A rantlet

[ksmith]

Romana was and remains my favorite companion. I enjoyed the fact that she was the Doctor's intellectual and educational equal, if not his superior, as well as the give and take and tension inherent in that sort of balance. I was disappointed when her character departed the show.

Last night, I watched the first Martha Jones episode. Oh look, another young, gorgeous woman who is open to new experiences and instruction. Teachable. Malleable. And there's the o/l/d/e/r/ m/a/n Doctor, playing hide and seek, luring her away from an unhappy family situation and into his c/a/r/ TARDIS. The only things missing were a bag of candy and an invitation to see his etchings.

I guess you could say I found that sequence a tad creepy. Not fond of the Doctor-as-Pickup-Artist.

I would love to see Romana return.

Comments

[rarelylynne.livejournal.com]

The writing for Martha is choppy, but she gets better. Just hang on for Donna.

You. will. LOVE. Donna. Srsly.

[janni.livejournal.com]

And Martha is the Doctor's equal by the end, really sooner. Will be very curious what you make of her arc. I actually loved Martha, and found her a welcome change from Rose, even though I didn't really dislike the latter.

[planetalyx.livejournal.com]

I don't want to spoil you, but if you can get through Martha (or skip ahead), someone much better is glimmering on the horizon.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

I like Martha. I'm just tired of the young, (comparatively) naive woman schtick. It's like they're trying to make up for forty-some years of zippo on-screen sexuality all in one go.

Of course, my fanfic-that-I-will-never-write involves Romana and Captain Jack, so.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

Does she modulate? Because the Bride was a little shrill.

And I'm not simply talking about standing up to the Doctor and setting him back on his heels on occasion. I'm talking about an equal. Someone who isn't left behind. Someone who leaves the Doctor behind.

I should wait for Donna...

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

I liked Rose. She was greedy, and jealous. I don't envy the life she has left, although if she does hook up with that universe's Torchwood, she should get on well enough.

And I like Martha. I don't like the Doctor as Lounge Lizard.

[rarelylynne.livejournal.com]

She is an equal. And yes, she becomes less shrill.

Any more than that, and I'm in BIG spoiler territory.

[janni.livejournal.com]

Someone who isn't left behind. Someone who leaves the Doctor behind.

Bites tongue to avoid spoilers.

I was surprised how much I liked Donna, by the way, since she didn't work got me in the Bride episode either.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

But Season 3 just started here, so it sounds as though I will need to wait until next year for Donna?

Unless vast sums drop into my lap, allowing me to purchase DVDs.

[planetalyx.livejournal.com]

Mmmm, that is a great pairing.

The actress who plays the next companion is actually older than David Tennant!

[janni.livejournal.com]

But Martha is totally worth it in her own right, I thought, especially as her seasons go on.

Romana

[(Anonymous)]

I loved Mary Tamm's Romana. Lala did a great job too... but ooo, Romana 1 is my Romana.

Romana returned from E-space (as a prisoner of the Daleks if I recall correctly), escaped and eventually became Lord President of Gallifrey. She and Leela became good friends and each had their own K-9.

There is so much more Romana in the very excellent Doctor Who audio dramas from Big Finish Productions. She's even set to return as Lord President in a second Key to Time series

I am a huge Martha Jones Fan! By the end of her run, I think you will see that she holds her own. I think Martha was curious enough to leave of her own accord with the Doctor's offer.

I would love to see more male companions personally.

Happy Whoing!
Tim