Episode 1, Season 1, Released July 2002
I really enjoyed this story. I think they started out on the right foot for Sarah Jane, giving her a buddy to help save her from her scrapes AND giving her a scenario for this story and a whole story arc to come! Josh is an interesting character because he obviously picked Sarah Jane out as a person to attach himself to. Is it because he’s being paid by someone or because he is interested in her dangerous life? He gets to be a pyro, too. I just know there’s something shady in his motives, that’s for sure.
There are basically two parts to this story—in town and in the countryside. In town, Sarah isn’t afraid to push people and get an interview so we get to see her journalistic tendencies come out. She’s been pushed into a corner so she’s not afraid anymore and will come out fighting. In the countryside, she is a bit out of her element but not so much that she can’t go around asking questions anyway. Then again, a story where she’s just hanging out might not be that interesting!
I really like that she’s got this mysterious company that has ruined her. What’s the purpose behind that? She’s been set up for a downfall so what is really going on? Why would someone pursue her to this end, put this much money and effort into ruining her? Personal vendetta? Prevent her from investigating something else? Revenge? We will hopefully find out! And perhaps I’ll be hooked and want to buy season 2 as well. :) I can’t wait to find out!
Elisabeth Sladen (Sarah Jane Smith), Jeremy James (Josh Townsend), and Sadie Miller (Natalie Redfern)
writer: Terrance Dicks
director: Gary Russell