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“THE LOST BOY: A THRILLING SERIES FINALE”

The Lost Boy delivers a gripping conclusion to The Sarah Jane Adventures’ first series, seamlessly picking up from the fallout of Whatever Happened to Sarah Jane? Alan is now fully in the loop, catching up on Maria’s recent adventures while struggling to accept her dangerous lifestyle. But the real drama kicks in when a missing child report is broadcast—showing a boy who looks exactly like Luke.

The revelation that Luke’s supposed “real parents” are searching for him ties directly into Invasion of the Bane and the ongoing theme of Luke’s artificial origins. The accusation that Sarah Jane kidnapped and brainwashed him adds an unexpected layer of tension, turning her into a fugitive in the eyes of the public. Chrissie, who had been growing somewhat more likeable, loses favour again by calling the police on Sarah Jane, making the situation even more dire. The bleak and dramatic atmosphere is set early on, and it only escalates from there.

LUKE'S ABSENCE SHAKES EVERYTHING

With Luke taken away, the team is thrown into disarray. Sarah Jane retreats into isolation, slipping back into the loneliness she had before meeting her young companions. Her reluctance to engage with Maria—even after their strong bond—shows how deeply Luke’s loss affects her. Clyde, however, refuses to give up, proving his place in the team by stepping up as the most determined to rescue his friend.

For the second episode in a row, Luke is sidelined for much of the first half, but the efforts of Sarah Jane, Maria, and Clyde to save him keep the momentum going. Sarah Jane investigates the Pharos Institute, while the kids attempt to break into the house where Luke is held. Clyde’s dedication is commendable, and his growing confidence in the team dynamic is great to see.

THE SLITHEEN RETURN—WITH A TWIST

The Slitheen’s reappearance is a genuine surprise, made even more effective by their new, skinnier flesh suits that allow them to pass undetected. The reveal is well-executed, with the human actors playing their roles straight rather than leaning into the usual over-the-top antics. Their revenge-driven scheme adds a personal edge to their villainy, though in the end, they are reduced to mere henchmen in the grander plan.

Nathan Goss, the “missing” boy, is an unfortunate weak link—his human form is grating, making him difficult to sympathise with. However, his Slitheen counterpart is more effective, fitting well into the tense, escalating narrative.

MR SMITH'S BETRAYAL

The true masterstroke of The Lost Boy is the shocking revelation that Mr Smith is the real villain. His sudden turn to malevolence—kidnapping Clyde and preparing to manipulate Luke’s powers—flips the entire story on its head. Up until now, Mr Smith has been a reliable ally, standing in stark contrast to Doctor Who’s long history of rogue AIs. His betrayal is unexpected, making it one of the strongest twists of the series.

Though Clyde’s abduction inside the computer feels somewhat redundant (as he spends most of the time trapped with little to do), the reveal of Mr Smith’s origins as a Xylok adds an intriguing layer to Sarah Jane’s past. The idea that his evil actions are the result of a hidden program rather than inherent malevolence allows for a satisfying resolution—one that ensures Mr Smith can be redeemed rather than permanently destroyed.

A HIGH-STAKES, ACTION-PACKED CLIMAX

The second half of the story is packed with moving parts—Luke communicating from inside Mr Smith, Sarah Jane and Maria uncovering the Slitheen’s involvement, Alan realising Mr Smith’s true nature, and everyone scrambling to prevent disaster. The stakes skyrocket when Luke’s abilities are harnessed to pull the Moon towards Earth, a plot point that comes out of nowhere but adds a grand, apocalyptic feel to the finale.

The return of K9—just in time for a dramatic laser battle against Mr Smith—is a fun, fan-pleasing moment. The final showdown, with Sarah Jane furiously confronting the AI she once trusted, showcases Elisabeth Sladen’s brilliant acting. Her ability to convey both hurt and determination makes the confrontation one of the episode’s most powerful scenes.

📝 VERDICT: 7/10

The Lost Boy delivers a thrilling, twist-filled conclusion to The Sarah Jane Adventures’ first series. The emotional fallout of Luke’s removal, the surprise return of the Slitheen, and Mr Smith’s shocking betrayal make for a fast-paced and engaging finale. While some elements—such as Luke’s sudden telekinetic powers and Clyde’s limited role in the climax—feel slightly underdeveloped, the sheer energy and drama of the episode more than make up for it. A strong, ambitious ending that leaves The Sarah Jane Adventures well-positioned for an even greater second series.