Donna is basically tied for my favorite companion.
Here are some reasons why:
- We got a break from the romantic awkwardness because she was NOT interested. Not that I’m against there ever being a companion who’s interested (I ship Doctor/Rose and Doctor/River), but until he got closure with Rose, he wasn’t able to tolerate that. The result was that, with Martha, it took up screen time and made the Doctor less likable. Donna and the Doctor both wanted the same kind of relationship and so it was less stressful to watch.
- Catherine is a comedian, so the comedy factor was better than ever. The chemistry between her and David was also outstanding. I would have watched an episode of them in the console room or trapped in a closet together.
- She’s one of the best examples of character development I can think of. She wasn’t the easiest person to live with at first, so the fact that the show, just within one series, could take her from that to being one of the best companions ever was amazing to watch.
- She wasn’t afraid to call out the Doctor on his crap. She loved him, but she didn’t worship the ground he walked on. “You’re wrong” in The Doctor’s Daughter and “Donna, human, no” in The Fires of Pompeii said it all.
She kept him grounded and kept him from going crazy with power. If Donna had been able to remain a companion, I feel like Melody wouldn’t have been taken (and then the Library story probably wouldn’t have happened so it’s all very paradoxical but whatever). This ties into #5… - HER HEART. The way she helped the Doctor and Jenny. The way she treated Miss Evangelista and every other underdog. She knew what it was like to be treated that way and she was having none of it.
Well, this turned out longer than I intended. Also, making this post has caused me to realize that I don’t have nearly as many GIFs of Donna as I’d like, so reblog with your favorite Donna GIF! =D
And make sure to watch The Women of Doctor Who on BBC America on Saturday, August 11 at 9/8c!
