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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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