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

Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies reveals a controversial aspect of Ruby Sunday’s character arc. Played by Millie Gibson, Ruby 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. Season 14 will continue Ruby’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 is inspired by 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 how vital Ruby is to Doctor Who season 14. 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

Doctor Who’s Timeless Child Arc Was Controversial

Though a short statement, what Davies said about Ruby in Doctor Who season 14 speaks volumes about her character. For one, Davies is taking a huge risk by mimicking the “Timeless Child” plot. Introduced by former showrunner Chris Chibnall, the phrase 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.

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As Doctor Who headed into season 14 and saw the return of Davies, there was hope that the series’ quality itself would follow suit. Davies has spoken multiple times about the importance of a return to the Time Lord’s roots 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 twists risks alienating a number of viewers.

Beyond the timless Child 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 she had a multi-season plot, hinting that Gibson would stay on. Davies’ most recent comments prove that Ruby is here to stay after Doctor Who season 14, even if she may do so while enmeshed in a divisive story arc.