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School Reunion Format Reviewed: TV Review The third episode of Series 2 is the first not to be written by Russel T Davies, and marks the return of old companions Sarah Jane Smith and K9 from 30 years previous. What we also have is a slightly different context for the story, in that Mickey Smith played by Noel Clarke actually called in the Doctor and Rose rather than them wandering around and finding trouble themselves. This however does not mark a return for Camille Coduri to the series as she fails to put in an appearance, but for me this is a positive thing. The story is a relatively typical Doctor Who romp, with an alien menace trying to gain control of the universe and the Doctor trying to stop them. The alien menace here is the Krillatanes, who are a race that invade planets and take parts of their preys physiognomy to improve themselves. This is a good and well thought out concept, and comes accross well on screen in the interactions between the Doctor and Mr Finch, the head Krillatane. Great as this story is though, I think it rather shows the confines of producing an entire Doctor Who story from beginning to end in 45 minutes. What I think could have been acheived given two 45 minute episodes per story is to expand on various interesting plot lines that were touched upon but largely abortive such as the quandry the Doctor must have had considering he could have brought back the Time Lord race. There is clearly some scope for having the odd one parter, and giving some linking continuity in this form would be good, but I believe the majority of the good stories could be expanded to effectively feature length and benefit as a result. Having said that, this is still a very good story and one that should live long in the memory. The regular cast here comprises David Tennant as the Doctor, Billie Piper as Rose and Noel Clarke as Mickey Smith. David Tennant puts in another stellar performance in what is rapidly becoming a fantastic era in Doctor Who history. The emotion he shows with Sarah Jane is neatly contrasted by a cold hard edge when talking to Finch, excellent. Piper is also good again, and is very natural in her portrayal of what is effectively a jealous girlfriend. Noel Clarke puts in a typical performance as Mickey, and while not inspiring too much enthusiasm for the character he comes accross OK. The guest cast here, along with Tennant, is what really sets this episode alight though. Anthony Stewart Head plays Mr Finch and gives an excellent performance. He really is the embodiment of a sinister foe, who is calculating in his evil. This is quite surprising as he didn't seem overy enthusiastic about Doctor Who as shown by his comments in the 'extras' from Death Comes to Time. Nevertheless, he is excellent here. Elizabeth Sladen is also delightful, and it is with sorrow that I report she is only part of the guest cast here. Her performance is as if she had never been away from Doctor Who, and she evoked so many happy memories of the terrific adventures she starred in back in the 1970's. The kids here also do well, although a major part of the story, they are not really in the forefront. I always cringe when child actors try to do things and get it wrong, but there is none of that here as it seems natural.What really comes accross well though as the strongest part of this story, is the emotion that is felt between Tennant and Sladen. I can't say I shed a tear, but there was real electricty on screen between the two and the story was a fantastic way to relate to the past eras of Doctor Who. I must admit that when I heard that Sarah Jane and K9 were to return, I thought it might end up being a rather corny sideshow of a story, but I was wrong. So, with a good script, great performances from the cast and a return of Sarah Jane Smith School reunion is undoubtedly for me the strongest story of the series so far. My only real criticism is that I feel it should have been a two part story, and I think all the viewers would have benefitted from more of this. Rating:  |