Following the return of Doctor Who in 2005 a spin-off was wanted and the excellent Showrunner Russell T. Davies came up with the idea of using the hugely popular character Sarah Jane Smith. Sarah Jane had been a companion for the 3rd and 4th Doctors in classic Who in the 1970s and was often voted the best companion. She was given a spin-off in the early 80s with fellow former companion K-9 which was called 'K-9 and Company' so the robot dog took top billing! After a wonderful return in the episode School Reunion in 2006 The Sarah Jane Adventures was devised and this pilot episode was created to set up the series which turned out to be a big hit.
The storyline involves an invasion by the Bane who were villains introduced in Family of Blood/Human Nature. Sarah Jane has continued as an investigative journalist who looks into strange events and deals with aliens with help from K-9, an alien computer called Mr. Smith and and a sonic lipstick! She investigates a soft drink company called Bubble Shock which she discovers is being used by the Bane. Her new neighbours are a single father Alan Jackson and his daughter Maria who gets caught up in events and befriends Sarah Jane.
The story is a good set up for the series and introduces Sarah Jane's alien investigations nicely as well as establishing Maria (Yasmin Paige) very well as a gutsy young girl who has a strong relationship with her father. The father, Alan (Joseph Millson), is engaging too. His estranged wife is a deliberately annoying character who makes for some humorous exchanges.
Long term main character Luke is introduced in this episode too and he is endearing right from the start. The main plus though is Sarah Jane who is as vibrant, intelligent, strong and admirable as ever, played to perfection by the fabulous Elisabeth Sladen. The acting all round is high quality and the script is strong. The concept works incredibly well right from the start.
The Bane are not nearly as scary or effective as they were in their Doctor Who debut but they are a suitable alien threat and there is plenty of action, fun and peril.
My rating: 7/10.