Why Series 3 is Doctor Who's Underrated Peak

[@HarboWholmes]

The first 1000 people to use this link will get a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership! skl.sh/harbowholmes12201

[@readhistory2023]

Paul Cornell would make a good how runner.

[@alexpotts6520]

5:53 "And I really think that Martha is able to fill Rose's boots." If only the Tenth Doctor felt the same way...

[@79lerxst]

My God...do I miss Martha/Freema😉.. Yes good season...but MARTHA MARTHA MARTHA!!!!

[@hamsandwich4243]

I’d go as far as saying that Martha was so much better than Rose that she was pulling out of Rose’s boots

[@uklie01]

I think he did in the end

[@gamercore7833]

@@hamsandwich4243 nah

[@annajulias]

@@hamsandwich4243lol if a rose stan said rose is better y’all would be crying about it, calling us toxic and saying martha is unfairly hated

[@crazypomp927]

Martha was the epitome of competence, and I definitely preferred her to Rose. Not to mention that Freema Agyeman is stone cold gorgeous.

[@HiHi-lt1cb]

She's literally so pretty

[@NightshadeShroud]

I would stop my heart just so she could resuscitate me.

[@crazypomp927]

@@NightshadeShroud 🤣🤣

[@rodolfocastaneda]

It's the eyes

[@mayotango1317]

Cof Doctor Jesús cof

[@mattshanley6755]

I didn't realize series 3 was so unpopular. Blink, The Family of Blood, the reintroduction of the Master! It's one of my favorites!

[@justsomerandomguyonline1144]

Blink is the worst episode of that series and probably the RTD era as a whole

[@Finikyu]

@@justsomerandomguyonline1144 why would you say something so controversial yet so brave?

[@Urbaninjaq]

@@justsomerandomguyonline1144 why do you consider it the worst? I'm just curious because it is one of the most highly praised episodes in the entire show. Hell, I watched the series once my friend recommended it to me after telling me about this episode specifically.

[@JNest1]

@@Urbaninjaq he’s probably just saying it to get people to react and reply.

[@RealBadGaming52]

@@justsomerandomguyonline1144 Blink is a load of "look how clever i am shite" and i love good time travel plot

[@pastlife960]

“Not just using characters like Jack just for the sake of recognition.” Glances at series 12 and Revolution of the Daleks with hatred in my eyes.

[@miloleesley563]

Fan service isn't a bad thing. Just look at the MCU.

[@legoworld246]

@@miloleesley563 Fanservice is like the icing on the cake. Not everyone likes it, but to those that do, it makes it better. But even to those that like it, if the icing is the only good thing about the cake, then it wasn't a good cake to begin with.

[@miloleesley563]

@@legoworld246 I agree

[@Venemofthe888]

Series 3 is where Tennant hit his stride and Series 4 where he nailed it. For me from the family of blood 2 part to blink to the master 3 part finale thats a good set of episodes in some of them are put forward as modern whos best episodes. Although i like series 4 more, series 3 has 3 of Tennants best episodes

[@tristansteinbomer3256]

Tennant hit his stride in season 2

[@Zach90888]

The S ranks will be the library, midnight and turn left, right In my op it’s the stolen earth finale would be there too, but others disagree

[@Zach90888]

@ok zoomer I know, along with midnight (he’s done a video on it) and heaven sent. But I’m saying that if he says he is only gonna have this many consecutive S ranks one more time, it will be at that point

[@uklie01]

@@tristansteinbomer3256 absolutely, yes!

[@sonicthecheese6467]

i was a child when this series came out and i remember it being the biggest thing on tv, like everyone watched it and it was the highlight of christmas

[@kdmedia1534]

Yeah I think this season is the reason the 2007 Christmas special ‘Voyage of the Damned’ was the most viewed episode of New-Who and the second most viewed episode of Doctor Who as a whole.

[@joelwilliams9636]

I do kinda miss having Dr Who popular in our culture

[@Noone-vz6ye]

It is still very popular , I mean I don't know how it is in the US

[@thegreensimp9129]

@@Noone-vz6ye It's not really though. The most recent two series have been hated by fans with a nosedive in viewership, and people are already placing bets on who will replace Jodie Whittaker before she's even decided to leave. We want Chibnall and his awful creative team out as soon as possible.

[@Noone-vz6ye]

@@thegreensimp9129 i mean yes the show has been dipping in quality ( by that i mean running the legacy of the show bad.)But does that make it any less iconic? ( the new star wars movies are hated does that mean there is no fan base left?) But I would say the show is not that relevant as it used to be during the RTD and even the Moffat era ... after 11th Doctor, the series does not have the same cultural status as it used to have .

[@matthewchurchyard8552]

Yeah like I remember a time when doctor who was thee event of the week and talking about it on the Monday afterwards at school. Most people I know nowadays don’t even know what it is. Such a shame

[@user-jn1wm3tb8v]

@@matthewchurchyard8552 I just hope whoever is next is going to bring it to a good quality and bring it back to the spotlight

[@lozzamarie]

I really enjoy how contrasting Martha’s family is in comparison to roses family, for example, Francine and Jackie are the complete opposite in how they develop their relationship with the doctor. I used to hate Francines character as a kid but now I can appreciate the concern and desperation for the safety of her daughter. Jackie hated the doctor at first and then gained love for him, whereas Francine wasn’t really fond of the doctor to begin with, with the master planting the seed for the hatred but then her over coming it at the end of series 3 when Martha decides to stay at home rather than travel with the doctor. I think it’s a really good way of not having the story repeat itself. Martha’s drama in the family in particular I could relate to as a kid which made it feel more real to me.

[@hunterkiller1440]

I've always considered series 3 the best of 10th Doctor’s era.

[@-sk8-437]

as much i as i disagree a can see why

[@robinevans3440]

My fav series

[@cameronhowdle8693]

I agree

[@jxsh03]

I'd rank Doctor Who: Series 4 - Top Tier Series 3/Series 1/Series 5 - Amazing Series 2 - Mostly amazing but a few mediocre episodes Series 6 - Some good ones, mostly just alright Series 7 - Pretty mediocre, Day and Time of Doctor were good. Cant really comment properly or fairly on Capaldis run. Series 11 and 12

[@legendary2553]

Same

[@PikarinePlays]

Has anyone else noticed that Freema Agyeman has somehow managed to look even younger now than she did when she was on the show. I genuinely think she has access to a real time machine

[@jvblhc]

I've watched her in New Amsterdam, where she does a fine job and, yes, she looks amazing. Must be a bonus from riding around in the TARDIS so much.

[@abcdefgh6951]

And now realize she is at the age of Jackie

[@abigailxmary]

i personally can’t believe she’s a year younger than my mother and twice my age, she looks absolutely amazing!

[@lilithhedwig5408]

She was GORGEOUS in Sense8

[@OverWims]

better make up than in the past

[@sofarle]

People don't give enough credit to Martha, I think more people recognize her value more now than at the time but she is absolutely lovely and such a great role model, and let's be real the dynamic her and her family shared with themselves and the Doctor was absolutely hilarious! Plus let's not forget how horrifying the finale was, now THAT is how you do an apocalypse scenario, still terrifies me to this day!

[@HarrysMovingMedia]

Welcome to the Skillshare gang Harbo

[@jackwarner4915]

Yes Harry

[@gromitx1682]

YOU GUYS ARE FRIENDS LETS GO

[@TripleJumpYTP]

@@gromitx1682 they're both basically the same person

[@CucksonROTF]

I love you and harbo and your who reviews, never stop please ❤

[@matthewbishop9079]

@@TripleJumpYTP well except for the fact harbos favourite companion is clara while harrys worst companion is clara lol

[@lovescrona]

Martha put this series over the top for me. She's my favorite nuwho companion by far

[@abadabax6374]

eyy

[@Gengu]

Series 3 truly was a step up from series 2 and takes the cake for one of my favourite seasons of Doctor Who

[@BecxKK]

I get why people find the love storylines annoying but in my opinion it’s realistic. I think you’d be hard pressed to find many girls in their 20s who could travel alone with this outgoing, good looking, awe-inspiring guy for months, often encountering life threatening situations together (which I’m sure has some brain chemical-y impact on heightening emotions) and not fall in love with him! It wouldn’t happen so easily with classic doctors because a lot of them were older or had grumpier personalities or were travelling in a group so the dynamics were different.

[@jenniferstorm4037]

Exactly! The idea that young women are traveling with that version of the Doctor and not falling hard would be impossible to believe. And I don’t know a single competent woman who hasn’t found herself overlooked and unrequited.

[@danm3882]

Series 3 and 4 are my favourite series ever. A masterclass in Doctor Who!

[@timeofthewhoviansunited1504]

Again, facts - Series 1, 3 & 4 are the best series

[@jakeavis4170]

Agreed!

[@jvblhc]

@@timeofthewhoviansunited1504 I agree whole heartedly!

[@raggedyfanboy]

Martha is hella underrated!

[@timeofthewhoviansunited1504]

I know Right!!

[@79lerxst]

Oh baby I will second that notion.. I love Freema/Martha

[@michaelpuglisi6767]

When I was younger and watching this series for the first time, I wasn't the biggest fan of her. Rewatching recently I wonder what the hell I was thinking. Martha is brilliant, probably my second favorite companion of all time (first place goes to Ace)

[@-haclong2366]

All I ever read about the 9th Doctor and Martha is that they're underrated, but I have yet to see anyone actually dislike either ...

[@michaelpuglisi6767]

@@-haclong2366 I don't think anyone DISLIKES them per se, they just get less attention

[@Cheese_steak_]

As someone whos parents were separated martha was more relatable and her crush doesn't like her back

[@pastlife960]

Ahhhhh, the good old days. When Doctor Who, Merlin and Primeval were all on TV at the same time.

[@taladavidson5400]

what a time to be alive

[@erikalieben5476]

Take me back to those days!

[@jonathanskinner7647]

Is there a way to say I agree in a really long paragraph without seeming boring? No? Okay I agree

[@dalekcaan99]

The number one thing I've learned watching this channel is that there even is a dislike for season 3 and Martha. Martha is one of my favourite companions, and season 3 is one of my favourite companions. Other than the unrequited love thing, it's incredible.

[@osmo2384]

Yes season 3 was a great companion. (Also you should probably use "series" rather than season when talking about Nuwho because "season" refers to classic who just for clarity.)

[@adphilm2577]

I still think that a cold open tier list would be cool

[@adphilm2577]

I’ll also comment this on The Fires of Pompeii

[@mrwhatcanido4942]

totally.

[@jacobmatson8849]

I would prefer a cliff hanger tier list

[@RealBadGaming52]

i love cold openings in shows and dr who perfected them

[@hibiscusman]

The Doctor Forever is also, at least in part, based on Martha's theme. They share a lot of commonalities in their melodies.

[@Unhappytimeaper]

I do have to say the one thing I like about Martha's love story arc is it never made her less capable to do things both on her own and even against the Doctor which was one of my criticisms with Rose/10 (how Rose went from a capable character with 9 to someone who felt like they needed 10 to do even the most basic of things). There was very few times this made her feel selfish and self serving, but even when she did it often felt out of necessity using her personal emotions to compel the reasoning like in Family of Blood. Martha's love also help with pushing the he will always come and save the day belief she had, they could have done this without the plot but I felt it did have some sort of reasoning to why she always was willing to hold out for him to save the day even when she didn't know him all that well. Really for me, Martha's unrequited love helps strength parts of her character and story, granted they could have given her more character ways to express it rather than make googly eyes at 10 but 10 really made it hard and annoying to watch. Even though he cared for Martha he constantly was a tool to her and the show never let him evolve without Rose in the season which would made it so much better, eventually sort of turning him into a whiny shell of a character who struggled to find value in the now.

[@lovelyspringweather]

It drives me crazy that the doctor never apologies or at least acknowledge being such a jerk to Martha. Like you said, she's done SO much for him.

[@HiHi-lt1cb]

I love how Martha left on her own before something bad happened to her (like other companions). Such a power move, she deserved better

[@dustinmartin6524]

Not really, she left because the Doctor didn’t fancy her. She immediately went on to join Unit and become a soldier, which puts her in far more danger than travelling with the Doctor puts her in

[@shinjiikaribot]

season 3 has my absolute favourite episodes and the godly run of the show from human nature to the last of the time lords.

[@BubblyShip]

Me, watching doctor who: This is our new companion? Sweet! She's a smart doctor, the Doctor likes her, they have an awesome first episode and she proves to be quick and smart, frankly I think she's amazing - Doctor Who: And so anyway she's in love with the Doctor Me: *spits out water

[@raggedyfanboy]

Series 3,4&5 are the peaks!

[@Dalek7823]

Might be an unpopular opinion but I believe Matt Smith to be a rather limited actor and his tenure coincided with some of the most annoying characters in Doctor Who history. Vastra, Jenny, River Song and especially Clara. Series 5 was Matt Smith's best series but that's purely because series 6 and 7 had so many annoyances about them. Having said that, I'd choose Matt Smith all over again if it meant removing the stain on Doctor Who that is known as series 11 & 12.

[@MrGreaves]

@@Dalek7823 I kinda agree... Matt Smith had some good acting moments (Rings of Akhatten speech, I’m looking at you) but was a bit bland at times. Though I do think s5 was rather good.

[@justsomerandomguyonline1144]

Not Series 5 that’s when the show went downhill

[@JNest1]

Way too true

[@RealBadGaming52]

5 was okay

[@Pancake3225]

I think the David Tennant era is the golden era of Doctor Who. It's not to discredit doctors before and after, but didn't Doctor Who become bigger than ever under Tennant? He really set up the template for the ability for Doctor Who to crossover internationally that is credited under Matt Smith's era. To give Matt Smith his proper due, if he never found his stride then Doctor Who certainly would've had a second death as BBC wanted to axe the show when David Tennant left. Tennant helped make the show what it was and his influence has still been felt for over a decade. Every doctor is going to be compared to Tennant.

[@jvblhc]

I put Matt Smith's first season as my Number 4, above Season Two, which is so hit and miss.

[@pokelolmc6826]

I personally like to compare the pressure on David Tennant to the pressure on Patrick Troughton, with some exceptions-both had to keep their (at the time) new respective version of series alive by engaging the audience right after the departure of their beloved predecessor, in order to keep the show alive and thriving instead of it dying with their tenure. Without Patrick Troughton helping to prove the audience could deal with change after William Hartnell, we would have no Doctor Who to reboot in the first place. If David Tennant didn’t help prove the reboot could engage the audience after Christopher Eccleston (and help the new fans unfamiliar with regeneration cope with the change in lead actor for their first times), we would have no Doctor Who today (or, at least to have survived to give us another decade-anniversary multi-Doctor special). The first Doctors of each era may have started it all off or gave the show a second chance, but in my opinion it’s each era’s second that allowed the show to thrive.

[@Pancake3225]

@@jvblhc what are your top 3? I think if I were to list Smith’s seasons then 5 would be his best and definitive season for me. Followed by 7 and then 6, a season I think is his worst. If I were to rank Tennant, it would be 4, 3 and 2. I loved the banter and romantic aspect with Rose in S2 to be charming but Tennant really defined himself without her in the picture. He just got better and better. Also, S2 did have a lot of filler or bleh episodes.

[@mujiescomedy279]

How did I never realise Martha’s mum was the head of MI9 in MI high?

[@TheSmart-CasualGamer]

Huh? I thought that was a dude with a beard.

[@mujiescomedy279]

@@TheSmart-CasualGamer that was the head of Skul (the grand master). Who, interestingly enough, is played by Julian bleach aka davros

[@mathieuleader8601]

Wish Martha came from the 1910's like she was originally intended

[@timeofthewhoviansunited1504]

Wait that was going to happen?

[@saoirsedeltufo7436]

Nah, I doubt she'd have been relatable which is kinda needed for a companion

[@yedgulf4714]

@@saoirsedeltufo7436 I feel like you can still make a character from the past relatable but tbh I also don't think it wouldn't have been as good as the Martha we got. I also feel like they might have made Martha more modern with the idea of addressing racial issues of the past from the eyes of someone living in the aftermath of the atrocities that happened

[@KillerMeme]

@@saoirsedeltufo7436 pretty sure Jamie McCrimmon was a companion from the 1700’s maybe 1800’s Honestly do wish doctor who would maybe pick another “historical” companion

[@alicebethell8069]

I can understand why Davies chose to forego historical or futuristic companions as he was bringing back Doctor Who and he clearly wanted to keep a strong modern Earth continuity as explored in episodes like Turn Left- so having a historical companion halfway through the Davies run would have disrupted that. However, I really wish that Moffat and Chibnall had chosen to have companions from different eras as it is getting incredibly dull now.

[@anyaklum8757]

Thank you! Seasons 3 and 4 were always my favorites and even though they aren't exactly underrated, they could stand to be appreciated even more

[@gerardspicer3381]

In my opinion the quality of this era's episodes was bolstered by Murray Gold's excellent soundtrack. Even though it's in the background & easily overlooked it sets the mood & provides a quality aura.

[@thespidercrafter8547]

"Francine's protectiveness serves an easy justificaiton for Mr Saxon maniuplating her and the drawing the family into his master plan." That line right there is... Masterful.

[@peterjennings6072]

Series 3 and 4 is the peak if who

[@DCSMedia]

What about series 5?

[@bammyplays3106]

Agree but season 5 as well

[@TheMarioAdams]

Series 3,4,9 and 10 are the peak imo

[@kylemccrory2031]

debatable

[@justsomerandomguyonline1144]

@@DCSMedia series 5 is dreadful and is when the show went downhill

[@giladzxc17]

I loved martha and i thought the love arc was pretty good. It enhanced how the doctor is really not human, and brought a natural reason for their departure at the end.

[@elliotcrossan6290]

Huge shoutout to BBC Robin Hood! Though that show was built from the success of Doctor Who, I actually got into Robin Hood and then got into Doctor Who afterwards. They were absolutely amazing (I say were because I don't love the Moffat/Chibnall eras lol)

[@zo3019]

In my honest opinion, series 3 was well written. You really can't compare Martha to Rose..it's totally unfair. I agree, they shouldn't have made Rose a love interest, but worked out towards the end. Martha on the other hand was several steps up. She basically challenged the Doctor regularly...keeping him focus. Plus by her being a doctor as well (a very bright one), she showed the same if not more compassion just as the Doctor.

[@nightowl8477]

16:16 very true, I think the first black companion could have been handled better. I appreciate that in the likes of The Shakespeare Code and Human Nature, we acknowledge that historical time travel is an inherently different - and worser - experience for people of colour. But there comes a point when Martha just becomes the writing equivalent of a punching bag, just getting beaten up way too much. It _should_ make me uncomfortable, of course, that's the point, but I think it goes too far. You're absolutely right. If we had the reassurance that "the Doctor will take care of her," it wouldn't be nearly as bad. Enslaving the Jones', certainly, was way too far. And it doesn't help that Shakespeare's lines were played for comedy.

[@fadikhoory5350]

When will you start S4? It's a shame Verity Lambert never got to see the rest of the peak. Well, at least she took a small sip of Chibnall.

[@lucypreece7581]

I get what you mean about the well blended tonal aesthetics of series three. it felt like lots of browns and oranges with a hint of green for some reason but i like it. visually it's nice.

[@blobfish5730]

I think Harbo would agree that Doctor Who's peak is Season 16 just for one reason

[@HarboWholmes]

Romana I is queen

[@nightowl8477]

Get rid of the Dalek two-parter and 42, and that's one hell of a series. Even then, if 42's your worst episode, that's pretty impressive. It's only Last of the Time Lords that lets it down, and it's hardly the worst finale. Certainly the most underrated series in the show, and my personal favourite. Series 4 is objectively when the show was at its peak, but I prefer Series 3.

[@timeofthewhoviansunited1504]

True

[@jonsmith5058]

But I mean oof. Nearly one quarter of the season is the finale 3 episodes. You throw out nearly another quarter with the Dalek two parter and 42. Blink was great but could have been slotted into any season whatsoever, Martha and the Doctor play pretty much zero role in that episode being great. But we're down to less than half here. Family of blood two parter was good, but Shakespeare code, Gridlock and the Lazarus experiment are not good episodes. I think I just turned off Lazarus experiment as I was so bored by it and also how badly they were trying to jam in the Saxon stuff. Gridlock is literally some absurd story about people living in a traffic jam with giant crab monsters eating them below. Its solved literally by someone opening the roof and them flying up..... its a bad episode man. Season 3 is possibly the most inconsistent season, when its bad its really bad but when its good its got some absolute belters. Season 1 is consistently good, there are no particularly weak episodes but great ones like Dalek, Empty Child and Fathers Day. Season 2 has great peaks such as the Cybermen, Girl in The Fireplace and The Satan pit but is let down by 'Fear Her' and 'Love & Monsters' will admittedly are worse than anything in season 3 but it can still rise higher on the strength of all the other episodes as its consistently strong despite those misses, plus if we are excusing so many from season 3 lets excuse those from season 2 and it becomes the best season hands down. Cool if its your favourite but its a tough sell to say its the best or peak of a season.

[@erikalieben5476]

I love the Dalek 2 parter. David Tennant gave some of his best performances in those episodes and I loved the story and character.

[@leviroch]

loved freema, 2nd favourite companion, so much more capable and awesome than rose (imo). I also think she's the cutest companion, which doesn't hurt lol

[@jvblhc]

I rank Season 3 of Modern Who as the third best. I think Season Four and Season One are just about perfect. Season Three has no real bad stories, just a few that are marred by awful CGI and makeup. I even like Chris Chibnall's "42", which is an average episode that is no classic, but it works for me. One of the best things about the third season is the excellent companion, Martha Jones. Still my favorite companion. I wish she had hung around for one more season, but at least she did come back for a few episodes of Season 4. So many episodes I love in Season Three - Smith and Jones, Gridlock, Blink, Human Nature/Family of Blood, the whole Utopia trilogy. A truly fine season, which, if you ask me tomorrow, you might see me putting into second place. As for the unrequited love aspect, I never understood why many hate it. Sure, in just about every episode, there is a moment when Martha pines away about The Doctor. Then the moment is over and she goes about her business, like making sure The Doctor doesn't kill himself accidentally, saving the World... you know, all that kind of stuff.

[@LiveHedgehog]

It's sad to see how far the interest and reputation of this show has fallen. I feel like people who are stalwart fans of the recent series of Doctor Who are suffering from Stockholm syndrome.

[@ftumschk]

Whilst I'd concede that some of those heaping fulsome praise on S11/12 seem to be wearing rose-tinted glasses, I'm still genuinely enjoying it, even if I'm acutely aware that it's far from its best.

[@alicebethell8069]

LiveHedgehog *rocking back and forth* it will get better next season, it will get better next season...

[@paddystrongjaw9995]

I gave series 11 a chance, watched all of the episodes but just found it so boring, didn’t watch series 12 (glad I didn’t)

[@kdmedia1534]

@@paddystrongjaw9995 Man I didn’t get past Arachnids in the UK. After I watched that, I calmly put the remote down, turned the TV off, went to my room, lied in my bed and contemplated my life and existence. Then I fell in love with Big Finish :))))

[@paddystrongjaw9995]

@@kdmedia1534 goodness knows how anyone stayed on after that

[@alexandermclean9281]

Thank you Harbo. Series 3 was incredible, and I still hold it as one of my favourites of the revived series.

[@ceciliaslepmet4840]

I don't understand the people who dislike Martha because she was in love with the Doctor. Maybe they'all always only knew bidirectionnelle love, but loving someone who's totally oblivious to your (not subtle) love is totally relatable imo (not to mention the Doctor kissed her), and also without it Martha might have been "too perfect" considering how competent but also caring, funny and many others qualities she has.

[@mrgreeny906]

I do have a soft spot for series 3. Considering it was the first series I actually watched and had on dvd back in 2008 so I had already had Martha in my mind and I really enjoyed the whole series.

[@lucypreece7581]

I know i have gushed about this series a lot but honestly i love it a lot. I distinctly remember this series being the first one i can actively remember watching on TV. i remember the Dalek two parter and Human Nature and Family Of Blood and i was gripped by them. This series is just really great. the writing, the acting. Tennant on top form, always loved Martha and much prefer her over Rose. Like weighed up with season 2 there are far fewer weak episodes in this series meaning that it is much better overall. Whenever i am on a rewatch i genuinely look forward to series 3. series 2 feels like a slog to get through whereas this series never feels like a slog. the weaker episodes are skipable so it doesn't damage everything. honestly i could defend and give loads of love to series 3 for a whole day. it is underrated and needs more love and is brilliant. I loves it a lot. if you hadn't guessed already. and just to say i was 9 years old when this series aired originally so it shows how good it is if i can remember watching it 13 years later and still love it.

[@Lia-uf1ir]

Series 3 was the second season of Doctor Who that I watched after Series 7B and I instantly loved Ten and Martha, even though the constant reference to Rose (who, to me, was only a name back then) was a bit irritating. And after seing Utopia, I wanted to know more abou Captain Jack because I instantly liked his character so much. The mystery about him (having only seen him in Series 3 up to that point) was intriguing! And while I don't have a favourite Doctor (I love them all), Clara Oswald, Martha Jones and Captain Jack Harkness are my favorite companions! I will never forget how Martha enters Shakespeare's England (the first clip I ever saw of Series 3, the Sally Sparrow/Doctor conversation was the second!), New Earth and of course, the Judoon opening episode. But Blink and Utopia are, I think, my favourite episodes of Series 3. Lastly, I am so excited for your reviews for Series 4 as, while I don't know whether it is my favourite season as I have so much nostalgia from 7B and 3, it is, I think, the perfect season in terms of quality episodes, all of them are great and I love them all! :D

[@STOTTINMAD]

This was the TV universe before the Mcu and then it fell apart.

[@21Michichi]

The love story is what made it annoying for me. Like she had scenes that were ruined by her being an upset moody teenager because her crush won't recognize her. She falls in love because that kiss in the first episode that the doctor did to distract the Judoon. He could have just licked her forehead instead and the "alien" imprint would have been left to distract the Judoon and prevented her cringe lines. Other than that it was very good

[@jljljljljl9328]

You talking about primeval gave me a rush of nostalgia.

[@timeofthewhoviansunited1504]

Same here. With Merlin as well

[@timeofthewhoviansunited1504]

Awesome Overall Review of an Remarkable Series - George

[@georged-vy7mn]

I agree

[@Tulf42]

19:29 I relate to this so well as I was 10 in 2005 and 12 in 2007, so it was easy for me to relate to the show each year growing up, especially with the people in my school year group having the same respect of Doctor Who that I did. I wish those days came back so much, not just in terms of the quality of Doctor Who, but also the amount of fun and friendships I had with the people I interacted with at the time, discussing DW the following week at school and more.

[@charlotteSL1453]

The human nature two parter, is in first place for my favourite two parters with silence in the library and forest of the dead. Plus, I think the soundtrack to this series is some of Murray Gold’s best. Absolutely brilliant. :D

[@jleigh329]

Yeah, I love Series 3! It's my second favorite Series after Series 4. But as far as the whole "unrequited love story" plot went I didn't really mind it at all, I definitely didn't hate it. And I personally thought it was somewhat "realistic" for Martha to feel that way about The Doctor. Not to mention I thought The Doctor kept giving Martha mixed signals about her feelings towards him, and kept toying with her emotion's. Plus as unpopular of an opinion as this is even though "Rose" was my 1st Doctor Who companion she isn't my favorite. Mainly due to the fact that her presence in the show never really went away (including her showing up in the 50th Anniversary Special) including the fact that The Doctor (including some other character's) becauseSo I could see where Martha was coming from (at least when it came to that).

[@danm3882]

I’m going to guess the other three S rank episodes in a row are Midnight, Turn Left and The Stolen Earth.

[@dasmysteryman12]

You forgot Silence in the Library/Forest of the Dead. 5 S tier episodes in a row.

[@itzimperiumxvi2620]

waters of mars too

[@misscattrap]

@@itzimperiumxvi2620 waters of Mars is split by planet of the dead

[@itzimperiumxvi2620]

@@misscattrap with those bus mechanics, planet of the dead is a solid S*******

[@Sportnugget]

My (maybe) controversial opinion: series 3, 6, and 9 are my favorites from their respective Doctors

[@notverysur3rightnow145]

For me, it’s Ten: 4 3 2 11: 5 6 7 Twelve: 9 10 8 Thirteen: Shit Shitter I wouldn’t say it’s controversial though they were amazing series

[@alim.9801]

Series 3 and 9 are my favorites PERIOD

[@intergalactic92]

This was the peak for me. Some of the magic started to fade from this point on. I still like series 4, of course, but for me it never created the same buzz as series 3. And it’s mostly for the Master to be honest. I was getting hyped for him returning from the start (some of my friends were probably getting slightly annoyed by me constantly mentioning him), and boy did he deliver. John Simm is great. I don’t care what anyone says. And Martha is an excellent companion.

[@taladavidson5400]

john simm is a great master honestly, big fan of his portrayal

[@Renegade2786]

Torchwood was first mentioned in the first series finale *Bad Wolf*

[@gabrielleenriquez6816]

i love when you delve into doctor who lore that involves the real world! learning about what the tv culture was like back then was super cool

[@JeremyDuncan]

May I say, as a musician, I am so happy you used the term leit motif!!!

[@oswin1234]

you sir, have hit upon the biggest issue with series 3 - that love story and how it devalues Martha "Not-Rose" Jones

[@robbiesmith8055]

Posting this on a bunch of your videos to help metrics: Thank you so much for making this series. Doctor Who was my favourite tv show as a kid, and was literally the only interest that every member of my family had in common, so it was very special to us growing up. Watching all your deep dives into each of the NuWho episodes has been a very nostalgic experience for me, so thank you thank you xx

[@EmotionalVortex]

You just blew my mind when you mentioned that all the antagonists are very similar to humans. That can't be a coincidence, that's very cool. Never picked up on that before. Also glad to see Primeval getting some recognition, still one of my favourite series

[@dr.basildisco7606]

>Tony Blair quits It really was the golden age

[@Gengu]

So it would seem

[@nathanrich4372]

harold Saxon took over though

[@greghawkins59]

Definitely agree about Martha, she's easily my favourite companion so seeing her done dirty with that friendzone storyline was annoying. It totally made sense and I wouldn't take it out but they could have done it much differently, with the doctor growing to understand her worth.

[@abigailxmary]

tbf the Vaseline filter was standard for so many tv shows in 2005/2006, it’s not exclusive to the first two seasons of doctor who...

[@xBoringPerfectionx]

I was 10 in 2005 and I definitely agree with the show growing with the audience. As a teenager I much perfered series 3 and 4 to 1 and 2

[@atherstone55]

I agree, Series 3 was superb, Utopia with the Master reveal was one of my highlights

[@matthewchurchyard8552]

I love Martha a lot, one of my favourite companions of new who up there with Bill and Nardole. She was capable, smart and basically saved the universe by herself like four times 😂😂

[@danm3882]

You should have really said Captain Jack- The Face of Boe rather than Captain Jack and The Face of Boe when talking about returning characters at 5:37.

[@ftumschk]

Never mind the Face of Boe... where's the _Rest_ of Boe? That's what I want to know ;)

[@1000guy1]

And series 5 would mark the ending of the golden age of the new series

[@timeofthewhoviansunited1504]

Yep

[@kdmedia1534]

This was the only series I had on dvd back in 2008. I must’ve seen every episode at least 50 times now. Never get sick of it, and the music? Omggggg. God tier stuff.

[@thedangerousivy]

Martha is my 2nd favorite companion (Rose is #1) and this season is my favorite

[@jukeboxjammer2343]

It’s become a ritual of sorts where, once I start working on a side project at home (namely sewing a new piece of clothing) I have this season of Doctor Who playing while I work! I don’t always have all of it going all the way through but it’s what I like to have while I work

[@morgangleed309]

I literally watched every show you mentioned, Torchwood, Sarah Jane adventures, Merlin, Primeval 😂 all very good

[@timeofthewhoviansunited1504]

James Jordan Agreed - I love them all 😊 Huge fan

[@jonathanskinner7647]

Also, we ever gonna get a primeval video?

[@Qlownman]

Oh I love you, Primevil gang

[@HarboWholmes]

Maybe one day

[@LouieBenn]

@@HarboWholmes I beg you, please!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@aarothewanderer5549]

I love Primeval too

[@ArtByTom_D13]

But Martha being in love with the Doctor is the whole point of her, to emphasise how broken he is abt Rose, Russel brings in another rose who can offer more (being as intelligent and capable as she is) but the Doctor doesn’t even care about that bcuz he misses rose. While being fully fleshed out, RTD’s companions are there to emphasise the arch he goes through in those 4 seasons, Rose brings back his humanity, Martha exemplifies his relapse and fall, then Donna makes him the best he can be through connection beyond the romantic.

[@anastasiagreen666]

I very much agree with almost everything you say, but i have to disagree with you saying the doctor never gets called out on his treatment of martha. the second goodbye in last of the time Lord's was Martha's way of calling him out in a way that let him know she forgave him and still wanted to be his friend, but she wasn't going to let him treat her lile that ever again. I think it's a good and very in character way of dealing with it, as Martha wouldn't want to make a big fuss after she'd made up her mind to leave,but she's also too aware of her own self worth at that point to let him off scot free. i dislike the unrequited love arc as much as you, and I agree that it detracts from her much more interesting character arc, but I think it was resolved well

[@EliasYork]

Primeval was fucking brilliant, thank you for the throwback.

[@SmallvillenerdTwo]

42 -> The Sound of Drums is such a great run of episodes

[@rafaelaoliveira8833]

I love the commentary videos, became a fan and I'm watching it all! The channel have a video talking about the face of boe? I'd love to see that!

[@CREN13Queen]

You know it just occurred to me, with you talking about the series arcs, how much I like that within the same season Rose was present at Torchwood house and the incident that led to Torchwood being founded, only for that event way in the past to have direct consequences on Rose's present day with the ghosts and Rose leaving the show. It's a very time traveler story.

[@Lia-uf1ir]

5:08 "because it was kind of an underdog trying new things and experimenting." That's why I love Series 11 and 12! They are also underdogs in that way trying new things. Series 11 didn't have an arc and Series 12 does something new with the Doctor's background, making the WHO in Doctor Who relevant again and thus bringing the franchise back to its roots by having the Doctor be a total mystery again! And, no matter the quality, I always prefer it when a series risks something instead of playing it safe! It is proof of creativity and originality. I'm excited because we have something to discuss about, like how they will continue with the Timeless Child arc.

[@nicolemajlat2768]

Glad someone is enjoying the show still I for one can not bring myself to like it

[@Lia-uf1ir]

@@nicolemajlat2768 Thank you! 🙂 Why can’t you enjoy it anymore? 😢

[@iamliberator1101]

Based on your passion for MGs music of S3. I am listening to it as I type and Martha's theme gives me chills of ethereal sadness due to her character arch sandwichEd between Rose and Donna

[@EshfulCookie]

No mention of Martha's theme, arguably the best companion theme of the show? (only rivalled by Rose's theme imo, but not a Rose fan)

[@timeofthewhoviansunited1504]

I do agree with you

[@ajw4782]

as a first time watcher of the show (so far I've watched Series 1-4 and the 2024 season). Series 3 is by far my favorite so far, so it's definitely got more than nostalgia going for it.

[@maryakawhovian]

I actually really like the unrequited love story line, is much more realistic than having two people in love

[@Dr3Mc3Ninja]

29:48 I fucking love Primeval, but they cut it short, like Torchwood.

[@charlesfarley28]

This is the episode I had been waiting for, (as it features my favorite modern companion) and from your opening on, it was like I was at a Southern (US) Baptist Revival, dancing and shouting "TESTIFY, BROTHER!" As much as I disliked Martha being infatuated with him, by the time the series had concluded I had come to fall in love with Martha because she had proven herself his equal in various ways, not the least of which being her kindness, heroism and bravery, and had resolved that she was NO ONE'S romantic consolation prize, letting him have both barrels when making that clear to him. Besides, much like Knives Chau to Scott Pilgrim, she was too cool for him, anyway. Then, there was the reveal that, for people like me and the friend who introduced me to Who at 10 years old in 1994, froze our blood. The Chameleon Arch fob watch held by Professor Yana. We both turned to look at one another in terror, not wanting to believe he had somehow returned. Watching with friends who had only known new Who, they had only ever seen that fear in our eyes once before, in series 1's Dalek.

[@Dragonten312]

Great video, but an embedded advert plus 3 more KZbin ads make it hard to watch. Especially on mobile.

[@shridharbiju7370]

Honestly Martha is one of my least favourite companions, along with Rose, with Donna being favourite in the 10th era and Clara being my favourite in the new series.

[@gooseincrocs]

Series 3 is amazing nearly all the stories are perfect, except the lazarous experiment for the CGI and 42, but for the mentions of Saxon/Master, Marthas family and I think people don't like it as much because it was the first without Rose. My fave season is 4 with Donna and Doctor but series3 is also amazing and deserves better

[@timeofthewhoviansunited1504]

Abby Dixon I love Donna too

[@HuntingViolets]

Martha is absolutely my favorite companion. Ten definitely did not stand up for Martha enough.

[@ratman7976]

So you are insinuating The Doctor and Rose porked