Last year’s series of The Sarah Jane Adventures wasn’t quite as good as the first, but it was still better than a lot of so-called “grownup” telly. New sidekick Rani helped everyone get over the departure of Maria, although the latter’s still not been forgiven in some quarters for leaving and taking her Fit Dad with her. So on to the third series, starting today on BBC1. For the first time it’ll be shown twice-weekly, with the first part of the story on Thursdays, and the conclusion on Fridays. So now you don’t have to wait a week to see the cliffhanger resolved (or, much worse, turn over to the CBBC channel and put up with the animated logo in the corner.)
The other big news this year is that as well as more K-9 appearances, the Doctor himself will be showing up. Leading up to the next Doctor Who special next month, David Tennant will be guest-starring in the third story. Sadly if you’ve seen the trailers you’ll know we’re also due a reappearance by the Raxacoricofallapatorians – with the gang caught between Slitheen and Blathereen. But at least in the past the farty green toddlers have fitted in a bit better here than on the parent show. I’m more worried that Play School icon and Chancellor of Exeter University (no, really) Floella Benjamin is said to have a bigger part this year – her brief turns as Professor Rivers in Series 1 and 2 did quite enough to spoil my childhood memories as it is.
But that’s all to come – first up Elisabeth Sladen and co have another monster from the parent show to contend with in “Prisoner of the Judoon.” And Luke continues to grow an inch taller every episode. Probably.
- The Sarah Jane Adventures, BBC1, Thursdays & Fridays 4:35pm
