Martha Jones

Martha Jones

Martha Jones is a fictional character from the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, portrayed by Freema Agyeman. The character is introduced in the third series (2007) of the revived show as a new companion to the Tenth Doctor, a role previously filled by Rose Tyler and briefly by Donna Noble. Martha Jones is a medical student who becomes involved with the Doctor's adventures after their first encounter in the episode "Smith and Jones". Her character arc involves her growing from a medical student into a fully qualified doctor, while also dealing with her unrequited love for the Doctor and eventually finding her own path.

Character Overview

Martha Jones first appears in the episode "Smith and Jones" (2007), where she meets the Doctor during an incident involving the Judoon, a group of rhinoceros-like alien police, searching for a fugitive at the hospital where she works. Impressed by her initiative and intelligence, the Doctor invites her to join him on his travels. Throughout series 3, Martha travels with the Doctor and faces various challenges and enemies, including the Daleks, the Master, and historical figures such as William Shakespeare. Despite her feelings for the Doctor, Martha decides to leave the TARDIS at the end of the series to look after her family and continue her medical career, stating that she needs to live her own life.

Martha returns in series 4, having completed her medical training and now working for UNIT (Unified Intelligence Taskforce), an international organization that deals with extraterrestrial threats. Her role at UNIT highlights her development from a companion to an independent and capable character who plays a crucial part in several key episodes, including the two-part finale "The Stolen Earth"/"Journey's End", where she is instrumental in saving the world from the Dalek invasion.

Character Development and Reception

Martha Jones is notable for being the first black companion of the Doctor in the revived series. Her character received a mixed to positive reception from fans and critics. Some praised her for her intelligence, strength, and the depth of her character arc, while others felt that her unrequited love for the Doctor overshadowed her development. Despite this, Martha is considered a significant and influential character in the Doctor Who universe, with Agyeman's performance widely acclaimed.

Appearances in Other Media

Besides the television series, Martha Jones has appeared in various Doctor Who spin-offs, including audio dramas, novels, and comic books. These appearances often explore her life after leaving the Doctor, including her work with UNIT and her marriage to Mickey Smith, another character from the series.

Legacy

Martha Jones's impact on the Doctor Who series extends beyond her time as a companion. She paved the way for future companions by showing that they could have lives and careers independent of the Doctor. Her character also contributed to the series' ongoing exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the importance of standing up for oneself.