REWATCH
I loved watching "Giles" again (that's a Buffy reference), and although the plot of the episode was a little meh the special reunion with one of the Doctor's old companions made me feel like i should be finally watching the old stuff after this rewatch... i wanna know everything and everyone! ^^
i hate that animals get hurt even when they are tin ones it's not okay IT'S NOT OKAY
School Reunion had its moments, even if it was aggravating at times. On what I liked, Mr. Finch was a great menacing presence throughout the story. Anthony Stewart head always kills evil imposing figures and he does so here. I even liked some of the themes of this episode. Rose being confronted with the fact that the Doctor had a long life before her and will have one after her is occasionally done well, especially with that one-on-one conversation the two have about in the middle of the episode.
What I didn't love were most of Sara Jane and Rose's interactions. One of the downsides of forefronting the romantic aspect of the Doctor and his Companion's relationship is the seeming obligation to insert that tension everywhere like implying Sarah Jane is some sort of romantic rival or bitter ex. The tedious jealousy storyline and the catflight moments it leads to was truly painful to watch at times. I think you could write story that touches on similar themes without leaning into lazy misogynistic stereotypes about women and "their men"
As someone who has never watched classic who I don't have any nostalgia of Sarah Jane or K-9 but Elisabeth Slatten brings an energy to her character that was engaging to watch (when she wasn't in petty bitch fights with Rose). Tennant's exuberant affection for both of them also helped connect me to characters I otherwise didn't know.
One element of the episode that felt off was Mickey. Again the framing of his character throughout this series is so racially questionable. I think it's mainly from ignorance rather than malice but the way the first and only black recurring character in this series at this point is textually placed on the level of dog is so yikes. Another thing that gets me is I don't understand the function of Mickey's character. He's not a legitimate romantic rival (because Rose has screamed her disinterest since the pilot) nor is he enthusiastically incorporated into the team dynamic like Jack being more a nuisance that can't be trusted to get important things done . He's just there to pine after Rose and be a third wheel. While there has been some time devoted to displaying Mickey's individual interest in alien phenomena that makes his desire to join up with the Doctor not a complete blind sid there's still no time devoted to exploring Mickey as a character outside of his relationship to Rose making him a weak character.
This is a lovely story, grounded in reality and the series past and acting as a backdoor pilot for the spin-off show The Sarah Jane Adventures. It's engaging to see Sarah Jane and the Doctor meet again, without the former knowing who the latter is. Writer Toby Whithouse gives the fans finality by continuing the story where it was left back in 1976 (in The Hand of Fear).
This story also deals with why the Doctor doesn't return to his previous companions or talk about them. It's also creepy for setting the alien threat within a school and making children the prime victims.
David Tennant is a huge fan of the show, which you can see when he shares scenes with Elizabeth Sladen. Sladen is still as much Sarah Jane Smith as ever, down to the voice and the personality. Anthony Head is one of my favourite actors to play a villainous role in the revived series. He looks and acts the part with great conviction.
The Doctor's joy when he sees Sarah Jane again is priceless. The Doctor is so childish and awkward here, yet still a deserving hero.
I love how Rose and Sarah try to outwit each other in terms of which one is the better companion. Sarah is trying to teach Rose a thing or two, while Rose tries to ignore her, believing she just wants to show off. The great bit is, they do find a common melody at last. Poor Mickey realizes he's the K9 of this TARDIS team.
K9 Mark III is here only to be written out and replaced by a new model, to be adopted by Sarah Jane for her show.
The Krillitanes are a pretty horrifying alien species and a great concept, mostly personified by Mr Finch. They look quite scary too, and I like the way they use children for their plans.
The pace is surprisingly good, allowing for some fine interaction between Sarah Jane, Rose and the Doctor, while properly establishing the alien threat. It's ridden with nostalgia and action that keeps it swift and simple.
This is a sweet little adventure, relying on nostalgia and the deep friendship the Doctor has with Sarah Jane. It's also exciting and creepy. It's one of the more lighthearted adventures in this season of Doctor Who.
School Reunion is important for establishing Nu Who as part of the same continuity as Classic Who and reintroducing Sarah Jane Smith and K9, who would go on to star in the spinoff series The Sarah Jane Adventures.
You can never have enough Sarah Jane or K9 on Doctor Who, so for that reason alone, this remains a highly rewatchable adventure.
Score: 84/120
When did Elisabeth Sladen leave Doctor Who?
Elisabeth Sladen | Tardis | Fandom
When she left the series in 1976, it made front page news — previously only a change of Doctors had received such attention. Bob Baker and Dave Martin intentionally left Sarah's departure scene in The Hand of Fear unwritten; Sladen and Tom Baker co-wrote it themselves.
Elisabeth was diagnosed in 2011 w/pancreatic cancer, and, unfortunately died from it just a few months later. The doctor's companion, Clara's character name was thought to be in remembrance of Elisabeth because that was her middle name.
On a separate matter, Tom Baker turned 90 in January 2024. Here's a link to several new photos with a replica of his iconic scarf:
https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-tom-baker-photos-exclusive-newsupdate/
Tom was, outside of a couple of movies from the 60's, my first Doctor. Surprised and happy he's upright and walking around. And, glad his attitude towards the Doctor's who've come after him has shifted in a more magnanimous direction (I believe I'd read years ago he thought he was the only true Doctor, but he said something in the "Radio Times" photo shoot).
the companions should all unionize
This has been a poignant one. T_T
Shout by NealBlockedParent2021-09-27T20:44:02Z
3 episodes into this season with David Tennant playing The Doctor... and I miss the old actor (Christopher Eccleston). :/ Tennant to me just doesn't have that same charm, he overacts a bit too much for my tastes, and his facial expressions are cringy in my opinion. It barely feels like the same show to me, unfortunately. I was always excited to see a new episode when Eccleston was The Doctor, but I don't feel that way at all anymore. Am I alone in feeling this way? /end rant