I'm a bit late with this, sorry for that, but I still think that The Sarah Jane Adventures (New Year's Day, BBC1) is definitely worth a word or two. Despite the fact that Russell T. Davies and the Doctor Who producers are all behind this, it was still easy to think that this, as a children's programme, would never be given the resources that sci-fi inherently needs simply to not look awful. But all credit to the Beeb - this is kids' TV to be truly proud of.
As well as looking truly classy (certainly as good as Torchwood, if not Doctor Who) the script was really sharp. It was genuinely funny, and I was touched by Sarah Jane's description of life after the Doctor, and by her finally finding a family after all these years. Also great were Samantha Bond as a villain bordering on pantomime (that's not a criticism) and a special mention has to go to Porsha Lawrence Mavour as the thoroughly modern tweenager Kelsey, who made me laugh out loud on several occasions.
Russell T. Davies knows that children like to be challenged with their TV, it's just that it doesn't happen all that often, and so I hope that he stays fully involved with this. Exciting, clever and just a little bit topical, it just makes you sorry that not all children's TV is made with the same care. [annawaits]
Couldn't agree more. It was a great opener... Liz Sladen is always fun to watch and her slightly more melancholy, anti-social side were well realised. Just wish Children's TV was this good when I was watching it. Not sure about the "Mr Smith" computer thing, though!
Thanks Kev! Yes, I've gotta say I've yet to be convinced by Mr. Smith too... but there was enough promise for us to give that detail the benefit of the doubt I think :)
I am really excited about the new series. Sarah Jane has been the best character in Doctor Who and believe the new series will be successful. I was really surprised to see her and K-9 in series 2 of Doctor Who, her acting was brilliant. I think Russell T. Davies has done a fantastic job with Doctor Who and Torchwood and I wish him the lots of success with Sarah Jane Adventures and it would be fantastic if a series 2 is made.