Broadcast on December 28, 1981, K-9 and Company: A Girl’s Best Friend was the pilot episode for a proposed spin-off series centered around the iconic robotic dog K-9 and former Doctor Who companion Sarah Jane Smith. Written by Terence Dudley and directed by John Black, the story aimed to expand the Doctor Who universe by exploring Sarah Jane’s investigative adventures alongside K-9. Despite its ambitious intent and the popularity of its central characters, the series failed to materialize beyond this single episode. However, A Girl’s Best Friend remains a fascinating glimpse into what could have been.
The episode begins with Sarah Jane Smith (Elisabeth Sladen) arriving in the fictional village of Moreton Harwood to spend Christmas with her Aunt Lavinia, a prominent scientist and writer. Upon arrival, Sarah discovers that Aunt Lavinia has mysteriously disappeared. As Sarah investigates her aunt’s sudden absence, she uncovers a plot involving a secret coven practicing black magic. Fortunately, she is not alone in her quest. Left as a surprise gift by the Doctor, K-9 Mark III becomes her steadfast companion, providing technological expertise, firepower, and a touch of humour as they unravel the mystery together.
Elisabeth Sladen’s return as Sarah Jane Smith is a delight, and her performance carries the episode. Sladen portrays Sarah as resourceful, determined, and endearingly human, qualities that made her one of the most beloved companions in Doctor Who. Her chemistry with K-9, voiced by John Leeson, adds warmth and levity to the story. The duo’s dynamic feels instantly natural, with Sarah’s quick wit balancing K-9’s logical precision. Their burgeoning partnership is the heart of the episode, and it’s easy to see how this relationship could have sustained a full series.
K-9 Mark III, introduced here as a gift from the Doctor, provides the technological edge Sarah needs to confront the occult-themed threats. Voiced with charm and authority by Leeson, K-9 retains the quirks and endearing traits that made him a fan favourite. The combination of his analytical prowess and Sarah’s investigative instincts creates an effective and engaging team dynamic.
The supporting cast includes Bill Fraser as Commander Pollock, a local police officer whose skepticism of Sarah’s claims adds tension to the narrative. Ian Sears portrays Brendan Richards, Aunt Lavinia’s young ward, who acts as Sarah’s ally in uncovering the village’s dark secrets. While Brendan’s precociousness can feel slightly forced, his curiosity and rapport with K-9 contribute to the story’s charm.
The plot—a blend of modern science fiction and traditional Gothic horror—is engaging but somewhat uneven. The black magic subplot and the cult’s ritualistic activities provide an eerie atmosphere, though they lack the depth and complexity needed to elevate the mystery. The pacing occasionally falters, with stretches of exposition that could have benefited from tighter editing. However, the episode’s tone—a mix of light-hearted adventure and supernatural intrigue—aligns well with its premise.
From a production standpoint, K-9 and Company reflects both the strengths and limitations of its time. The English countryside setting, with its picturesque villages and ancient architecture, provides a fitting backdrop for the story’s occult themes. The titular opening sequence, accompanied by the infamous theme tune, is memorable if divisive, encapsulating the early 1980s aesthetic with its bold visuals and synth-heavy soundtrack. The practical effects, particularly those involving K-9, are serviceable, though the limitations of the era are evident.
Revisiting A Girl’s Best Friend in 2025, it’s clear that the pilot’s strengths lie in its characters and their potential. Sladen’s Sarah Jane is as captivating as ever, and the concept of pairing her with K-9 for investigative adventures holds undeniable appeal. The script hints at a broader narrative landscape, one that could have explored Sarah’s journalistic career, her interactions with local communities, and her ongoing connection to the Doctor’s universe.
Despite its flaws, K-9 and Company has an enduring charm that reflects the spirit of Doctor Who. It’s a story of curiosity, courage, and the enduring power of friendship—qualities embodied by Sarah Jane and K-9. While the series never came to fruition, this pilot laid the groundwork for future expansions of the Doctor Who universe, most notably The Sarah Jane Adventures, which would revisit and refine many of these ideas decades later.
As a standalone adventure, A Girl’s Best Friend is an intriguing footnote in Doctor Who history. Its mix of nostalgic appeal and untapped potential invites viewers to imagine the series that might have been while celebrating the enduring legacy of Sarah Jane Smith and K-9. For fans of the classic series, it’s a charming, if imperfect, reminder of the show’s capacity for reinvention and the strength of its characters.
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