how unnecessary it was to drag it out and emphasize it the whole season.

Nothing about Martha-as-introduced makes me believe it would take her so long to figure out that this guy isn't going to feel for her the way she feels for him. She's smart and pretty and seems to have plenty of self-confidence when we meet her. Yet, one slightly disparaging comment from a grieving Ten and her self-confidence begins to crumble. It took all season for her to regain it. That doesn't make a bit of sense.