Smith and Jones [TV/2007.3.31]

★★★★☆

  Sit with me for a moment while I talk about Series 3 in general, and how Martha (and the way she was treated by the Tenth Doctor, something that's a point of contention and dislike for many people) was perhaps something that was needed to fulfill Russell T Davies's vision. Now, whether that vision is something you like or utterly dislike is up to you; I'm just seeing it as a continuation/full culmination of what RTD possibly intended with the Tenth Doctor over here. You see, Ten is not your ordinary Doctor incarnation. He was born out of his predecessor's love for Rose Tyler (something that's pretty indisputable given how overt their romance was), to create the most compatible Doctor for her and her only (this may be a bit disputable but it's something I firmly believe in). That's why in subsequent series after Series 2, his cracks begin to show more and more. He was this lovey dovey boyfriend figure to Rose because he was designed to be, both by the Ninth Doctor and by RTD; that's why he's constantly shown to throw more emotional fits and morally questionable decisions later in life -- because Rose isn't there. To fulfill this unique vision of the Doctor (at least, until Twelve came along for Clara... but oh boy, that's a whole different story for another day), Series 3 needed to have a companion who takes the Doctor in their heart, but learns the hard way that his love is not meant for them. It's not even a choice of his, he just can't -- whether or not you like this depiction of the Doctor, RTD clearly wanted to explore this onscreen, and so in comes Martha Jones.

  From the very first episode, you can tell that either RTD vastly underestimated both his writing skills and Freema Agyeman's capabilities or fully intended to have his new companion so fully-fledged and fleshed out... either way, she becomes one hell of a character, and single-handedly backfires on the Tenth Doctor masterplan by practically taking up all the audience's sympathies -- against the Doctor at times! No fault of hers, I mean... both she and Freema did their job and excelled. I suppose if you're gonna write a Doctor that's tailor-made for one person's love, you have to face the consequences whenever you explore romance with someone else failing in spectacular fashion. I'm happy with it; no big spoilers for the end of Series 3, but Martha leaves the Doctor's company as a resolution to this character trait of Ten's (I hesitate to call it a flaw because I don't see it as a flaw)... everything works out, you know the drill. Anyway, onto Smith and Jones proper.

  This episode is absolutely wonderful. I haven't watched this in eleven years, and its breathless pacing, fun atmosphere that never threatens to become boring, confident Doctor and (new) companion performances and a confident display of the new companion doing her profession, all pile up to create this almost lightning-in-a-bottle moment. The companion meshes so well with the Doctor, the aliens are fascinating (the Judoon would go on to become something of a mainstay of the new series, and the Plasmavore with the straw is exactly the kind of low-budget charm that Dr. Who should indulge in more), and the hospital setting provides a new kind of flavour for Who that hitherto didn't exist all that much. What more could you ask for? RTD even gives Martha a family that feels very real (if you've had familial dysfunctions in life, it's all very familiar), and Freema Agyeman is having a whale of a time. So is David Tennant, for that matter. Smith and Jones couldn't have been better in its role as a good proper Dr. Who adventure (in space & with rhino cops!) and a fantastic starter for a new strong series. Sometimes, watching back to the earlier days of the new series, you find yourself understanding how inevitable it was that Dr. Who took off again in spectacular fashion under the watchful eyes of Russell T Davies and his main star Mr. Tennant. His cute expressions, childlike glee and attractive assurances of safety and authority, and kisses (to this day a controversial addition to Dr. Who, would you believe it)... it's just very believable that the Tenth Doctor was the definitive Doctor in the hearts of many.