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{{Infobox Story SMW
|image                = Rakweed2.jpg
|series              = [[List of The Sarah Jane Adventures television stories|''SJA'' television stories]]
|season number        = Series 3 (SJA)
|season serial number = 6
|story number        = 18
|novelisation        = Blathereen Dream (novelisation)
|scripturl      = https://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/documents/sja-series-3-episode-11-the-gift-part-one-yellow-revisions-01072009.pdf
|scripturl2      = https://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/documents/sja-series-3-episode-12-the-gift-part-two-goldenrod-revisions-08072009.pdf
|main character      = [[Sarah Jane Smith|Sarah Jane]], [[Luke Smith|Luke]], [[Clyde Langer|Clyde]], [[Rani Chandra|Rani]], [[Mr Smith]], [[K9 Mark IV|K9]]
|enemy                = [[Leef Apple Glyn Slitheen-Blathereen|Leef]] and [[Tree Lorn Acre Slitheen-Blathereen|Tree Slitheen-Blathereen]]
|setting              = [[Ealing]], [[London]] and [[Antarctica]], [[2009]]
|writer              = Rupert Laight
|director            = [[Alice Troughton]]
|producer            = [[Nikki Smith]]
|broadcast date      = 19 - 20 November 2009
|format              = 2x30 minute episodes
|prev                = Mona Lisa's Revenge (TV story)
|next                = The Nightmare Man (TV story)
|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]].


'''The Gift''' was the sixth and final story in [[The Sarah Jane Adventures]] [[Series 3 (The Sarah Jane Adventures)|Series 3]].
== Synopsis ==
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?


{{Infobox Sarah Jane Adventures
== Plot ==
|image          = [[image:B00p1d9g_512_288.jpg|250px]]
=== Part one ===
|story name    = The Gift
[[File:The-gift-5.jpg|thumb|The Slitheen's plan begins.|left]]
|series        = [[The Sarah Jane Adventures]]<br>
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.
[[List of The Sarah Jane Adventures television stories|TV story]]
|number        = 19
|featuring      = <ul><li>[[Sarah Jane Smith]]</li><li>[[Luke Smith]]</li><li>[[Clyde Langer]]</li><li>[[Rani Chandra]]</li><li>[[K-9 Mark IV]]</li></li>
|enemy          = <ul><li>[[Blathereen]]</li><li>[[Slitheen]] (cameo)</li></li>
|setting        = Ealing<br>Antarctica
|writer        = [[Rupert Laight]]
|director      = [[Alice Troughton]]
|producer      = Nikki Smith
|broadcast date = 19 November 2009 (part 1)<br>20 November 2009 (part 2)
|format        = 2 - 30 minute episodes
|production code=
|previous story = [[Mona Lisa's Revenge]]
|next story    = Series 4
}}


==Synopsis==
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.
When the [[Slitheen]]'s latest scheme is halted, the [[Blathereen]] arrive - can they be trusted? The gang recieve a gift, which could save millions. But, when the gift runs wild Sarah Jane faces the battle of her life to save Luke.


==Plot ==
[[File:The-gift-surprisegift.jpg|thumb|right|Tree presents the gang with the Rakweed.]]
====Part One====
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 and the gang chase a child [[Slitheen]] into a warehouse, where a disguised [[Slitheen]] sets up the countdown for a matter compresser that forms a web around the Earth's orbit to squish it into a 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 and Leaf Blathereen, and invite themselves to tea at Rani's house.
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.


Whilst there, the [[Blathereen]] reveal that [[Raxacoricofallapatorius]] was once a respected planet in the Raxa Galaxy,governed by the [[Blathereen]], until the [[Slitheen]] came into power. Their economy was destroyed, and eventually the Raxacoricofallapatorians revolted against the Slitheen; some where brought to justice, but some escaped into distantplanets to gain money. The [[Blathereen]] returned to power and started to capture the various [[Slitheen]].
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.


The [[Blathereen]] then give Earth a gift the Rakweed. They reveal that it can survive in even the harshest conditions, and would end Earth's famine. With Sarah Jane as their ambassador, the [[Blathereen]] could begin an alliance with Earth. [[Clyde]] is suspicious. After the [[Blathereen]] leave, [[Mr Smith]] says that the Rakweed is harmless. [[Clyde]], Rani and Luke have a biology test tomorrow, and with [[Mr Smith]]'s help, Clyde is able to smuggle [[K-9]] into school.
=== 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.


Whilst getting dressed, Luke can't find his tie and goes into the attic to look for it. The Rakweed has mutated and is releasing harmful spores into the atmosphere. Luke accidentally swallows some spores and becomes properly ill for the first time. Sarah Jane decides that Luke has to stay home, and Rani is concerned. In school, Rani learns that Clyde has K-9 to help him, and will talk to him through an earpiece.
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 discovers the Rakweed and [[Mr Smith]] explains that the plant has mutated and is releasing spores across Earth that will infect humans that may pose as 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 which they will never awaken from. Sarah Jane sees red spots on Luke's chest and the Rakweed releases a massive wave of spores that head to Sarah Jane and Luke, and Sarah Jane shouts for Mr Smith to somehow stop them as the Rakweed spores come closer.
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.


====Part Two====
[[File:Rakweedattack.jpg|thumb|left|The Rakweed spores attack.]]
[[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 Smith|Sarah Jane]] and [[Luke Smith|Luke]]. However, doing this has depleted energy from him. To prevent it from creating more spores, Sarah Jane throws the plant into the safe and checks back up on Luke, only to discover that the red spots have already spread across Luke's body. [[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.
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.


Meanwhile, [[Clyde Langer|Clyde]] and [[Rani Chandra|Rani]] prepare to begin their exam. Clyde slides the question papers under the table for [[K-9]] to analyse and asks for the answers to be relayed to him via the earpiece. K-9 initially refuses, stating that his order is inethical, but is soon persuaded by [[Clyde Langer|Clyde]], despite Rani's resentment. 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 Smith|Sarah Jane]] learns that others have already been infected in the London area. Clyde is caught cheating when K-9 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.
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.


Sarah Jane asks Mr Smith to locate the [[Blathereen]] using their teleportation coordinates she recorded, and learns that they are hiding in Antarctica. In their base, the Blathereen mock Sarah Jane's greed for glory upon 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, armed with a gun loaded with vinegar. [[Rani Chandra|Rani]] learn about the Rakweed's effects after finding some of the students unconscious, and calls Luke, who is now infected by 87% and falls unconscious mid-conversation. [[Sarah Jane Smith|Sarah Jane]] bargains with the Blathereen to destroy the Rakweed, but she is tricked and strapped into a chair.
[[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.


Clyde, Rani and [[K-9]] 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 the Rakweed and plan to repopulate the [[Earth]] with it, as it has a high value on the galactic market. It is soon after that they reveal their true form -a cross of the [[Blathereen]] and the [[Slitheen]] races. Clyde and Rani discover from news reports that the spores are spreading across the country. They are nearly infected when the school bell rings, neutralising the Rakweed spores. Sarah Jane then learns that the Rakweed plants 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 unconcious.
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".


K-9 utilises the school bells to defeat the Rakweed within the building. Clyde uses K-9 to connect with Mr Smith to send the frequency level required to spread the noise across London. After setting off every single alarm, [[Luke Smith|Luke]] and the other infected people recover from the poison, and he and Sarah Jane embrace. The [[Slitheen]] and the [[Blathereen]] teleport into the attic and confront Sarah Jane and the gang. Mr Smith activates the alarm, which eventually causes the Slitheen-Blathereen to explode, covering everyone and everything in their remains; the undigested Rakweed reacted to the alarm, 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. During the episode's epilogue, Sarah Jane comments that, one day, she hopes that Earth will be hospitable for other alien races.
== Cast ==
 
==Cast==
* [[Sarah Jane Smith]] - [[Elisabeth Sladen]]
* [[Sarah Jane Smith]] - [[Elisabeth Sladen]]
* [[Luke Smith]] - [[Tommy Knight]]
* [[Luke Smith]] - [[Tommy Knight]]
* [[Clyde Langer]] - [[Daniel Anthony]]
* [[Clyde Langer]] - [[Daniel Anthony]]
* [[Rani Chandra]] - [[Anjli Mohindra]]
* [[Rani Chandra]] - [[Anjli Mohindra]]
* [[Mr Smith]] - [[Alexander Armstrong]]
* Voice of [[Mr Smith]] - [[Alexander Armstrong]]
* Voice of [[K-9 Mark IV|K-9]] - [[John Leeson]]
* Voice of [[K9 Mark IV|K9]] - [[John Leeson]]
* Blathereen Voice - [[Miriam Margolyes ]]
* Voice of [[Leef Apple Glyn Slitheen-Blathereen|Leef Blathereen]] - [[Miriam Margolyes]]
* Blathereen Voice - [[Simon Callow]]
* Voice of [[Tree Lorn Acre Slitheen-Blathereen|Tree Blathereen]] - [[Simon Callow]]
* Leef [[Blathereen]] - [[Paul Kasey]]
* [[Leef Apple Glyn Slitheen-Blathereen|Leef Blathereen]] - [[Paul Kasey]]
* Tree [[Blathereen]] - [[Ruari Mears]]
* [[Tree Lorn Acre Slitheen-Blathereen|Tree Blathereen]] - [[Ruari Mears]]
* Chris - [[Calvin Dean]]
* [[Chris Slitheen]] - [[Jimmy Vee]]
* [[Slitheen]] - [[Jimmy Vee]]
* [[Chris (The Gift)|Chris]] - [[Calvin Dean]]
* Dave - [[Edward Judge]]
* [[Dave (The Gift)|Dave]] - [[Edward Judge]]
* Miss Jerome - [[Sarah Paul]]
* [[Jerome (The Gift)|Miss Jerome]] - [[Sarah Paul]]
* [[Cameron Marsh|Reporter]] - [[Nick Williams]]


==Crew==
== Crew ==
* Co-Producer- Phil Ford
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|RightsExecutive=
|FinanceManager=
|VisualFXProducer=
|VisualFXProducer2=
|VisualFXSupervisor=
|VisualFXSupervisor2=
|Thanks=
|Thanks2=
|WithThanksTo=
|WithThanksTo2=
|SpecialThanks=
|ConductedAndOrchestratedBy=
|Vocals=
|CounterTenor=
|RecordedBy=
|MixedBy=
|CrouchEnd=
|FromIdeaBy=
|Character1=K9
|CharCreatedBy1a=Bob Baker
|CharCreatedBy1b=Dave Martin
|Character2=
|CharCreatedBy2a=
|CharCreatedBy2b=
|Character3=
|CharCreatedBy3a=
|CharCreatedBy3b=
|TitleMusic=Murray Gold
|CastingDirector=Andy Brierley
|CastingDirector2=Andy Pryor CDG
|ProductionExec=Julie Scott
|SeniorProductionAccountant=
|ProductionAccountant=Dyfed Thomas
|SoundRecordist=Ray Parker
|CostumeDesigner=Stewart Meacham
|Make-upDesigner=
|VisualEffects=Craig Higgins
|SpecialEffects=Any Effects
|Prosthetics=Millennium FX
|Music=Sam Watts
|Editor=Ceres Doyle
|ProductionDesigner=Arwel Wyn Jones
|DOP=Mark Waters
|LineProducer=
|AssociateProducer=
|CoProducer=Phil Ford
|Writer=Rupert Laight
|Writer2=
|Producer=Nikki Smith
|Producer2=
|Director=Alice Troughton
|ExecutiveProd=Russell T Davies
|ExecutiveProd2=Julie Gardner
|ExecutiveProd3=Piers Wenger
|DedicatedTo=<!--This exact credit never actually used as of April 2010; left for future use-->
|InMemoryOf=
|Note=[[Crispin Layfield]] credited as Stunt Co-ordinator for part two only.
}}


==References==
== Worldbuilding ==
*When the Blathereen explodes in the attic covering the team with it's remains, Clyde says "Why does this always happen to me?" referencing when a Slitheen exploded on him in [[SJA]]: ''[[Revenge of the Slitheen]]'' and a Bane in [[SJA]]: ''[[Enemy of the Bane]]''
=== Planets ===
*The planet [[Clom]] was mentioned.
* The planets [[Raxacoricofallapatorius]] and [[Clom]] are mentioned as part of the [[Raxas Alliance]], as are its counterpart planets, [[Raxacoricovarlonpatorius]] and [[Clix]].
*[[Perivale]] was briefly referred to when discussing the spore's effect on West London.
* The two Slitheen plan to go to [[Pakros]].


== Cultural References==
=== Locations ===
*While Luke is getting changed ''Everybody in Love'' by JLS can be heard.
* 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]].


==Story Notes==
=== Objects ===
*A CBBC literature statement confirmed both the Slitheen and Blathereen would appear in the series.
* Sarah Jane uses a [[dog whistle]] to call [[K9 Mark IV|K9]].
*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
*The Blathereen and Slitheen both appeared in the book [[NSA]]: ''[[The Monsters Inside]]''. ''The Gift'' is the first appearance of the Blathereen in a TV story.
*The Slitheen leader referred to the Blathereen in [[SJA]]: ''[[Revenge of the Slitheen]]''.
*This episode marks the return of the Slitheen in the Sarah Jane Adventures. They previously appeared in [[SJA]]: ''[[Revenge of the Slitheen]]'', ''[[The Lost Boy]]'', ''[[From Raxacoricofallapatorius With Love]]''
*The Blathereen are orange compared to their green cousins.
*Simon Callow previously played [[Charles Dickens]] in [[DW]]: ''[[The Unquiet Dead]]''


===Ratings===
=== Species ===
''to be added''
* 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]].


===Myths===
=== Technology ===
* The [[Judoon]] will appear. This is a rumour, because in the previous two series the alien from the first episode appeared the the finale.''This is not strictly true because it has been the villain from the opening story so the [[Slitheen]] in [[Revenge of the Slitheen]] in Series One and [[Kaagh]] the [[Sontaran]] in [[The Last Sontaran]] in Series 2. If the pattern of the previous two series were repeated for Series 3 (Which is unlikely because of the appearence of the Slitheen and [[Blathereen]] ) then [[Androvax]] from [[Prisoner of the Judoon]] would have returned but the Judoon could still make an appearence since the Slitheen have previously mentioned the Judoon. On the 30.10.09 a CBBC spokesperson for the show said that the Judoon were spotted by fans with a gun at a slitheen/blathereen in human form, this scene would not have fitted in [[Prisoner of the Judoon]] as it took place outside the [[Pharos Institute]].'' This turned out to be false.
* The Slitheen utilise their [[skin suit]] disguises and one of them suffers the oft-cited and audible common flaw of [[farting|gas exchange]].
*It has been rumoured thats someone will die. It is highly rumoured that this person will be Luke.'' The effects of the Rakweed were resetted and Luke didn't die, nobody else did either, simply this rumour was false.''


===Discontinuity, Plot Holes, Errors===
=== Cultural references from the real world ===
* If the Blathereen were orange then why didn't [[Ninth Doctor|the Doctor]] or [[Rose Tyler]] reference this in [[NSA]]: ''[[The Monsters Inside]]? ''
* 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.
* Rani compares Clyde to [[Jamie Oliver]].


* If the Blathereen were orange, then why were they confused with green Slitheen in [[NSA]]: ''[[The Monsters Inside]]''?
== Story notes ==
* [[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 ''[[The Monsters Inside (novel)|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 (TV story)|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 [[Farting|abundantly produce]] from poor gas exchange in their skin suit disguises.


* Why didn't Mr. Smith detect that the Rakweed was dangerous at the first analysis? ''Mr Smith said that between his first and second analysis, the plant mutated'' .
=== Ratings ===
* 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]])


* When Chris Slitheen is talking to the other Slitheen, his compression unit lifts up, revealing the edge of where the latex head and fat suit meet.
=== Filming locations ===
''to be added''


* Since the Blathereen aren't actually bounty hunters and weren't sending the Slitheen to Raxacoricofallapatorius to be executed, what happened to the Slitheen?
=== Production errors ===
{{SJA discontinuity}}
* 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.


* Why do the Blathereen still have their compression collars on when they only appear in their Raxacoricofallapatorian form?   The compression collar is also a translation unit.
== Continuity ==
* 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)}})
* 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)}})
* Clyde reminds Rani that the [[K9 Mark I|original K9 unit]] was built in the year [[5000]]. ([[TV]]: {{cs|The Invisible Enemy (TV story)}})
* 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]]'')
* 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'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)}})
* 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]]'')


* In Part Two, part of the Rakweed spread on the Blathereen's computer is missing.  
== Home media releases ==
=== DVD releases ===
* It was released in the Complete Collection Series 1-5 boxset release (Region 2 release: 6th February 2012).


* When the Blathereen are eating Rakweed notice that when Sarah is captured they aren't actually eating it
== External links ==
{{dwrefguide|sja_18.htm|{{StoryTitle}}}}
* {{briefhistory|sarahjane/2009lm.html|{{StoryTitle}}}}
* {{locguide|gift|{{StoryTitle}}}}


==Continuity==
== Footnotes ==
*The [[Blathereen]] first appeared in [[NSA]]: ''[[The Monsters Inside]]''.
{{Reflist}}
*The [[Slitheen]] first appeared in [[DW]]: ''[[Aliens of London]]'' / ''[[World War Three]]'', and [[SJA]]: ''[[Revenge of the Slitheen]]'' [[SJA]]: ''[[The Lost Boy]]'' and [[SJA]]: ''[[From Raxacoricofallapatorius With Love]]''.
{{SJATV}}
 
{{Raxacoricofallapatorian stories}}
==Timeline==
{{TitleSort}}
''to be added''
 
==External Links==
''to be added''


[[Category:SJA television stories]]
[[Category:K9 television stories]]
[[Category:Stories set in Ealing]]
[[Category:Stories set in Antarctica]]
[[Category:Slitheen television stories]]
[[Category:Series 3 (SJA) stories]]
[[Category:Raxacoricofallapatorian stories]]


{{SJA series 3}}
[[cy:The Gift (stori deledu)]]
[[Category:The Sarah Jane Adventures episodes|Gift, The]]
[[de:SJA 19 - The Gift]]
[[Category:2009 television stories]]

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
Mini-episodes
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
Television
Webcast
Audio
Prose
Comics
Video games
Blathereen and
Slitheen-Blathereen
Television
Webcast
Prose
Video games
Complete list of appearances
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