Oh it is fun, I’m just worried @MrColdStream may not approve of the episode, and then I may have to face his wrath for spreading false information!
5 Likes
Season 1 is all generally solid, but the second season is where SJA really started to get it’s footing, and 3/4 are both great
What we have of 5 is also really fun, but hard to compare it for obvious reasons
9 Likes
Don’t worry. I’m not a fan of the Slitheen of this era, so I would have gone in with lowered expectations anyway. And I guess every episode can’t be equally good. Otherwise, it’d be better than the main show!
5 Likes
Also the season 2 opener (minor spoilers but you could guess from the title)is a sequel to a DW story, and I love when the spin-offs do that, dealing with the ramifications of the whoniverse, helping it all feel more cohesive and fleshed out, like Cyberwoman with Torchwood
8 Likes
Revenge of the Slitheen
A bit of a step down from the pilot. The Slitheen are worse here than in S1 of DW. Maria feels sidelined and Luke is kind of annoying. Clyde is almost unbearable. I do like how Maria’s dad gets involved and how we get to see Sarah Jane and Luke trying to fit into their new roles. Part 1 is pretty much just a build-up with the action and tension coming in Part 2. This also feels a bit more childish.
Onto the next one!
12 Likes
I can’t wait until you get to Whatever Happened to Sarah Jane Smith.
Also, I’m impressed you managed to talk about and review Invasion of the Bane without mentioning the one thing the production team clearly agreed was a terrible idea.
Kelsey.
9 Likes
Yeah, I did think about her as being a bit of a weak link when I was watching, but then I just sort of forgot about her. I’m happy she’s not in the rest of it though.
6 Likes
You will come to love Clyde though it’s actually impossible not to
9 Likes
Is this what we call the Narvin Effect?
I do expect that, yeah. I just didn’t find him very likeable here, but that was probably the point.
7 Likes
Maybe except Narvin is a horrible little man that one loves despite that and Clyde genuinely is so sweet and lovely, especially as the series goes on
7 Likes
Eye of the Gorgon
Quite a fun story. Good setting. I liked the sinister head nun and loved the DW spin on the classic Gorgon. Great cliffhanger and a nice little solution to the threat. Clyde is already better here. Good focus on Maria’s domestic life and the possible consequences of her adventures. Bea is a lovely lady, and the last scene with her is so sweet.
This is a bit slow to get started, but there’s good action in the second half. The climax is a bit short, though.
That’s enough SJA for today. Reviews coming up later!
10 Likes
Here are my reviews for Revenge of the Slitheen:
Revenge of the Slitheen is a serviceable start to SJA’s episodic format, reintroducing a familiar foe while further developing Sarah Jane’s young team. The school setting works well, and there are some great character moments, particularly for Maria and Luke. However, the Slitheen’s exaggerated performances, Clyde’s shaky introduction, and a slightly underwhelming finale keep this from being a standout.
A fun but flawed series opener that doesn’t quite outshine its blobby green villains.
And Eye of the Gorgon
Eye of the Gorgon is a well-rounded episode that successfully blends action, mythology, and emotional storytelling. With strong character moments, an eerie setting, and a compelling villain, it proves SJA can tackle mature themes while remaining accessible to a younger audience.
A mythic menace, a spooky convent, and a surprisingly touching conclusion—this is SJA on a roll.
5 Likes
It was the same thing for me with Clyde, where I found him a bit grating in Revenge of the Slitheen but he was much better in Eye of the Gorgon
5 Likes
Warriors of Kudlak
Hmmm, children abducted into an alien war through a laser tag game. Very 2000s! A fun story, but not very memorable. Sarah Jane and Maria are great together, and Kudlak’s arc from villain to honourably fallen warrior was nice. Kudlak’s design is good! And the actor from Waters of Mars is in this one, in a lesser role. The Luke/Clyde stuff brought some nice characterisation, but then their adventures on the spaceship weren’t too exciting.
And isn’t Sladen just perfect when coming across as awkward when speaking teen lingo and amazing when completely kicking ass despite everyone pointing guns at her? I love her.
Also find Yasmin Paige to be a genuinely great actress, for her age. Not something I often say about child/teen actresses.
Next up is the oft spoken about Whatever Happened to Sarah Jane?
9 Likes
Yeah, Kudlak is a bit rooted in it’s time but it’s not too bad.
I’m excited to see what you think of Whatever Happened!
7 Likes
yes 
I’ve always found Kudlak to be a bit of an underrated story, I’ve always liked it a lot
6 Likes
My favourite SJA story that I’ve seen!
(Honestly his finest work in the Whoniverse)
6 Likes
Whatever Happened to Sarah Jane?
I wasn’t prepared for this brilliance. This is an altogether gripping story with emotional complexity and utter brilliance. I didn’t know that this was the episode that introduced the Trickster—a monster I’ve heard of but never actually experienced. And boy, was he (it? they?) superb—the design, the voice, the concept. Maria shines in this, Alan shines in this, I hate Andrea, and I love how utterly tense, exciting, and wonderful this is from beginning to end.
It’s a 10/10 and 
from me.
How could a spin-off receive an episode this good? Why hasn’t the Trickster shown up in DW (the beetle in S4 doesn’t count)? And why have I never watched this gem before? I’m so happy that this one revolved around quite poignant themes that adult viewers probably understand better than children.
Oh, and the music! And the limbo! And the scenes in the past! And the Graske is back!
I want to watch it again!
12 Likes
You see why I neeeeed the Trickster back now… he’s a bit of a one trick pony in SJA re: wanting to erase her from all of time but as a kid I found him horrifically spooky. And I still do tbh
7 Likes
The Lost Boy
So, when I started watching this and noticed the friendly computer Mr Smith (breaking the tradition of mad computers in DW), I guessed there would probably be a story in the line where he turns mad. Well, here it is sooner than expected. Also, the Slitheen are back already. I didn’t see that coming either. They are better here, but a bit unnecessary. The kid is very annoying.
I don’t know how I feel about Luke’s powers and the moon thing. That felt a bit out there. But I like the continuity and how both Sarah Jane and Clyde show here how important Luke is to them. And Clyde gets sucked into Mr Smith and just chills there, like what the heck 
Chrissie doesn’t deserve my love though!
K9 is back to save the day! Yay!
So, quite a fun episode overall. I wasn’t bored, I enjoyed the performances.
Series 1 ranking
- Whatever Happened to Sarah Jane? - 10/10
- Invasion of the Bane - 8/10
- The Lost Boy - 7/10
- Eye of the Gorgon - 7/10
- Warriors of Kudlak - 7/10
- Revenge of the Slitheen - 6/10
Strong season overall. Surprisingly enjoyable and fun. I think I enjoy it more than S1 of TW at least. It works very well on its own, it’s not too tied up with DW. Sladen and the kids make this show!
12 Likes