Victor E. Hodge: April 2011

My heart broke when I heard about the sudden passing of Elisabeth Sladen on Tuesday from cancer at the age of 63. Some of you were privy to my drama, heart break and tears that night. And, I appreciate your patience. No --- Michael Jackson did not move me, but Elisabeth Sladen did! (Sorry, Mike.) Elisabeth Sladen played The Doctor's most famous -- and among the most popular companion, Sarah Jane Smith, a role she began in 1973. After a return appearance in Doctor Who, "School Reunion," Sarah Jane Smith returned with her own series --- The Sarah Jane Adventures. Initially, I thought the show would be corny and I couldn't figure out why she was running around with children, but I thought the show was incredible. She fit perfectly into the Whoverse and was obviously taken seriously by the right people. The show ran four season and I'd heard it was picked up for a fifth. Really. It broke my heart because I had absolutely fallen in love with Sarah Jane and her crew: Maria, Clyde, Luke and Rani. I was totally looking forward to future adventures. But, since the DVD-BBC --- across the pond translation --- system ('series,' whatever you want to call it) is behind ... there is at least another season --- season #4, to look forward to. If you love Doctor Who, I believe you will love Sarah Jane. I will sorely miss you, Elisabeth Sladen. You were amazing --- as a reporter and investigator, Sarah Jane Smith. Or as The Doctor would say, "My Sarah Jane."

The Sarah Jane Adventures