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Yet another Elisabeth Sladen sadness post
Apr. 20th, 2011 11:42 pmLike so many others, I was shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Elisabeth Sladen. She was a marvelous actress and by all reports a gem of a human being too. The world lost her far too soon.
I've generally enjoyed the Classic Who episodes I've seen featuring Sarah Jane, with my New Who bias I feel like in many ways the character really became something special when she reappeared in the 21st century, beginning with "School Reunion." Sarah Jane showed us the oft-overlooked tragedy of being a companion–having touched the stars, someday you will surely lose them–but that was rapidly overshadowed by the triumph of building a truly fantastic life even after the Doctor. Her reappearances on DW were wonderful, especially her reminder to Ten that "you act like such a lonely man. But look at you. You've got the biggest family on Earth."
I never got into the Sarah Jane Adventures (it was a bit too much a children's show, and sometimes the writing and the guest actors' performances lacked a bit too much sophistication for my taste), but I loved that it was out there for those young enough to really get something out of it. I loved that an older woman got to have her own sci-fi adventure show and seem genuinely cool to a new generation of kids. I adored the fact that she made herself into the image of the Doctor at his best: finding nonviolent solutions to problems, nurturing the potential of others, seeing the wonder in the universe, wise as well as witty. All of that was possible because of the talent Lis Sladen brought to the role.
The CBBC website invited children to post their thoughts about her death. Honestly, this is a better tribute than anything I'm going to come up with:
"I'm so upset that Elisabeth has died. I'm sure she has been an inspiration to millions of children and adults and we are all going to miss her. She must have persuaded thousands of children to become actors or even write a story about Sarah Jane. R.I.P Elisabeth and thank you!"
Alfie, 10, Cambridgeshire, England
RIP, Elisabeth. Goodbye, our Sarah Jane.
I've generally enjoyed the Classic Who episodes I've seen featuring Sarah Jane, with my New Who bias I feel like in many ways the character really became something special when she reappeared in the 21st century, beginning with "School Reunion." Sarah Jane showed us the oft-overlooked tragedy of being a companion–having touched the stars, someday you will surely lose them–but that was rapidly overshadowed by the triumph of building a truly fantastic life even after the Doctor. Her reappearances on DW were wonderful, especially her reminder to Ten that "you act like such a lonely man. But look at you. You've got the biggest family on Earth."
I never got into the Sarah Jane Adventures (it was a bit too much a children's show, and sometimes the writing and the guest actors' performances lacked a bit too much sophistication for my taste), but I loved that it was out there for those young enough to really get something out of it. I loved that an older woman got to have her own sci-fi adventure show and seem genuinely cool to a new generation of kids. I adored the fact that she made herself into the image of the Doctor at his best: finding nonviolent solutions to problems, nurturing the potential of others, seeing the wonder in the universe, wise as well as witty. All of that was possible because of the talent Lis Sladen brought to the role.
The CBBC website invited children to post their thoughts about her death. Honestly, this is a better tribute than anything I'm going to come up with:
"I'm so upset that Elisabeth has died. I'm sure she has been an inspiration to millions of children and adults and we are all going to miss her. She must have persuaded thousands of children to become actors or even write a story about Sarah Jane. R.I.P Elisabeth and thank you!"
Alfie, 10, Cambridgeshire, England
RIP, Elisabeth. Goodbye, our Sarah Jane.
