Freeing

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Pete McTighe, a writer for Doctor Who, shared his thoughts on why writing an episode focusing more on the supporting characters instead of the main character was such a liberating experience for him.

This individual openly admires themselves as an avid enthusiast of the BBC’s extended science fiction show, having written episodes titled ‘Kerblam!’ and ‘Praxeus’, where Jodie Whittaker’s Thirteenth Doctor plays a significant role.

The reason for this is that going back to the series for “Lucky Day” felt quite different because it mainly focuses on the viewpoint of Ruby Sunday, who used to be the Time Lord’s companion, played by Millie Gibson.

Although she cherished her adventures within the TARDIS, she said a heartfelt goodbye to the Fifteenth Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa, to devote more moments with her family, including her recently found biological mom.

Yet, it’s clear that her tale doesn’t conclude there, as she encounters peril again on Earth, now apart from her alien counterpart.

On Doctor Who: Unveiled, McTighe expressed that Lucky Day carries an entirely distinct vibe compared to past episodes, likening it to a “Doctor-less” episode reminiscent of 73 Yards and Blink in its style.

In my perspective, it was genuinely thrilling… It feels liberating in a way, as without the Doctor present, the situation becomes significantly riskier. Immediately, when the Doctor isn’t around, the risks escalate.

McTighe noted, “The Doctor isn’t here to save the day,” which means that the difficulty and opportunity presented in this storyline has been to create an exciting adventure without him. The consequence is that the characters find themselves in greater peril since the Doctor is absent.

Additionally, during the backstage interview, Gibson admitted that Ruby feels strange about no longer accompanying the Doctor on their travels. However, this change enables Ruby to showcase a fresh, unexplored aspect of herself – something we haven’t witnessed thus far.

This episode introduces Jonah Hauer-King, famed from “The Little Mermaid,” to the realm of Who. He portrays Conrad, a secretive character who develops a bond with Ruby, though not for the reason she first assumes.

Wrapping up our stimulating conversation, Russell T Davies emphasized that the plan has been in place all along to explore Ruby again after her emotional departure from the TARDIS. He reassured fans that they hold a fond affection for both Gibson and her character.

Davies explained that it was part of our plan to return and discover what becomes of a companion once the Doctor’s time together has ended.

What level of vulnerability do you possess, as there’s still much to uncover? Can you delve into the psychological impact on someone who has traveled through time and space? This could be a topic for endless exploration.

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2025-05-05 15:05