The pilot episode of The Sarah Jane Adventures is packed with action and intrigue worthy of the Doctor Who name. With familiar trappings such as sonic lipstick and various alien artifacts strewn about, mystery unfolds around Ms. Smith to sucker the viewer in. Just how many aliens has she been in touch with? What strangeness might she stumble upon next? The questions abound once again for those in love with the Doctor Who universe.
While many may balk at the idea of a children’s version of Doctor Who, The Sarah Jane Adventures packs enough action and intrigue to pull in adult viewers as well. Refusing to talk down to its youthful audience, the show is packed full of adventure while writing to keep the attention of young and old alike. Mix in the fact that this series is focused on one of the Doctor's more popular companions, and a longstanding character at that, and we waste little time on building back story which often bogs down a pilot episode. Not throwing it all to the wind, they do manage to fit in some history in a fluid motion to flesh out the current story line as well as bring new viewers up to date. The key, though, is that they work it in such fashion as to keep the story from becoming dry, all while furthering the plot in stride.
The Sarah Jane Adventures is a fun science fiction action romp for old and new alike. Those in fear of the faults of its spin-off companion, Torchwood, need not worry. Those in fear of the last attempt at a Sarah Jane/K-9 spin-off need not worry either. This time we have a well-written, action packed series for young and old that feels familiar to the fans of the current iteration of Doctor Who.
Article comments
1 - Brent
I'm not sure why anyone should balk at the idea of a "children's version of "Doctor Who." After all "Doctor Who" was created as a children's show. If anything, it sounds as if "The Sarah Jane Adventures" takes the concept back to its roots without either dumbing down the current version of the show or being in conflict with it or the more adult themed "Torchwood."
2 - Casey Criswell
I agree that it's taking the series back to it's roots, however there is a large number of new fans only familiar with the newest incarnation of the series, unaware that the original series was geared at children in the first place.