Doctor Who Drabble: Volcano Day

[bk_forever]

Title: Volcano Day
Author: badly_knitted
Characters: Donna Noble, the Tenth Doctor.
Rating: G
Written For: Challenge 182: Acid Test at dw100.
Spoilers: The Runaway Bride, The Fires Of Pompeii.
Summary: Donna tests her own mettle.
Disclaimer: I don’t own Doctor Who, or the characters.





Thanks to her mother always putting her down, Donna had grown up doubting herself, always thinking she wasn’t good enough. Her grandfather had done everything he could to bolster her confidence, and she loved him for that, among other things, but her mother’s criticisms never let up.


Marrying Lance had seemed like a triumph, until she’d learned the truth; he’d never loved her, and her self-confidence had suffered another body blow.


This was her acid test, here in Pompeii on Volcano Day. She had to stand up to the Doctor, make him listen to her.


“You can’t just leave them!”



The End










 

Comments

[dm12.livejournal.com]

Donna really did prove her mettle in Pompeii. First thing was when she finally realized the magnitude of the decisions the Doctor is often left with. She asked the questions that needed to be asked, once she realized what had to be done, even if it cost her own life, she not only supported the Doctor from the sidelines but when she realized he was hesitating, she actually placed her hands on his and pushed that lever right along with him.

Then, realizing that not everyone could be saved, she tried to work within the constraints of the laws of Time by asking to save someone. Not the whole town, but someone. The Doctor listened, then told her that she was right, he needed someone to stop him sometimes, and that was her.

She shined ever since, proving again and again that she was a valuable member of a team, full partners with the Doctor. She supported him when he needed it, asked the critical questions, often obtaining the little details that enabled them to save the day... and she brought him down a peg or two when he needed it, all for his good and not for selfish reasons. What a true best friend does.

[bk_forever]

So true, in every respect, which made her the nest companion in New Who, as well as exactly what Ten needed. I wasn't too keen on Donna in the Runaway Bride, but as a regular companion she just shone so brightly, full of compassion and humanity, but wisdom as well.

Thank you!

[dm12.livejournal.com]

Even in The Runaway Bride, Donna showed her compassion for a complete stranger when she stepped in front of the Doctor to protect him, risking her own death. Her shoutiness was due to her fear; she seemed to respond to fear by trying to shout it away.

And she showed true wisdom in the end by telling the Doctor that he should find someone, that he needed someone to stop him sometimes.

Of course, I'm viewing it in retrospect, knowing the full picture, but I don't think I had a strong a negative reaction as others, even when I first saw it. Plus, it really did illustrate her growth as a character... and how tragic it was when she was reverted to that at the end of her story arc.

[bk_forever]

I guess I was at a disadvantage in a way because I associated Catherine Tate with so-called comedy shows which I loathe (I didn't watch them, but there are always trailers between programmes and she always got on my nerves), so at the start I was was disinclined to like the character, but she grew on me.

There were moments in the Runaway Bride when I liked her, especially towards the end, and of course re-watching it I view her in a completely different light.

[dm12.livejournal.com]

I guess I had no such prior association with Catherine Tate, and that was my first exposure. I heard she was in comedy afterwards. A lot of people had the same reaction and were really nervous about having her come on as a regular... only to be surprised out of their wits that she is a "proper actress" as well, fully capable of making the viewer feel deeply for her and those around her. Quite a few even came to the conclusion that she was the best match (as a companion) for the Tenth Doctor, a counterbalance.

[bk_forever]

I certainly felt that way. She grounded the Doctor in ways no other companion did. Rose was his enabler, Martha tried but was too young to be as authoritative as he needed. Donna though, she put him in his place.

[dm12.livejournal.com]

I think she was his equal in maturity, although sometimes it seemed that she was actually more mature! That's the key, Donna was a little older than Rose and Martha, and could relate as a grownup. She'd been around the block several times, had life experiences behind her, and knew what she was getting into. She wasn't merely trying to get away from it all, she wanted to learn as much as she could and absolutely wanted to help where able.

[bk_forever]

Yes, precisely. And I do think she often had more emotional maturity than the Doctor. Ten often acted like a child, possibly Rose's influence, but Donna made him grow up to a certain extent. Donna got as much out of their friendship as the Doctor did, which is why it was so tragic that she then had it all taken away again.

[dm12.livejournal.com]

Neither gained during Rose's time there. The Doctor gained a little perspective after Martha left; only after she finally told him off. They were better of afterwards.

You are right with Donna, both the Doctor and Donna became the best they could be with the influence of the other. For the first time, it was a totally reciprocal relationship/friendship. The smiles on the Doctor's face were more genuine during that time rather than the fake-y exaggerated grins.

I could go on and on, but I think we're in agreement.

[bk_forever]

Yes, I do believe we are =D