"Mr Smith.... I need you." - The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith - Doctor Who and Torchwood

NAF · 31-10-2009, 11:55

That last scene, after the wedding, when she's alone in the attick. She says "Mr. Smith..." Then there's a close up of her, teary eyed: "I need you."

Such a beautiful moment that I thought deserved its own thread! xx

dsrichard · 31-10-2009, 12:15

I thought you were going to point out that on this occasion there was no Mr Smith fanfare when he opened up - a childish CBBC device that was already rubbished by Sarah Jane herself when the thing opened up in an episode of Dr Who.

As you rightly comment, the moment was tender and would have been completely ruined by the usual chime so it's obvious why they left it out for dramatic reasons although it didn't do much for series continuity.

While we're on the subject, Sarah Jane's title music (jaunty, light, trivial) is frequently out of step with the drama we've just seen on the show. It emphasises the level of quality in the Dr Who theme and why it has stood the test of time so well.

jimbo_bob · 31-10-2009, 12:24

Ms. Sladen has has a few people say that she can't really act; The way she quietly said "Mr. Smith, I need you" conveyed the emotion her character was feeling perfectly. It was strengthened by the sad smile she gave the kids as they walked into the attic. A lovely scene perfectly portrayed.

Listentome · 31-10-2009, 12:33

I thought it had a nice double meaning. As in she needed Peter and Mr. Smith the computer.

I think the fanfare is fine for a children's programme, but when SJS complains about it in The Stolen Earth, it was almost as if RTD was apologising to Doctor Who fans for it.

NAF · 31-10-2009, 13:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Listentome

I thought it had a nice double meaning. As in she needed Peter and Mr. Smith the computer.

Yes, I took it as a double meaning too. That "Mr. Smith" is the closest thing she has to a... well, "Mr. Smith". And she needs not the computer, but a real Mr. Smith. (Or, in other words, a man.)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Listentome

I think the fanfare is fine for a children's programme, but when SJS complains about it in The Stolen Earth, it was almost as if RTD was apologising to Doctor Who fans for it.

I know the fanfare is irritating, but when there are moments it's NOT used it's MUCH more impacting. For the scene in mention and the scene when Mr. Smith is actually evil (in Series 1) and opens up without the music. When the music isn't there, it can convey sadness or sinister.
x

vaughan6477 · 31-10-2009, 13:59

The music which played over the cut of the wedding venue to the attic prior to the Tardis arrival , was very similar to the Life&Death theme by Michael Kamen which is in Lost.

performingmonk · 31-10-2009, 15:32

It was a moving scene. I found myself welling up when Sarah Jane was standing at the altar alone, hardly being able to turn around and walk out of there. You just know that that was the hardest thing she's ever had to do in her entire life.

amos_brearley · 31-10-2009, 17:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by vaughan6477

The music which played over the cut of the wedding venue to the attic prior to the Tardis arrival , was very similar to the Life&Death theme by Michael Kamen which is in Lost.

Michael Kamen has music in Lost? I thought it was all Michael Giacchino.

JohnFlawbod · 31-10-2009, 17:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by performingmonk

It was a moving scene. I found myself welling up when Sarah Jane was standing at the altar alone, hardly being able to turn around and walk out of there. You just know that that was the hardest thing she's ever had to do in her entire life.

Apart from elect to stay on Earth when The Doctor and Rose suggest she resume her travels...that took REAL guts to turn down

vaughan6477 · 31-10-2009, 18:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by amos_brearley

Michael Kamen has music in Lost? I thought it was all Michael Giacchino.

My mistake sorry , it is indeed Mr G.

KHC22 · 31-10-2009, 21:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimbo_bob

Ms. Sladen has has a few people say that she can't really act; The way she quietly said "Mr. Smith, I need you" conveyed the emotion her character was feeling perfectly. It was strengthened by the sad smile she gave the kids as they walked into the attic. A lovely scene perfectly portrayed.

I loved that moment, she was just heartbroken, and I liked how she didn't actually need him, just wanted to see that he was still there, as was the life she had chosen. Very lovely moment!

I also liked the beginning of the scene - SJS sat on the steps talking to K9, exactly where she'd been sat in part one telling k9 how happy she was.

darthbibble · 31-10-2009, 21:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Listentome

I thought it had a nice double meaning. As in she needed Peter and Mr. Smith the computer.

Your also forgetting a certain Dr John Smith

JAS84 · 31-10-2009, 21:58

Yeah, The Doctor, who the computer is actually named after!

David0056 · 31-10-2009, 23:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimbo_bob

Ms. Sladen has has a few people say that she can't really act; The way she quietly said "Mr. Smith, I need you" conveyed the emotion her character was feeling perfectly. It was strengthened by the sad smile she gave the kids as they walked into the attic. A lovely scene perfectly portrayed.

Completely agree! Lis is a fabulous actress who doesn't seem to get enough credit for just how good she is at the emotional stuff. She always seems to nail it, and I think she really out did herself this week.

Flamethrower100 · 01-11-2009, 00:00

Yeh it was sweet.

And I only just realised, then at that moment, the name Doctor Who had in that episode, where he was a teacher, was John Smith, I only just saw the connection. when she said, "Mr Smith... I need you.."

PeteIsGod · 01-11-2009, 00:21

That line was beautiful. I think Lis is a great actress. Sometimes, there are a couple of moments in SJA (all series') where her acting's been a bit off...but I ain't bovvered but it.

BritishHobo · 01-11-2009, 01:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by NAF

Yes, I took it as a double meaning too. That "Mr. Smith" is the closest thing she has to a... well, "Mr. Smith". And she needs not the computer, but a real Mr. Smith. (Or, in other words, a man.)

This totally reminded me of a quote from a Journey's End parody script for which I take absolutely no credit whatsoever.

SARAH JANE
Luke, he's called Luke. And the computer's called Mr Smith.
DOCTOR
Mr Smith? Oh Sarah, you tragic old spinster, you’ve got a computer instead of a husband. That’s awful.

I did not write this. Before I get bollocked

dobsy · 01-11-2009, 01:36

Luke asked him earlier to open in quiet mode or whatever it was. It was annoying, they should have cut it out from when Sarah-Jane mentioned it in Dortor Who. Great to hear Alexander Armstrong being his brilliant sarcastic self though. Him and K-9, they should have a show. Oh, the dog already has.

dobsy · 01-11-2009, 01:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeteIsGod

That line was beautiful. I think Lis is a great actress. Sometimes, there are a couple of moments in SJA (all series') where her acting's been a bit off...but I ain't bovvered but it.

I've noticed this season she isn't doing that really annoying pronouncing her vowels talk that she does. I hated that.

crazzyaz7 · 01-11-2009, 01:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Listentome

I thought it had a nice double meaning. As in she needed Peter and Mr. Smith the computer.

I think the fanfare is fine for a children's programme, but when SJS complains about it in The Stolen Earth, it was almost as if RTD was apologising to Doctor Who fans for it.

I saw it more as an in-joke....in fact I remember laughing at that point quite a bit, as I hadn't untill that point realised that the music was actually being played by Mr Smith, I assumed it was just part of the score....so it was quite funny from me to finally "get it"

....plus it makes sense...the way Mr Smith sometimes behaves, its no suprise that he wants to make an enterance with some fanfare

Quote:

Originally Posted by darthbibble

Your also forgetting a certain Dr John Smith

yeah...very true

Tigger-Roo · 01-11-2009, 14:55

I have to agree with all that's written here.

Liz Sladen did a great job with the final scenes of this episode. Really tore at my heartstrings, and I've not really been that big a fan of her to be honest.

Regarding Mr Smith, I always think of her computer as the nearest thing she'll ever get to the Doctor with regards to his knowledge and wisdom. I found it quite profound and very sad that at the end that her computer is the only thing left for her to turn to.

customcoaster · 01-11-2009, 15:08

Really great scene.

Also, have to agree on the familiarity of that sad theme with the "Life and Death" track from the Lost score... had to be influenced by it.

Bananasaregood! · 01-11-2009, 16:39

My understanding of whether the fanfare plays, is that since Mr. Smith has changed he has responded more to surroundings and less 'machine' so can now feel how is right to respond. I can imagine the TARDIS talking and behaving a bit like that, although we all know the TARDIS is a she.

hmmm... Mr and Mrs Smith?

kramer · 01-11-2009, 19:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by darthbibble

Your also forgetting a certain Dr John Smith

Yes, that was exactly who I thought she meant.

dazzlingdawn · 01-11-2009, 20:05

I don't know if this has been said before or if anyone on this thread has seen any previous series of SJA but "Mr Smith I need you" is what Sarah Jane's Mother always said to her Father - we saw this in the fabulous Temptation of Sarah Jane Smith in series 2. This, we learn, is why she calls the computer in such a way. Of course it has added poignancy re: The Doctor/John Smith.

31-10-2009, 11:55	#1
NAF Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,921	"Mr Smith.... I need you." - The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith That last scene, after the wedding, when she's alone in the attick. She says "Mr. Smith..." Then there's a close up of her, teary eyed: "I need you." Such a beautiful moment that I thought deserved its own thread! xx

31-10-2009, 12:15	#2
dsrichard Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: London - Finsbury Park Services: Freeview, BT Total Broadband, BT Vision Posts: 999	I thought you were going to point out that on this occasion there was no Mr Smith fanfare when he opened up - a childish CBBC device that was already rubbished by Sarah Jane herself when the thing opened up in an episode of Dr Who. As you rightly comment, the moment was tender and would have been completely ruined by the usual chime so it's obvious why they left it out for dramatic reasons although it didn't do much for series continuity. While we're on the subject, Sarah Jane's title music (jaunty, light, trivial) is frequently out of step with the drama we've just seen on the show. It emphasises the level of quality in the Dr Who theme and why it has stood the test of time so well.

31-10-2009, 12:24	#3
jimbo_bob Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,119	Ms. Sladen has has a few people say that she can't really act; The way she quietly said "Mr. Smith, I need you" conveyed the emotion her character was feeling perfectly. It was strengthened by the sad smile she gave the kids as they walked into the attic. A lovely scene perfectly portrayed.

31-10-2009, 12:33	#4
Listentome Forum Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,353	I thought it had a nice double meaning. As in she needed Peter and Mr. Smith the computer. I think the fanfare is fine for a children's programme, but when SJS complains about it in The Stolen Earth, it was almost as if RTD was apologising to Doctor Who fans for it.

31-10-2009, 13:59	#6
vaughan6477 Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 4,019	The music which played over the cut of the wedding venue to the attic prior to the Tardis arrival , was very similar to the Life&Death theme by Michael Kamen which is in Lost.

31-10-2009, 15:32	#7
performingmonk Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 8,556	It was a moving scene. I found myself welling up when Sarah Jane was standing at the altar alone, hardly being able to turn around and walk out of there. You just know that that was the hardest thing she's ever had to do in her entire life.

31-10-2009, 21:58	#13
JAS84 Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Gender: Male Location: Hull, UK Posts: 2,419	Yeah, The Doctor, who the computer is actually named after!

01-11-2009, 00:00	#15
Flamethrower100 Forum Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 4,587	Yeh it was sweet. And I only just realised, then at that moment, the name Doctor Who had in that episode, where he was a teacher, was John Smith, I only just saw the connection. when she said, "Mr Smith... I need you.."

01-11-2009, 00:21	#16
PeteIsGod Forum Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 2,050	That line was beautiful. I think Lis is a great actress. Sometimes, there are a couple of moments in SJA (all series') where her acting's been a bit off...but I ain't bovvered but it.

01-11-2009, 01:36	#18
dobsy Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ulster Services: Sky+ & Multiroom, BT Total Broadband & Talk, BT Fon, N95 8gb Posts: 973	Luke asked him earlier to open in quiet mode or whatever it was. It was annoying, they should have cut it out from when Sarah-Jane mentioned it in Dortor Who. Great to hear Alexander Armstrong being his brilliant sarcastic self though. Him and K-9, they should have a show. Oh, the dog already has.

01-11-2009, 14:55	#21
Tigger-Roo Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Gender: Not specified Location: North London Services: Quotes: 0 / Points: 30 Posts: 5,298	I have to agree with all that's written here. Liz Sladen did a great job with the final scenes of this episode. Really tore at my heartstrings, and I've not really been that big a fan of her to be honest. Regarding Mr Smith, I always think of her computer as the nearest thing she'll ever get to the Doctor with regards to his knowledge and wisdom. I found it quite profound and very sad that at the end that her computer is the only thing left for her to turn to.

01-11-2009, 15:08	#22
customcoaster Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 124	Really great scene. Also, have to agree on the familiarity of that sad theme with the "Life and Death" track from the Lost score... had to be influenced by it.

01-11-2009, 16:39	#23
Bananasaregood! Forum Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: In my TARDIS Services: Enterprising young man who opened the Sarah Jane Cafe Posts: 294	My understanding of whether the fanfare plays, is that since Mr. Smith has changed he has responded more to surroundings and less 'machine' so can now feel how is right to respond. I can imagine the TARDIS talking and behaving a bit like that, although we all know the TARDIS is a she. hmmm... Mr and Mrs Smith?

01-11-2009, 20:05	#25
dazzlingdawn Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 2,297	I don't know if this has been said before or if anyone on this thread has seen any previous series of SJA but "Mr Smith I need you" is what Sarah Jane's Mother always said to her Father - we saw this in the fabulous Temptation of Sarah Jane Smith in series 2. This, we learn, is why she calls the computer in such a way. Of course it has added poignancy re: The Doctor/John Smith.