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   From: doctor@doctor.nl2k.ab.ca   
      
   Here’s a review of *Doctor Who: Smith and Jones*:   
      
   ---   
      
   *Smith and Jones* marks the introduction of Martha Jones   
   (Freema Agyeman) as the new companion to the Doctor (David Tennant),   
   following the departure of Rose Tyler. The episode is a fast-paced   
   and entertaining start to the third series, combining humour, action,   
   and classic *Doctor Who* thrills. It successfully introduces Martha   
   as a capable, intelligent, and independent character while delivering   
   a fun, engaging plot.   
      
   The episode begins with a focus on Martha's everyday life   
   as a medical student, giving the audience a glimpse   
   of her family dynamics, which adds depth to her character   
   from the start. Unlike Rose, who was somewhat in awe of the Doctor   
   and the world he introduced her to, Martha enters the story with   
   a strong sense of agency and curiosity. She is resourceful,   
   confident, and quick on her feet, traits that immediately   
   set her apart and make her a worthy companion to the Doctor.   
      
   The main plot centers around the hospital where Martha works,   
   which is suddenly transported to the moon by a group of alien   
   police-for-hire known as the Judoon. The Judoon are a new addition   
   to the *Doctor Who* universe, and they make an immediate impression   
   with their militaristic demeanor and no-nonsense approach   
   to law enforcement. Their methodical nature provides both humour   
   and tension as they scan the hospital's inhabitants, searching   
   for a fugitive alien hiding among the humans.   
      
   The villain of the episode, Mrs. Finnegan, is a Plasmavore disguised   
   as an elderly woman who drains the blood of her victims   
   to mimic their genetic identity. This allows her to evade   
   the Judoon's detection, as they are looking for non-human life forms.   
   The concept of the Plasmavore is creative, and her interactions   
   with the Doctor and Martha are appropriately menacing.   
   Mrs. Finnegan’s ability to hide in plain sight adds a layer of suspense   
   to the episode, as the Doctor and Martha race against time to stop   
   her before she kills again.   
      
   One of the highlights of *Smith and Jones* is the chemistry   
   between the Doctor and Martha. From their very first encounter,   
   it's clear that Martha is not going to be a passive companion.   
   She questions the Doctor, challenges him, and even saves his life   
   by performing CPR when he temporarily stops his heart to escape   
   detection by the Judoon. This moment not only showcases her medical   
   skills but also her quick thinking under pressure. The Doctor,   
   in turn, recognises her potential and invites her to join him   
   on his travels, though he's careful to note that it's only   
   for “one trip.”   
      
   David Tennant's performance as the Doctor continues to shine   
   in this episode. He's playful and eccentric as always, but   
   there's also a sense of melancholy beneath his enthusiasm,   
   likely stemming from his recent separation from Rose.   
   This undercurrent of sadness adds depth to his character,   
   as he navigates the excitement of meeting a new companion   
   while still mourning the loss of his previous one.   
   Tennant's ability to balance the Doctor's emotional   
   complexity with his exuberant energy makes his portrayal   
   consistently engaging.   
      
   The pacing of the episode is strong, with plenty of action   
   sequences to keep viewers entertained. The hospital being   
   transported to the moon creates a tense, isolated atmosphere,   
   as the characters are cut off from Earth   
   and must rely on their wits to survive. The Judoon scanning scenes   
   are suspenseful, as the Doctor and Martha attempt to evade detection   
   while searching for the Plasmavore. The climactic confrontation   
   between the Doctor and Mrs. Finnegan is well-executed,   
   with the Doctor cleverly outsmarting her by tricking the Judoon   
   into scanning her as she drains his blood, exposing her   
   as the alien fugitive.   
      
   Visually, the episode is impressive, especially for a series opener.   
   The exterior shots of the hospital on the moon are striking,   
   creating a sense of awe and danger. The Judoon costumes   
   nd prosthetics are well-designed, making them a memorable   
   and imposing alien race. The special effects, while not groundbreaking,   
   are solid and serve the story effectively, particularly in the scenes   
   involving the hospital's transportation to and from the moon.   
      
   In terms of character development, *Smith and Jones* does a great job   
   of establishing Martha as a distinct character with her own motivations   
   and strengths. She’s not a replacement for Rose, but rather a new kind   
   of companion with her own unique perspective. The episode also hints   
   at the familial relationships that will play a larger role in her arc   
   throughout the series, as Martha’s family dynamics are introduced   
   briefly but effectively.   
      
   One potential criticism of the episode is that the Plasmavore,   
   while a serviceable villain, lacks depth compared to some   
   of the more memorable antagonists in *Doctor Who*.   
   Mrs. Finnegan's motivations are fairly straightforward, and she doesn't   
   pose a significant intellectual or emotional challenge to the Doctor.   
   However, as the focus of the episode is more on introducing Martha   
   and setting up her dynamic with the Doctor, this can be forgiven   
   as a minor issue.   
      
   Overall, *Smith and Jones* is a strong, engaging episode   
   that successfully kicks off the third series of *Doctor Who*.   
   It introduces Martha Jones as a dynamic and capable companion   
   while delivering a fun, fast-paced adventure filled with action,   
   humour, and suspense. The episode strikes a good balance between   
   character development and plot, making it an enjoyable watch   
   for both new and returning viewers.   
      
   ---   
      
   Rating: 8/10   
      
   *Smith and Jones* is a solid series opener, offering   
   an exciting adventure, strong character moments,   
   and the introduction of a memorable new companion.   
   While the villain may not be the most complex,   
   the episode succeeds in setting the stage   
   for the adventures to come, with Martha Jones quickly   
   establishing herself as a worthy addition   
   to the Doctor's roster of companions.   
   --   
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