Sarah Jane Smith

     The old series of Doctor Who, what episodes I have access to here in the U.S., are classic entertainment.  Yes, the special affects were, well, "special" and the plot lines were sometimes a bit slower than we're used to today, but they're still entertaining.  Part of their charm is in how horrible some of the monster/alien costumes are (the aliens in the 'Ark in Space' are green cloth covered bubble wrapped people who inched along the floor like worms - it was hysterical!).  I started with the fourth doctor, Tom Baker, because he was the face I associated with Doctor Who from age 5.  I've backed up now, to the third doctor, Jon Pertwee.  Last night I watched 'Carnival of Monsters', and the evening before "The Time Warrior".  I watched them in the wrong order, but it gave me a greater appreciation for Sarah Jane Smith (Elisabeth Sladen).

Sarah Jane Smith (Elisabeth Sladen) with the third Doctor (Jon Pertwee)

     The companion prior to Sarah Jane Smith, Jo, was rescued constantly.  She often gave up when a situation seemed dire and with near constance acted like a dumb blonde.  There were a few moments of bravery in 'Carnival of Monsters', but mostly she was a bit of a drag.  The writer, Robert Holmes, would have continued to write in characters like Jo who screamed bloody murder and waited for the Doctor to swoop in and save them, but the prevalence of Feminism wouldn't let him get away with it any longer.  This was the birth of the character Sarah Jane Smith.  Sarah was an investigative reporter who constantly asked questions and got herself into trouble.  In 'The Time Warrior' she takes her aunt's place in a secret government facility where scientists have been disappearing.  The Doctor figures out where the scientists are being taken and uses the Tardis to follow their trail.  Sarah stows away on the Tardis.  When they land in the middle ages Sarah is taken hostage by Irongron and his band of ruffians/thieves (all the troops are at battle leaving much of the land up for grabs for groups like this).  Unlike other companions Sarah isn't cowed by her attackers.  Even when confronted with Irongron she talks back, asks questions, and refuses to be taken advantage of.  She manages to get away, taking another prisoner with her who takes her to the neighboring castle.  There she concocts a plan to kidnap the Doctor who she believes is behind the missing scientists.  Her plan is successful and after she figures out that the Doctor isn't the enemy they join forces.  She is instrumental in the success of the following plans.

Scene from 'The Time Warrior'

     In essence Sarah Jane Smith handles whatever situation she is put into with courage.  Her character actually has a hand in moving the plot line along rather than holding it back.  Elisabeth Sladen worked well with both Jon Pertwee and Tom Baker.  

Elisabeth Sladen with the fourth Doctor, Tom Baker 

     She is also the only classic companion so far to have her own spin off television show (The Sarah Jane Adventures) and return in classic episodes and in the new Doctor Who series.  

K9, Elisabeth Sladen, and the tenth Doctor, David Tennant

     The writers must have decided that after Sarah Jane Smith there would be a compromise on the next companion.  Leela (Louise Jameson) was a warrior.  Her character was a brave, strong fighter, but her outfit was barely there.  So the women got a strong female character and the men got gaping cleavage and long legs to stare at.

Leela (Louise Jameson)

     The new Doctor Who series writers have worked hard at making any traveling companions strong characters in their own right.  Sarah Jane Smith was the first companion in this trend.  Through her time on Doctor Who there were still traces of the frail female (she was hypnotized by the Doctor and baddies left and right), but essentially she was a fresh take on the assistant character.