Rory Actor Reveals Shocking Critique of Matt Smith Era: 11 Years After Exiting Doctor Who

Summary

Despite enjoying his time on Doctor Who, Arthur Darvill had one issue with Rory's lack of true presence in the narrative.

Darvill suggests that Rory's supporting role ultimately contributed to his character development and gave him the opportunity to go beyond being seen as a mere sidekick.

Unlike other companions who were given their own dedicated spin-off shows, Rory's part was never particularly standout. However, this nuanced approach helped to emphasize Amy's personal growth throughout the series.

While one Doctor Who star enjoyed his time on the show, there is one problem he had with the Matt Smith era. Amy Pond (Karen Gillan) and Rory Williams (Arthur Darvill) were the Eleventh Doctor's first companions during Matt Smith's early seasons. They remained on the show for multiple seasons before eventually leaving after getting caught in a crisis caused by Weeping Angels.

As the cast of Doctor Who season 14 prepares for their time in the spotlight, Arthur Darvill has been reflecting on his own experience with the show. In an interview with RadioTimes.com, Darvill revealed that there was one thing he had an issue with during his time on the show — Rory's lack of significant presence in the storyline. Although he believes Rory had a perfect character arc and has no regrets, he wishes he had been given more lines. Take a look at his quote below:

There were instances where I found myself merely standing in the background, nodding. At such moments, I wished I had been given more lines! However, despite that desire, I wouldn't change a thing. Those parts actually contributed to his character development because he became somewhat of a third wheel at times, and then he had to truly prove himself. In my opinion, it's an incredibly flawless story arc, and I genuinely have no regrets, which is exceptionally rare.

Rory's Relatively Minor Role In Doctor Who Explained

The Doctor Who series has been enriched by numerous unforgettable companions. Rose, in particular, left an indelible mark on the Doctor, transforming him into a more relatable and sentimental character. Adric's tragic demise highlighted the harsh reality that the Doctor's companions were not always safe from dangers they encountered. Susan played a crucial role in initially bridging the Doctor's connection to humanity. Additionally, the remarkable exploits of Jack Harkness and Sarah Jane Smith in their own respective spin-off shows further established their significance in the Doctor Who universe.

Rory, unfortunately, never experienced the same opportunities. Throughout the Doctor's universe, he remained a relatively minor character, often overshadowed by Amy and the Doctor. His most significant moment occurred when he made the decision to protect Pandora's box for an astounding 2,000 years. However, opportunities for him were scarce thereafter.

For Doctor Who's 60th anniversary, it is worth noting that Rory didn't get the chance to shine like Amy or Clara. During the Matt Smith era, Rory was mainly utilized as a means to progress Amy's narrative. Nevertheless, Rory didn't require the limelight as his purpose was to demonstrate the significant growth Amy underwent throughout the years. Not everyone in Doctor Who needs to be a standout, and Rory epitomizes this.