Episode Critics
Compiled by Martin Willey

4. All that Glisters

a dreadful load of hokum... This one should never have made it past the writer's submission synopses; add to the duff story some poor sets (the arid desert bears a striking resemblance to the original Star Trek's polystyrene planet) and an irritating stereotyped guest character (Patrick Mower as Dave O'Reilly) and it equals an hour wasted in front of the television. (Richard Houldsworth, TV Zone, 1993)

the episode relies on style and characterisation rather than a good taut plot told well. Patrick Mower shines as Reilly although his part in the proceedings could easily have been taken by one of the regulars left behind on the Moon. Although no classic this episode is above par and if all the other episodes of the season had reached this standard perhaps I would not have noticed Maya's ears. 6/10 (Anthony McKay, DWB, 1993)

A dreadful episode which doesn't make sense, although the concept and conclusion show promise. Mower's Irish cowboy is just embarrassing. D- (Chris Bentley, SFX 20, 1996)

Although Star Trek featured a story concerning living rocks called The Devil In The Dark, All That Glisters is different enough in setting and plot to stand on its own. Though Devil In The Dark may have featured a stronger script, All That Glisters is far more stylish and successful visually than the Trek tale. Disappointingly, Reilly does not come off nearly as well as the visual elements. (John Kenneth Muir, Exploring Space: 1999, p110-111)

An Outer Limits like episode with the Alphans menaced by hostile, living rocks. - (the worst) (James O'Neill, Sci-Fi On Tape, p270, 1997)

Unfortunately, it is not extremely good. The rocks are a bit too power-mad for their own good, and they are very thirsty. The rocks aren't the only ones who could use a drink during this episode- it might be good for viewers to have one also. All That Glisters, once forgiven for its shortcomings, does provide something of an outwardly exciting and enjoyable sci-fi hour, with a pleasant resolution. But it is by no means a classic, other than in a purely visual sense. 6.5/10 (Bob Wood, The Future Is Fantastic, 2001)