School reunion (2006)

Review
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Review

This episode was first broadcast on 29 April 2006. A brief and somewhat spoiler-ish summary of the plot: "Hello, Sarah Jane..."

Though the story isn't science-fiction for the ages, it succeeds admirably at what it intends to do. Some good things about the script:

• the return of Sarah Jane Smith is handled with great competence. The story is about the Doctor and his relationships, and it never devolves into a multiple-Doctor-story-style nostalgia-fest
• excellent characterisation for, in particular, Sarah Jane, the Doctor, and Mickey
• good pacing and witty dialogue

Also, we get:

• great performances from regulars and guests. Elisabeth Sladen is a goddess, David Tennant gives his most nuanced performance yet, and Anthony Head is fantastic as the villain of the piece
• lots of little things to enjoy, like the look on the Doctor's face when he first encounters Sarah Jane and the "Oh my God, I'm the tin dog!" from Mickey

My verdict:

Good for you, Sarah Jane.

More about Doctor Who

An introduction:
Doctor Who reviews: introduction

More "nice!" Doctor Who:
Doctor Who reviews: nice!

More Doctor Who with David Tennant:
Doctor Who reviews: 2005 - now

Similar stories:
Doctor Who reviews: alien invasion

More about this episode

Episode guides:
BBC Episode guide

Episode reviews:
Behind the sofa
Outpost Gallifrey

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