Doctor Who: Six David Tennant Episodes To Re-Watch Before the Anniversary Specials

Excitement is building in the (now official) Whoniverse as the iconic duo of David Tennant and Catherine Tate is set to return this weekend for three special episodes in celebration of Doctor Who's 60th anniversary.

As we eagerly await their triumphant reunion, now is the perfect time for fans to revisit some of David Tennant's standout performances as the Tenth Doctor. Here are six must-watch episodes that capture the essence of Tennant's portrayal and serve as a thrilling lead-up to the upcoming specials:

1. "The Girl in the Fireplace" (2006):

Written by Steven Moffat, "The Girl in the Fireplace" is a standout episode that showcases the emotional depth of David Tennant's Tenth Doctor. As the Doctor encounters Madame de Pompadour in 18th-century France, viewers are treated to a blend of romance, timey-wimey twists, and Tennant's charismatic performance. This episode is a perfect example of the Tenth Doctor's ability to balance humour and heartache.

2. "Blink" (2007):

While technically a Doctor-lite episode, "Blink" is a must-watch for Tennant fans. Once again written by Moffat, this episode features Tennant's Doctor in a supporting role as he faces the Weeping Angels alongside companion Martha Jones. The clever storytelling and suspenseful atmosphere make "Blink" a standout entry in Tennant's era and a fan-favourite across the Doctor Who community.

3. "Human Nature" / "The Family of Blood" (2007):

This two-part story, based on the novel by Paul Cornell, allows David Tennant to showcase his versatility as an actor. The Doctor temporarily becomes human to escape an alien threat, resulting in a poignant exploration of love, sacrifice, and identity. Tennant's dual performance as both the human John Smith and the Time Lord is a testament to his acting prowess.

4. "Silence in the Library" / "Forest of the Dead" (2008):

In this two-part adventure (again written by Steven Moffat - he was that good a writer for Ten), the Tenth Doctor and Donna encounter River Song for the first time. "Silence in the Library" and "Forest of the Dead" present a thrilling mystery within the vast expanses of a futuristic library. David Tennant's chemistry with Alex Kingston's River Song is palpable, making this story a memorable and emotionally resonant part of his era.

5. "The Stolen Earth" / "Journey's End" (2008):

"The Stolen Earth" and "Journey's End" form a two-part epic that brings together the Tenth Doctor with companions from across his era. Written by returning showrunner Russell T Davies, this story is a culmination of various plot threads, featuring the return of fan-favourite characters and some of the Doctor's most formidable foes, including the Daleks. David Tennant's performance in these episodes showcases the Tenth Doctor's resilience and determination when faced with the greatest threat to the universe. Plus, his heart-breaking farewell to Donna is set to be the focal point of this weekend's special. 

6. "The End of Time" (2009-2010):

As David Tennant's tenure as the Doctor came to a close, "The End of Time" served as a fitting and emotional farewell. This two-part special, written by Russell T Davies, explores the Tenth Doctor's final moments and features his poignant interactions, again with various characters from his past. Tennant's performance in these episodes is a masterclass in conveying the complex emotions associated with regeneration.