Doctor Who’s season finale recently revealed the truth behind companion Ruby Sunday’s parentage, putting an end to a long-running mystery. It turns out that Ruby’s birth mother is Louise Miller, a young woman who became pregnant as a teenager and left her child on the doorstep of a church. This revelation, according to showrunner Russell T Davies, was inspired by his reaction to the Star Wars sequel trilogy.
Davies compared Ruby’s ordinary parentage to the character of Daisy Ridley in the Star Wars films. He expressed his preference for the idea that Ridley’s character was just an ordinary person with the Force, rather than being tied to a special lineage like being the Emperor’s granddaughter. This sentiment influenced the decision to reveal Ruby’s parentage in a similar manner, highlighting the power of ordinary individuals and their choices.
The fact that Doctor Who, a show unrelated to Star Wars, is offering a response to the sequel trilogy speaks to the impact and cultural significance of the films. It’s interesting to see how different storytellers interpret and respond to the themes and choices made in popular franchises like Star Wars. Despite being in different genres and universes, these narratives continue to influence and inspire each other.
The decision to subvert expectations and reveal that there was no elaborate mystery behind Ruby’s parentage adds a layer of depth to the storytelling. It challenges the audience to reconsider the importance of lineage and heritage in shaping a character’s identity and destiny. By choosing to focus on Ruby’s personal journey rather than her origins, Doctor Who delivers a poignant message about self-discovery and forging one’s own path.
In a world where big franchises like Star Wars dominate the cultural conversation, it’s refreshing to see smaller stories like Doctor Who engage with and respond to these larger narratives. It reminds us that storytelling is a dynamic and evolving art form, capable of sparking discussions and reflections across different mediums and genres. As we continue to explore the vast universe of storytelling, we are bound to encounter unexpected connections and meaningful insights that shape our understanding of the world around us.
