Much train travel makes for a chance to catch up with tv recordings, oddly enough. So:



I was inappropriately amused that Sarah Jane reacted to Maria's annoucement exactly like the (Sixth) Doctor did to Evelyn's similar declaration in Thicker than Water (an audio adventure, for those of you who only watch tv), so much so that I am tempted to make a word-by-word comparison. Given that several members of Team Cardiff came from Big Finish, I doubt it's a coincidence, though I'd have to look up Phil Ford to be sure. (Not much online time now!) Mind you, Watsonian-wise, I don't think Sarah Jane picked up this habit from the Doctor (I haven't seen the serial where Harry left them, which was the only departure she could have witnessed, but I bet Four didn't pull the "so you're leaving, fine, have a nice life, FINE" attitude, and he was in a genuine hurry when he left Sarah Jane herself her in Croydon Aberdeen). And it makes sense for the character to do this rather than to respond honestly like like Luke did when Maria later told him. But I'm still amused.

Which isn't to say I won't miss Maria. And her parents. I know Chrissie got the worst press of any New Who mother before Sylvia Noble entered the field and left the competition behind, but I thought Chrissie's relationship with Alan was an interesting and well-chosen counterpart to Jackie/Pete and Francine/Clyde. Jackie and Alt!Pete hit it off at once, never mind the difficulties both had with their respective counterparts, and we cheer at love overcoming everthing; Martha's divorced parents get together again through sharing a year of hell, and again, given everything else that happens to the Jones clan, that's a hopeful note we believe in. But sometimes, despite genuine fondness on both sides, the reasons why a couple split up are just as genuine and valid, and not all divorced parents get back together again. The Sarah Jane Adventures is the spin-off explicitly aimed at children, and showing Maria's parents as two people who clearly loved each other originally and still care but just as clearly had the right idea when getting divorced is a realistic touch.

And speaking of great touches: I'm having Chrissie/Sarah Jane thoughts now, based on that final scene. After Maria and Alan somewhat high-handedly decided to give Chrissie the "it was just a dream!" treatment (and btw, can they really have people not believing in aliens at this point in the Whoverse anymore? Granted, we don't know for sure this is set after Journey's End, but it's post-The Sontaran Strategem and at this point Cybermen and Daleks had already paid visits, not to mention the Sycorax), we find out Chrissie just played along but both remembers and knows exactly what's going on. Niiiiice. And the unabashed selfishness and gabbing would make a great counterpart to Sarah Jane's altruism and reserve. At the very least, they'd be great for a whacky buddies picture.

Clyde, Luke and Maria were all in fine form, and my favourite Clyde moment was when he asked Sarah Jane whether she had really expected him to listen and not go into the woods, and she admitted she hadn't. As londonkds has noted after watching the trailer, it looks like they're shifting the overall pov to Clyde (Luke is too alien in origin, and the new character we'll meet next week is new, so it being Clyde makes complete sense). The Sontaran calling them half-forms was a pot and kettle situation but made sense for a clone race (though I can't recall them using the term when interacting with Luke Rattigan).

In conclusion: a great season opener. I love this show.

Other shows watched: Life 2.01 (not sure about Dani Reese's new hair style, but I liked everything else) and House 5.03 (since I like Taub, I was thrilled he was the center of the subplot for once, and I also like the detective; I'm probably the only one who doesn't root for a House/Wilson reunion any time soon, though).

Lastly: I didn't write about Paul Newman, but read the many great entries with audience grief and affection: This one is my favourite.