When scientists in the Antarctic uncover a mysterious seed pod, the Doctor is called in to investigate. He soon realises it is extraterrestrial and extremely dangerous. At the same time, however, ruthless millionaire plant-lover Harrison Chase has learned of the find and decides he must have the pod for his collection of rare and beautiful flora. Meanwhile the pod itself harbours intelligent life with sinister plans of its own...
This story is frankly not discussed as much as it should be. It's utterly terrific! The pace is slower (considering the story is 6 parts long), but it helps create that nervous tension that runs throughout. The performance by Tony Beckley really adds to this too, there's an unnerving smoothness to the way he delivers his dialogue. The production values are excellent too (even if the main creature is a repainted creature from the Claws of Axos). What really underpins this episode though is Tom Baker and Elisabeth Sladen. This is undoubtedly Tom Baker's best performance, he's whimsical, moral, terrifying and heroic (emphasis on 'heroic'). While Elisabeth Sladen is given the freedom to have Sarah-Jane use her journalistic skills combined with her 'weariness' of dealing with power mad conspirators. If there's anything wrong with this story, it's most certainly the soundtrack. It's good in some places, terrible in others. Perhaps the other thing is that it may be too violent for some (but a
