I’ve been waiting AGES to use that title! A pity it’s in aid of some sad geek news…
At first glance, I found the announcement of a new set of characters for series 2 of The Sarah Jane Adventures mildly interesting…a new family on Bannerman Road, and a new character - Rani Chandra - to add to the mix. At that point, the only other thought I had was “geez, it’s going to be a bit of a crowded ensemble.”
Unfortunately, it turns out the Jackson family is LEAVING, to make way for the Chandras!
Yup…it seems that Maria, her dad Alan, and mom Chrissie are being written out in the first two episodes of the second series. It would seem this is not an artistic decision, but one of necessity. The reports I’ve read seem to indicate that Yasmin Paige is leaving to focus on school. End result: good bye, Jackson family.
Frankly, I’m extremely disappointed. Or, to put it more bluntly: DAMN, this SUCKS! Over the course of the previous season, Maria has developed into a wonderful character, and Yasmin demonstrates so much solid, chummy chemistry with Elisabeth Sladen. As for the adult Jacksons, Joseph Millson created one of the best TV dads I’ve ever seen; his relationship with Chrissy was one of the most sensitive and realistic portrayals of a broken marriage you’re likely to find on any children’s television program, let alone an adult drama. He’s a great actor and a good role model.
There’s no one I can blame - there’s no one to blame. I’m certainly not going to claim that my need for superb television is more important than a young lady’s education. But it saddens me to think that Maria and her dad will be leaving the show at the point when we’ve entered a new level of their relationship with Sarah Jane and the big wide Doctor Who universe they inhabit. They will be sorely missed, and part of me feels as if we’re going to have to double back on ourselves.
Then again, companions have always come and gone in Doctor Who. As Sarah Jane herself said in School Reunion: “The Universe has to move on. Everything has its time.” I’m confident that The Sarah Jane Adventures is capable of handling the changes of life & passage of time as well as Doctor Who itself. Friends come and go, but life & living goes on…
If only it didn’t have to move on so abruptly. :-/
Mind you, David Tennant will be making a long anticipated guest appearance as the Doctor in series 2. This offers some comfort…OK…A LOT of comfort. :D
