Doctor Who Project "School Reunion"

The return of Sarah-Jayne Smith and K9 (mk3) in Russell T Davies' biggest nod to the classic series. You have to love how RTD melds the new and old with direct comparisons throughout the episode from Rose and Sarah-Jayne to Mickey and K9 (I also love Mickey's realisation that he's the tin dog!). Then there's that great conversation between Sarah-Jayne and Rose about what it's like to travel with the Doctor (including pointing out his idiosyncrasies) and of course Sarah-Jayne and The Doctor's catch up in which she finally gets the chance to confront him about leaving her in Aberdeen and not coming back for her. In fact that's what is the heart of this story, reminiscing, exploring the relationship The Doctor has with his companions and of course what happens to the companions when they step out of the TARDIS for the last time. The monsters in this week even take a back seat to the characters in what can be described as RTD's love letter to Sarah-Jayne Smith.

Also worthy of note is the schoolboy fantasy played out in this episode ie the awkward kid who has a hand in saving the day being lauded by his school mates after the school blows up. There's also loads of little jokes like Rose believing the teachers sleep at school (and being proved right), the teachers and dinner ladies being monsters.

Oh and after sacrificing himself K9 returns at the end, a replacement from The Doctor and a nod to classic Who again ('The Invasion of Time' - I'm sure there's other instances but only really know of this one). I'm sure this was done deliberately, setting both Sarah-Jayne and K9 for their own spinoff shows. As well as providing a happy ending of course.

All in all another great story. The monsters are pretty forgettable, they could be any monster in fact and Anthony Stewart Head's character even alludes to the fact that they (the Krillitines) adopt new features everytime they conquer a race. Not that any of this matters as it's all about the TARDIS crew new and old coming together and talking about what it's like to travel with The Doctor (and to suddenly stop doing so - foreshadowing?!!).

Brilliant episode, easily one of the best of the series and a modern classic. Love it.