Ep 1. The Nightmare Man, Part 1

The Nightmare Man, Part 1 is the first episode of the fourth season of Sarah Jane Adventures. The show is a spin-off of the popular science-fiction series Doctor Who and stars Elisabeth Sladen as Sarah Jane Smith, a former companion of the Doctor who has settled into a career as an investigative journalist and protector of Earth from alien threats. The show is aimed at a younger audience than Doctor Who, but still explores similar themes and features a mix of action, adventure, and humor.

In The Nightmare Man, Part 1, Sarah Jane and her gang of teenage helpers - Clyde, Rani, and Luke - are called to investigate a strange series of nightmares that are plaguing the children of a local community. The dreams are so vivid that the children are waking up screaming and becoming increasingly paranoid and anxious. Sarah Jane suspects that they may be caused by an alien presence, and decides to investigate.

Meanwhile, a new boy has arrived at the school named Peter Dalton, who seems to have a strange connection with the nightmares. He claims that he too has been having the same dreams, and that they are all linked to a mysterious figure he calls the Nightmare Man. Peter is older than the rest of the gang, and Sarah Jane is initially suspicious of him. However, he seems to be genuine in his desire to help them solve the mystery, and so they agree to work together.

As they begin to look into the nature of the dreams, the gang discovers that they are not just random occurrences. Each dream features the same mysterious figure - the Nightmare Man - who seems to be controlling them from within. They also discover that there is a strange forcefield surrounding the community, which is preventing anyone from leaving. Sarah Jane suspects that this forcefield is connected to the nightmares, and that they are potentially a prelude to a much larger threat.

Throughout the episode, the tension builds as Sarah Jane and her companions race against time to find out what is causing the nightmares and break through the forcefield to save the children trapped inside. They face a series of challenges and setbacks, including the suspicions of the adults in the community, who are not convinced that there is anything wrong. As the episode ends, they are left with more questions than answers, as the mystery of the Nightmare Man deepens.

Overall, The Nightmare Man, Part 1 is a gripping and suspenseful start to the fourth season of Sarah Jane Adventures. It features strong performances from the cast, including Elisabeth Sladen as the indomitable Sarah Jane Smith, and a tense and engaging plot that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The episode successfully weaves together elements of science fiction, horror, and drama to create a compelling and entertaining story, setting the stage for even greater mysteries and adventures to come.