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 "The Android Invasion" is an episode that feels ‘empty’ in its own way. But because of the script by Terry Nation (who also created the Daleks), the episode is also quite enjoyable.
And I know that your thinking "what the heck is he on about? ‘Empty’. What does he mean by that?” And to be honest, I'm also confused about what I mean by that. Well it starts off with a rather slow-paced beginning. Its quite confusing but when you get your head around it, "The Android Invasion" turns into a story that leaves you wanting more parts.
Again, for the first two episodes, the Doctor and Sarah are wondering around trying to pick up the clues and work out what is happing. This is why it’s quite empty. Normally The Doctor has an idea about what is going on but he doesn’t tell his companion what is happening until later on in Episode One or early in Episode Two. And that is mainly because of the script by Terry. Just look at parts one and two of the very first Dalek story "The Daleks".
Barry Letts gives a unique direction of the episode, but the direction is not what makes the story work better than the script. It’s Tom Baker (The Doctor) and Sarah Jane Smith (Elizabeth Sladen). Sladen’s first season with Jon Pertwee playing the Doctor was quite tense in it’s own way. Then her first season with Tom as the Doctor. Well, I can only say that they matched straight away. Now in her second season with Tom, they have bonded more and they have learned each others acting styles and the way that they just work together its amazing. You just have to look at "Pyramids Of Mars"; Episode Three, to realise what I’m on about.
I’m quite pleased that UNIT returned in the story, mainly because Ian Marter returned to play Harry, although this is his last episode. To be honest, I wasn’t too bothered about the Brigadier not being in the episode.
All in all, this episode is one of the worst stories in season thirteen. But it is still a fantastic one.
Story Rating: 
» Review by Peter Davis, Copyright 2006.
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