two parts. Still, it's very worthwhile television. My highest recommendation. January 27, 2008

A SHORT ONE, BUT WORTHWHILE NONETHELESS.

"The Sontaran Experiment" is an interesting two-part serial from Tom Baker's first season as the Doctor, taking place right after "The Ark in Space." The cast and crew do a commendable job, though the story itself kinda lacks in some areas. Still, this is good "Who," and the extras are terrific. This belongs in everybody's collection of "Doctor Who" DVD's.
Program Grade: B+
DVD Grade: A
Overall Grade: A- January 5, 2008

Love Sontarans

Sarah Jane's neon yellow jacket, the Doctor's broken collarbone and some great scenery make this memorable. The Extra history of the Sontarans in Doctor Who is interesting although having a Sontaran watching and commenting on the history was distracting. Still, the scenery is fantastic and the entire episode is shot out of doors. Good commentary track from the actors. Good episode. December 16, 2007

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