Doctor Who: The Importance of Donna Noble
By David Hill
When one thinks back on the companions in the new incarnation of Doctor Who, most people will begin by thinking of either Rose or Amy. It makes sense, in a way, as these two had the stories that tug at the heartstrings, especially for those who like the more romantic aspect to the show. As two of the most popular companions, Rose and Amy will likely be the most fondly remembered.
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Yet, it was Donna Noble who truly had the most compelling story and made the biggest impact upon the Doctor. We were able to see her progress from being a temp who had no true direction in life, to being DoctorDonna, the one who saved the universe and whose exploits are hailed by the multitudes. Unfortunately, Donna is unable to remember this, as her memory needed to be wiped to save her life.
It is that tale of growth and tragedy that truly makes Donna such a compelling figure. That is also why David Tennant is as excited as he is for the new audio adventures featuring the Tenth Doctor and Donna, set to come out in May 2016.
"“The end of [Donna’s] story is deeply tragic and that adds to the legend, I think, and brilliantly captured by Catherine Tate,” Tennant said."
While these three new stories will not be able to return Donna’s memory and let her recall the impact she made upon so many, they will allow another look at someone that may have been the most important of the new companions. Let us not forget that it was Donna who finally got the Doctor to stop pining over Rose, and force him to take action and control once again.
While other companions were able to have, at the very worst, a somewhat happy ending, Donna was not afforded that luxury. Her tale, despite her realizing her goal to be considered important, ended with her never being able to know what it is that she accomplished.
Donna’s story, which in one season provided so much to the Whoniverse and helped shape the Doctor going forward, was far too short. In revisiting her time with the Tenth Doctor, even if it is for only three new adventures, we can get to see her character further develop. And in doing so, we will get to remember what it was that made her such a special companion, even if her story did not end with the same happiness that the others found.