Martha Jones, a companion in the BBC science fiction series Doctor Who, is a medical student and part-time worker for UNIT, a United Nations organisation tasked with defending Earth from extraterrestrial threats. She is notable for being the first black companion in the show’s long history, having joined the Doctor in the third season of the revived series in 2007. Martha’s character has been praised for her intelligence, bravery, and compassion, and she has become a popular figure among fans of the show.
Is Martha Jones the First Black Companion?
Martha Jones, played by Freema Agyeman, debuted in the 2005 Doctor Who episode “Smith and Jones.” While she is frequently referred to as the first Black companion, her status as the first is a subject of debate.
Key Factors in Determining Martha’s Status:
- Race: Martha identifies as Black and her casting represented a significant milestone for Doctor Who, showcasing a Black actress in a prominent role.
- Companionship: Martha traveled with the Tenth Doctor for the 2006-2007 season, serving as a full-time companion.
- Precedence: However, Martha was preceded by several other characters who could be considered companions of color:
- Romana (Lalla Ward), a Time Lady with African heritage, traveled with the Fourth Doctor from 1979-1981.
- Nyssa (Sarah Sutton), a Trakenite with dark skin, traveled with the Fifth Doctor from 1981-1983.
A Comparative Analysis:
| Companion | Race | Travel Length | Primary Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Romana | Time Lady (African heritage) | 2 seasons | Time Lord regenerant |
| Nyssa | Trakenite (dark skin) | 2 seasons | Medical doctor |
| Martha Jones | Black human | 1 season | Medical student |
As the table demonstrates, Martha’s companionships differed from Romana’s and Nyssa’s in terms of travel length and primary role. Romana and Nyssa were Time Lords and had significant influence on the Doctor’s adventures. Martha, on the other hand, was a human with a limited role in the Doctor’s travels.
Interpretations and Perspectives:
- Some fans argue that Romana and Nyssa’s non-human status disqualifies them from being considered Black companions, as they represent alien races rather than human experiences.
- Others contend that their African heritage and the casting of Black actresses in those roles make them equally valid as Black companions.
- Ultimately, defining who is or is not the “first Black companion” is subjective and open to interpretation.
Conclusion:
Whether or not Martha Jones is considered the first Black companion depends on various factors and perspectives. While she is undoubtedly a significant figure in Doctor Who history, her status as the “first” is not universally agreed upon. The question remains a subject of ongoing debate among fans and scholars alike.
Question 1:
Is Martha Jones the first black companion in Doctor Who?
Answer:
The subject is Martha Jones. The predicate is “is the first black companion in Doctor Who.” The object is “no.”
Martha Jones is not the first black companion in Doctor Who. The first black companion was Mickey Smith, who appeared in the 2005 episode “Rose.”
Question 2:
When did Martha Jones become a companion in Doctor Who?
Answer:
The subject is Martha Jones. The predicate is “became a companion in Doctor Who.” The object is “the 2007 episode ‘Smith and Jones.'”
Martha Jones became a companion in Doctor Who in the 2007 episode “Smith and Jones.”
Question 3:
What is Martha Jones’ role as a companion?
Answer:
The subject is Martha Jones. The predicate is “is a companion.” The object is “the Doctor.”
Martha Jones’ role as a companion is to travel with the Doctor and help him fight evil.
Alright, folks! That wraps up our little chat about Martha Jones and the intriguing possibility of her being the first Black companion in Doctor Who. I know, I know, it’s a bit of a mind-boggler, but it’s always fun to speculate, isn’t it? Thanks for sticking with me on this journey through time and space. If you’re itching for more mind-bending content, be sure to pop back in sometime. We’ll have plenty more where this came from. Until then, keep on geeking out and questioning the boundaries of the Whoniverse! Cheers!