Harriet Jones
Encyclopedia
Harriet Jones MP
is a recurring fictional character played by Penelope Wilton
in the long-running British
science fiction television
series Doctor Who
. With the revival of Doctor Who in 2005, Jones was introduced in the two-part story "Aliens of London
" and "World War Three
" as an MP
who aids the Ninth Doctor
against an alien invasion of London. Later becoming Prime Minister
, she is also featured in two episodes with the Tenth Doctor
: the 2005 Christmas
special "The Christmas Invasion
" and in the 2008 episode "The Stolen Earth
".
(ITV
, 2001). Jones is introduced in the 2005 episode "Aliens of London
", as a modest and unassuming backbench MP
for the fictional constituency of Flydale North. After Christopher Eccleston
's departure from the series's lead role, Davies was eager to include elements of the 2005 season in that year's Christmas special, Tenth Doctor David Tennant
's first full episode, to reassure viewers discomforted by the sudden change of lead actor. To this end, he and producer Phil Collinson secured the return of Wilton's character, now promoted to the role of Prime Minister.
A running gag
associated with the character is that Jones always introduces herself by flashing an identity card and stating her name and position, since her original constituency is a "tiny little place" no one has heard of. Despite becoming Prime Minister (and still afterwards as well) she continues to do this, to which the series's characters and even alien races such as the Dalek
s and Sycorax are always forced to respond: "Yes, [I/we] know who you are." She is a particularly sharp-minded woman and not given to panic; in fact, the worse the situation, the stronger her resolve is.
As is common with the portrayal of fictional politicians on British television, Harriet Jones's political party
is not stated, although she does say that she is not one of the "babes"
, "just a faithful back-bencher." The only indication given of her political views is that she voted against the Iraq War.
" and its continuation "World War Three
", Harriet Jones is introduced as a backbench MP
for Flydale North caught up in events in London when an alien spacecraft crash-lands and the Cabinet
is infiltrated by aliens named the Slitheen
. She finds herself trapped with the Doctor
and his companion Rose Tyler
inside 10 Downing Street
, and as the only elected representative present gives the Doctor the order to launch a harpoon missile, destroying the building but killing the Slitheen who were about to trigger nuclear war
. At this point the Doctor tells Rose that Jones is destined to become Prime Minister, elected for three successive terms, and be the architect of a period known as Britain's 'Golden Age'.
The character returns in the 2005 Christmas special "The Christmas Invasion
", set several months later when the character is indeed now Prime Minister. Jones oversees the launch of the Guinevere Space Probe which is captured by an invading Sycorax spaceship. Although the invasion is averted by the Doctor, Jones orders the covert Torchwood
organisation to shoot down the retreating Sycorax ship regardless, arguing that there will come a time when the Doctor will not be able to protect Earth and so she must do what she can herself to defend it. The Doctor reacts furiously however, warning her that he can bring her down with just six words: "Don't you think she looks tired?" In the episode's dénouement she is seen to be facing rumours of ill-health and a vote of no confidence.
Later that series the Doctor arrives in the parallel world for the second time and when he asks Pete who the President is he replies "Someone called Harriet Jones." The Doctor tells Pete to keep an eye on her (in case she is like the other world's Harriet Jones).
In the 2007 episode "The Sound of Drums
", it is stated that the Master
, running for Prime Minister under the alias Mr Saxon, Minister of Defence, appeared right after Harriet Jones's downfall. It was indicated on Saxon's campaign website that Jones was still PM in 2008; In his column in Doctor Who Magazine
, Russell T Davies explains his intention that by the Doctor ending Jones's career early, a "gap" was created in history that the Master was then able to exploit.
The character appears for the final time in the 2008 episode "The Stolen Earth
". After being deposed by the Doctor, she has given serious thought to the Doctor's view, but ultimately concludes that she was correct in not abdicating responsibility for Earth's protection to the Doctor. Her concerns are proven justified. As the Earth surrenders to an invading army of Dalek
warships, Jones broadcasts using a sentient "subwave" network which searches out those who can communicate with the Doctor - namely ex-companions Jack Harkness
and his team at Torchwood Three, Sarah Jane Smith
, Martha Jones
, and Rose Tyler
with future companion Wilfred Mott
. The network, developed by the Mr. Copper Foundation, was created for a time when — as Jones had predicted — the Doctor would fail to protect the Earth in a time of crisis. Despite being only the former Prime Minister (as she repeatedly introduces herself with her identity card), she assumes command of Torchwood and her minuscule but disproportionately powerful militia
, and controls the broadcast from her own home, thereby allowing the Doctor to successfully follow its signal back to Earth at the expense of her own location becoming visible to the Daleks. Just before the Doctor makes contact, Jones's house is breached. As a trio of Daleks approach her, she introduces herself for the final time and proclaims defiantly that the Daleks will fail as they know nothing of humanity, before she is exterminated. Rose informs the Doctor of her sacrifice in the following episode "Journey's End
".
Christmas Special (2005)
Series 4 (2008)
" establishes that an alternative Harriet Jones is the President of the United Republic (previously Kingdom) on a parallel
Earth in succession to the unnamed President killed in Rise of the Cybermen
, and her tenure is also being described there as a new Golden Age. On hearing this, the Doctor makes a disparaging sound and warns that world's Pete Tyler to keep an eye on her.
Member of Parliament
A Member of Parliament is a representative of the voters to a :parliament. In many countries with bicameral parliaments, the term applies specifically to members of the lower house, as upper houses often have a different title, such as senate, and thus also have different titles for its members,...
is a recurring fictional character played by Penelope Wilton
Penelope Wilton
Penelope Alice Wilton, OBE is an English actress.-Life and career:Penelope Alice Wilton was born in Scarborough, North Riding of Yorkshire, to a former actress mother and a businessman father. She is a niece of actors Bill Travers and Linden Travers and a cousin of the actor Richard Morant...
in the long-running British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
science fiction television
Science fiction on television
Science fiction first appeared on a television program during the Golden Age of Science Fiction. Special effects and other production techniques allow creators to present a living visual image of an imaginary world not limited by the constraints of reality; this makes television an excellent medium...
series Doctor Who
Doctor Who
Doctor Who is a British science fiction television programme produced by the BBC. The programme depicts the adventures of a time-travelling humanoid alien known as the Doctor who explores the universe in a sentient time machine called the TARDIS that flies through time and space, whose exterior...
. With the revival of Doctor Who in 2005, Jones was introduced in the two-part story "Aliens of London
Aliens of London
"Aliens of London" is the fourth episode of the first series of the British science fiction television show Doctor Who that was first broadcast on 16 April 2005. The Doctor takes Rose back to 21st century London, just in time to witness a spaceship crashing into the River Thames, triggering a...
" and "World War Three
World War Three (Doctor Who)
"World War Three" is the fifth episode of the first series in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who that was first broadcast on 23 April 2005. It is the second of a two-part story. The first part, "Aliens of London", was broadcast on 16 April...
" as an MP
Member of Parliament
A Member of Parliament is a representative of the voters to a :parliament. In many countries with bicameral parliaments, the term applies specifically to members of the lower house, as upper houses often have a different title, such as senate, and thus also have different titles for its members,...
who aids the Ninth Doctor
Ninth Doctor
The Ninth Doctor is the ninth incarnation of the protagonist of the long-running BBC television science-fiction series Doctor Who. He is played by Christopher Eccleston....
against an alien invasion of London. Later becoming Prime Minister
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the Head of Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom. The Prime Minister and Cabinet are collectively accountable for their policies and actions to the Sovereign, to Parliament, to their political party and...
, she is also featured in two episodes with the Tenth Doctor
Tenth Doctor
The Tenth Doctor is the tenth incarnation of the protagonist of the long-running BBC television science-fiction series Doctor Who. He is played by David Tennant, who appears in three series, as well as eight specials...
: the 2005 Christmas
Christmas
Christmas or Christmas Day is an annual holiday generally celebrated on December 25 by billions of people around the world. It is a Christian feast that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, liturgically closing the Advent season and initiating the season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days...
special "The Christmas Invasion
The Christmas Invasion
"The Christmas Invasion" is a 60-minute special episode of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It is Christmas, but there is little cause for celebration as planet Earth is invaded by aliens known as the Sycorax...
" and in the 2008 episode "The Stolen Earth
The Stolen Earth
"The Stolen Earth" is the twelfth episode of the fourth series and the 750th overall episode of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. The episode was written by show runner and head writer Russell T Davies and is the first of a two-part crossover story; the concluding episode is...
".
Character outline
The role of Harriet Jones was specifically written for Wilton by Doctor Who writer and executive producer Russell T Davies, with whom she had previously worked on Bob and RoseBob and Rose
Bob & Rose is a British television drama, originally screened in six one-hour episodes on the ITV network in the UK in the autumn of 2001. It was produced for the network by the independent Red Production Company, and was that company's first prime-time drama for the ITV network.Bob & Rose was the...
(ITV
ITV
ITV is the major commercial public service TV network in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1955 under the auspices of the Independent Television Authority to provide competition to the BBC, it is also the oldest commercial network in the UK...
, 2001). Jones is introduced in the 2005 episode "Aliens of London
Aliens of London
"Aliens of London" is the fourth episode of the first series of the British science fiction television show Doctor Who that was first broadcast on 16 April 2005. The Doctor takes Rose back to 21st century London, just in time to witness a spaceship crashing into the River Thames, triggering a...
", as a modest and unassuming backbench MP
Backbencher
In Westminster parliamentary systems, a backbencher is a Member of Parliament or a legislator who does not hold governmental office and is not a Front Bench spokesperson in the Opposition...
for the fictional constituency of Flydale North. After Christopher Eccleston
Christopher Eccleston
Christopher Eccleston is an English stage, film and television actor. His films include Let Him Have It, Shallow Grave, Elizabeth, 28 Days Later, Gone in 60 Seconds, The Others, and G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra...
's departure from the series's lead role, Davies was eager to include elements of the 2005 season in that year's Christmas special, Tenth Doctor David Tennant
David Tennant
David Tennant is a Scottish actor. In addition to his work in theatre, including a widely praised Hamlet, Tennant is best known for his role as the tenth incarnation of the Doctor in Doctor Who, along with the title role in the 2005 TV serial Casanova and as Barty Crouch, Jr...
's first full episode, to reassure viewers discomforted by the sudden change of lead actor. To this end, he and producer Phil Collinson secured the return of Wilton's character, now promoted to the role of Prime Minister.
A running gag
Running gag
A running gag, or running joke, is a literary device that takes the form of an amusing joke or a comical reference and appears repeatedly throughout a work of literature or other form of storytelling....
associated with the character is that Jones always introduces herself by flashing an identity card and stating her name and position, since her original constituency is a "tiny little place" no one has heard of. Despite becoming Prime Minister (and still afterwards as well) she continues to do this, to which the series's characters and even alien races such as the Dalek
Dalek
The Daleks are a fictional extraterrestrial race of mutants from the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. Within the series, Daleks are cyborgs from the planet Skaro, created by the scientist Davros during the final years of a thousand-year war against the Thals...
s and Sycorax are always forced to respond: "Yes, [I/we] know who you are." She is a particularly sharp-minded woman and not given to panic; in fact, the worse the situation, the stronger her resolve is.
As is common with the portrayal of fictional politicians on British television, Harriet Jones's political party
Political party
A political party is a political organization that typically seeks to influence government policy, usually by nominating their own candidates and trying to seat them in political office. Parties participate in electoral campaigns, educational outreach or protest actions...
is not stated, although she does say that she is not one of the "babes"
Blair Babe
The terms Blair Babes and Blair's Babes refers to 101 female Members of Parliament from the Labour Party elected to the British House of Commons in Labour's landslide general election victory in 1997....
, "just a faithful back-bencher." The only indication given of her political views is that she voted against the Iraq War.
Fictional character history
In the 2005 episodes "Aliens of LondonAliens of London
"Aliens of London" is the fourth episode of the first series of the British science fiction television show Doctor Who that was first broadcast on 16 April 2005. The Doctor takes Rose back to 21st century London, just in time to witness a spaceship crashing into the River Thames, triggering a...
" and its continuation "World War Three
World War Three (Doctor Who)
"World War Three" is the fifth episode of the first series in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who that was first broadcast on 23 April 2005. It is the second of a two-part story. The first part, "Aliens of London", was broadcast on 16 April...
", Harriet Jones is introduced as a backbench MP
Backbencher
In Westminster parliamentary systems, a backbencher is a Member of Parliament or a legislator who does not hold governmental office and is not a Front Bench spokesperson in the Opposition...
for Flydale North caught up in events in London when an alien spacecraft crash-lands and the Cabinet
Cabinet of the United Kingdom
The Cabinet of the United Kingdom is the collective decision-making body of Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, composed of the Prime Minister and some 22 Cabinet Ministers, the most senior of the government ministers....
is infiltrated by aliens named the Slitheen
Slitheen
The Slitheen are a family of massive, bipedal extraterrestrials from the British science fiction television series Doctor Who and they are adversaries of the Doctor. They first appeared in the 2005 series episodes "Aliens of London" and "World War Three", and subsequently recur in later episodes of...
. She finds herself trapped with the Doctor
Doctor (Doctor Who)
The Doctor is the central character in the long-running BBC television science-fiction series Doctor Who, and has also featured in two cinema feature films, a vast range of spin-off novels, audio dramas and comic strips connected to the series....
and his companion Rose Tyler
Rose Tyler
Rose Marion Tyler is a fictional character portrayed by Billie Piper in the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who, and was created by series producer Russell T Davies...
inside 10 Downing Street
10 Downing Street
10 Downing Street, colloquially known in the United Kingdom as "Number 10", is the headquarters of Her Majesty's Government and the official residence and office of the First Lord of the Treasury, who is now always the Prime Minister....
, and as the only elected representative present gives the Doctor the order to launch a harpoon missile, destroying the building but killing the Slitheen who were about to trigger nuclear war
Nuclear warfare
Nuclear warfare, or atomic warfare, is a military conflict or political strategy in which nuclear weaponry is detonated on an opponent. Compared to conventional warfare, nuclear warfare can be vastly more destructive in range and extent of damage...
. At this point the Doctor tells Rose that Jones is destined to become Prime Minister, elected for three successive terms, and be the architect of a period known as Britain's 'Golden Age'.
The character returns in the 2005 Christmas special "The Christmas Invasion
The Christmas Invasion
"The Christmas Invasion" is a 60-minute special episode of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It is Christmas, but there is little cause for celebration as planet Earth is invaded by aliens known as the Sycorax...
", set several months later when the character is indeed now Prime Minister. Jones oversees the launch of the Guinevere Space Probe which is captured by an invading Sycorax spaceship. Although the invasion is averted by the Doctor, Jones orders the covert Torchwood
Torchwood Institute
The Torchwood Institute is a fictional secret organization from the British science fiction television series Doctor Who and its spin-off series Torchwood. It was established in 1879 by Queen Victoria after the events of "Tooth and Claw". Its prime directive, is to defend the earth against...
organisation to shoot down the retreating Sycorax ship regardless, arguing that there will come a time when the Doctor will not be able to protect Earth and so she must do what she can herself to defend it. The Doctor reacts furiously however, warning her that he can bring her down with just six words: "Don't you think she looks tired?" In the episode's dénouement she is seen to be facing rumours of ill-health and a vote of no confidence.
Later that series the Doctor arrives in the parallel world for the second time and when he asks Pete who the President is he replies "Someone called Harriet Jones." The Doctor tells Pete to keep an eye on her (in case she is like the other world's Harriet Jones).
In the 2007 episode "The Sound of Drums
The Sound of Drums
"The Sound of Drums" is an episode of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was broadcast on BBC One on 23 June 2007, and is the twelfth episode of Series 3 of the revived Doctor Who series...
", it is stated that the Master
Master (Doctor Who)
The Master is a recurring character in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. He is a renegade Time Lord and the archenemy of the Doctor....
, running for Prime Minister under the alias Mr Saxon, Minister of Defence, appeared right after Harriet Jones's downfall. It was indicated on Saxon's campaign website that Jones was still PM in 2008; In his column in Doctor Who Magazine
Doctor Who Magazine
Doctor Who Magazine is a magazine devoted to the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who...
, Russell T Davies explains his intention that by the Doctor ending Jones's career early, a "gap" was created in history that the Master was then able to exploit.
The character appears for the final time in the 2008 episode "The Stolen Earth
The Stolen Earth
"The Stolen Earth" is the twelfth episode of the fourth series and the 750th overall episode of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. The episode was written by show runner and head writer Russell T Davies and is the first of a two-part crossover story; the concluding episode is...
". After being deposed by the Doctor, she has given serious thought to the Doctor's view, but ultimately concludes that she was correct in not abdicating responsibility for Earth's protection to the Doctor. Her concerns are proven justified. As the Earth surrenders to an invading army of Dalek
Dalek
The Daleks are a fictional extraterrestrial race of mutants from the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. Within the series, Daleks are cyborgs from the planet Skaro, created by the scientist Davros during the final years of a thousand-year war against the Thals...
warships, Jones broadcasts using a sentient "subwave" network which searches out those who can communicate with the Doctor - namely ex-companions Jack Harkness
Jack Harkness
Captain Jack Harkness is a fictional character played by John Barrowman in Doctor Who and its spin-off series, Torchwood. He first appeared in the 2005 Doctor Who episode "The Empty Child" and reappeared in the remaining episodes of the 2005 series as a companion of the ninth incarnation of the...
and his team at Torchwood Three, Sarah Jane Smith
Sarah Jane Smith
Sarah Jane Smith is a fictional character played by Elisabeth Sladen in the long-running British BBC Television science-fiction series Doctor Who and its spin-offs K-9 and Company and The Sarah Jane Adventures....
, Martha Jones
Martha Jones
Martha Jones is a fictional character played by Freema Agyeman in the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who and its spin-off series, Torchwood. She is a companion of the Tenth Doctor in Doctor Who, replacing Rose Tyler...
, and Rose Tyler
Rose Tyler
Rose Marion Tyler is a fictional character portrayed by Billie Piper in the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who, and was created by series producer Russell T Davies...
with future companion Wilfred Mott
Wilfred Mott
Wilfred "Wilf" Mott is a recurring fictional character in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, played by Bernard Cribbins. He is the maternal grandfather of the Tenth Doctor's companion Donna Noble, and father of character Sylvia Noble...
. The network, developed by the Mr. Copper Foundation, was created for a time when — as Jones had predicted — the Doctor would fail to protect the Earth in a time of crisis. Despite being only the former Prime Minister (as she repeatedly introduces herself with her identity card), she assumes command of Torchwood and her minuscule but disproportionately powerful militia
Militia
The term militia is commonly used today to refer to a military force composed of ordinary citizens to provide defense, emergency law enforcement, or paramilitary service, in times of emergency without being paid a regular salary or committed to a fixed term of service. It is a polyseme with...
, and controls the broadcast from her own home, thereby allowing the Doctor to successfully follow its signal back to Earth at the expense of her own location becoming visible to the Daleks. Just before the Doctor makes contact, Jones's house is breached. As a trio of Daleks approach her, she introduces herself for the final time and proclaims defiantly that the Daleks will fail as they know nothing of humanity, before she is exterminated. Rose informs the Doctor of her sacrifice in the following episode "Journey's End
Journey's End (Doctor Who)
"Journey's End" is the thirteenth episode of the fourth series of British science fiction television series Doctor Who first broadcast on BBC One on 5 July 2008. It is the second episode of a two-part crossover story featuring the characters of spin-off shows Torchwood and The Sarah Jane...
".
List of appearances
Series 1 (2005)Doctor Who (series 1)
The new first series of British science fiction series Doctor Who began on 26 March 2005 with the episode "Rose", which marked the end of the programme's 16-year absence from episodic television following its cancellation in 1989, and aired its finale episode "The Parting of the Ways" on 18 June 2005...
- "Aliens of LondonAliens of London"Aliens of London" is the fourth episode of the first series of the British science fiction television show Doctor Who that was first broadcast on 16 April 2005. The Doctor takes Rose back to 21st century London, just in time to witness a spaceship crashing into the River Thames, triggering a...
" / "World War ThreeWorld War Three (Doctor Who)"World War Three" is the fifth episode of the first series in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who that was first broadcast on 23 April 2005. It is the second of a two-part story. The first part, "Aliens of London", was broadcast on 16 April...
"
Christmas Special (2005)
Doctor Who (series 2)
The second series of British science fiction series Doctor Who began on 25 December 2005 with the Christmas special "The Christmas Invasion". Following the special, a regular series of thirteen episodes was broadcast, starting with "New Earth" on 15 April 2006...
- "The Christmas InvasionThe Christmas Invasion"The Christmas Invasion" is a 60-minute special episode of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It is Christmas, but there is little cause for celebration as planet Earth is invaded by aliens known as the Sycorax...
"
Series 4 (2008)
Doctor Who (series 4)
The fourth series of British science fiction television series Doctor Who began on 25 December 2007 with the Christmas special "Voyage of the Damned". Following the special, a regular series of thirteen episodes aired, starting with "Partners in Crime" on 5 April 2008 and ending with "Journey's End"...
- "The Stolen EarthThe Stolen Earth"The Stolen Earth" is the twelfth episode of the fourth series and the 750th overall episode of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. The episode was written by show runner and head writer Russell T Davies and is the first of a two-part crossover story; the concluding episode is...
" - "Journey's EndJourney's End (Doctor Who)"Journey's End" is the thirteenth episode of the fourth series of British science fiction television series Doctor Who first broadcast on BBC One on 5 July 2008. It is the second episode of a two-part crossover story featuring the characters of spin-off shows Torchwood and The Sarah Jane...
" (flashback)
Other appearances
"DoomsdayDoomsday (Doctor Who)
"Doomsday" is the thirteenth and final episode in the second series of the revival of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was first broadcast on 8 July 2006 and is the conclusion of a two-part story; the first part, "Army of Ghosts", was broadcast on 1 July 2006...
" establishes that an alternative Harriet Jones is the President of the United Republic (previously Kingdom) on a parallel
Parallel universe (fiction)
A parallel universe or alternative reality is a hypothetical self-contained separate reality coexisting with one's own. A specific group of parallel universes is called a "multiverse", although this term can also be used to describe the possible parallel universes that constitute reality...
Earth in succession to the unnamed President killed in Rise of the Cybermen
Rise of the Cybermen
"Rise of the Cybermen" is an episode in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. The episode features the return of Cybermen, where they are created on Earth itself. It is the first part of a two-part story, the concluding part being "The Age of Steel"...
, and her tenure is also being described there as a new Golden Age. On hearing this, the Doctor makes a disparaging sound and warns that world's Pete Tyler to keep an eye on her.