Sarah-Jane Adventures..

BuffyBot

So RTD has launched another spin-off, this time not a swear word of bisexual shagging romp in sight cos it's for "the kiddies". Anyone catch it?

Nevyn

It may have been for the kiddes but it still had tentcles, lemonade zombies and sonic lipstick.
It was very enjoyible.

ixoy

Very impressed with it actually. It succeds far more at being a kids show than Torchwood ever has at being an adult show.

There was a sense of fun here - bright colours, good pace, humour - that's been absent too much in the angsty older brother spin-off. The plot wasn't highly original involving an addictive drink that had otherwordly elements but it worked (geek trivia note: the drink's name bears remarkable similiarities to an addictive drink found in "The Highest Science", a Doctor Who novel by Gareth Roberts who co-wrote this. A very enjoyable Dr Who writer too).

The characters were generally well done (note 'generally'). The kids were likable bar the very-annoying Kelsey who shouted obnoxiously enough that I wished a cruel death. Their acting levels were variable but thankfully the lead girl (Maria I think) was the best.
The girl's dad was good too - someone elsewhere noted that it's the mum who seems the shallow one for a change whereas the dad is the sensitive figure.
The villain of the piece - Wormwood - seems like a nice nemesis. Played with that little bit of camp flair that worked so well for the Master, she look like she'll work well against "Miss Smith!".

Best portrayal of all was Elisabeth Sladen's Sarah-Jane. This is the Sarah-Jane post "School Reunion" so still a little bit lost without her Doctor. Seeing her reminescing over her past was great for old-skool fans but also great was seeing her rediscover her passion.

Loved the references to "Doctor Who" - Brigadier shot! Harry Sullivan! UNIT! Particularly liked the naming bit at the end and the names she considered. Kudos to the writers for that.

Oh and sonic lipstick ftw!

All-in-all a promising debut that will have a well deserved place in the Dr Who lore, particularly if they get rid of that annoying kid.

iguana

Anyone know if it is repeated? I was still in bed while it was on.

BuffyBot

I have to agree. I liked it more than I did most of Torchwood...very effective for the audience intended. Nice pace, reasonable characterisation and a little bit tongue in cheek, which made it more Who-like than Torchwood ever could be. Indeed, it almost seemed like a episode of Doctor Who, just focussing on Sarah Jane!

Couldn't help but feel Kelsey was like a female Mickey in a way.

popebenny16

I missed it, sadly, and am getting it in the neck for missing it from my two boys so heres hoping it'll be repeated, but anyone know when?

BuffyBot

I'd keep an eye on the CBBC channel schedules. It'll undoubtedly crop up again

Stark

Saw it tonight. I enjoyed it quite a bit and I'd agree with the other posters' opinions that it's well pitched for its target audience. I hope the remaining episodes are as good and it doesn't fizzle out after the pilot.

I love her bedroom; it's Torchwood done right!