Donna Noble! I was apathetic going into this year. The year’s Christmas special had left a lot to be desired, and though I had liked Donna well enough in her Christmas special, I didn’t necessarily think she would carry the show for me. WRONG! I think most of fandom was so unexpectedly won over by Donna that she rapidly became a true favorite. Ten’s announcement that he was leaving just capped this as my favorite series yet!

1. I can (and do) loop “The Fires of Pompeii” on a regular basis. Once again, the music is amazing and really helps set the time and tone. Donna’s compassion for the residents of Pompeii along with her willingness to stand up to The Doctor put me firmly in her corner. Bonus: Dad’s grilling of Quintus: “How’s your head, Sunshine? HOW’S YOUR HEAD?!?” gets me every time. Hee! In truth I could do a “Top 5” for just this episode alone, I love it so much.

2. The top secret reveal at the end of “Partners In Crime” was a true OMG moment. Well played.

3. “Turn Left” was the most amazing episode in terms of character development we’ve seen from DW. Donna’s speech just before turning had me in tears and I came to love her as my favorite companion of all.

4. Who doesn’t love reunions? The final episodes were a fan’s dream come true in many ways. Sarah Jane, K-9, Mickey(!), Jackie, the Torchwood crew, and even Rose made me happy to have been a fan for all this time.

5. The “Song of Freedom” as heard by the DoctorDonna on “The Planet of the Ood” and again in “Journey’s End”. In conjunction with #4 on this list, it was just a powerful, sappy, melodramatic, humorous moment in time. I cried, laughed, and looped.

More: I truly loved the River Song storyline and want to know more! After an initial review of “meh”, “The Unicorn and the Wasp” has proved that it, too, is loopable. We met Merlin in “Midnight”–sweet! Did I mention how utterly fantastic Donna was? Just as much so: Wilf, her grandad. LOVE him! His final scene with The Doctor was heartbreaking and lovely. BEST SERIES OF ALL!