Few episodes of Doctor Who carry the weight of nostalgia quite like School Reunion. First broadcast on April 29, 2006, and written by Toby Whithouse, this episode is more than just a thrilling adventure—it’s a love letter to the show’s past and a meditation on what it means to travel with the Doctor. By bringing back Sarah Jane Smith, one of the most beloved companions of the classic era, and K-9, the tin dog who became an icon in his own right, School Reunion serves as a bridge between the past and the future of Doctor Who while delivering an emotionally charged story that resonates far beyond its monster-of-the-week premise.
The episode’s opening sets the stage perfectly. The Doctor, Rose, and Mickey infiltrate a London school where strange occurrences are taking place—students are learning at an impossibly accelerated rate, and the sinister Headmaster, Mr. Finch (played with delicious menace by Anthony Head), is clearly not what he seems. There’s a creeping unease about the setting, and director James Hawes makes excellent use of the shadowy corridors and the eerie stillness of the school at night. But while the Krillitanes, a race of bat-like creatures masquerading as teachers, provide the alien threat, the real heart of School Reunion lies in its character-driven drama.
David Tennant’s Doctor is in his element here, juggling the investigative side of his character with moments of introspection that remind us just how much weight he carries. When he crosses paths with Sarah Jane Smith, played once again by the incomparable Elisabeth Sladen, the shift in his demeanor is immediate. There is joy, yes—a reunion with a friend he thought he would never see again—but also sorrow and guilt. The moment Sarah Jane sees the TARDIS and realizes who the Doctor truly is is one of the most emotionally charged reveals of the revived series up to this point.
Sarah Jane’s presence elevates the episode beyond a standard adventure. For longtime fans, her return is a moment of pure joy, but for newer audiences, she represents something deeper—the reality of what happens when a companion is left behind. The conversation between Sarah Jane and Rose, where they discuss what it means to travel with the Doctor and the inevitable heartbreak of leaving, is one of the most poignant scenes in the episode. Rose, who until now has seen herself as the Doctor’s closest and most important companion, is suddenly confronted with the fact that she is not the first, nor will she be the last. The unspoken question lingers: what happens to her when the adventure ends?
Billie Piper delivers a fantastic performance, capturing Rose’s vulnerability and insecurity with nuance. Her rivalry with Sarah Jane starts as playful jealousy, but it soon gives way to mutual understanding and respect. The banter between them, from comparing alien encounters to laughing at the Doctor’s quirks, is a highlight of the episode. It humanizes both characters and acknowledges the shared experience that binds all companions together.
Mickey, meanwhile, steps up in an unexpected way. Often sidelined as comic relief, School Reunion gives Noel Clarke the chance to show a new dimension to Mickey. His realization that he is “the tin dog” in his dynamic with the Doctor and Rose is a bittersweet moment, but it also marks a turning point for his character. By the episode’s end, he chooses to join the TARDIS properly, setting the stage for his evolution from hapless boyfriend to a full-fledged hero.
Anthony Head’s performance as Mr. Finch is nothing short of fantastic. His voice, his posture, the calculated way he moves—he exudes menace in every scene. The Krillitanes, while not the most visually striking villains, are elevated by his commanding presence. His conversations with the Doctor, where he tempts him with the power to reshape reality, are layered with tension and philosophical depth. The idea that the Doctor could take control of time itself is tantalizing, but Tennant plays the moment with a quiet sadness, knowing that absolute power would come at too great a cost.
And then there’s K-9. The little robot dog might seem like a relic of a bygone era, but his inclusion in School Reunion is handled with genuine affection. His interactions with the Doctor, Sarah Jane, and even Mickey provide levity, but there is also genuine emotion in his sacrifice during the climax. When he stays behind to destroy the Krillitanes, there is a surprising amount of weight to the moment, even though we know he’ll be rebuilt. It’s a testament to the show’s ability to make us care about even the most unlikely of characters.
The ending is where School Reunion truly shines. Sarah Jane’s quiet acceptance that she cannot stay with the Doctor, no matter how much she may want to, is heartbreaking but necessary. Their final farewell is beautifully underplayed, with the Doctor giving her K-9 as a parting gift. As she walks away, there is a sense of closure—she no longer feels abandoned, and she has found peace with her past. For fans of the classic series, it is the perfect resolution to her story. Of course, we now know that this was just the beginning, as Sarah Jane’s return would lead to The Sarah Jane Adventures, but even as a standalone moment, it is one of the most touching in Doctor Who history.
Rewatching School Reunion in 2025, it remains one of the most emotionally satisfying episodes of Doctor Who’s modern era. It balances nostalgia with forward momentum, celebrating the past while acknowledging the pain of moving on. It reminds us that traveling with the Doctor is both a privilege and a burden, and that no matter how much time passes, some bonds are never truly broken. With action, humor, and heart, School Reunion is a shining example of why Doctor Who endures.
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