Doctor Who: 14 Cool Details In Steven Moffat & David Tennant's Silence In The Library Commentary

The hilarious origins of the Vashta Nerada - revealed.

Doctor Who Silence In The Library River Song David Tennant Alex Kingston
BBC Studios

Despite getting off to a shaky start, David Tennant's third series as the Doctor really hits a home run in its second half, with a six-in-a-row streak of fantastic episodes that kicks off with Steven Moffat's Silence In The Library.

The first of a two-part story, this haunting adventure will forever be remembered for debuting the sassy time-travelling archaeologist River Song, as well as shadowy villains the Vashta Nerada, both of which remain fan-favourite elements of the Whoniverse all these years later. Twelve years later, in fact. Doesn't time fly?

Well, normally, yes, but not when we're all stuck in lockdown with strict limitations placed on what we can do, so what better time to crack out those dusty old DVDs (or those shiny new steelbooks) and check out some Doctor Who commentary tracks?

This time, let's break down the commentary for Silence In The Library, in which writer Steven Moffat, star David Tennant, and executive producer Julie Gardner all share lots of meaningless (yet funny) banter. But, more importantly, they also share plenty of fun anecdotes and cool behind-the-scenes secrets that you might not know...

14. Apparently, This Is The First Episode Where Tennant Fastens All Four Jacket Buttons

Doctor Who Silence In The Library River Song David Tennant Alex Kingston
BBC Studios

Not the most mind-blowing or informative of details to point out, but hey, the commentary starts with Gardner, Moffat and Tennant rambling on about pretty much nothing, so it's slim pickings to start with!

When the Doctor and Donna appear onscreen just before the title sequence, Tennant mentions that this episode "is the first time that I've ever done all four buttons up on my jacket". Why? Apparently, the blue suit "looks better more done up".

Tennant goes on to explain that he likes to meddle with different button combinations, so keep your eyes peeled during his run and you'll probably notice that he constantly varies which buttons are fastened, and which aren't.

And also, this gives you something to look out for during the boring episodes. Looking at you, The Doctor's Daughter.

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WhoCulture Channel Manager/Doctor Who Editor at WhatCulture. Can confirm that bow ties are cool.