124) SNAKEDANCE

A much better tale from Christopher Bailey resulting in a visual pleasing tale that will forever overshadow its predecessor. Snakedance builds on various themes from its predecessor and improves them whilst also adding imagery of conquest and colonisation to the list. A good sequel should always improve and expand rather than repeat. The story is gracious enough to allow Tegan to be an integral part of the narrative, Janet Fielding is clearly enjoying herself playing the baddie. Although at times the plot does seem to forget about Tegan. The silent, peaceful Dojjen is also a delight reinforcing that characters do not need to speak to make the presence on the screen while Lon is a little underwhelming. The visuals are remarkable improvement, the bright, jumping off the screen costumes, the big, bustling sets especially the snake mouth cave entrance, camera angles which look like a snake’s (Mara’s) point-of-view, the skull in the crystal ball and the lives snakes, yes live snakes and music all add to the enjoyableness. A few more thrown away lines and a slow-moving part three does not bite off more than it can chew. A well thought out and executed story. ****