Doctor Who (TV Series) Smith and Jones (2007) User Reviews

Sonic Overload...

[Xstal · 8/10 · 5 December 2021]

The Doctor is a (pretend) patient in a London hospital when the heavens open and suck (H2O scoop) the wards and theatres, the whole building in fact, up to the lunar landscape where, before you know it...

There's a Judoon platoon upon the moon, they're looking for something in the hospital's rooms, a Plasmavore who's been hiding away, an alien patiently looking for prey.

Meeting up with Martha Jones for the first time, on this occasion it is a lack of magnetism that saves the day, but there is definitely a spark and a last straw for someone.

Outrageously entertaining start to the "third" series

[DVD_Connoisseur · 8/10 · 31 March 2007]

"Smith and Jones" is a superb beginning to the "third" series of "Doctor Who". Fast-paced, exciting and funny, the episode takes us from the normality of London's Royal Hope Hospital to a quiet spot on the surface of the moon. Not that it's peaceful for long! With the arrival of the space-rhino policemen, the Judoon, events soon take a turn for the worse.

This episode's story would always be overshadowed by its purpose - the introduction of a new companion for Tennant's Doctor. The exquisitely beautiful and talented Freema Agyeman sizzles on the screen. It would not come as a surprise to me if Agyeman ranks as a favourite companion in years to come. Brave, intelligent and adventurous, this new companion will definitely be a match for the Doctor and will bring a new element to the series. Those fans mourning the departure of Rose will soon find themselves hooked by Martha Jones, not to mention her family.

As always, Murray Gold's music is big and beautiful, bringing extra emotional weight to key scenes.

The straight-to-the-point Judoon are a great creation from the mind of Russell T. Davies. The design and delivery of this new alien-race is splendid and Nicholas Briggs' distinctive vocal work is the icing on the cake.

Following the "first" season's "Bad Wolf" clues, after viewing "The Runaway Bride" and "Smith and Jones", the sharp-eyed / eared viewer may well be pondering, "Just who is Mr. Saxon"?

A strong 8 out of 10. Season 3 looks bigger and better than what's gone before.

A worthy introduction to Doctor Jones

[Sleepin_Dragon · 7/10 · 15 August 2015]

We had a little glimpse of actress Freema Agyeman in Doomsday, we didn't get much from that, other then she seemed like a good actress and was a beautiful girl.

So Smith and Jones would be interesting for many reasons, mainly because we have a new full time companion, would she compare well with Rose?

We have two British crackers in Anne Reid and Roy Marsden, so it feels as if we're in safe hands already. We also have a new music score.

Instantly Martha is fresh faced and likable, but her family are already irritating and too much.

The Hospital is up and away, and we go from Cardiff to London for the crater, the buildings her Sister could see have vanished and we now have a crater by Westminster. THE MOON IS MORE BELIEVABLE. There is some very dodgy 'extras' acting here too.

The Judoon appear, and look a little like the Kraal (Android Invasion,) not sure if i'm loving the Judoon, although the boots are awesome. The Slabs also look a wee bit like the Androids the Cybermen used in Earthshock.

A first mention if Mr Saxon and the odd Vote Saxon poster, builds to a cracker of a story arc.

The plot is a little thin, some of the effects are poor, Roy Marsden (annoyingly) is bumped off after 15 minutes, some of the extras are dire, Martha's family are a nightmare, and the Judoon are a bit silly, all that apart it was fun, Anne Reid was great, but the best thing about this episode, Martha, a great start for her. Seems like they've chosen well.

7/10

Well well well!

[lemmingology · 9/10 · 4 April 2007]

Well indeed, what a gem the Doctor Who team have dug up here. In the space of 45 minutes, Freema Agyeman has already proved she's not just got what it takes, but she's got it in spades. Her debut episode is an absolute stormer, and for an actress who was probably unheard of before she was announced as David Tennant's new companion, it's pure brilliance. If I'm honest, I already like her more than I did Billie Piper after the whole first series.

Martha Jones, a medical student, is instantly likable. From the very second the moon crisis hits the hospital where she works, she is still perfectly calm, collected, and trying to work out the reasoning behind what's going on and why things are happening the way they are, showing no fear to anyone. Her brief exchange with the Doctor about going outside ("We might die" the Doctor says. "We might not" she retorts), her point blank refusal to call him Doctor ("As far as I'm concerned you've gotta earn that title") and the sheer attitude she shows, along with the lack of fear she lets on to anything, and how quickly she seems to get her head around things, give indications that she'll become a Doctor Who favourite before long.

Although the episode itself was always going to be mainly about Freema's debut, it's actually a pretty good episode to boot. The plot is a cracker, the detail is perfect (the Doctor's proof to Martha that he can, in fact, travel in time is brilliant), and the dialogue was fantastic. The Judoon are brilliant as, in the end, both good and bad guys, David Tennant is quality as always (the best Doctor ever? We'll see), and all in all it was very well played.

Hopefully the standard will stay this high, and hopefully rise even further, over the whole series. Time will tell.

Rhino police on the Moon!

[A_Kind_Of_CineMagic · 9/10 · 14 January 2019]

Season 3 opener introducing new companion Martha Jones. The Doctor visits a hospital where an alien fugitive is hiding and attacking patients. The Judoon, a kind of alien police force, quarantine the hospital by transporting it to the moon (with a limited oxygen supply) to try to capture the alien criminal. The Doctor must try to save the people in the hospital with the help of medical student Martha.

This story is fun and entertaining with some lovely touches. Martha is a great companion straight away and her performance alongside the ever brilliant David Tennant lift this episode to an excellent level. It may not be one of the great stories of Doctor Who but it is a very enjoyable second tier story which does everything you could want in terms of action, humour, danger and introducing a new main character. The script is largely very good and the villain is a great mixture of sinister, funny and interesting.

A satisfying series starter maintaining the very fine standards Russell T. Davies had established with the 10th Doctor era. 9/10.

It's _____ on the inside.

[MrFilmAndTelevisionShow · 9/10 · 24 March 2021]

I've reviewed over a thousand episodes of TV so far and yet somehow this is the first episode from the year 2007 I have rated. And a very good start to what I assume will be a very good year. I liked the Jadoon (if that is how you spell it) for, for once the villain of the episode was not the villain but rather the good guys with questionable morals seeking a villain with no morals. The Dr's new companion was great too but we didn't really get to know her just yet.

brilliant start to the 29th series of Who

[movieman_kev · 9/10 · 8 May 2008]

The Doctor, using his old alias of John Smith, first meets, Martha (Freema Agyeman), while resting up in a hospital that she's a medical student at. A hospital that's soon relocated to a rather strange place indeed: The moon. This seems to be the work of an alien-race known as the Judoon (resembling a cross between rhinoceros & stormtroopers) searching for a fugitive.

This is an extremely entertaining third (or 29th whichever you prefer) series opener of Who and an exhilarating introduction to Martha, the capable woman who'll soon become the Doctor's new companion. Furthermore, I sincerely hope that this isn't the last we hear or see from the Judoon as I found them fascinating.

My Grade: A

Walking on the Moon

[Stargazer59 · 7/10 · 4 April 2007]

With "Smith and Jones", "Doctor Who" was back with a bang! A better season opener than either of its two predecessors, I only wish an episode as strong as this had heralded the programme's return a couple of years back. It got the balance right between domestic and universal. Martha's family problems were only allowed to top and tail the episode not dominate the entire proceedings. What happened in-between highlighted the triviality of those everyday concerns.

The problem, of course, is that Martha's family follows Rose's, which on paper makes it sound like a new family has moved into the square, umm… street, sorry TARDIS! If Rose's family hadn't preceded Martha's I wouldn't be focusing on it now because, despite Martha's Dad's airhead bimbo of a girlfriend, her family weren't overwhelming for the viewer even if they were for each other!

Russell wrote Roy Marsden out too quickly for my liking, also, which is another trait of new "Who". Every year this happens with only a short amount of airtime given to quality guests such as Richard Wilson and Don Warrington. Good actors obviously don't come cheap so I suspect they're hired for a short space of time in order to lay claim to having had them on the show! Anyway, Roy had the best line, at least the one that made me laugh-out-loud, albeit lifted from "Fawlty Towers", as he walked away from patient "John Smith" recommending a full psychiatric review!!

Anne Reid was the main guest of the episode and she clearly relished her role. She was more memorable in this than "The Curse of Fenric" although I'm not for one minute saying that "Smith and Jones" is better than my favourite McCoy serial. And Freema was terrific. For my money, miles better than Rose because she is playing an intellectually, not emotionally, more intelligent character and hopefully won't be prone to bouts of tears every few minutes.

I hope the audience picked up on all the clues. The Doctor's passing reference to once having had a brother. Now, I wonder who that could be?!! That could be the red herring that RTD has slipped in to put the fan forums into meltdown, never to be mentioned again, or might conceivably be connected to the posters in the alleyways urging us to vote Saxon! As I'm sure everyone knows by now, a certain actor from "Life on Mars" has been cast to play the villainous black-suited Mr Saxon in the final two episodes. Now, again, I wonder who Saxon could really be?!!

I really hope the rest of the season is as strong as the first episode and doesn't let up like it did after the black hole story last year. Even so, I couldn't help thinking "Smith and Jones" would've made an even better four-parter with the cliff-hangers coming where Florence is revealed to be more than just a little old lady, where the marvellous Judoon march inexorably towards Martha, the audience in the knowledge she contains Time Lord DNA, and finally, and very traditionally, where the Doctor is believed dead. However, "Doctor Who" seems very much back on his/its feet, with or without trainers!!!

Doctor Who, Series 3, Episode 1 - Smith And Jones (Partial Spoiler)

[pdapollo · 8/10 · 17 June 2008]

David Tennant is as zany as ever as the Doctor in this first episode of the third series of the revived 'Doctor Who'.

The Doctor has a new assistant (pretty, of course) in trainee doctor Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman), and she has a torrid opening, being sucked up, along with her hospital, to the Moon by rhino-headed, interplanetary police for hire, the Judoon! In the hospital at the time was the Doctor, and also the plasmavore Miss Finnegan (Anne Reid). She then makes short work of hospital doctor Mr. Stoker (Roy Marsden) - using a straw to suck out his blood! Meanwhile, the Judoon are searching the hospital, greeting everyone with: "Prepare to be catalogued." Miss Finnegan is still looking for nourishment, and the Doctor is in her sights. With her straw inserted, Miss Finnegan makes the fatal mistake of not registering as human, when the Judoon approach her - as she's unaware that the Doctor is not all he seems. While Miss Finnegan is summarily dealt with, the Doctor is close to death. Martha uses her medical skills on the Doctor's two hearts, and gives him the kiss of life - for which the Doctor is eternally grateful...

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Slightly Cluttered Season Opener

[Theo Robertson · 6/10 · 20 July 2008]

This is the opening episode of season three Nu-Who and with hindsight these episodes tend to be the more unimpressive contributions from RTD . In his defence the opening episodes have more on their mind to simply tell a story , Rose was about the resurrection of a television legend while New Earth is a show case for the new zany geezer tenth Doctor . Smith And Jones is an introduction story setting up a new companion Martha Jones played by unknown actress Freema Agyeman so perhaps because of this Smith And Jones is a slightly under par story

As for the story itself the plot can be summed up as " Alien assassin bumps off member of alien royalty so send some fascist police to get execute assassin " . Of course Russell T Davies pads things out a bit by giving us five minutes of soap opera at the start of the episode and ten minutes of soap opera at the end of the episode . In between he gives us The Doctor and Martha running in and out hospital rooms and up and down flights of stairs . You always know when a script is written by RTD because there's far too much running around when in fact what is needed is drama

It's a far from terrible episode though and as I said in an earlier review RTD knows that DOCTOR WHO is based around imagery and what could be more iconic than seeing a NHS hospital beingtransported to the moon ! As for the cast familiar face from 1980s TV Roy Marsden does his best with the small role of consultant Mr Stoker . Ms Agyeman certainly gives one of her best performances as Martha , one of the few times where she seems an idiosyncratic character in her own right rather a recast Rose Tyler

I do have a slight problem with the Judoon though . In the trailer for season three we see them with their helmets off . Wouldn't it have been much better if the audience didn't know their appearance in advance and had waited till the aliens had pulled off their helmets on screen before seeing their rhino features ? Wouldn't that have been more dramatic ? But saying that I guess a few die hard fans would have complained that they thought the Judoon were in fact Sontarans and their disappointment ruined the episode

Judoon on the moon

[dkiliane · 8/10 · 18 February 2019]

The season three premiere successfully introduces us to the new Doctor Who companion, Martha Jones, whom I personally like far better than Rose Tyler. A little older (but still definitely young) and smarter (medical student no less) Martha is very engaging and entertaining as a companion. And of course, David Tennant was brilliant as the Doctor, as always.

The story was solid but not exceptional. The Judoon were interesting and the concept of the old woman as an intergalactic criminal on the run was both intriguing and well done. She was a surprisingly threatening villain. A solid season opener. 8/10

Crazy and entertaining

[gridoon2024 · 7/10 · 14 January 2015]

You know an episode of "Doctor Who" is on the right track when you hear the line "Look at the rain. It's going up"! And soon after that, an entire hospital lands on the moon - is that crazy and out-there enough for you? How about an alien race of interplanetary police-for-hire? If you're human, you have nothing to worry about - unless you physically assault them, in which case "Justice is swift"! The story is original enough, the special effects are pretty impressive, the dialogue is good, the Doctor is in top form, and Martha Jones makes a winning debut; compared to Rose, her introduction into - and acceptance of - the Doctor's world is done with less fuss, which is a good idea, as the viewer has already been there, so it's basically "get set and off we go!". An entertaining episode all around. *** out of 4.

Not good enough for The Doctor

[drwordsmith · 4/10 · 4 April 2007]

There was a lot of hype around this episode, as is followed on from the hugely successful Series 2 of Doctor Who, there was a new assistant in Martha Jones, new intergalactic enemies the Judoon and a huge budget. So how could this episode be a let-down? It is by no means a bad episode of the series, but for such an important one, it is not up to standard. It felt incredibly rushed, and there was far too much going on at once. There was not enough introduction of Martha as a character, although her manner was established quite well in this episode. The female bad guy (I forget her species) was far from anything - scary, interesting. The fact she comically drunk her victims blood through a straw made this episode feel more like the awful 'Love and Monsters' from series 2. The Doctor was on top form, but still a bit annoying. The trip to the moon, the reasons for it explained quite well, seemed pointless and a waste of time in the episode that could have been spent better. The episode did have its good point, however. It was fast paced, exciting in places and interesting until a certain point. Not a bad episode by any means, but the series needs to do better to top the previous 2.

A good new beginning

[warlordartos · 8/10 · 11 March 2021]

A good start for the new companion in the TARDIS (or companion to be next episode). I was very impressed with this episode unlike some others, I liked the Judoon even if they are narrow minded. What I didn't like however was the villain not getting enough screen time, really not much at all but well and truly a solid enough episode

Pretty good for a series opener

[Dr_Yang · 7 August 2011]

This was never going to be the best episode of Dr. Who. RTD had to introduce Martha Jones, have a convincing way for the Doctor to meet her and bring out her characteristics while still keeping an entertaining and fast paced story, which to be fair to him he did pretty well.

Compared to some of the other monsters we've seen over the last two series the Judoon looked quite good and Anne Reid as Mrs. Finnegan was excellent.

I wasn't overly convinced by Freema Agyeman and although she improved over the course of the series she has been the weakest companion of the new series (and when I heard Catherine Tate was going to be in series 4 I never thought I'd be saying that) but Dave Tennant continued to show what a great Doctor he is and more than compensated for her.

The story itself was good, pretty tense in places and it had a good ending.

7.10

A Solid Introduction for Martha with a Sprinkle of Silliness

[hwiltshire-06889 · 8/10 · 4 April 2024]

Smith and Jones is a perfectly enjoyable, if sometimes predictable, introduction to both Martha Jones and the Tenth Doctor's second series. It offers a nice dose of humor and a classic alien invasion plot for its first series 2 episode outing, earning a solid 8 out of 10.

David Tennant shines as the Doctor, bursting with energy and showcasing his knack for fast-talking and clever plans. Freema Agyeman brings a determined and no-nonsense energy as Martha, a welcome change of pace from companion Rose Tyler. Their dynamic is immediately engaging, full of witty banter and a budding curiosity.

The episode has a breezy, entertaining rhythm. The Judoon, while not the show's most innovative aliens, are fun antagonists. The hospital-based setting adds a touch of relatability to the outlandish situation. Some scenes, like the hospital moving to the moon, are just the right amount of silly to be memorable.

Where Smith and Jones loses a few points is in predictability. The plot beats are relatively standard for Doctor Who, and the motivations of the plasmavore feel a bit underdeveloped. Some supporting characters are more like caricatures than fully-fledged people.

Overall, Smith and Jones is a great introduction. It gives Martha a strong and memorable debut and shows David Tennant settling perfectly into the Doctor's shoes. While it may lack some depth, it's packed with humor, adventure, and leaves you eager to see more of these two companions in action.

Great starter

[zuyuu · 8/10 · 8 October 2023]

Smith and Jones is an excellent start to series 3. It does a great job of introducing Martha and her family dynamic, which becomes important later. It also is just fun. It brings back that mystery and excitement you felt in Rose, where everything starts again. The Doctor is still heartbroken from the finale of series 2, but Martha has lifted his spirits with her charm and smarts. Martha always was my favorite companion and her work in this episode really exemplifies that. She does so well and makes herself important, not just another scared freaking out doctor in the hospital. Her being a doctor also presents a very interesting dynamic, making it so that she can really help and prove herself in the eyes of the Doctor.

A great opening episode for a new companion...

[stevenjlowe82 · 9/10 · 14 November 2023]

I have to say I really really enjoyed this opening episode of the 3rd series of the New Who era.

David Tenant really has settled into the role and I have enjoyed his turn thus far and I'm enjoying this slightly darker tone we've been seeing since the Christmas special. He seems a little colder towards people and more dismissive of those he deems will slow him down. Obviously I feel a lot of this has to do with the loss of Rose and the guilt that he feels over it. It's nice to see Tenant dig into the darker emotional side of the Doctor.

I thought this episode did a terrific job in introducing us to the new companion Martha Jones. She's a very different character to Rose in she has obviously attained a higher level of education than Rose, no slight on her by the way. Martha is just as strong willed and inquisitive as Rose so that always makes for a good companion to me.

I also loved the Judoon and again this was a great introduction for them.

Overall an excellent opening episode introducing a new companion and getting us ready for a new dynamic for this 3rd series.

Bring on Martha!

[one_letter · 7/10 · 1 April 2007]

Well...he's back and so is Freema Agyeman, who some might remember from last year's episode 'Army of Ghosts'. Producers were so impressed with her portrayal of a Torchwood employee during that episode that they offered her the role as Martha Jones, the Doctor's new companion.

What you notice first about Martha Jones is....inquisitiveness. Unlike Rose (who was undoubtedly brilliant), Martha immediately asks how the TARDIS is bigger on the inside and what type of species he is if not human. She has a sharp mind and is asking the Doctor questions he himself hasn't worked out yet. Once or twice you catch him staring at her in amazement, like he finds it so hard to believe a human could actually work their heads around it all but still question why.

The second thing you notice is Martha's qualities as a leader. The Hospital was just materialized on the moon and many staff are panicking but Martha is attempting order, trying to get worried patients back to bed and assuring them there is nothing to fret about. Also as she communicates with her family (and you thought the Tyler's had problems!) you can see all of them, even her parents, would be at a loss as to what to do without her. She keeps them all together.

Personally I find Billie Piper a far superior actress to Freema but Martha as a character has far more....depth than Rose. She is interesting to watch.

I also like how they worked Rose leaving into it. At the end The Doctor feels like he owes Martha something in return for her help and offers her just ONE trip in the TARDIS. He stresses that she isn't replacing Rose nor does he need anyone to accompany him. (Yet I think they both know he needs someone in that big blue box whether that person is 'replacing' Rose or not)

Martha aside, the episode had a nice simple, well thought-out plot with the Judoon Police searching for a wanted Alien while the oxygen supply in the hospital slowly runs out. Not to keen on the whole aspect of the 'Kiss', bit wishy-washy but other than that an awesome episode.

Also keep an eye AND an ear out for Mr. Saxon references...............

Best Opener for NWHO very entertaining, and 2 great leads make this a fun time!

[rohanumpleby-34057 · 9/10 · 21 May 2023]

A Brilliant siries Opener. Martha Jones ( Freema Agyman) was a great companion. She was determined, and she had great chemistry with the Doctor. She felt more grounded then Rose, as Martha had family issues, which is what makes her feel more human. And she's an Underatted companion imo. Anyway enough about her, let's talk about the Plot.

So in the Beggining the Doctor is walking by and sees Martha. He shows her a magic trick then disappears, with this weird encounter for her and the Doctor alike we get to see a curious side to Martha. Despite the weird encounter she goes into the Hospital. Moments later, Rain can be seen from pouring down, and the Hospital crew along with the Doctor get Transported to the Moon. The Judoon being the culprits of this.

Judoon,

The Judoon design is good, body armour of Metal, and they are Police, in Space!. We find out they are here because of a monsterers person. That is a blood sucking maniac, in the form of an innocent looking old lady. That eats to much fruit Salad for dinner. Her plan is to Suck the life out of people. Judoon search for this Blood sucker. And what's great about this is it actually feels like a real life situation that Police would be in, searching for people, School Lockdown type thing. This episode balances the human type things with the more alien type things really well. With horror and comedy blended into the mix. Fast paced story that's edge of your seat stuff with some great character Moments and which have both got great chemistry.

This story is just fun and that's all it needs to be. And has great Music.

Conclusion,

Great Villains. Great Action. Cool concepts that work and are unique in more ways then one. Certainly recommended. 9/10.

Exciting enough, but too rushed

[Malcius · 6/10 · 2 April 2007]

As an introduction to Martha Jones "Smith and Jones" worked well. As a science fiction action show this was fairly good. As an episode of Doctor Who this was passable.

Firstly, a brief rant about the recent two series of Doctor Who as a whole: too much action not enough build-up. The old serials of Doctor Who often had 3-6 episodes to build a story. In the modern era we get the occasional 2-parter. a single episode is seldom enough to build emotional involvement in the story. It is not enough that the individual stories may fit into an all-encompassing series arc.

"Smith and Jones" fit this category, in that the storyline felt rushed with events contrived to propel it along and to introduce the new assistant. The Vogons (sorry, I mean the Judoon) seemed to be very patchily characterised. The aliens in Doctor Who and other SF shouldn't just be comical caricatures (longer or slower-paced story lines might help). Similarly the villain of the piece never really gets more than a couple of brush-strokes of characterisation.

That said, David Tennant still seems to fill the Doctor's shoes brilliantly and the new assistant looks promising. The relationship of these two was convincingly scripted as were Martha Jones' family ties, and the Doctor's encounter with the villain was typically very clever, albeit a little broadcast to anyone with more than a minimal knowledge of SF.

I hope for improvement as the series gets into its story arc and the longer/slower-paced story lines start to appear.

Verdict: solid enough start but could do better.

Fun!!!

[benjaminnewbould · 8/10 · 31 May 2023]

This episode for me is very fun, as it explores a unique and dynamic environment (that being a hospital on the moon) as well as introducing one of the most iconic nuwho aliens being the Judoon. Id also say that David Tennant as the 10th Doctor has a much better character here compared to him in s2, along side Martha Jones who is probably my 2nd favourite companion (after Amy pond) due to her strong, independent nature, which I love the exploration of through s3, s4 and s2 of torchwood. I also thing Mrs Finnagan (sorry idk the actresses name but I know her from corrie) also performed this well!

Lunar-tic Fringe.

[southdavid · 7/10 · 18 January 2021]

The third season of rebooted "Doctor Who" began in earnest with this episode, that introduced us to Martha, this seasons companion, but was an OK episode in and of itself, with some memorable characters and fun moments.

Arriving at work at a London hospital, Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman) begins a day like no other when the building, patients and all is transported to the moon. The Judoon, a group of military-like mercenaries have relocated the building to hunt for an alien hidden amongst them. Fortunately for all of them, one alien hidden amongst them is The Doctor (David Tennant) who tries to identify the real culprit before the limited Oxygen supply runs out.

I like Martha. I appreciate that she's not as beloved as Rose or Amy, but I don't think she or Freema really get their due. It's a little cringy looking at it now that she and her family are introduced with the Hip hop song playing in the background as it shouts "look they're black" at the audience. I forgot totally that Gugu Mbatha-Raw was her sister or that Reggie Yates plays her brother, or even that he used to act at all. I did remember that Adjoa Andoh returned to the show and fortunately without the heavy cat prosthetics this time.

The actual episode is decent, if not perhaps the very top tier. The puppet face for the rhino like Judoon is very good and most of the CGI is strong in this one. Anne Reid makes for a sinister villain, despite her benign appearance but the resolution of her storyline and particularly her trap is a bit underwhelming. Now trained with the "Bad Woof" and "Torchwood" through runners, the "Mr. Saxon" is prevalent and explicit again this time. I do miss when "Doctor Who" had a season arc though.

Fine, if a bit underdeveloped.

Chips and Cheese =^]

[wetmars · 6/10 · 10 August 2020]

This episode was okay, don't kill me guys. We've got the introduction of the Judoon! I love them. The story just felt boring and fast-paced, even we got to meet the underrated companion, Martha Jones.

Smith and Jones

[studioAT · 7/10 · 9 August 2021]

Martha Jones had huge shoes to fill as the Doctor's companion, with everyone loving Rose so much, but this is a decent episode in which to introduce her.

There's lots of promising signs that the dynamic between The Doctor and Martha, with some nice dialogue and moments. David Tennant is on top form too.

It's not all perfect, the villain gets defeated quite easily, and the less said about Martha's annoying family the better, but this proves to be a nice first episode of the 3rd series, and a good introduction to Freema Agyeman's Martha.