Doctor Who's Best Kept Secret: The Overlooked Companion Who Deserves More in the 60th Anniversary

Summary

It would be insulting to overlook Martha Jones in Doctor Who's 60th anniversary specials, especially since she was absent from the 50th anniversary episode.

Martha, often overlooked as David Tennant's companion, exhibits unwavering determination and intelligence throughout her tenure on the show. There are rumors circulating about the possibility of Martha having a hidden role in the upcoming specials, which could pave the way for her comeback in the Doctor Who universe via a UNIT spinoff series.

The 60th anniversary of Doctor Who is set to commemorate the return of the 10th Doctor and his often overlooked companion. Following Jodie Whittaker's tenure as the Doctor, viewers witnessed her regeneration back into David Tennant, who originally portrayed the 10th Doctor from 2005 to 2010. As the show focuses on Tennant's portrayal for the anniversary, it is expected that one significant character from his past will be included.

During his time as the Doctor, he embarked on various adventures with three main companions: Rose Tyler, Martha Jones, and Donna Noble. Russel T. Davies, the creator of these three characters, also returns as the head writer for the show. Based on the available information, it is likely that at least two of the three companions will be acknowledged in the upcoming specials.

Doctor Who's 60th Anniversary Needs To Honor Martha Jones

Freema Agyeman initially appeared as Adeola in "Army of Ghosts," season 2, episode 12 of Doctor Who. Her portrayal of Martha Jones was so impressive that she was reintroduced as the character in season 3 and made her final appearance in "The End of Time." It would be unfair to overlook Martha's inclusion, especially considering the show's efforts to honor Tennant's other companions in the anniversary specials. Catherine Tate is set to reprise her role as Donna Noble in the upcoming 60th anniversary specials, and a new character named Rose, Donna's daughter, has been confirmed. Martha's absence, particularly her absence from the 50th anniversary special, is noticeable. In that episode, Billie Piper returned to the show alongside Tennant as the 10th Doctor. Since both anniversary specials have prominently featured two of Tennant's previous companions, it is only fair that Martha Jones receives similar recognition.

Martha Is Already David Tennant's Most Underrated Companion

After Rose Tyler was trapped in a parallel world, Martha Jones entered the universe of Doctor Who as the Doctor's companion. This happened while the Doctor was still dealing with his grief. Martha proved to be a loyal and dedicated companion, protecting the Doctor even when he had no memory of her as a human. Unfortunately, the Doctor did not treat Martha well, using her to avoid being alone.

However, Martha showed incredible determination and intelligence. In "The Sound of Drums" and "Last of the Time Lords," she traveled the Earth for a year, risking everything to save her family, the planet, and the Doctor himself. Eventually, Martha made the difficult decision to leave the Doctor and return to her family. She realized that he couldn't provide the support and care she needed, demonstrating her strength and independence. She then joined UNIT and Torchwood to continue protecting the Earth from alien threats without the Doctor. Despite her impressive achievements, Martha's contributions are somewhat undervalued within the Doctor Who universe.

Martha May Have A Secret Role In Doctor Who's 60th Anniversary

Positioned amidst the profound love story between Rose and the Doctor, and the emergence of Donna as the Doctor's treasured companion, infusing the series with fresh vitality and wit, Martha inconveniently found herself in an unfavorable predicament. Frequently grappling with a desolate and detached Doctor, Martha often seemed diminished in the shadow of other characters throughout the series.

Rumors abound regarding Martha Jones potentially making a comeback in the 60th anniversary specials. During the Wales Comic Con in August 2023, Agyeman was asked about her involvement in the 60th anniversary special, and her response was a pause followed by, "I don't know what to say. I think that...let's just wait and see what happens. Sorry." If she does return for the upcoming event, it could suggest that the 60th anniversary won't be Martha Jones' final appearance, especially considering the confirmed development of a UNIT spinoff series.

In this spinoff, Jemma Redgrave will reprise her role as Kate Stewart, creating an opportunity for Martha, a previous member of UNIT, to rejoin the organization in the new series. This implies that Martha may have a secret role in the upcoming specials, potentially leading to her return to the Doctor Who universe through her involvement in the spinoff. Regardless, it is crucial to acknowledge Martha's significant contribution to the 10th Doctor era, alongside Rose and Donna, and pay tribute to her in the forthcoming Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials, as she deservedly warrants recognition.