Following her whirlwind introduction in Smith and Jones, Martha Jones embarks on her first proper adventure in The Shakespeare Code, first broadcast on April 7, 2007. Written by Gareth Roberts and directed by Charles Palmer, this episode seamlessly blends historical drama with science fiction, throwing the Doctor and Martha into the heart of Elizabethan London, where they cross paths with none other than William Shakespeare himself. It’s a lively, witty, and visually gorgeous episode, but does it hold up in 2025?
One of the immediate strengths of The Shakespeare Code is how effortlessly it immerses the audience in its period setting. From the moment the Doctor and Martha step into the bustling, mud-slicked streets of London, the production design and cinematography do a fantastic job of making the world feel alive. The Globe Theatre, reconstructed in full detail, is a particular highlight, lending authenticity to the episode’s historical backdrop.
Martha, stepping into her first true test as a companion, proves once again why she is one of the most competent travelers the Doctor has ever had. Unlike Rose’s early adventures, where she needed reassurance, Martha immediately adapts to the situation with intelligence and confidence. She questions, she learns, and she keeps up with the Doctor’s rapid explanations without ever feeling out of her depth. Freema Agyeman’s chemistry with David Tennant continues to develop beautifully—her mix of admiration, attraction, and quiet frustration with the Doctor’s lingering thoughts of Rose adds layers to their dynamic.
Then there’s Shakespeare himself, played with infectious charisma by Dean Lennox Kelly. The episode wisely avoids the temptation to portray him as some untouchable literary genius, instead presenting him as a rockstar of his time—brash, flirtatious, and endlessly clever. His exchanges with the Doctor are among the best moments of the episode, filled with fast-paced wordplay and genuine mutual respect. The idea that Shakespeare possesses a near-supernatural ability to weave words that shape reality is a brilliant touch, positioning him as a figure whose genius is almost alien in nature.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Doctor Who without a fantastical threat, and The Shakespeare Code delivers in the form of the Carrionites—witch-like creatures who harness the power of words to manipulate the world. The concept of an alien species that uses language as a weapon is wonderfully fitting for an episode centered around the greatest writer in history. The Carrionites, led by the delightfully menacing Lilith (Christina Cole), bring an effective sense of Gothic horror to the story. Their ability to influence minds, appear through reflections, and snatch people into the abyss is genuinely unsettling. While their ultimate plan—using Shakespeare’s lost play Love’s Labour’s Won to open a portal—is classic Doctor Who hokum, it’s executed with such energy that it hardly matters.
One of the episode’s standout moments is its climax at the Globe Theatre. The Doctor, Shakespeare, and Martha working together to improvise a counter-spell against the Carrionites is a fantastic piece of storytelling. The idea that words themselves have power, that creativity and intelligence can combat even the darkest forces, is an inspiring and fitting resolution. The final twist—that Queen Elizabeth I has a personal vendetta against the Doctor—sets up a running joke that won’t pay off until The Day of the Doctor, demonstrating Russell T Davies’ knack for planting seeds that later writers would develop.
Rewatching The Shakespeare Code in 2025, it remains a thoroughly enjoyable episode, brimming with humor, adventure, and clever ideas. Martha’s first proper outing as a companion cements her as an intelligent and capable lead, Shakespeare is given a fresh and entertaining portrayal, and the Carrionites provide a suitably eerie threat. The blend of history and science fiction is expertly handled, making it one of the standout historical episodes of the revived series. More than anything, it serves as a reminder of what makes Doctor Who so special—the ability to take a figure like Shakespeare and place him in a story that is equal parts thrilling, educational, and wonderfully bonkers.
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