Rate "The Horror Of Fang Rock"

A foggy night on an island in the English Channel, and several high-society types are being brought by rescue boat onto the island after the ship they were on capsized. The only structure on the island is a large lighthouse, that is, until the TARDIS arrives. Strangely, the electrical problems which had been plaguing the passengers from the ship, and been responsible for the death of one of the ships maintenance crew, seems to have followed this group to the island. The Doctor and Leela discover that it isn't merely bad luck that that's come ashore, its a shape-shifting Rutan (the sworn enemies of the Sontarans), and is about to make an attempt to summon mothership to Earth to rescue it. And as the stranded, isolated folks who've taken shelter in the lighthouse begin to end up dead, one by one, it seems this time the Doctor may be too late to save anyone.

So, what did you think of the story that not only kicked off Season 15, but gave us our first (and only) glimpse of a Rutan? Fully charged? Or just re-Volt-ing?

I know that Fang Rock is highly regarded in fandom but I've long found it overrated. 3/5.

I think this story has gained its reputation based on the presence of the Rutans in this story. They are a significant back story element to understanding the Sontarans, and for the glimpse we got of them alone, I appreciate Fang Rock.

The story is a relatively straight forward whodunnit with the twist of the murderer being a panicky alien trying to manipulate circumstances to call for a pick-up. That takes nothing away from the fact that once again, the strength of a BBC production is that they get period correct down to the slightest details. I always love that in an episode of Who. Mind you, I don't think this episode is quite in a league with Talons of Weng-Chiang, but I wouldn't go so far as to call it over-rated. Not when it has dialogue like "I think his mind is broken."

I give Fang Rock a 4.

I think your mind is broken Fang Liver.

You say the nicest things, C=O.