Doctor Who Showrunner Reveals Companion Mystery Arc Is Inspired By A Controversial Story

Summary Ruby Sunday's character arc in Doctor Who season 14 mirrors a controversial plot point.

Showrunner Russell T. Davies emphasizes the importance of Ruby Sunday's role.

Davies hints at exciting developments for Ruby Sunday in the next season after season 14, indicating her significance in the ongoing storyline.

Doctor Who showrunner Russell T. Davies reveals a controversial aspect of Ruby Sunday’s character arc. Played by Millie Gibson, Ruby Sunday is one of the upcoming companions for Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor in Doctor Who season 14. Debuting in the holiday special “The Church on Ruby Road,” Gibson made history as the youngest companion actor in the show’s history. Doctor Who season 14 will continue Ruby Sunday’s journey as it kicks off on May 11.

Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Davies confirms one key aspect of Ruby’s character. According to the showrunner, Ruby’s arc takes from the “Timeless Child” plot point. This is shown through the mirroring of the Doctor’s orphan status with Ruby’s orphan story. Davies went on to stress the vitality of Ruby Sunday to Doctor Who season 14. He also teased the future of Ruby Sunday, saying that “Ruby Sunday is important” as the team heads into season 2. Check out the full quote from Davies below:

“That story’s going to be the spine of the whole show. We’re heading into season 2, and my God, Ruby Sunday is important to that. There’s good stuff to come.”

Breaking Down Davies’ Doctor Who Statement

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Though a short statement, what Davies said about Ruby in Doctor Who season 14 speaks volumes as to her character. For one, Davies is taking a huge risk by mimicking the “Timeless Child” plot point. Introduced by former showrunner Chris Chibnall, the “Timeless Child” plot refers to the season 13 revelation that the Doctor was not born on Gallifrey, and instead was a mysterious orphan from an unknown planet. The Timeless Child was one of the most controversial elements from the Chibnall era, as many felt that the showrunner was usurping the canon to a concerning and unnecessary degree.

As Doctor Who headed into season 14 and saw the return of Davies, there was hope that the series’ quality itself would follow suit. After all, Davies has spoken multiple times about the importance of a return to roots for the Time Lord and company in what would seem like a subtle knock to the Chibnall seasons. Instead of straying further away from this era, however, Davies’ choice to lean into one of its most-hated plot points risks alienating a number of viewers.

Beyond the Chibnall reveal, Davies’ statement is also notable in confirming that Gibson is staying on Doctor Who for season 15. In January, it was reported that Gibson would be leaving Doctor Who after season 14, thus getting only one full season as Ruby Sunday. Later, commentary suggested that Ruby Sunday had a multi-season plot, hinting that Gibson would stay on. Davies' most recent commentary proves that Ruby Sunday is here to stay after Doctor Who season 14, even if she may do so while enmeshed in a divisive story arc.

Source: EW