The Last Encounter Between Sarah Jane Smith and the Doctor: A Comprehensive Analysis
The Last Meeting on Television
One of the most significant moments in the television series Sarah Jane Adventures (SJA) and the wider universe of Doctor Who was the encounter between Sarah Jane Smith and the Doctor, played by Matt Smith in the form of the Eleventh Doctor. This meeting took place in the special episode, Death of the Doctor, which aired in 2013. This episode serves as a crossover event where Sarah Jane and Matt Smith interact with each other as viewers see him in the full-on regeneration into the Twelfth Doctor. This meeting symbolized the end of an era for both of their characters, given the cancellation of Sarah Jane Adventures following the death of actress Elizabeth Sladen, who played Sarah Jane Smith for many years.
Previous Encounter
Before Death of the Doctor, Sarah Jane and the Doctor had another memorable meeting. In the Sarah Jane Adventures series, during the fourth season, the Tenth Doctor, played by David Tennant, appeared at Sarah Jane's wedding. This episode, titled School Reunion, featured the Doctor's attempt to reunite with old companions, one of whom was Sarah Jane. In this episode, the Doctor brought alongside the non-functional K9, which he repaired and then later rebuilt as a going-away present to Sarah Jane, hinting at the future that he knew would never be. This act was a touching reminder of the bond between the companions and the Doctor's enduring presence in their lives.
Imagination and Off-Screen Meetings
While the television screen couldn't depict a reunion between Sarah Jane and the Doctor after Death of the Doctor, there is no reason to believe that the Doctor couldn't have met with Sarah again in his infinite travels. As a Time Lord with a time machine at his disposal, it's highly plausible that he would want to say his final goodbyes to an old companion who had played a significant role in his life. The series has often hinted at the Doctor's connections with multiple companions, even after they are written out of the story.
Final Meeting of the Series
Reflecting specifically on the television series, the last on-screen encounter between Sarah Jane Smith and the Doctor, played by Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor, is indeed the Death of the Doctor episode. While the Sarah Jane Adventures series was canonically canceled, the Death of the Doctor special was designed to tie up loose ends and provide a final moment for Sarah Jane, a character who had been with the Doctor for a significant part of his journey.
Conclusion
The last encounter between Sarah Jane Smith and the Doctor on television was a poignant moment in the history of Doctor Who. What started as a wedding celebration during School Reunion and then evolved into a parting gift and a final goodbye during Death of the Doctor have left a lasting impact on fans of the show. Whether in fantasy or off-screen reality, both companions may well have crossed paths again in different times and places, celebrating the enduring bond between a companion and a Time Lord.