Doctor Who: 8 Reasons Donna Noble Saved The Doctor

3. Donna Dies So The Doctor Can Live (Turn Left) 

Doctor Who Donna Noble Turn Left
BBC

This episode was one of two in Doctor Who's fourth series to receive a nomination for a Hugo Award. It is a phenomenal episode, featuring little of The Doctor and focusing instead on a 'what if?' scenario featuring Donna.

After a beetle, working for The Trickster, attaches itself to her back, an alternate reality is created wherein Donna never met The Doctor (resulting in his death in the flood that drowned the Racnoss). The episode is a dystopian retelling of what might have been, though Donna herself grows and grows throughout.

When Rose manages to convince her of the existence of the other reality, Donna puts everything on the line to go back in time and ensure that she turns left instead of right. In a dark twist, she discovers at the last moment that it is only her death that can make this happen.

Without hesitation, Donna steps in front of oncoming traffic. The resulting tailback ensures that past Donna makes the decision that would bring her to The Doctor and the TARDIS.

Time is set right again, and Donna manages to deliver Rose's fateful warning...

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Seán is the host and head writer/presenter for TrekCulture, as well as a writer/presenter on WhoCulture and WhatCulture Horror. He has authored two novels, dozens of short stories, and hundreds of articles for WhatCulture. He holds a Master of Arts in Creative Writing from University College Dublin. As part of his work with TrekCulture, Seán has been invited to participate in collaborations with Roddenberry Entertainment, as well as contributing to several Star Trek community projects. An avid fan of Star Trek, Doctor Who, and the horror genre at large, Seán's expertise has helped develop these channels to the successes they are today. As host of the Ups & Downs series on TrekCulture, Seán has become internationally recognised for his positive yet critically informed approach to reviewing every episode of modern Star Trek, ensuring he is one of the go-to voices in the Trek community. Favourite Quote to describe himself: "I'm serious about what I do, just not always about the way that I do it"