It’s testament to the effectiveness of the story’s
conclusion that all this time later following multiple returns to the series
for the character, Sarah’s departure remains one of the original series’ rare
emotional moments. It’s presented in a very English manner, all repressed and
buttoned up as neither the Doctor nor Sarah says what they really want to say.
The genius of the scene though is that Sarah has only just been having a bit of
a strop and if nothing else had happened would undoubtedly have been talked
into one more journey and another and… Instead the Doctor gets a call and realises
he can’t take her to Gallifrey. It adds weight to the feelings of both because
for sure the Doctor wants her to stay. Incidentally when Sarah does meet the
Doctor again in `School Reunion` her reaction is so in tune with this farewell
scene. The end of part 4 is such a good sequence,
especially from both actors, that it can lead you to think the whole story has
been as subtle which despite some strong elements it hasn’t.
