Martha Jones is one of Doctor Who’s most polarizing companions, but one change could have made all of the difference. Introduced during the Tenth Doctor’s tenure, Martha’s intelligence, bravery, and resourcefulness were on full display throughout her time in the TARDIS. She was a medical student who brought a fresh perspective and a strong moral compass to the Doctor’s adventures.
However, despite all her incredible qualities and Freema Agyeman’s many talents, Martha never quite gained the recognition that Doctor Who companions like Rose Tyler or Donna Noble did. There’s one primary reason why — and fixing it might have cemented Martha Jones as one of Doctor Who’s all-time greats.
Martha Should Not Have Been in Love With The Doctor
After Rose, The TARDIS Didn’t Need Another Love Story
One of the most significant missteps in Martha’s characterization was tying so much of her story to her unreciprocated feelings for the Tenth Doctor. After Rose Tyler’s devastating departure at the end of season 2, the Doctor was emotionally fragile, still grieving the loss of his previous companion. Introducing Martha as someone who harbored romantic feelings for him created a lopsided, unbalanced dynamic between them. It reduced Martha’s arc to pining for someone who barely acknowledged her feelings, overshadowing her intelligence and independence.
In “The Shakespeare Code,” Martha demonstrated her curiosity and quick thinking during their trip to Elizabethan England. However, those moments of brilliance are undermined by the recurring tension of her feelings for the Doctor. This imbalance frequently detracted from her agency as a character, making Martha less compelling than companions who were allowed to shine without carrying an unreciprocated love story on their back. If the show had spotlighted Martha’s potential as purely a friend, ally, and equal to the Doctor, her narrative could have focused more on her growth and unique contributions to their adventures.
Donna’s Relationship With The Doctor Is What Martha Should’ve Had
Doctor Who Got It Right The Second Time Around
When Donna Noble joined the TARDIS in season 4, she brought with her a dynamic that was refreshing for the show. Unlike Rose and Martha, Donna had no romantic interest in the Doctor. Her relationship with him was defined entirely by friendship, humor, and mutual respect. This allowed Donna to act as a true equal to the Doctor, challenging him when necessary and enriching his character in ways that didn’t rely on romantic tension.
Donna’s compassion and conviction in “The Fires of Pompeii” pushed the Doctor to save a family, showcasing how their friendship worked to bring out the best in each other. This platonic bond gave Donna’s character the space to shine and develop without being overshadowed by feelings of longing.
Had Martha been afforded a similar dynamic, she could have evolved into the supportive yet independent companion she was meant to be. Imagine a version of season 3 where Martha’s arc isn’t defined by heartbreak but by her determination to grow, learn, and prove her worth—not to the Doctor, but to herself. That small shift could have allowed audiences to better appreciate Martha as a fully realized character rather than someone sidelined by unrequited love.
Doctor Who Fixed Martha, But Too Late
This Was The Martha Jones Viewers Deserved From The Beginning
Interestingly, when Martha returned in later seasons, Doctor Who finally allowed her to stand on equal footing with the Doctor. By her appearance in season 4’s two-parter “The Sontaran Stratagem” and “The Poison Sky,” Martha had grown into a confident and accomplished UNIT officer. With her feelings for the Doctor no longer part of her story, she carried herself with a self-assuredness that made her one of the highlights of those episodes.
This development continued in “The End of Time,” where Martha fought alongside her husband, and fellow former Doctor companion Mickey Smith, as an independent adventurer. Unfortunately, by the time Martha was fully “fixed,” her time in the spotlight was over. While her later appearances showcased her potential, they also underscored how much of that potential had been wasted during her initial run in the TARDIS.
Ruby Sunday’s return in season 15 of Doctor Who must ensure she has a good storyline in order to avoid the same mistakes the show made with Martha.
Martha Jones could have been one of the greatest companions in Doctor Who history. She had all the qualities of a standout character—intelligence, compassion, determination, and an unwavering moral compass. By removing the romantic subplot and allowing their relationship to focus on friendship and mutual growth, Martha could have been celebrated as a trailblazing companion who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Doctor.
Martha’s Doctor Who story stands as a reminder of how even a small change can have a monumental impact on a character’s legacy. She didn’t need to be in love with the Doctor to matter—she only needed the chance to be herself.
