Posted in: BBC, Doctor Who, Opinion, TV, TV | Tagged: bbc, david tennant, doctor who, freema agyeman, John Simm, russell t davies
Upon revisiting Series 3 of the modern era of Doctor Who, it becomes evident that Freema Agyeman’s portrayal of Martha Jones is highly underrated.
The BBC recently released a compilation video of Series 3 of Doctor Who, which introduced Freema Agyeman as Martha Jones, the show’s first companion of color. Martha, arguably the most underrated and underappreciated companion of the modern era, provided David Tennant with the opportunity to showcase the full range of his acting abilities in a single season. Additionally, this season elevated the Doctor to the status of a mythical figure, a lonely god wandering through eternity. It was also the season that introduced John Simm as the first modern incarnation of The Master.
Doctor Who & “The Companion with a Crush”
Martha had numerous standout moments throughout her one season on Doctor Who. Series 3 was an exceptionally enjoyable season, with Russell T Davies and his team of writers showcasing their peak creativity. The show had not yet fallen into the trap of familiarity, resulting in the exploration of innovative ideas and concepts. One of the season’s highlights was the adaptation of Paul Cornell’s classic Virgin Adventures novel, “Human Nature,” which unfolded as one of the best two-part stories in the series. Martha’s character stood strong as she protected the Doctor’s cover while they hid in pre-War England, posing as a human named John Smith.
Martha’s story arc was often thankless. While she possessed intelligence beyond that of many companions due to her medical background, she found herself falling for a heartbroken Doctor who was still grieving the loss of Rose Tyler, a previous companion who had become immensely popular and helped bring the show to the forefront. Meanwhile, Martha struggled for recognition amidst the success of Billie Piper and Catherine Tate. Ultimately, Martha became the rebound companion who yearned for the Doctor’s affection before deciding to walk away from an unfulfilling relationship. It was a challenging arc that did not receive the appreciation it deserved.
This is not to say that Agyeman or Martha were unloved. Clearly, Davies saw potential in Agyeman’s character as Martha continued to appear in various capacities after leaving the show. She made appearances on Torchwood as a UNIT operative and featured in the Tenth Doctor’s farewell as he approached his final hours. Rumors of her return to the show or one of the upcoming spinoffs are plentiful.
Celebrating Freema Agyeman and the Talented Cast
Series Three also introduced three future stars to the screen: Andrew Garfield, Gugu-Mbatha-Raw (as Martha’s sister), and Carey Mulligan (who declined the offer to become the next companion in favor of pursuing a career in film), which further adds to the season’s significance. It is crucial to acknowledge Freema Agyeman’s exceptional acting skills. Starting her career on Doctor Who, she has consistently portrayed characters with a no-nonsense, realistic style. Her approach is not flashy or exhausting but rather focuses on being present and in the moment. Agyeman’s quiet yet sarcastic reactions to the casual racism of early 20th Century England speak volumes. She has carried this authentic style to subsequent roles, such as in The CW’s prequel to Sex and the City, The Carrie Diaries, the Wachowskis’ short-lived Science Fiction Netflix series Sense8, the hit NBC hospital show New Amsterdam, and the recent comedy series Dreamland created by Sharon Horgan. Agyeman continues to be one of the most talented and underused actors in the industry.
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Maria Malik is your guide to the immersive world of Virtual Reality (VR). With a passion for VR technology, she explores the latest VR headsets, applications, and experiences, providing readers with in-depth reviews, industry insights, and a glimpse into the future of virtual experiences.
