Rest in Peace
I heard some horrible news. Elisabeth Sladen, who played Sarah Jane Smith on Doctor Whoand The Sarah Jane Adventures, died of cancer yesterday at 63.
Russell T. Davies paid tribute to Elisabeth Sladen here. As did John Barrowman.
I suppose it's foolish of me, but I feel like I've lost a friend.
Just as Tom Baker was my first Doctor, Sarah Jane Smith was the first of the Doctor's companions. She was smart and independent and confident and determined. She was so much a part of the TARDIS crew that I remember being shocked when she left. I love that Sladen wouldn't let the writers kill off Sarah Jane or cause her fall in love or even make the entire story about her departure. I love that Sarah Jane retained what she learned with the Doctor and became a hero and a world saver in her own right--something that women almost never get to do in fantasy or science fiction, much less older women. And I was so delighted to see her again in "School Reunion," and to have the Doctor finally give her a hug goodbye.
I know I should be looking for that scene on YouTube, but I don't think I could stand to see it right now.
I'm sitting here crying and absolutely furious. It's too soon. Elisabeth Sladen should have had decades ahead of her. Sarah Jane should have been a hero and a role model for years to come. And now they're both gone, and I can't think of anything remotely adequate to say.
Goodbye, Elisabeth. Goodbye, our Sarah Jane.
Russell T. Davies paid tribute to Elisabeth Sladen here. As did John Barrowman.
I suppose it's foolish of me, but I feel like I've lost a friend.
Just as Tom Baker was my first Doctor, Sarah Jane Smith was the first of the Doctor's companions. She was smart and independent and confident and determined. She was so much a part of the TARDIS crew that I remember being shocked when she left. I love that Sladen wouldn't let the writers kill off Sarah Jane or cause her fall in love or even make the entire story about her departure. I love that Sarah Jane retained what she learned with the Doctor and became a hero and a world saver in her own right--something that women almost never get to do in fantasy or science fiction, much less older women. And I was so delighted to see her again in "School Reunion," and to have the Doctor finally give her a hug goodbye.
I know I should be looking for that scene on YouTube, but I don't think I could stand to see it right now.
I'm sitting here crying and absolutely furious. It's too soon. Elisabeth Sladen should have had decades ahead of her. Sarah Jane should have been a hero and a role model for years to come. And now they're both gone, and I can't think of anything remotely adequate to say.
Goodbye, Elisabeth. Goodbye, our Sarah Jane.