Manifest Destiny--the new frontier

stripperkurt:

feministwhoniverse:

Favourite Feminist Moments in Doctor Who - #1 Martha’s Departure

At the end of series three, after having saved the world, Martha Jones leaves the TARDIS and returns to her life on earth. There are so many wonderful things about this scene.

Firstly, Martha chooses to leave. The Doctor making important choices for his companions, rather than letting them make decisions for themselves, is something which happens all to often in Doctor Who. Yet here we have Martha, making the decision to leave The Doctor, on her own terms. Not only that, but she also gives The Doctor a right, good telling off.

Throughout her time travelling in the TARDIS, The Doctor continually under appreciates her. He refuses to recognise her as his companion, undermines her, subjects her to racism, sexism and real hardship. 

The Doctor also never really acknowledges how amazing she is, during the time they travel together. Martha is selfless, putting her life on the line to help others without a second thought. She saves The Doctor’s life several times. She single handedly saves the world, for heavens sake. 

Martha knows that The Doctor hasn’t appreciated her and so she tells him. That moment when she says “I spent a lot of time with you thinking I was second best, but you know what? I am good” is so powerful. 

That is why this will forever remain one of my favourite moments of television, ever.