The Enduring Appeal of Martha Jones: A Doctor Who Companion Deserving of More
Martha Jones, a character from the long-running science fiction series 'Doctor Who,' has long been considered by many fans to be an undervalued figure in the show's extensive universe. Despite her critical role in numerous pivotal moments alongside the Tenth Doctor, her time as a primary companion was relatively brief. This article advocates for a deeper exploration of her character, particularly through the medium of audio dramas, where there is significant potential to revisit her dynamic with both the Tenth and even the Fourteenth Doctor, offering a chance to address unresolved emotional arcs and showcase her enduring heroism.
With a legacy spanning 63 years, 'Doctor Who' has introduced a multitude of characters, many of whom are seen as underappreciated by dedicated fans, often referred to as Whovians. Among these, Martha Jones stands out as a character who merits additional development and recognition. Portrayed by Freema Agyeman, Martha is depicted as a highly intelligent medical professional, demonstrating unwavering courage and a strong moral compass, even when confronted with extreme peril. Her debut in the series occurred in 2007, in 'Smith and Jones,' the inaugural episode of 'Doctor Who' series 3. However, her tenure as a companion to the Tenth Doctor, played by David Tennant, lasted only for 13 episodes. While she made subsequent cameo appearances in series 4, her role as a full-time companion was comparatively short-lived.
Nevertheless, there is renewed hope for those who cherish Martha, the Tenth Doctor, and the intricate nature of their relationship. David Tennant, in a conversation with 'Doctor Who Magazine' for issue no. 633, shared his positive experiences returning to his role as the Tenth Doctor for a new Big Finish audio production. He expressed a keen interest in participating in more audio drama adventures and short stories, hinting at possibilities for future collaborations.
Tennant explicitly stated, "It's always just a joy to come back. Catherine [Tate] and I have done some Big Finish audio stories. Billie and I have done some. It might be nice to do some with Freema [Agyeman]; that would complete the set." This statement, while not a definitive confirmation of upcoming audio adventures featuring the Tenth Doctor and Martha, strongly echoes the desires of many fans. The question then arises: could we witness new adventures starring the Tenth Doctor and Martha, or perhaps even the Fourteenth Doctor and Martha? The Fourteenth Doctor refers to a later regeneration of Tennant's Time Lord, following Jodie Whittaker's era, where the Doctor temporarily reverted to Tennant's likeness to confront past emotions and trauma before undergoing another transformation. This narrative arc culminated in bi-generation, an ancient form of regeneration that allows the older incarnation to coexist with the new, enabling the Fourteenth Doctor to continue his journeys with his long-time companion, Donna Noble.
The argument for adventures featuring the Fourteenth Doctor and Martha is particularly compelling due to the often-problematic dynamic between the Tenth Doctor and Martha during their initial travels. Following Rose Tyler's departure, the Tenth Doctor was notably jaded and emotionally distant. This resulted in a series where the Doctor frequently showed neglect and insensitivity toward Martha. Such behavior included constant comparisons to Rose and a tendency to downplay her concerns, particularly as a Black woman, in episodes like 'The Shakespeare's Code' and 'Human Nature.' Throughout this period, Martha often seemed to bear the brunt of the Doctor's emotional turmoil.
Despite the eventual improvement in the Tenth Doctor's interactions with Martha by the end of series 3, her relationship with him never quite reached the same level of intimacy as his bonds with Rose or Donna. This, however, does not diminish Martha's significance as a companion. On the contrary, Martha's interventions were often crucial to the Doctor's survival. She resuscitated him in 'Smith and Jones,' and her efforts in rallying humanity to remember the Doctor's deeds were instrumental in his victory over the Master in 'Last of the Time Lords.' Furthermore, without Martha's assistance, the Doctor would not have recovered his memories in 'The Family of Blood.' In numerous instances during series 3, Martha displayed a level of heroism that rivaled, and at times surpassed, that of the Time Lord himself.
The Fourteenth Doctor's character arc is centered on confronting and resolving past grief and unresolved issues. While he successfully reconciled many aspects of his past with Donna Noble, there remains a wealth of unexplored emotional territory between him and Martha. A Big Finish audio drama would provide an ideal platform to delve into this complex emotional landscape and the intricate feelings that arise from their shared history.
The prospect of new adventures involving either the Tenth or Fourteenth Doctor and Martha remains uncertain. Tennant has already participated in several audio drama projects as the Doctor with Big Finish, and Agyeman has contributed to Big Finish's 'Torchwood' episodes, a more mature spin-off from 'Doctor Who.' Regardless, Tennant is openly enthusiastic about the idea. The next step would be for Agyeman and Big Finish to express similar interest to transform this potential into reality.
