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{{Infobox Sarah Jane Adventures
{{Infobox Story SMW
|image = The-gift-18-200268b.jpg
|image               = Rakweed2.jpg
|name = The Gift
|series               = [[List of The Sarah Jane Adventures television stories|''SJA'' television stories]]
|series =[[List of The Sarah Jane Adventures television stories|''SJA'' television stories]]
|season number       = Series 3 (SJA)
|season number = [[Series 3 (SJA)|3]]
|season serial number = 6
|story number = 18
|story number         = 18
|main character = [[Sarah Jane Smith|Sarah Jane]], [[Luke Smith|Luke]], [[Clyde Langer|Clyde]], [[Rani Chandra|Rani]], [[Mr Smith]], [[K9 Mark IV|K9]]
|novelisation        = Blathereen Dream (novelisation)
|enemy = [[Slitheen-Blathereen family|Slitheen-Blathereen]]
|scripturl      = https://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/documents/sja-series-3-episode-11-the-gift-part-one-yellow-revisions-01072009.pdf
|featuring = [[Jerome]]
|scripturl2      = https://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/documents/sja-series-3-episode-12-the-gift-part-two-goldenrod-revisions-08072009.pdf
|setting = [[Ealing]], [[London]] and [[Antarctica]], [[2009]]
|main character       = [[Sarah Jane Smith|Sarah Jane]], [[Luke Smith|Luke]], [[Clyde Langer|Clyde]], [[Rani Chandra|Rani]], [[Mr Smith]], [[K9 Mark IV|K9]]
|writer = [[Rupert Laight]]
|enemy               = [[Leef Apple Glyn Slitheen-Blathereen|Leef]] and [[Tree Lorn Acre Slitheen-Blathereen|Tree Slitheen-Blathereen]]
|director = [[Alice Troughton]]
|setting             = [[Ealing]], [[London]] and [[Antarctica]], [[2009]]
|producer = [[Nikki Smith]]
|writer               = Rupert Laight
|broadcast date = 19 November 2009 (part 1)<br />20 November 2009 (part 2)
|director             = [[Alice Troughton]]
|format = 2x30 minute episodes
|producer             = [[Nikki Smith]]
|prev = Mona Lisa's Revenge (TV story)
|broadcast date       = 19 - 20 November 2009
|next = The Nightmare Man (TV story)
|format               = 2x30 minute episodes
}}
|prev                 = Mona Lisa's Revenge (TV story)
{{dab page|The Gift}}
|next                 = The Nightmare Man (TV story)
'''''The Gift''''' was the sixth and final story in [[Series 3 (SJA)|series three]] of ''[[The Sarah Jane Adventures]]''.
|network              = BBC One
|clip                = The Blathareen Fart Themselves to Death! The Gift The Sarah Jane Adventures
|epcount=2
}}{{dab page|The Gift}}
'''''The Gift''''' was the sixth and final serial of [[Series 3 (SJA)|series 3]] of ''[[The Sarah Jane Adventures]]''. It was written by [[Rupert Laight]] and directed by [[Alice Troughton]]. It was notable for containing the only televised direct reference to a family of [[Raxacoricofallapatorian]]s other than the [[Slitheen family|Slitheen]], namely their rivals, the [[Blathereen family|Blathereen]].
 
== Synopsis ==
== Synopsis ==
When the [[Slitheen]]'s latest scheme to destroy [[Earth]] for profit is foiled, another family from the Slitheen's planet arrive, the [[Slitheen-Blathereen family|Blathereen]]. Though they seem helpful, can they be trusted? As a generous gesture of peace, the Blathereen gift the gang with a plant called [[Rakweed]], which could end world hunger. However, the Rakweed goes wild, spreading spores about [[London]] and infecting people, including Luke. Sarah Jane fights not only to save the Earth, but also her son.
When the [[Slitheen family|Slitheen]]'s latest scheme to destroy [[Earth]] for profit is foiled, another family from the Slitheen's planet arrive, the [[Blathereen family|Blathereen]]. Though they seem helpful, can they be trusted? As a generous gesture of [[peace]], the Blathereen gift the gang with a plant called [[Rakweed]], which could end world hunger. However, the Rakweed goes wild, spreading spores about [[London]] and infecting people, including [[Luke Smith|Luke]]. Sarah Jane must fight alone, not only to save the [[Earth]], but also her son. Meanwhile, [[Clyde Langer|Clyde]] smuggles [[K9 Mark IV|K9]] into school to help him cheat at a test, and he, [[Rani Chandra|Rani]] and the metal dog find themselves trapped in the school — surrounded by Rakweed. Can the team work together across Ealing — and [[Antarctica]] — to prevent Rakweed from devouring the entire planet?


== Plot ==
== Plot ==
==== Part one ====
=== Part one ===
Sarah Jane and the gang chase a child [[Slitheen]] into a warehouse, where a disguised Slitheen sets up the countdown for a [[matter compressor]] that will form a web around the Earth's orbit to squash it into a very large [[diamond]]. However, two orange-skinned [[Blathereen]] arrive and [[teleport]] the Slitheen onto their ship. They reveal that they hunt Slitheen without profit. They reveal their names as [[Tree Lorn Acre Slitheen-Blathereen|Tree]] and [[Leef Apple Glyn Slitheen-Blathereen|Leef Blathereen]], and invite themselves to tea at [[The Rani|Rani]]'s house.[[File:The-gift-5.jpg|thumb|The Slitheen's plan begins.]] Whilst there, the Blathereen reveal that [[Raxacoricofallapatorius]] was once the most admired planet in the [[Raxas Alliance]], governed by the Blathereen, until the Slitheen came into power. Their economy was destroyed, and eventually the Raxacoricofallapatorians revolted against the Slitheen; some were brought to justice, but some escaped to distant planets to gain money. The Blathereen returned to power and started to capture the various Slitheen.[[File:The-gift-surprisegift.jpg|thumb|left|Tree presents the gang with the Rakweed.]]
[[File:The-gift-5.jpg|thumb|The Slitheen's plan begins.|left]]
Sarah Jane and the gang chase a child [[Chris Slitheen|Slitheen]] into a warehouse, where a disguised Slitheen sets up the countdown for a [[matter compressor]] that will form a web around the Earth's orbit to squash its huge reserves of carbon, transforming it into a very large [[diamond]]. However, two orange-skinned [[Blathereen]] arrive and [[teleport]] the Slitheen onto their ship. They state that they hunt Slitheen without profit. They introduce themselves as [[Tree Lorn Acre Slitheen-Blathereen|Tree]] and [[Leef Apple Glyn Slitheen-Blathereen|Leef Blathereen]], and invite themselves to tea at [[Rani Chandra|Rani]]'s house.


The Blathereen give Earth a gift: the [[Rakweed]]. They say it can survive in even the harshest conditions, and would end Earth's famine. With Sarah Jane as their [[ambassador]], the Blathereen could form an alliance with Earth. [[Clyde Langer|Clyde]] is suspicious. After the Blathereen leave, [[Mr Smith]] says that the Rakweed is harmless. Clyde, Rani and Luke have a biology test the next day, and with Mr Smith's help, Clyde is able to smuggle [[K9]] into school.
Whilst there, the Blathereen reveal that [[Raxacoricofallapatorius]] was once the most admired planet in the [[Raxas Alliance]], governed by the Blathereen, until the Slitheen came into power. Their economy was destroyed, and eventually the Raxacoricofallapatorians revolted against the Slitheen; some were brought to justice, but some escaped to distant planets to gain money. The Blathereen returned to power and started to capture the various Slitheen.


Whilst getting dressed, Luke can't find his tie and goes into the attic to look for it. The Rakweed has mutated and released harmful spores into the atmosphere. Luke accidentally swallows some spores and becomes properly ill for the first time, since the [[Bane (Invasion of the Bane)|Bane]] gave him perfect health. Sarah Jane decides that Luke has to stay home, and Rani is concerned. In school, Rani learns that Clyde has K9 to help him, and will talk to him through an earpiece.
[[File:The-gift-surprisegift.jpg|thumb|right|Tree presents the gang with the Rakweed.]]
The Blathereen give Earth a gift: a pot of [[Rakweed]]. They say it can survive in even the harshest conditions, and can bring an end to world hunger. With Sarah Jane as their [[ambassador]], the Blathereen could form an alliance with Earth. [[Clyde Langer|Clyde]], however, is suspicious. After the Blathereen leave, [[Mr Smith]] analyses the plant and concludes that it is, as far as he can tell, harmless. With the alien stuff dealt with, Sarah Jane orders the kids to bed since they have a biology test tomorrow. Clyde, having completely forgotten about it, is horrified and decides to take drastic action. After subtly getting [[K9 Mark IV|K9]] to reveal his knowledge of GCSE Biology, Clyde picks him up and absconds with him, intending to use him to cheat; Mr Smith feigns ignorance since he welcomes a break from K9.


Sarah Jane discovers the Rakweed, and Mr Smith explains that the plant has mutated and is releasing spores across the Earth that will infect humans who may pose a threat to the Blathereen, and more Rakweed has grown outside Sarah Jane's house on [[Bannerman Road]]. Mr Smith also reveals that the Rakweed will put humans into a coma from which they will never awaken. Sarah Jane sees red and black spots on Luke's chest and the Rakweed releases a massive wave of spores that head towards Sarah Jane and Luke. Sarah Jane shouts for Mr Smith to somehow stop them as the Rakweed spores come closer.
Whilst getting dressed, Luke can't find his tie and goes into the [[attic]] to look for it. The Rakweed has mutated and released harmful spores into the atmosphere. Luke accidentally inhales some spores and becomes properly ill for the first time, since the [[Bane (Invasion of the Bane)|Bane]] gave him perfect health. Sarah Jane decides that Luke has to stay home, and Rani is concerned. In school, Rani learns that Clyde has K9 to help him, and will talk to him through an [[earpiece]], to her mingled fury at the idea of cheating and fear of K9 being discovered.


==== Part two ====
Sarah Jane discovers the Rakweed, and Mr Smith explains that the plant has mutated and is releasing spores across the Earth that will infect humans who may pose a threat to the Blathereen, and more Rakweed has grown outside Sarah Jane's house on [[Bannerman Road]]. A news report reveals that the Rakweed spores are already having an effect, with people collapsing from strange red and black marks on their skin. What's more, at the current rate of propagation, the plant will have seeded the whole of London within hours, and within a week the entire Earth will be infected. Mr Smith also reveals that the Rakweed will put humans into a coma from which they will never awaken. Sarah Jane sees red and black spots on Luke's chest and the Rakweed releases a massive wave of spores that head towards Sarah Jane and Luke. Sarah Jane shouts for Mr Smith to somehow stop them as the Rakweed spores come closer.
Mr Smith activates at the last moment and, using the cooling mechanism built into his system, diverts the spores towards the fans and away from Sarah Jane and Luke. However, doing this has depleted his energy. To prevent it from creating more spores, Sarah Jane throws the Rakweed into her safe. Mr Smith explains that the Blathereen use the Rakweed as a weapon to destroy anyone who stands in their path, and while [[Luke Smith|Luke]] is a lot stronger than other humans, being able to resist the effects for longer, he inhaled the spores directly into his lungs. He can stand the spores for longer but not forever.[[File:The-gift-2.jpg|thumb|Mr Smith vents away the spores.]]


Meanwhile, Clyde and Rani prepare to begin their exam. Clyde slides the question papers under the table for K9 to analyse and asks for the answers to be relayed to him via the metal earpiece. K9 initially refuses, stating that his order is unethical, but is soon persuaded by Clyde, who says to K9, "You said a test was one human demonstrating intellectual superiority over others. I brought a supercomputer into school, that's pretty smart, wouldn't you say?" K9 considers by flashing his eye light. He finally agrees and Clyde says he wants the answers "short and to the point". In the attic, Mr Smith analyses Luke and determines that they have half an hour before he is completely poisoned, being at 63%, and that he is unable to find an antidote as the spores are constantly adapting. Sarah Jane learns that others in the London area have already been infected. Clyde is caught cheating when K9 is discovered by the teacher, but everyone is distracted when the Rakweed plants spawn in the classroom, infecting the teacher and creating panic among the students.
=== Part two ===
[[File:The-gift-2.jpg|thumb|Mr Smith vents away the spores.]]
Mr Smith activates at the last moment and, using the cooling mechanism built into his system, diverts the spores towards the fans and away from Sarah Jane and Luke. However, doing this has depleted his energy. To prevent it from creating more spores, Sarah Jane throws the Rakweed into her safe. Mr Smith explains that the Blathereen use the Rakweed as a weapon to destroy anyone who stands in their path, and while [[Luke Smith|Luke]] is a lot stronger than other humans, being able to resist the effects for longer, he inhaled the spores directly into his lungs. He can stand the spores for longer but not forever.


Sarah Jane asks Mr Smith to locate the Blathereen using the teleportation co-ordinates she recorded, and learns that they are hiding in [[Antarctica]]. In their base, the Blathereen mock Sarah Jane's greed for glory over accepting the Rakweed and gloat over their plan's success. Mr Smith teleports Sarah Jane to the Blathereen base, despite the fact that he only has enough energy for a one-way trip. She is armed with a jet-powered water pistol loaded with vinegar. Rani learns about the Rakweed's effects after finding some of the students unconscious, and calls Luke, who is now 87% infected and falls unconscious mid-conversation. Sarah Jane bargains with the Blathereen to destroy the Rakweed, but she is tricked and strapped into a chair which they say, "Costs a fortune!!" [[File:Rakweedattack.jpg|thumb|left|The Rakweed spores attack.]]
Meanwhile, Clyde and Rani prepare to begin their exam. Clyde slides the question papers under the table for K9 to analyse and asks for the answers to be relayed to him via the metal earpiece. K9 initially refuses, stating that his order is unethical, but is soon persuaded by Clyde, who says to K9, ''"You said a test was one human demonstrating intellectual superiority over others. I brought a supercomputer into school, that's pretty smart, wouldn't you say?"'' K9 considers by flashing his eye light. He finally agrees and Clyde says he wants the answers "short and to the point". In the attic, Mr Smith analyses Luke and determines that they have half an hour before he is completely poisoned, being at 63%, and that he is unable to find an antidote as the spores are constantly adapting; it could take him days to create one himself, and even then it might not work. Clyde is caught cheating when K9 is discovered by the teacher, but everyone is distracted when the Rakweed plants spawn in the classroom, infecting the teacher and creating panic among the students.


Clyde, Rani and K9 discover that the Rakweed has spread throughout the school grounds and find themselves trapped in the building. Meanwhile, Sarah Jane discovers that the Blathereen are addicted to eating Rakweed, and plan to cover the Earth with it, as it has a high value on the galactic market. They soon reveal their true identities - members of a family descended from both the Slitheen and the Blathereen known as the [[Slitheen-Blathereen family]], who tend to take after the greedy Slitheen more than the noble Blathereen. Clyde and Rani discover from news reports that the spores are spreading across the whole of London. They are nearly infected when the school bell rings, neutralising the Rakweed spores and some actual Rakweed. Sarah Jane learns that the Rakweed plants somehow rely heavily on communication with each other in order to spread. She breaks out of her restraints and manipulates their teleportation device to return home, only to discover Luke unconscious.
Sarah Jane asks Mr Smith to locate the Blathereen using the teleportation co-ordinates she recorded, and learns that they are hiding in [[Antarctica]]. In their base, the Blathereen mock Sarah Jane's greed for glory over accepting the Rakweed and gloat over their plan's success. Mr Smith teleports Sarah Jane to the Blathereen base, despite the fact that he only has enough energy for a one-way trip, but Sarah Jane is determined to save her son at any cost. The Blathereen, still gloating aboard their ship, are flabbergasted when Sarah Jane teleports into their midst, packing a six-barreled super-soaker loaded with [[vinegar]] and threatening to blast them into oblivion if they so much as move without her consent. Rani learns about the Rakweed's effects after finding some of the students unconscious, and calls Luke, who is now 87% infected and falls unconscious mid-conversation. Sarah bargains with the Blathereen to destroy the Rakweed, but she is tricked and strapped into a chair.


K9 utilises the school bells to defeat the Rakweed within the building. Clyde uses K9 to connect with Mr Smith to send the frequency level required to spread the noise across London (1421.09 Hertz). After setting off every single device that could emit those levels of noise, Luke and the other infected people recover from the deadly spores, and he and Sarah Jane embrace. The Slitheen-Blathereen teleport into the attic and confront Sarah Jane and the gang. Mr Smith activates the alarm, which causes the Slitheen-Blathereen's stomachs to swell, then explode, covering everyone and everything in their gory remains; the undigested Rakweed reacted to the alarm, creating an uncontainable amount of [[methane]] gas and causing them to "fart themselves to death." As punishment for trying to cheat, Clyde is told to clean up the mess, while the others prepare a barbecue.[[File:Gift-blathereenintheattic.jpg|thumb|The Slitheen-Blathereen attack.]]
[[File:Rakweedattack.jpg|thumb|left|The Rakweed spores attack.]]
Clyde, Rani and K9 discover that the Rakweed has spread throughout the school grounds and find themselves trapped in the building. Meanwhile, Sarah Jane discovers that the Blathereen are addicted to eating Rakweed, and plan to cover the Earth with it, as it has a high value on the galactic market. They soon reveal their true identities — members of a family descended from both the Slitheen and the Blathereen, known as the [[Slitheen-Blathereen family]], who tend to take after the greedy Slitheen more than the noble Blathereen. Clyde and Rani discover from news reports that the spores are spreading across the whole of London, with the districts of Southall, Perivale, Acton and Chiswick all reporting serious cases. They are nearly infected but then the school [[bell]] rings, neutralising the Rakweed spores and some actual Rakweed. Sarah Jane learns that the Rakweed plants somehow rely heavily on communication with each other in order to spread. She breaks out of her restraints and manipulates their teleportation device to return home, only to discover Luke unconscious.


During the epilogue, Sarah Jane comments on the possibility that one day some alien races will want to ''help'' humanity, the importance of friendship and that "Earth could become a shining example to the entire universe".
K9 utilises the school bells to defeat the Rakweed within the building. Clyde uses K9 to connect with Mr Smith to send the frequency level required to spread the noise across London (1421.09 Hertz). Mr Smith hacks into every single device that could emit those levels of noise and are within the affected areas, warning Sarah Jane and the kids to brace themselves since it will be very loud. True to his word, everything from microwaves, car alarms and mobile phones go off in a great cacophony of noise, destroying the Rakweed. Luke and the other infected people recover from the deadly spores, and he and Sarah Jane embrace.
 
[[File:Gift-blathereenintheattic.jpg|thumb|The Slitheen-Blathereen attack.]]
Furious at the upsetting of their plans, the Slitheen-Blathereen teleport into the attic and confront Sarah Jane and the gang. Sarah Jane gives them a final chance to simply call it off and leave, but they insist on killing Sarah Jane and the kids, which leaves her with no choice. On Sarah Jane's request, Mr Smith activates the alarm, which initially confuses them since their hearing is not highly sensitive but soon causes the Blathereen's stomachs to move then explode, covering everyone and everything in orange goo. K-9 deems the "disintegration successful" and Sarah Jane explains that the undigested Rakweed in their stomachs reacted to the alarm, creating uncontainable amounts of methane; as Clyde puts it, Leaf and Tree farted themselves to death. Clyde is told to clean up the mess as punishment for cheating on his test, while the others prepare a barbecue.
 
Later, Clyde walks out, mop in hand and still covered in goop, while the rest of the group has changed into casual, clean clothes, telling Sarah Jane he has finished cleaning. After switching to a fresh outfit and washing up, Clyde joins his friends at the outdoor picnic table for a leisurely meal. During the epilogue, Sarah Jane comments on the possibility that one day some alien races will want to help humanity, the importance of friendship and that "Earth could become a shining example to the entire universe".


== Cast ==
== Cast ==
Line 54: Line 69:
* Voice of [[Mr Smith]] - [[Alexander Armstrong]]
* Voice of [[Mr Smith]] - [[Alexander Armstrong]]
* Voice of [[K9 Mark IV|K9]] - [[John Leeson]]
* Voice of [[K9 Mark IV|K9]] - [[John Leeson]]
* [[Leef Blathereen]] - [[Paul Kasey]] (voice: [[Miriam Margolyes]])
* Voice of [[Leef Apple Glyn Slitheen-Blathereen|Leef Blathereen]] - [[Miriam Margolyes]]
* [[Tree Blathereen]] - [[Ruari Mears]] (voice: [[Simon Callow]])
* Voice of [[Tree Lorn Acre Slitheen-Blathereen|Tree Blathereen]] - [[Simon Callow]]
* [[Leef Apple Glyn Slitheen-Blathereen|Leef Blathereen]] - [[Paul Kasey]]
* [[Tree Lorn Acre Slitheen-Blathereen|Tree Blathereen]] - [[Ruari Mears]]
* [[Chris Slitheen]] - [[Jimmy Vee]]
* [[Chris Slitheen]] - [[Jimmy Vee]]
* [[Chris (The Gift)|Chris]] - [[Calvin Dean]]
* [[Chris (The Gift)|Chris]] - [[Calvin Dean]]
* [[Dave (The Gift)|Dave]] - [[Edward Judge]]
* [[Dave (The Gift)|Dave]] - [[Edward Judge]]
* [[Jerome|Miss Jerome]] - [[Sarah Paul]]
* [[Jerome (The Gift)|Miss Jerome]] - [[Sarah Paul]]
* [[Reporter (The Gift)|Reporter]] - [[Nick Williams]]
* [[Cameron Marsh|Reporter]] - [[Nick Williams]]


== Crew ==
== Crew ==
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|SoundEditor=Matthew Cox
|SoundEditor=Matthew Cox
|SoundEditor2=Howard Eaves
|SoundEditor2=Howard Eaves
|SoundEffectsEditor=
|SoundFXEditor=
|ModelUnitSupervisor=
|ModelUnitSupervisor=
|ModelUnitDOP=
|ModelUnitDOP=
Line 321: Line 338:
|CharCreatedBy3a=
|CharCreatedBy3a=
|CharCreatedBy3b=
|CharCreatedBy3b=
|OriginalTheme=Murray Gold
|TitleMusic=Murray Gold
|CastingDirector=Andy Pryor
|CastingDirector=Andy Brierley
|CastingDirector2=Andy Pryor CDG
|CastingDirector2=Andy Pryor CDG
|ProductionExec=Julie Scott
|ProductionExec=Julie Scott
Line 353: Line 370:
}}
}}


== References ==
== Worldbuilding ==
=== [[:Category:Planets|Planets]] ===
=== Planets ===
* The planet [[Clom]] is mentioned.
* The planets [[Raxacoricofallapatorius]] and [[Clom]] are mentioned as part of the [[Raxas Alliance]], as are its counterpart planets, [[Raxacoricovarlonpatorius]] and [[Clix]].
* The Slitheen want to compress the Earth into [[diamond]]s, which they intend to spend on the [[Pleasure Moons of Pakros]].
* The two Slitheen plan to go to [[Pakros]].


=== [[:Category:Companions by Doctor|Companions]] ===
=== Locations ===
* [[Perivale]] and [[Chiswick]], homes to [[companion]]s [[Ace]] and [[Donna Noble]] respectively, were areas affected by the Rakweed spores.
* Many people who are infected with the Rakweed spores are brought to the [[Park Vale Hospital]].
* Rakweed spread over [[Southall]], [[Ealing]], [[Perivale]], [[Acton]] and [[Chiswick]].


=== [[:Category:Species|Species]] ===
=== Objects ===
* Sarah Jane uses a [[dog whistle]] to call [[K9 Mark IV|K9]].
 
=== Species ===
* The [[Rackateen family|Rackateen]] are mentioned by the Blathereen.
* The [[Rackateen family|Rackateen]] are mentioned by the Blathereen.
* The Blathereen say that [[land prawn]]s are a popular delicacy on Clom, which the Raxacoricofallapatorians also enjoy.
* The [[Abzorbalovian]]s are part of the four-world [[Raxas Alliance]].
=== Technology ===
* The Slitheen utilise their [[skin suit]] disguises and one of them suffers the oft-cited and audible common flaw of [[farting|gas exchange]].


=== [[:Category:Cultural references from the real world|Cultural References]] ===
=== Cultural references from the real world ===
* While Luke is getting changed, ''Everybody in Love'' by JLS can be heard.
* While Luke is getting changed, the song "[[Everybody in Love]]" can be heard.
* Clyde says he should apply for ''MasterChef'' after the Blathereen enjoy his cooking.
* Clyde says he should apply for ''[[MasterChef]]'' after the Blathereen enjoy his cooking.
* Clyde uses the phrase ''Saved by the Bell'' when the last period bell destroys the Rakweed, ''possibly'' a reference to the old sitcom of the same name, or possibly just using the common phrase as a pun.
* Rani compares Clyde to [[Jamie Oliver]].


== Story notes ==
== Story notes ==
* A CBBC literature statement confirmed both the Slitheen and Blathereen would appear in the series. In an interview with Nikki Wilson for SFX she confirmed, the Blathereen as appearing in these episode. A series preview by Digital Spy also confirmed the Blathereen as appearing in the finale.
* [[Mickey Smith]] was originally going to appear in this story as part of [[UNIT]]. When [[Noel Clarke]] became unavailable, Mickey was dropped from the storyline.<ref>http://www.shannonsullivan.com/drwho/sarahjane/2009lm.html</ref>
* The Blathereen and Slitheen both appeared in the book [[PROSE]]: ''[[The Monsters Inside]]''. ''The Gift'' is the first appearance of the Blathereen in a TV story.
* The Blathereen and Slitheen both appeared in the book ''[[The Monsters Inside (novel)|The Monsters Inside]]''. ''The Gift'' is the first appearance of the Blathereen in a TV story.
* The Slitheen leader referred to the Blathereen in [[TV]]: ''[[Revenge of the Slitheen]]''.
* K9 is also given an [[olfactory sensor]] in this story, thereby granting him the sense of smell.
* This episode marks the return of the Slitheen in ''The Sarah Jane Adventures''. They previously appeared in [[TV]]: ''[[Revenge of the Slitheen]]'', ''[[The Lost Boy]]'' and ''[[From Raxacoricofallapatorius With Love]]''.
* In part two, Clyde asks Rani what Sarah Jane would do. Rani replies,'' "She'd do what she always does: improvise."'' This is how the [[Third Doctor]] described his own approach to Sarah Jane in ''[[The Five Doctors (TV story)|The Five Doctors]]''.
* The Blathereen are orange while the Slitheen are green.
* This story features the first instance where a substance other than [[vinegar]] has caused a reaction in a Raxacoricofallapatorian's body that made them explode, ironically [[methane]], a gas they often [[Farting|abundantly produce]] from poor gas exchange in their skin suit disguises.
* Simon Callow previously played [[Charles Dickens]] in [[TV]]: ''[[The Unquiet Dead]]''.
* Sarah Jane's line, "But this isn't how it should end, there should have been another way", mirrors the [[Fifth Doctor|Fifth Doctor's]] comment after destroying the [[Silurian]]s and [[Sea Devil]]s in [[TV]]: ''[[Warriors of the Deep]]''.
* When K9 gets out of Sarah Jane's car, he says, "Hover mode activated". This solves the mystery of how K9 can get down stairs and walk around. He also has a "[[Olfactory sensor|sense of smell]]".
* The Slitheen's plan to compress Earth into a diamond is reminiscent of [[Baltazar|Baltazar's]] plan in episode one of [[TV]]: ''[[The Infinite Quest]]''. However unlike their plan, which was to turn all the [[carbon]] in Earth's atmosphere into one gigantic diamond, Baltazar's plan was to turn every single carbon-based life form on Earth into diamonds.
* In Part two, Clyde asks Rani what Sarah Jane would do. Rani replies, "She'd do what she always does; improvise." This is how the [[Third Doctor]] described his own approach to Sarah Jane in ''[[TV]]:[[The Five Doctors (TV story)|The Five Doctors]].''
* Clyde says, "I'll explain later", a line sometimes associated with the Doctor.


=== Ratings ===
=== Ratings ===
''to be added''
* Part 1 - 0.95 million viewers, with an AI score of 84. ([[DWMSE 28]])
* Part 2 - 0.89 million viewers, with an AI score of 87. ([[DWMSE 28]])


=== Filming locations ===
=== Filming locations ===
''to be added''
''to be added''
=== Myths ===
* It was rumoured the [[Judoon]] would appear, because in the previous two series the alien from the first episode also appeared the finale. This turned out to be false.
* It was rumoured that someone would die. It was highly rumoured that that person would be Luke. ''The effects of the Rakweed were reset and Luke didn't die. No other humans died. However, the Slitheen-Blathereen died, so this rumour was partially true.''


=== Production errors ===
=== Production errors ===
* When Sarah Jane is held hostage in the Blathereen ship, the screen shows the Rakweed have spread all over London. But when it cuts to Sarah in the chair the screen changes. They used the same footage twice.
{{SJA discontinuity}}
* When the Blathereen are eating Rakweed, they aren't actually eating it
* When the Blathereen are eating dinner there are times where the studio lights reflect in their eyes.
* When the Blathereen are eating dinner there are countless times where, in the reflection of their eyes, you can see stage lights or lighting systems
* At one point, it's obvious that Leef's collar has orange paint on it the same colour as her skin.
* In the same scene, Leef's collar has orange paint on it the same colour as her skin.


== Continuity ==
== Continuity ==
{{SJA discontinuity}}
* K9 activates "Hover Mode" again to exit Sarah's car from atop a seat and lower onto the pavement. He previously used it to cross down a flight of stairs in her house after responding to the alien presence of a [[Travast Polong]]. ([[TV]]: {{cs|The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith (TV story)}})
* The [[Blathereen]] first appeared in [[PROSE]]: ''[[The Monsters Inside]]''.
* Mr Smith and K9's acrimonious relationship returns to the forefront yet again when Mr Smith expresses pleasure at the thought of Clyde taking him to school and away from Sarah Jane's house. Likewise, K9 logically dictates that Mr Smith "interferes with his synaptic circuits," which Clyde sees as the equivalent of getting on his nerves. ([[TV]]: {{cs|The Mad Woman in the Attic (TV story)}}, {{cs|The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith (TV story)}})
* The [[Slitheen]] appeared prior to this story in [[TV]]: ''[[Aliens of London]]'' / ''[[World War Three]]'', and [[TV]]: ''[[Revenge of the Slitheen]]'' [[TV]]: ''[[The Lost Boy]]'' and [[TV]]: ''[[From Raxacoricofallapatorius With Love]]''.
* Clyde reminds Rani that the [[K9 Mark I|original K9 unit]] was built in the year [[5000]]. ([[TV]]: {{cs|The Invisible Enemy (TV story)}})
* When the Blathereen explodes in the attic covering the team with its remains, Clyde says, "Why does this always happen to me?" referencing when a Slitheen  ([[TV]]: ''[[Revenge of the Slitheen]]'') and a Bane ([[TV]]: ''[[Enemy of the Bane]]'') exploded on him.
* Sarah Jane previously visited [[Antarctica]] with the [[Fourth Doctor]], ([[TV]]: {{cs|The Seeds of Doom (TV story)}}) and in [[2006]]. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Snow Blind (audio story)|Snow Blind]]'')
* This is the first episode to clearly imply that Rani has developed [[Clani|feelings]] for Clyde, a fact explored further in Series 4.
* When the Blathereen explodes in the attic covering the team with its remains, Clyde says, ''"Why does this always happen to me?"''. ([[TV]]: {{cs|Revenge of the Slitheen (TV story)}}, {{cs|Enemy of the Bane (TV story)}})
* Sarah Jane previously visited [[Antarctica]] in the [[1970s]] in the company of the [[Fourth Doctor]] ([[TV]]: ''[[The Seeds of Doom (TV story)|The Seeds of Doom]]'') and in [[2006]] ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Snow Blind (audio story)|Snow Blind]]'').
* Sarah Jane's line, ''"there should have been another way"'', mirrors the [[Fifth Doctor]]'s comment after destroying the [[Silurian]]s and [[Sea Devil]]s. ([[TV]]: {{cs|Warriors of the Deep (TV story)}})
* Clyde reminds Rani that the [[K9 Mark I|original K9 unit]] was built in the year [[5000]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Invisible Enemy (TV story)|The Invisible Enemy]]'')
* With Mr Smith, Sarah Jane will later make a record of her encounter with the Blathereen and the Rakweed for the [[Alien Files]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[SJAF 4]]'')
 
== Home media releases ==
=== DVD releases ===
* It was released in the Complete Collection Series 1-5 boxset release (Region 2 release: 6th February 2012).
 
== External links ==
{{dwrefguide|sja_18.htm|{{StoryTitle}}}}
* {{briefhistory|sarahjane/2009lm.html|{{StoryTitle}}}}
* {{locguide|gift|{{StoryTitle}}}}
 
== Footnotes ==
== Footnotes ==
{{SJA series 3}}
{{Reflist}}
{{SJATV}}
{{Raxacoricofallapatorian stories}}
{{TitleSort}}
{{TitleSort}}
{{ImageLinkTV}}
 
[[Category:SJA television stories|Gift, The]]
[[Category:SJA television stories]]
[[Category:2009 television stories|Gift]]
[[Category:K9 television stories]]
[[Category:K9 television stories|Gift]]
[[Category:Stories set in Ealing]]
[[Category:Stories set in Ealing|Gift (The Sarah Jane Adventures)]]
[[Category:Stories set in Antarctica]]
[[Category:Stories set in Antarctica|Gift (The Sarah Jane Adventures)]]
[[Category:Stories set in 2009]]
[[Category:Slitheen television stories]]
[[Category:Slitheen television stories]]
[[Category:Series 3 (SJA) stories]]
[[Category:Series 3 (SJA) stories]]
[[Category:Raxacoricofallapatorian stories]]
[[cy:The Gift (stori deledu)]]
[[de:SJA 19 - The Gift]]

Latest revision as of 01:00, 22 October 2024

RealWorld.png

You may wish to consult The Gift for other, similarly-named pages.

The Gift was the sixth and final serial of series 3 of The Sarah Jane Adventures. It was written by Rupert Laight and directed by Alice Troughton. It was notable for containing the only televised direct reference to a family of Raxacoricofallapatorians other than the Slitheen, namely their rivals, the Blathereen.

Synopsis[[edit] | [edit source]]

When the Slitheen's latest scheme to destroy Earth for profit is foiled, another family from the Slitheen's planet arrive, the Blathereen. Though they seem helpful, can they be trusted? As a generous gesture of peace, the Blathereen gift the gang with a plant called Rakweed, which could end world hunger. However, the Rakweed goes wild, spreading spores about London and infecting people, including Luke. Sarah Jane must fight alone, not only to save the Earth, but also her son. Meanwhile, Clyde smuggles K9 into school to help him cheat at a test, and he, Rani and the metal dog find themselves trapped in the school — surrounded by Rakweed. Can the team work together across Ealing — and Antarctica — to prevent Rakweed from devouring the entire planet?

Plot[[edit] | [edit source]]

Part one[[edit] | [edit source]]

The Slitheen's plan begins.

Sarah Jane and the gang chase a child Slitheen into a warehouse, where a disguised Slitheen sets up the countdown for a matter compressor that will form a web around the Earth's orbit to squash its huge reserves of carbon, transforming it into a very large diamond. However, two orange-skinned Blathereen arrive and teleport the Slitheen onto their ship. They state that they hunt Slitheen without profit. They introduce themselves as Tree and Leef Blathereen, and invite themselves to tea at Rani's house.

Whilst there, the Blathereen reveal that Raxacoricofallapatorius was once the most admired planet in the Raxas Alliance, governed by the Blathereen, until the Slitheen came into power. Their economy was destroyed, and eventually the Raxacoricofallapatorians revolted against the Slitheen; some were brought to justice, but some escaped to distant planets to gain money. The Blathereen returned to power and started to capture the various Slitheen.

Tree presents the gang with the Rakweed.

The Blathereen give Earth a gift: a pot of Rakweed. They say it can survive in even the harshest conditions, and can bring an end to world hunger. With Sarah Jane as their ambassador, the Blathereen could form an alliance with Earth. Clyde, however, is suspicious. After the Blathereen leave, Mr Smith analyses the plant and concludes that it is, as far as he can tell, harmless. With the alien stuff dealt with, Sarah Jane orders the kids to bed since they have a biology test tomorrow. Clyde, having completely forgotten about it, is horrified and decides to take drastic action. After subtly getting K9 to reveal his knowledge of GCSE Biology, Clyde picks him up and absconds with him, intending to use him to cheat; Mr Smith feigns ignorance since he welcomes a break from K9.

Whilst getting dressed, Luke can't find his tie and goes into the attic to look for it. The Rakweed has mutated and released harmful spores into the atmosphere. Luke accidentally inhales some spores and becomes properly ill for the first time, since the Bane gave him perfect health. Sarah Jane decides that Luke has to stay home, and Rani is concerned. In school, Rani learns that Clyde has K9 to help him, and will talk to him through an earpiece, to her mingled fury at the idea of cheating and fear of K9 being discovered.

Sarah Jane discovers the Rakweed, and Mr Smith explains that the plant has mutated and is releasing spores across the Earth that will infect humans who may pose a threat to the Blathereen, and more Rakweed has grown outside Sarah Jane's house on Bannerman Road. A news report reveals that the Rakweed spores are already having an effect, with people collapsing from strange red and black marks on their skin. What's more, at the current rate of propagation, the plant will have seeded the whole of London within hours, and within a week the entire Earth will be infected. Mr Smith also reveals that the Rakweed will put humans into a coma from which they will never awaken. Sarah Jane sees red and black spots on Luke's chest and the Rakweed releases a massive wave of spores that head towards Sarah Jane and Luke. Sarah Jane shouts for Mr Smith to somehow stop them as the Rakweed spores come closer.

Part two[[edit] | [edit source]]

Mr Smith vents away the spores.

Mr Smith activates at the last moment and, using the cooling mechanism built into his system, diverts the spores towards the fans and away from Sarah Jane and Luke. However, doing this has depleted his energy. To prevent it from creating more spores, Sarah Jane throws the Rakweed into her safe. Mr Smith explains that the Blathereen use the Rakweed as a weapon to destroy anyone who stands in their path, and while Luke is a lot stronger than other humans, being able to resist the effects for longer, he inhaled the spores directly into his lungs. He can stand the spores for longer but not forever.

Meanwhile, Clyde and Rani prepare to begin their exam. Clyde slides the question papers under the table for K9 to analyse and asks for the answers to be relayed to him via the metal earpiece. K9 initially refuses, stating that his order is unethical, but is soon persuaded by Clyde, who says to K9, "You said a test was one human demonstrating intellectual superiority over others. I brought a supercomputer into school, that's pretty smart, wouldn't you say?" K9 considers by flashing his eye light. He finally agrees and Clyde says he wants the answers "short and to the point". In the attic, Mr Smith analyses Luke and determines that they have half an hour before he is completely poisoned, being at 63%, and that he is unable to find an antidote as the spores are constantly adapting; it could take him days to create one himself, and even then it might not work. Clyde is caught cheating when K9 is discovered by the teacher, but everyone is distracted when the Rakweed plants spawn in the classroom, infecting the teacher and creating panic among the students.

Sarah Jane asks Mr Smith to locate the Blathereen using the teleportation co-ordinates she recorded, and learns that they are hiding in Antarctica. In their base, the Blathereen mock Sarah Jane's greed for glory over accepting the Rakweed and gloat over their plan's success. Mr Smith teleports Sarah Jane to the Blathereen base, despite the fact that he only has enough energy for a one-way trip, but Sarah Jane is determined to save her son at any cost. The Blathereen, still gloating aboard their ship, are flabbergasted when Sarah Jane teleports into their midst, packing a six-barreled super-soaker loaded with vinegar and threatening to blast them into oblivion if they so much as move without her consent. Rani learns about the Rakweed's effects after finding some of the students unconscious, and calls Luke, who is now 87% infected and falls unconscious mid-conversation. Sarah bargains with the Blathereen to destroy the Rakweed, but she is tricked and strapped into a chair.

The Rakweed spores attack.

Clyde, Rani and K9 discover that the Rakweed has spread throughout the school grounds and find themselves trapped in the building. Meanwhile, Sarah Jane discovers that the Blathereen are addicted to eating Rakweed, and plan to cover the Earth with it, as it has a high value on the galactic market. They soon reveal their true identities — members of a family descended from both the Slitheen and the Blathereen, known as the Slitheen-Blathereen family, who tend to take after the greedy Slitheen more than the noble Blathereen. Clyde and Rani discover from news reports that the spores are spreading across the whole of London, with the districts of Southall, Perivale, Acton and Chiswick all reporting serious cases. They are nearly infected but then the school bell rings, neutralising the Rakweed spores and some actual Rakweed. Sarah Jane learns that the Rakweed plants somehow rely heavily on communication with each other in order to spread. She breaks out of her restraints and manipulates their teleportation device to return home, only to discover Luke unconscious.

K9 utilises the school bells to defeat the Rakweed within the building. Clyde uses K9 to connect with Mr Smith to send the frequency level required to spread the noise across London (1421.09 Hertz). Mr Smith hacks into every single device that could emit those levels of noise and are within the affected areas, warning Sarah Jane and the kids to brace themselves since it will be very loud. True to his word, everything from microwaves, car alarms and mobile phones go off in a great cacophony of noise, destroying the Rakweed. Luke and the other infected people recover from the deadly spores, and he and Sarah Jane embrace.

The Slitheen-Blathereen attack.

Furious at the upsetting of their plans, the Slitheen-Blathereen teleport into the attic and confront Sarah Jane and the gang. Sarah Jane gives them a final chance to simply call it off and leave, but they insist on killing Sarah Jane and the kids, which leaves her with no choice. On Sarah Jane's request, Mr Smith activates the alarm, which initially confuses them since their hearing is not highly sensitive but soon causes the Blathereen's stomachs to move then explode, covering everyone and everything in orange goo. K-9 deems the "disintegration successful" and Sarah Jane explains that the undigested Rakweed in their stomachs reacted to the alarm, creating uncontainable amounts of methane; as Clyde puts it, Leaf and Tree farted themselves to death. Clyde is told to clean up the mess as punishment for cheating on his test, while the others prepare a barbecue.

Later, Clyde walks out, mop in hand and still covered in goop, while the rest of the group has changed into casual, clean clothes, telling Sarah Jane he has finished cleaning. After switching to a fresh outfit and washing up, Clyde joins his friends at the outdoor picnic table for a leisurely meal. During the epilogue, Sarah Jane comments on the possibility that one day some alien races will want to help humanity, the importance of friendship and that "Earth could become a shining example to the entire universe".

Cast[[edit] | [edit source]]

Crew[[edit] | [edit source]]

General production staff

Script department

Camera and lighting department

Art department

Costume department

Make-up and prosthetics

Movement

General post-production staff

Special and visual effects

Sound



Not every person who worked on this adventure was credited. The absence of a credit for a position doesn't necessarily mean the job wasn't required. The information above is based solely on observations of the actual end credits of the episodes as broadcast, and does not relay information from IMDB or other sources.
          

Crispin Layfield credited as Stunt Co-ordinator for part two only.


Worldbuilding[[edit] | [edit source]]

Planets[[edit] | [edit source]]

Locations[[edit] | [edit source]]

Objects[[edit] | [edit source]]

Species[[edit] | [edit source]]

Technology[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • The Slitheen utilise their skin suit disguises and one of them suffers the oft-cited and audible common flaw of gas exchange.

Cultural references from the real world[[edit] | [edit source]]

Story notes[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Mickey Smith was originally going to appear in this story as part of UNIT. When Noel Clarke became unavailable, Mickey was dropped from the storyline.[1]
  • The Blathereen and Slitheen both appeared in the book The Monsters Inside. The Gift is the first appearance of the Blathereen in a TV story.
  • K9 is also given an olfactory sensor in this story, thereby granting him the sense of smell.
  • In part two, Clyde asks Rani what Sarah Jane would do. Rani replies, "She'd do what she always does: improvise." This is how the Third Doctor described his own approach to Sarah Jane in The Five Doctors.
  • This story features the first instance where a substance other than vinegar has caused a reaction in a Raxacoricofallapatorian's body that made them explode, ironically methane, a gas they often abundantly produce from poor gas exchange in their skin suit disguises.

Ratings[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Part 1 - 0.95 million viewers, with an AI score of 84. (DWMSE 28)
  • Part 2 - 0.89 million viewers, with an AI score of 87. (DWMSE 28)

Filming locations[[edit] | [edit source]]

to be added

Production errors[[edit] | [edit source]]

If you'd like to talk about narrative problems with this story — like plot holes and things that seem to contradict other stories — please go to this episode's discontinuity discussion.
  • When the Blathereen are eating dinner there are times where the studio lights reflect in their eyes.
  • At one point, it's obvious that Leef's collar has orange paint on it the same colour as her skin.

Continuity[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • K9 activates "Hover Mode" again to exit Sarah's car from atop a seat and lower onto the pavement. He previously used it to cross down a flight of stairs in her house after responding to the alien presence of a Travast Polong. (TV: The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith [+]Loading...["The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith (TV story)"])
  • Mr Smith and K9's acrimonious relationship returns to the forefront yet again when Mr Smith expresses pleasure at the thought of Clyde taking him to school and away from Sarah Jane's house. Likewise, K9 logically dictates that Mr Smith "interferes with his synaptic circuits," which Clyde sees as the equivalent of getting on his nerves. (TV: The Mad Woman in the Attic [+]Loading...["The Mad Woman in the Attic (TV story)"], The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith [+]Loading...["The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith (TV story)"])
  • Clyde reminds Rani that the original K9 unit was built in the year 5000. (TV: The Invisible Enemy [+]Loading...["The Invisible Enemy (TV story)"])
  • Sarah Jane previously visited Antarctica with the Fourth Doctor, (TV: The Seeds of Doom [+]Loading...["The Seeds of Doom (TV story)"]) and in 2006. (AUDIO: Snow Blind)
  • When the Blathereen explodes in the attic covering the team with its remains, Clyde says, "Why does this always happen to me?". (TV: Revenge of the Slitheen [+]Loading...["Revenge of the Slitheen (TV story)"], Enemy of the Bane [+]Loading...["Enemy of the Bane (TV story)"])
  • Sarah Jane's line, "there should have been another way", mirrors the Fifth Doctor's comment after destroying the Silurians and Sea Devils. (TV: Warriors of the Deep [+]Loading...["Warriors of the Deep (TV story)"])
  • With Mr Smith, Sarah Jane will later make a record of her encounter with the Blathereen and the Rakweed for the Alien Files. (TV: SJAF 4)

Home media releases[[edit] | [edit source]]

DVD releases[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • It was released in the Complete Collection Series 1-5 boxset release (Region 2 release: 6th February 2012).

External links[[edit] | [edit source]]

Footnotes[[edit] | [edit source]]

  1. ↑ http://www.shannonsullivan.com/drwho/sarahjane/2009lm.html
v • e
SJA television stories
Series 1
Series 2
Regular episodes
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Series 3
Series 4
Series 5
Stories listed here are only those that have been officially licensed by the BBC.
v • e
Raxacoricofallapatorian stories
For the purposes of this list, a "Raxacoricofallapatorian story" is one in which one living, authentic Raxacoricofallapatorian plays a part within the confines of the story, usually a Slitheen family member, outside of flashbacks to previous stories and cliffhangers that lead into the following story. Stories like The End of Time, The Gift and The Nightmare Man are also not included due to the Slitheens' cameos being of no consequence to the plot of the story.
Slitheen
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Blathereen and
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