Following the two-part Dalek adventure, The Lazarus Experiment, first broadcast on May 5, 2007, brings Doctor Who back to Earth for a more intimate, character-driven story. Written by Stephen Greenhorn and directed by Richard Clark, this episode places Martha Jones in the spotlight, delving into her family dynamic while introducing one of the series’ most visually memorable monsters. But rewatching in 2025, does it hold up as a compelling standalone episode, or does it get overshadowed by its surrounding arc?
From the outset, The Lazarus Experiment sets itself apart by grounding the story in the personal stakes of Martha’s life. The episode opens with the Doctor seemingly preparing to part ways with Martha, having promised her just one trip. It is a jarring reminder of the lingering emotional baggage from his time with Rose—whereas Rose was immediately welcomed as an equal, Martha is still being tested. However, that all changes when Professor Lazarus (Mark Gatiss) unveils his groundbreaking experiment, and things predictably take a horrifying turn.
The core premise of the episode is classic science fiction horror: an aging scientist, desperate to reverse time’s effects, tampers with nature and pays the price. Professor Lazarus’ transformation into a grotesque, scorpion-like creature is one of the more ambitious CGI creations of the Tennant era. While the effects have aged somewhat, the design itself remains effective, evoking classic horror tropes with its skeletal, elongated form and unnatural movements. The inspiration from The Fly and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is evident, reinforcing Doctor Who’s long-standing tradition of using science fiction as a vehicle for cautionary tales.
What elevates The Lazarus Experiment beyond its monster-of-the-week premise is its deeper thematic exploration of mortality and hubris. Lazarus is not simply a villain—he is a man terrified of irrelevance, clinging to the notion that youth equates to power. His conversation with the Doctor about aging is one of the episode’s highlights, drawing an intriguing parallel between the two characters. While Lazarus fears death, the Doctor, having lived for centuries, understands that life’s value is tied to its fleeting nature. Mark Gatiss delivers a strong performance, balancing arrogance and desperation to create a character who, despite his monstrous transformation, remains tragically human.
Martha’s role in this episode is pivotal. For the first time, we see her stepping out of the Doctor’s shadow, taking control of the situation in ways that prove she is more than just a passenger. Her dynamic with her family, particularly her mother Francine, adds an extra layer of tension. Francine’s growing mistrust of the Doctor—fueled by the enigmatic Harold Saxon’s interference—plants seeds for the finale’s eventual conflict. The fact that Martha’s mother is being actively manipulated against the Doctor adds an interesting dynamic, marking the beginning of a larger arc that will culminate in The Sound of Drums.
Visually, the episode makes strong use of its primary setting—the Lazarus Laboratories and its grand reception hall. The sequences of Lazarus stalking his prey in the echoing corridors add an element of suspense, though the CGI itself is a mixed bag. Some of the creature effects, particularly in motion, struggle to hold up compared to more practical approaches used in other episodes.
The climax, set within Southwark Cathedral, adds a theatrical, almost Gothic horror feel to the proceedings. The Doctor and Martha luring Lazarus to the top of the building, using the resonance of the organ to overload his unstable DNA, is a clever resolution, albeit one that leans into Doctor Who’s tendency for technobabble solutions. However, the real emotional payoff comes in the final scene, when the Doctor finally acknowledges Martha as a full-fledged companion rather than a temporary traveler. His invitation—"Thank you for what you did today. We could do with someone like you"—marks a turning point in their relationship, solidifying Martha’s place aboard the TARDIS.
Rewatching The Lazarus Experiment in 2025, it remains a solid mid-season entry. While its CGI-heavy villain may not have aged as gracefully as some of Doctor Who’s more practical effects, the episode’s thematic depth, strong character work, and foreshadowing of future events ensure that it is more than just filler. It is a story about fear, vanity, and the inevitability of time, wrapped in a thrilling and occasionally eerie package. More importantly, it is the episode where Martha truly earns her place as the Doctor’s companion, setting the stage for the challenges ahead.
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