The Final Adventure of Sarah Jane

Tomorrow, the first half of the final Sarah Jane Adventures story airs. I have actually been able to enjoy this series without thinking about it much, but that changed when I found the episode preview (warning: Grab a tissue first so your keyboard doesn't get sticky from blubbing.)



It was listed under "Tearjerker" at TV Tropes--no kidding! I have a feeling the trailer makers deliberately edited it to reinforce the fact it's the last episode. I'm planning to wait to watch it till I'm alone and somewhere with fast Internet so it won't be interrupted by loading clips.

Teasers I found:
What a clumsy clot you are, Miss Smith!’
‘When it comes to men, I prefer something I can grab hold of.’
‘I suppose we’re... sort of... brother and sister.’
‘I had to leave K-9 back at uni.’
‘How will you feel tonight when everyone’s walking down Bannerman Road, with their arms out, saying, “Serve the computer”?’
‘Believe me: if he says they’re fine, they’re fine.’
‘Sarah Jane, let me drink you in.’
‘You were already old-fashioned when I was new-fangled.’
‘Oi, Mr Smith – don’t be nasty.’
‘I’m delicate... in a very manly way.’

--But part of me is seriously concerned about the possibility of a main character death in this episode--maybe even Sarah Jane. Logically, though, I don't think they would have brought Sky in if they intended this to be the last season....but emotionally, I think this is going to be a wringer of an episode, no matter what happens.

School Reunion

"Some things are worth getting your heart broken for."
--Sarah Jane Smith

In light of tomorrow's Sarah Jane Adventures' season five premiere (which is not availible *cough* legally*cough* outside of Britain), I decided to post a review of "School Reunion," which marked the return of Elisabeth Sladen to the show for the first time since the charity special "Dimensions in Time" in 1993.
The plotline is fairly simple--an alien race uses schoolchildren to break the code of divinity--which allows a greater focus on the characters. Instead of frantic running or ducking Dalek blasts (although they run too!), viewers are treated to such beautiful scenes as Sarah Jane recognizing the TARDIS, the Doctor and Sarah talking, and Sarah's spat with Rose.
The climax of the plot is beautiful too--Mr. Finch offers the Doctor the power to rewrite reality. Not only is this tempting because of the Time Lords, but because he could have his companions with him "throughout eternity. Never age, never wither, never die."
But Sarah Jane--the one with the most to lose--pulls him back.

The universe has to move forward. Pain and loss, they define us as much as happiness or love. Everything has its time, and everything ends.

Originally intended as a one-time story, this episode sparked the spin-off Sarah Jane Adventures, as well as return appearances in the season four finale and the End of Time farewell tour.
I've watched this episode many times since April--and it makes me cry a little more every time. It also inspired me to go back and watch the classic series, beginning with Sarah Jane's first adventure "The Time Warrior." I have since seen every episode featuring Sarah Jane (except Dimensions in Time). She is undoubtedly my favorite companion.

My Sarah Jane

picture by Andy's Art on Facebook

Some people will always remember where they were when they heard Michael Jackson died. I was in the library today, not doing anything in particular when the Facebook page “Doctor Who and the Tardis” posted the news that Elizabeth Sladen, who played Sarah Jane Smith in “Doctor Who,” died of cancer.
She wasn’t the first companion I saw—that honor goes to Amelia Pond. But from the day I saw her in “School Reunion,” I realized that there was more to the Doctor than I’d seen in the revived series. He had a history, a past, and she had been part of it. She was my bridge into the Classic Series—I started watching John Pertwee and Tom Baker just to see her. Now the Fourth Doctor is one of my favorites.
Her role in the new series was amazing too. Besides “School Reunion,” her other appearances in The Stolen Earth/Journey’s End and The End of Time were amazing. Even the brief TV clip about her saving the hospital in Turn Left was a tearjerker, because it was so real.
Even though her spin-off “The Sarah Jane Adventures” was intended for children, I found it just as inspiring as the parent series. Several of the episodes, especially “The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith” could have gone toe to toe with NuWho favorites and ties. Her character was a great, identifiable woman. Not all of us will travel with the Doctor, but we can all look for adventure in our own lives.
I saw amazing things, out there in space--but there is strangeness to be found, wherever you turn. Life on Earth can be an adventure too... you just need to know where to look.
Sarah Jane Smith regularly tops polls for the favorite companion, and it’s obvious to fans why. She has a sense of adventure, quick-thinking, and a refusal to give up. For all these things, we will miss her. Our Sarah Jane.