Radio Times writer Mark Braxton wrote that, despite her short appearance, "Liz established herself thanks to her brilliant mind, a succession of crazy outfits and Caroline John's consummate professionalism as an actress". Braxton also felt that "she was too caring to be cold" and despite not having the "companionly affection" later seen with Jo Grant and Sarah Jane Smith, they had an "innate respect" for each other. Braxton's colleague Patrick Mulkern, while calling John a "gifted actress", criticised the way Liz was "severely styled" in her first appearance. SFX 's Ian Berriman also criticised Liz in Spearhead from Space, writing that she was "so snarky she's annoying". Will Salmon of the magazine listed Liz's departure as one of the worst in the series since she just "[vanished] between seasons". DVD Talk 's John Sinnott felt that John could come across as "a bit stiff" and did not have much chemistry with Pertwee, most likely due to their personal relationship.