However it also created a marvellous new relationship between Avon & Servalan, explored the main characters in more detail (particularly Avon), had some emotional impact at times and had a powerful last episode (poor old Zen).

Well this is a rather different crew - more relaxed and more human, though less dynamic than before. Tarrant is wonderfully brash, Dayna is a warm character, Vila is as good as always and Cally is at her best since her strong debut in "Time Squad". Avon is remarkable for his occasional mildness in this one (especially the scene where he eats the apple) and is very strong in "Rumours of Death" and "Terminal". But Servalan really has her day in this series, very strong performances indeed, especially the death of her offspring in "Children of Auron", her humiliation in "Rumours of Death" and her (supposed) triumph in "Terminal".

Hammy characters:-
Chel (stop growling), Harmon (another growler), Mori (Servalan was scraping the bottom of the barrel here), Jarvik (self righteous sexist), CA One (never does realise what went wrong did he?), Hob (what ham), Ultra Three (instead of being menacing like the others he looks like a confused bureaucrat) and everyone from "Moloch" (pathetic writing for Chesil & Poola).

Great characters:-
Hal Mellanby (nice to see another political activist), Klegg (great thug), Bayban (OTT that works), Deral (I really feel sorry for him), Chesku (poor man who discovers the horrifying truth too late), Sula (certainly Avon's girl), the Cally-alien (sad death), Deeta & Max (complement each other rather well, and Deeta's fate is tragic) and the sphere! (It tells Avon off!).

Favourite episode: Rumours of Death
Least favourite: Volcano