The world has changed – for the better?

Lucy Moore and Emma Reeves’ penultimate episode for this revival of the classic 1990s show takes us into what seems to be an alternate world (although the Headmaster hasn’t developed a goatee beard in the best Mirror Universe traditions). Sensibly we don’t get the whole explanation upfront, but as a series of flashbacks as Lizzie herself comes to realise what has happened, and what her role in it is.

There’s a sense of all the strands coming together as we head into the finale, with explanations as to what happened to Rose between the 1990s and today, and the revelation of the Headmaster’s plan. (That is, if things are as they appear on the surface – viewers have learned not to necessarily accept that in this show, and the series has been all the better for it.)

Ellie Botterill has the spotlight for much of this episode, with Jordan Rankin swaggering as the bully side of Blake resurfaces, and some interesting other role reversals for the adult characters. It does feel as if everyone is on the back foot by the end of the episode… but that leaves everything to play for.

Verdict: Ramping up the tension and having fun with a ‘new’ history – a strong lead in to the finale. 9/10

Paul Simpson

Read lead writer Emma Reeves’ commentary on this episode here