David Tennant’s era as the Doctor ended dramatically, with his successor, Matt Smith, immediately diverging from a promise the Tenth Doctor had made. After three seasons and numerous specials as the Tenth Doctor, Tennant regenerated in 2009, making way for Matt Smith. While the Eleventh Doctor shared traits with his previous incarnation, a natural consequence of regeneration, Smith’s Doctor held a contrasting viewpoint on TARDIS travel companions compared to Ten.
The concept of each Doctor’s distinct personality has been a long-standing debate since classic Doctor Who. Despite being the same core character, the extent to which each regeneration is a separate individual has been continuously discussed. This debate remains unresolved, yet the swift contradiction of a strong statement made by the Tenth Doctor provides compelling evidence for the argument that each Doctor is indeed a distinct entity, a discussion that continues within modern Doctor Who.
The Eleventh Doctor’s Invitation to Amy Pond: A Stark Contrast to the Tenth Doctor’s Vow
Ten’s Declaration: No More Companions After “Planet of the Dead”
Following the emotional departure of Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) at the end of Doctor Who Season 4, the Tenth Doctor embarked on adventures with temporary companions. In “Planet of the Dead” (2009), when Lady Christina de Souza (Michelle Ryan) expresses interest in joining him, Ten firmly refuses, stating he would never travel with a companion again. His resolute explanation seemed genuine, and he adhered to it until his regeneration. However, this stance dramatically shifted when Matt Smith’s Eleventh Doctor encountered and invited Amy Pond (Karen Gillan) to join him in the TARDIS.
“People have traveled with me and I’ve lost them. Lost them all. Never again.”
– The Tenth Doctor, “Planet of the Dead.”
This rapid change in philosophy might suggest inconsistency in the Doctor’s character, implying regret over his promise to Christina or a newfound desire for companionship after regeneration. It could also be interpreted as recklessness, seemingly disregarding the dangers companions face. However, the regeneration process fundamentally alters the Doctor, essentially creating a new persona with shared memories. Therefore, David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor didn’t break his promise; Matt Smith’s Eleventh Doctor simply possessed a different outlook.
David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor’s Unbroken Vow: Acknowledged by the Fourteenth Doctor
The Returning Fourteenth Doctor and Donna Noble in “The Star Beast”
Even with subtle differences upon his return as the Fourteenth Doctor for the Doctor Who 60th-anniversary specials in 2023, David Tennant convincingly reprised the same Time Lord persona. Showrunner Russell T. Davies consciously avoided having the Fourteenth Doctor contradict the Tenth Doctor’s promise, as the Eleventh Doctor had done. While the Eleventh Doctor’s change of heart was understandable given regeneration, having Tennant’s Doctors clash would have undermined the emotional weight of his original departure. Davies skillfully navigated this, respecting his earlier narrative choices.
Doctor Who Torchwood Crossover
Related
Doctor Who Season 4’s Alternate Timeline Proves Torchwood Was As Important To Earth As The Doctor
Torchwood’s significance in the Doctor Who universe, highlighted in a 2008 “Doctor-lite” episode.
Firstly, Fourteenth Doctor did not invite any new companions into the TARDIS. He sought out Donna, a previously established companion. Furthermore, their journey to the abandoned ship in “Wild Blue Yonder” was unintentional. Lastly, his subconscious draw to Donna, his closest friend, was for respite, not for adventurous time-space travel. Doctor Who has yet to reveal the Fourteenth Doctor’s current activities, but it’s implied he remains with Donna.
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Doctor Who 2005 series
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Doctor Who
TV-PG
Release Date 2005 – 2021
Network BBC
Directors Graeme Harper, Euros Lyn, Douglas Mackinnon, Jamie Magnus Stone, Charles Palmer, Rachel Talalay, Joe Ahearne, James Strong, Jamie Childs, Saul Metzstein, Toby Haynes, Wayne Che Yip, Nick Hurran, Richard Clark, James Hawes, Daniel Nettheim, Colin Teague, Keith Boak, Azhur Saleem, Adam Smith, Andrew Gunn, Nida Manzoor, Lawrence Gough, Paul Murphy
Writers Steven Moffat, Russell T. Davies
Cast
Jodie Whittaker Doctor Who Jodie Whittaker
The Doctor
Christopher Eccleston Doctor Who Christopher Eccleston
Creator(s) Donald Wilson, Sydney Newman
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