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Rory Williams

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Template:Infobox Doctor Who character

Rory Williams is a fictional character portrayed by Arthur Darvill in the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who.[1] Having been introduced at the start of the 5th series, Rory joins the Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith) as a companion in the middle of Series 5.[2][3][4] As Amy Pond's fiancé, Rory is initially insecure because he believes Amy secretly loves the Doctor more. Later, however, he proves to be a hero in his own right and he and Amy marry. The couple conceive a daughter aboard the Doctor's time machine, the TARDIS, while in the time vortex, but their baby is kidnapped at birth. In "A Good Man Goes to War", Rory and Amy discover their time-traveler friend River Song is actually their daughter Melody Pond. The Doctor and River marry in "The Wedding of River Song", and Rory becomes the Doctor's father-in-law.

Appearances

Television

Rory is introduced in "The Eleventh Hour" (2010) as a nurse in a coma ward and the "sort of boyfriend" of new companion Amelia Pond (Karen Gillan). He is shocked to meet Amy's 'imaginary' "Raggedy Doctor" - the Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith), whom he instantly recognises from Amy's childhood stories.[5] Two years later, Amy absconds on the eve of their wedding to travel with the Doctor, whom at the end of an initial travelling period she tries to seduce.[6] In response, the Doctor takes Amy and Rory to 1580s Venice to repair and strengthen the couple's relationship; at the end of the episode Rory joins them as a travelling companion.[7] In Series 5, Episode 7 "Amy's Choice", in a shared realistic dream where he is a doctor (with a ponytail, yet) married to a pregnant Amy, he tells her with his dying breath to look after their baby, which causes Amy to realise how much she loves him.[8] Rory travels with the Doctor and Amy until Series 5, Episode 9 "Cold Blood", in which he is shot dead by a Silurian after saving the Doctor and then absorbed by a crack in time and space, erasing him from existence and from Amy's memory.[9] Rory appears in "The Pandorica Opens", as a Roman soldier in 102 C.E., but is revealed to be an Auton with Rory's memories. He attempts to fight his Auton programming, but unwillingly shoots Amy.[10] In the Series 5 finale episode,"The Big Bang", the duplicate Rory preserves Amy in stasis, watching over her for almost two millennia. He becomes known as the "Lone Centurion", guarding the Pandorica wherever it is taken. The Auton Rory assists the Doctor, Amy, and River Song (Alex Kingston) in saving the universe from the explosion that caused the cracks in time. Restored to his original timeline but still possessing memories of his Auton existence, Rory marries Amy.[11] They continue traveling with the Doctor who allows them a honeymoon. On one stage of this, he has to save the couple from an interstellar cruise ship on course to crash into a populated planet.[12]

"The Impossible Astronaut" begins with Amy and Rory living back on earth when they are contacted by the Doctor. In Utah they witness his apparent death.[13] Rory's relationship with the Time Lord is complicated by his suspicion that Amy may love the Doctor more than him; In "Day of the Moon", he misinterprets ambiguous statements of Amy's affections over a one-way communication channel to refer to the Doctor instead of himself.[14] "The Almost People" reveals that Amy is a Flesh avatar; Rory is initially shocked as the Doctor destroys the version of Amy they had been travelling with just as the real Amy goes into labour.[15] Amy gives birth to their daughter Melody Pond, between "The Almost People" and "A Good Man Goes To War". Rory's memories of being a centurion in the alternate timeline enable him to display courage and resolve in facing down a group of Cybermen and fighting the headless monks, in contrast to his personality in the previous season before 'The Pandorica Opens'. After the battle, Rory tends to a dying Sontaran who speaks of his and Rory's dichotomy of being simultaneously a warrior and a nurse. Though Amy and Rory are distressed that they were unable to save Melody from being kidnapped by Madame Kovarian (Frances Barber), River appears at the episode's climax and reveals to Amy and Rory that she is their daughter, Melody.[16]

Flashbacks in "Let's Kill Hitler" reveal that Amy and Rory had a childhood friend, Mels. As Amy had initially assumed Rory was gay due to his lack of interest in other women, a teenage Mels (Nina Toussaint-White) is left to inform Amy of Rory's affections. On 21st century earth, Mels hijacks the TARDIS and directs it to 1938. After being shot by Hitler (Albert Welling), she regenerates into River Song. Rory gets rid of Hitler by locking him in a cupboard. At the episode's conclusion, they decide to let the adult River make her own way in life and continue their travels.[17] After a mistake by the Doctor that creates a version of Amy that had grown old while waiting for rescue, Rory states that he does not wish to travel with the Doctor if the Time Lord continues to put them at risk. The older version of Amy sacrifices herself before Rory can choose between them.[18] In "The God Complex" Rory is the only one of the TARDIS crew who is not hunted by the creature that feeds on faith. The Doctor speculates that this is because of Rory's rational nature and has no personal faith of his own. The Doctor eventually realises the danger he is exposing his friends to and returns Amy and Rory to Earth, giving them a house and a car (Rory's favorite a Jaguar E-type) as leaving presents.[19] When River creates an alternate reality by avoiding killing the Doctor, Rory is "Captain Williams", a soldier under the orders of Amy Pond. Although not a couple in this version of history, Rory is still in love with Amy; she saves his life and suggests they get married. Once reality is restored, they are visited by their daughter River, who tells them the secret that the Doctor is still alive, and that the version of him that died was a robot duplicate.[20] The Doctor joins Rory and Amy two years later for Christmas Dinner.[21]

Series seven opener "Asylum of the Daleks" (2012) establishes early on that Amy and Rory are about to divorce. When the Daleks kidnap the Doctor to go on a mission for them, they also kidnap Rory and Amy on the day they sign their divorce papers because they know the Doctor works better with companions. On mission, the Doctor engineers a reconciliation between the two. The two discuss their feelings for each other. It is revealed Amy left Rory because she has been infertile since "A Good Man Goes to War", and knew he wanted children. The character is due to be retired in the seventh series, the BBC announced in December 2011.[22]

Rory is said to be 31 years old at the time of "Dinosaurs on a Spaceship".

Literature

Rory appears alongside the Doctor and Amy in numerous Doctor Who stories found in the New Series Adventures novels, the 2in1 series chapter books, the Quick Reads novels, and original audiobooks.

Characterisation

For his audition, Arthur Darvill received two scenes from the first episode and one from the sixth, but beyond the fact Rory was Amy's boyfriend he was not informed of details of the character.[23] Lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat stated that what stood out about Darvill's audition was "just how funny" he was.[24] Darvill felt "privileged" to be part of the show, and was pleased with Rory's storyline.[25] Darvill had previously worked with Matt Smith on a play called Swimming with Sharks.[26] He became a regular with "A Christmas Carol";[27] Darvill had his "fingers crossed" that he would become a regular.[28]

Rory was a character who was "completely in love" with Amy, but Amy had things to do in life before admitting she loved him too. Moffat described Rory as someone who had grown up in the "shadow" of Amy's imaginary Doctor.[29] Rory became a nurse because of this.[30] Rory eventually "mans up" and evolves into a "bumbling action hero".[31][32] Speaking of Rory's characterisation in the first series, actor Darvill felt that he was "on the outside looking into this world he was desperately trying to save Amy from."[33] Executive producer Steven Moffat had intended to have a married couple on the TARDIS "from the off".[34] Darvill stated of the couple's marriage that Amy will always "wear the trousers". However, he felt that Rory's marriage had stopped the character "feeling so unworthy." In regards to how Rory changed between series five and six, Darvill stated that "his sense of adventure has awoken" and that he is more comfortable with himself.[33]

Reception

Rory's frequent deaths in the programme have been subject to criticism. Digital Spy reviewer Morgan Jeffery wrote, "One of the key elements in Doctor Who is obviously the sense of danger and the lingering presence of death, but Rory's repeated demises and resurrections are now becoming so frequent that comparisons to South Park's Kenny seem almost inevitable."[35] In a review for "The Doctor's Wife", Neela Debnath of The Independent announced that "Rory-gets-killed fatigue has now officially set in".[36] On the other hand, SFX awarded Rory the third spot in the top 10 resurrections of science fiction TV, saying that "it's becoming a cliché. But it's not one we mind too much, mainly because it's always done with such gusto. Except, perhaps, in the pirates episode which was a fairly gusto free zone all round".[37]

However, critics have celebrated the increased opportunities for Rory to be heroic in series 6. Following the airing of "A Good Man Goes to War", io9's Charlie Jane Anders compared the character to Wesley Wyndam-Pryce (Alexis Denisof), whose arc in the American television programmes Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel similarly saw him transition from laughable comic relief to a genuine warrior. Anders comments: "Yes, we're thrilled that Rory is getting his Wesley Wyndam-Pryce on. Badass Rory is, as we already observed, totally badass. But this episode exemplified the recent trend towards Amy being reduced to a bystander, victim, or worse."[38] Sam McPherson of Zap2it believed that Rory had the most character development in the fifth series, evolving into a "generally enjoyable character".[28]

The Radio Times blog singled the character out for praise- "As a traveller in the Tardis, Rory probably speaks for the audience far more than past companions have. Sure, we all like to think we'd spring into action just like the Doctor. But in truth, if we joined an eccentric alien on a journey through time and space, we'd probably be more Rory than Rose."[39]

Rory was named "TV Character of the Year" in the Virgin Media TV Awards in 2012.[40] SFX named Amy and Rory the second-best science fiction and fantasy romance.[41]

References

  1. ^ . Radio Times. 3 April 2010. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help); Missing or empty |title= (help)
  2. ^ Harrison, Mark (31 May 2010). "For Doctor Who: Cold Blood Viewers Only". Den of Geek. Retrieved 1 June 2010.
  3. ^ Tribe, Steve (2010). Doctor Who: The TARDIS Handbook. London: BBC Books. p. 124. ISBN 978-1-84607-986-3.
  4. ^ "Christmas Guest Stars Revealed!". News & Features. BBC. 12 July 2010.
  5. ^ Steven Moffat (writer), Adam Smith (director), Tracie Simpson (producer) (3 April 2010). "The Eleventh Hour". Doctor Who. Episode 1. BBC. BBC One. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |seriesno= ignored (|series-number= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ Steven Moffat (writer), Adam Smith (director), Tracie Simpson (producer) (1 May 2010). "Flesh and Stone". Doctor Who. Episode 5. BBC. BBC One. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |seriesno= ignored (|series-number= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ Toby Whithouse (writer), Jonny Campbell (director), Tracie Simpson and Patrick Schweitzer (producers) (8 May 2010). "The Vampires of Venice". Doctor Who. Episode 6. BBC. BBC One. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |seriesno= ignored (|series-number= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ Simon Nye (writer), Catherine Morshead (director), Tracie Simpson (producer) (15 May 2010). "Amy's Choice". Doctor Who. Episode 7. BBC. BBC One. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |seriesno= ignored (|series-number= suggested) (help)
  9. ^ Chris Chibnall (writer), Ashley Way (director), Peter Benett (producer) (29 May 2010). "Cold Blood". Doctor Who. Episode 9. BBC. BBC One. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |seriesno= ignored (|series-number= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ Steven Moffat (writer), Toby Haynes (director), Peter Bennett (producer) (19 June 2010). "The Pandorica Opens". Doctor Who. Episode 12. BBC. BBC One. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |seriesno= ignored (|series-number= suggested) (help)
  11. ^ Steven Moffat (writer), Toby Haynes (director), Peter Bennett (producer) (26 June 2010). "The Big Bang". Doctor Who. Episode 13. BBC. BBC One. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |seriesno= ignored (|series-number= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ Steven Moffat (writer), Toby Haynes (director), Sanne Wohlenberg (producer) (25 December 2011). "A Christmas Carol". Doctor Who. Episode X. BBC. BBC One. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |seriesno= ignored (|series-number= suggested) (help)
  13. ^ Steven Moffat (writer), Toby Haynes (director), Marcus Wilson (producer) (23 April 2011). "The Impossible Astronaut". Doctor Who. Episode 1. BBC. BBC One. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |seriesno= ignored (|series-number= suggested) (help)
  14. ^ Steven Moffat (writer), Toby Haynes (director), Marcus Wilson (producer) (30 April 2011). "Day of the Moon". Doctor Who. Episode 2. BBC. BBC One. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |seriesno= ignored (|series-number= suggested) (help)
  15. ^ Matthew Graham (writer), Julian Simpson (director), Marcus Wilson (producer) (28 May 2011). "The Almost People". Doctor Who. Episode 6. BBC. BBC One. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |seriesno= ignored (|series-number= suggested) (help)
  16. ^ Steven Moffat (writer), Peter Hoar (director), Marcus Wilson (producer) (4 June 2011). "A Good Man Goes to War". Doctor Who. Episode 6. BBC. BBC One. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |seriesno= ignored (|series-number= suggested) (help)
  17. ^ Steven Moffat (writer), Richard Senior (director), Marcus Wilson (producer) (27 August 2011). "Let's Kill Hitler". Doctor Who. Episode 8. BBC. BBC One. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |seriesno= ignored (|series-number= suggested) (help)
  18. ^ Tom MacRae (writer), Nick Hurran (director), Marcus Wilson (producer) (24 September 2011). "The Girl Who Waited". Doctor Who. Episode 10. BBC. BBC One. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |seriesno= ignored (|series-number= suggested) (help)
  19. ^ Toby Whithouse (writer), Nick Hurran (director), Marcus Wilson (producer) (17 September 2011). "The God Complex". Doctor Who. Episode 11. BBC. BBC One. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |seriesno= ignored (|series-number= suggested) (help)
  20. ^ Steven Moffat (writer), Jeremy Webb (director), Marcus Wilson (producer) (1 October 2011). "The Wedding of River Song". Doctor Who. Episode 13. BBC. BBC One. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |seriesno= ignored (|series-number= suggested) (help)
  21. ^ Steven Moffat (writer), Farren Blackburn (director) (25 December 2011). "The Doctor, the Widow, and the Wardrobe". Doctor Who. Episode X. BBC. BBC One. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |seriesno= ignored (|series-number= suggested) (help)
  22. ^ "Farewell...and Hello!". BBC. 16 December 2011. Retrieved 19 February 2012.
  23. ^ Wilkes, Neil (4 May 2010). "Arthur Darvill talks 'Doctor Who'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 19 March 2012.
  24. ^ "Arthurian Legend". Doctor Who Confidential. Episode 7. 15 May 2010. BBC. BBC Three. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |seriesno= ignored (|series-number= suggested) (help)
  25. ^ Wightman, Catriona (28 May 2010). "Darvill: 'Doctor Who role is brilliant'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 19 March 2012.
  26. ^ Setchfield, Nick (14 May 2010). "Rory Time". SFX. Retrieved 29 March 2012.
  27. ^ "Farewell...and Hello!". BBC. 16 December 2011. Retrieved 19 March 2012.
  28. ^ a b McPherson, Sam (23 July 2010). "Darvill: Fingers Crossed to be 'Who' Regular". Zap2it. Retrieved 8 March 2012.
  29. ^ "Call Me the Doctor". Doctor Who Confidential. Episode 1. 3 April 2010. BBC. BBC Three. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |seriesno= ignored (|series-number= suggested) (help)
  30. ^ "Insider Part 4 - The Companions 2011 Behind-the-Scenes" (Video). BBC America. 21 April 2011. Retrieved 19 March 2012.
  31. ^ Naughton, John (23 April 2011). "Interview: Arthur Darvill — Rory mans up". Radio Times. Retrieved 19 March 2012.
  32. ^ Jeffery, Morgan; Allen, Chris (24 August 2011). "'Doctor Who' Arthur Darvill interview: 'Rory is a bumbling action hero'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 19 March 2012.
  33. ^ a b "Doctor Who: Arthur Darvill plays Rory Williams" (Press release). BBC. 5 April 2011. Retrieved 20 March 2012.
  34. ^ "Doctor Who: Interview with Steven Moffat" (Press release). BBC. 5 April 2011. Retrieved 20 March 2012.
  35. ^ Jeffery, Morgan (7 May 2011). "'Doctor Who' review: 'The Curse of the Black Spot'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 17 June 2011.
  36. ^ Debnath, Neela (16 May 2011). "Review of Doctor Who 'The Doctor's Wife'". The Independent. Retrieved 17 June 2011.
  37. ^ "Top 10 Resurrections: Rory Williams". SFX. 24 May 2011. Retrieved 7 September 2011.
  38. ^ Anders, Charlie Jane (11 June 2011). "What do Doctor Who and The Dark Knight have in common?". io9. Gawker Media. Retrieved 2 July 2011.
  39. ^ Pledger, Laura (8 June 2011). "Rory Williams- the heart of the TARDIS". Radio Times. Radio Times. Retrieved 6 July 2011.
  40. ^ "TV Character of the Year". Virgin Media. Retrieved 25 February 2012.
  41. ^ Golder, Dave (14 February 2012). "Sci-Fi & Fantasy's 14 Greatest Romances". SFX. Retrieved 14 February 2012.

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