Doctor Who Club of Australia

[Greg]

The next spin-off from Doctor Who is now being broadcast in the UK.

The premise is simple: Sarah Jane Smith, investigative journalist and former companion of the Doctor, has continued to investigate and fight alien menaces after her departure from the TARDIS. Recently, she has adopted Luke, an artificial human created by aliens who looks like a 14 year-old boy. She is also assisted by their new neighbour, Maria, who is Luke's age.

Fortunately, there's a change of line-up since the special that launched the series - the annoying Kelsey has been dropped, and in the first episode Luke and Maria meet another first-timer at the school, Clyde.

Fortunately, all three of the child leads can act (to a reasonable extent - I'm a Tomorrow People fan from way back, so I know bad child actors when I see them...), and of course Lis Sladen continues to show why she is remembered for having played arguably the best companion in the history of Doctor Who.

All isn't sunshine and roses, though. As the story title tells you, the Slitheen are back and they fart and hammily act their way through the episode. Possibly my favourite line comes from Luke - 'Why is farting funny?' It's not, and so the excess flatulence in this story is as annoying as before, though given that the show is aimed at kids, they probably find it funny - and farting teachers funnier still.

This story is the first half of the first story of a new series, so much of the story is spent introducing the characters, establishing their relationships, hinting at the villains' plot, and generally launching the series. Arguably, the presence of the Slitheen will bring some viewers, just as Sarah herself does.

Overall: there's certainly worse written, acted and produced children's drama out there. Don't know if I'd watch this if it wasn't Who related. However, the actors playing the lead kids have potential to make their marks as actors, so it may be good to see them early in their careers.

And no, I have heard nothing about this series being shown on Australian TV.

[meglos]

I enjoyed this. My kids loved it which I guess is the main thing right?

[Theta Sigma]

I thought this was an enjoyable start to the full series.

Surprised that Maria's parents got divorced. Definitely do not miss Kelsey at all and I have to make up my mind about new character Clyde.

A pretty good cliffhanger especially with the appearance of the little Slitheen!

[Ohica]

I thought both pt 1 and pt 2 were very good but I can't say that the Slitheen ever did anything for me. I do think they suit a kids' show though. I do like Clyde. He's seems like a really good sport and I hope he doesn't spill the beans on the secret, although I suppose he enjoys being part of the group too much to do that. I liked the fact that Sarah was intending to save the baby slitheen but glad she didn't have time. I like the way Sarah has no clue how to be a mother but glad Luke has decided to call her Mum. I am so looking forward to the whole series and will be very disappointed if they don't decide to do another one.