Doctor Who 60th Anniversary Special Delves into Tragic Life of the Doctor
**Full spoilers follow for Doctor Who: “The Star Beast.”**
The Doctor Who 60th anniversary special is a cause for celebration, with beloved Doctor David Tennant returning for three specials, the first of which debuted on Saturday on Disney+ in the U.S. and BBC One in the U.K. But along with the celebration comes a stark reminder of the tragic nature of the Doctor’s life.
In “The Star Beast,” we see the return of Donna Noble, the companion who, due to a tragic turn of events, no longer remembers the Doctor or their adventures together. As the Doctor reveals in a brief “previously on” segment, he had to erase Donna’s memory to save her life, leaving her with no recollection of the incredible experiences they shared and the good they did for the universe.
As the episode progresses, Donna voices a feeling of something missing in her life, a sense of loss and yearning for something she can’t quite identify. Her emotional struggle serves as a reminder of the inevitable loss and unrealized dreams that come with being a companion of the Doctor.
This theme of loss and longing is not new to the series. In the episode “School Reunion,” former companion Sarah Jane Smith expresses her heartache at being essentially abandoned by the Doctor, yearning for the life of adventure and wonder she once experienced.
But as tragic as the companions’ experiences are, the Doctor himself also bears the burden of immortality. Living for thousands of years, he must watch as all he loves grows old and eventually dies. For the Doctor, the presence of companions, though brief in the grand scheme of time, brings fleeting moments of companionship that he undoubtedly cherishes.
As the special comes to a close and Donna’s memories are restored, the Doctor is once again faced with the heart-wrenching reality of saying goodbye. Despite the happy ending of their adventures together, Donna will inevitably have to part ways with him again, a reminder to the Doctor of the timeless curse of the Time Lords.
As the Doctor’s tragic life is explored in the 60th anniversary special, fans are left to ponder the lasting impact of his immortal existence and the emotional toll it takes. For updates and further analysis, follow Executive Editor Scott Collura on Twitter at @ScottCollura or listen to his Star Trek podcast, Transporter Room 3.