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“INVASION OF THE BANE: A STRONG START FOR SARAH JANE'S NEW ERA”

With Torchwood catering to an adult audience, The Sarah Jane Adventures is Doctor Who’s answer for younger viewers. Spinning out of the events of School Reunion, this series brings back Elisabeth Sladen as the beloved investigative journalist Sarah Jane Smith, now living on Bannerman Road and dedicating her life to uncovering alien mysteries. While she still has K9 by her side, the show introduces a new team of young companions, with Sarah Jane taking on a mentor role rather than being the sidekick she once was.

The series kicks off with the hour-long special Invasion of the Bane, a well-paced introduction that balances world-building, character development, and an engaging alien invasion plot. The episode takes its time establishing Sarah Jane’s world, her new neighbours, and the eerie Bubble Shock factory, where something sinister lurks beneath the surface. The tension builds gradually, allowing for a solid introduction to the show’s central elements—including Maria, the inquisitive girl who stumbles upon Sarah Jane’s secret life, and the mysterious boy known as the Archetype, later named Luke Smith.

A STRONG CAST AND WELL-DEFINED CHARACTERS

Elisabeth Sladen proves she is more than capable of leading her own show, portraying an older, wiser Sarah Jane who has lost none of her charm, determination, or investigative spirit. This version of Sarah Jane is fiercely independent but also deeply compassionate, and her evolution from a lonely figure into a mentor is handled beautifully.

The child actors are surprisingly strong, making their characters feel natural and relatable. Yasmin Page stands out as Maria, whose journey from an uncertain newcomer to a brave and determined ally is well-developed. Tommy Knight, as Luke, brings an interesting dynamic to the group—his sharp intellect and lack of basic human experiences make him both amusing and compelling. Samantha Bond is a delightfully campy villain as Mrs Wormwood, balancing menace with theatrical flair, while Jamie Davis as Davey feels slightly off-key compared to the rest of the cast.

The story also cleverly explains K9’s absence. In-universe, Sarah Jane has him stationed elsewhere, maintaining a black hole, while behind the scenes, his creator Bob Baker was attempting to launch a K9 spin-off (which eventually resulted in the ill-fated Australian K9 series).

A WELL-CONSTRUCTED STORY WITH STRONG VISUALS

Invasion of the Bane benefits from a well-paced structure, using its extended runtime effectively to set up the series while delivering a compelling standalone adventure. The Bane—a monstrous, tentacled alien species—are a great concept, and the main creature is effectively designed, feeling both threatening and visually striking. The scene where the Bane attacks the children in Sarah Jane’s home is a standout moment, blending action and suspense brilliantly.

What’s particularly refreshing is that, despite being a children’s show, The Sarah Jane Adventures never feels cheap. The production values are solid, with visual effects on par with contemporary Doctor Who, fitting music, and dynamic cinematography that enhances the tension. The domestic approach—rooting the story in Maria’s family struggles and her discovery of Sarah Jane as a mysterious next-door neighbour—grounds the series in a relatable way, reminiscent of Doctor Who’s RTD era.

A STRONG START WITH A MEMORABLE FINALE

The episode builds towards an exciting climax, with Sarah Jane and Maria facing off against Mrs Wormwood and her plan to use Bubble Shock to convert humanity into Bane. The final confrontation, culminating in a dramatic explosion, provides a satisfying conclusion and sets the tone for the series to follow.

Overall, Invasion of the Bane is a confident and engaging debut, successfully establishing The Sarah Jane Adventures as a worthy Doctor Who spin-off. It respects its younger audience without talking down to them, delivering a fun, action-packed, and meaningful story.

📝VERDICT: 8/10

A well-crafted introduction to The Sarah Jane Adventures, Invasion of the Bane is never childish but always engaging. With a strong cast, solid production values, and a mix of action, humour, and heart, it sets up the series beautifully while delivering an entertaining adventure in its own right.