School Reunion

"We're arguing over the Doctor."

Writer: Toby Whithouse

Format: TV

Broadcast: 29 April 2006

Series: 2.03

Featuring: Tenth Doctor, Rose, Mickey, Sarah Jane, K9

Synopsis

A London school is haunted by strange, bat-like creatures at night. When the Doctor investigates, he finds an old friend, Sarah Jane Smith, already working undercover. Both must settle old scores, meanwhile, Rose discovers the true legacy of being a Time Lord's companion. 

Verdict

School Reunion was a wonderful episode to continue my rewatch of the modern era of Doctor Who with Gemma for the first time! I always enjoy revisiting this story because it's such a feel good episode and a wonderful way to link the revived series with the original run. I can imagine this being incredibly poignant back when it was broadcast and even though I wasn't aware what Doctor Who was back in 2006, I still find it difficult to believe that it's been fifteen years since this episode was broadcast! It has all of the ingredients of a tremendous episode and the image of the Doctor entering the classroom as the teacher was fantastic. He is perfect for that role and David Tennant has an outstanding performance as the Tenth Doctor here. The arrival of Sarah Jane into the school and the reaction of the Doctor is just marvellous and it says everything you need to say about their history in one look. The joy on the Doctor's face is a sight to behold and I think the directing that comes after Sarah Jane stumbles upon the TARDIS to show the Doctor standing behind her is just magnificent. I love pretty much everything about this episode to be honest. It's lovely to have Sarah Jane back and in full investigative mode and the references of her hasty departure in The Hand of Fear are excellent. She really challenges the Doctor about that which I liked and it's telling when he doesn't have an answer. Rose's reaction to Sarah Jane is magnificent and it was brilliant to watch them battle over the Doctor. The scene where they reel off a long list of their encounters with the likes of Daleks, ghosts and the Loch Ness monster is right up there as one my favourites. It's a continuity overload and that's right up my alley. The Krillitanes serve as a strong enemy for the episode and I liked how the Doctor didn't recognise them because of their amalgamation of the races they conquer. They'd changed a lot since he last saw them and I'm surprised that hasn't cropped up in a Big Finish audio yet! K9 being used to reveal that the oil is Krillitane oil is great and I love how his role is a parallel for Mickey realising he's the tin dog of the modern trio. The comedy of K9 simply stating that they're in a car when Mickey asks if the robot dog has a way in is just magnificent. There's just so much to love about the episode and Mickey is a big part of the comedy in more ways with his scream at the rats and then mentioning every man's nightmare of the mrs and the ex. The Doctor is stuck without knowing it which is a really fun dynamic. It's lovely to have K9 recognise his master and I love how the tin canine is able to provide the basis for defeating the Krillitanes by sacrificing himself to blow up the oil barrel. His 'affirmative' responses to the Doctor when calling him a good dog and then Finch when calling him a bad dog are just excellent. Finch made for a great lead of the Krillitanes and whilst the effects of the bat creatures don't exactly hold up well by today's standards, they work well and are perfect for a school setting. The Skasis Paradigm attempts is a fun concept and I like how the Doctor seems tempted, but Sarah Jane has to mention that the universe must move forward. Overall, it's a delightful episode and it was wonderful to revisit and get to mention some of the Classic references to Gemma! Just perfect. 

Rating: 10/10