Farewell, Sarah Jane

At the funeral service for Sarah Jane Smith, Rani Chandra [Anjli Mohindra], Luke Smith [Tommy Knight], and Clyde Langer [Daniel Anthony] gather with friends and family as guests exchange soft smiles and memories. Luke Smith [Tommy Knight] greets UNIT soldiers and is hugged by Kate Lethbridge-Stewart, while Clyde Langer [Daniel Anthony] chats with Tegan Jovanka and Nyssa, then continues the parade of reunions with Ben and Polly, Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright, and finally Martha Jones and Mickey Smith with their son, August. Dodo Chaplet, Grace Holloway, Liz Shaw, and Victoria Waterfield greet the trio. Sky Smith briefly manifests in human form, and Jack Harkness salutes Sarah Jane from a distance before departing. Maria Jackson and her father participate in the reception virtually, having missed their flight due to chasing an alien in Seattle. Meanwhile, Rani remains quiet, listening to the room around her.

Guests share stories until the waiters reveal themselves to be Jackals of the Backwards Clock, servants of The Trickster. The Trickster appears, planning to replace Earth with a copy from the Septic Dimension, but the funeral guests shrink him to the size of a doll and lock him in a treasure chest at the bottom of the ocean for one thousand years before resuming the reception. As it is time to leave, the guests trade contact information and agree to meet up every year, calling themselves the Family Smith. Luke, Clyde, and Rani stay by the door to say goodbye to everyone.

Jo Jones [Katy Manning] approaches apologetically, sharing her love for Sarah Jane and comforting the others in the absence of the Doctor, remarking that since the Doctor has two hearts, the pain may be greater for him. Jo Jones departs, and Gita Chandra [Mina Anwar] and Haresh Chandra approach them. Gita speaks warmly of Sarah Jane’s relationship with Clyde, Rani, and Luke before bidding them farewell. Dorothy McShane hugs the trio and recalls a moment when the Seventh Doctor said he missed Sarah Jane, a sentiment she understands.

Left with just Clyde, Luke, and Rani, Clyde jokes at first, but then admits that Sarah Jane saw potential in him and that he wishes he could have told her he loved her. As they drive to Sarah Jane’s house, Luke and Clyde sense that Sarah Jane waited for them to be away to spare them the worst of the pain, while Rani remains silent. They search the house and reach the attic, calling for Mr. Smith [Jacob Dudman], who reveals that Sarah Jane wanted the house and Mr. Smith to be shut down, waiting for its next owner. They agree to see each other on Christmas Day. Luke says he was lucky to have been adopted by Sarah Jane. Luke and Clyde head home, while Rani stays behind to tidy up. As Mr. Smith shuts down, Rani tells him that she does not think Sarah Jane is dead, but that the Doctor came back for her and brought her on one last trip. Mr. Smith agrees, and Rani leaves the house.

Last Updated: October 14, 2025 at 04:08