PLANET OF THE SPIDERS is a fitting send-off for Third Doctor Jon Pertwee, with the writers crafting a very best-of serial that manages to throw just about everything into a six-episode running time. Thus we get the Doctor and Sarah Jane up to their usual adventures involving an interplanetary menace in the form of some sentient talking giant spiders (incorporating the usual cheesy but lovable SFX) and all manner of incident and intrigue.
Bessie and the Tardis figure predominantly, and the Brigadier and Sergeant Benson show up for good measure. There's an additional Time Lord thrown into the fray, alongside some Earth-bound black magic shenanigans, magic death rays coming out of people's fingertips (just like the Emperor in RETURN OF THE JEDI), a showdown with a giant foe, and some Venusian karate for good measure. Pertwee is clearly relishing his chance to shine for the last time, and there's a role for Gareth Hunt (THE NEW AVENGERS) hidden behind an Afro and a thick moustache. The Doctor's regeneration is fittingly poignant too. What's not to love?