Doctor Who Showrunner Explains Companions’ Definitive Exits In The Series

The Doctors in Doctor Who have companions, and the latter are written off differently, but somehow, their exits leave a lasting impression. One of the showrunners explained why they had to do it that way.

Doctor Who is the longest-running British science fiction series. The show debuted in 1963 and is still airing, with another season coming up this year. In its six-decade run, there are seasons when the Doctor travels with a single companion and some seasons when they are accompanied by multiple companions. All of the Doctors’ companions’ departures are written to establish their personal growth and the profound impact of traveling with the Doctor. So, their exits are typically pivotal moments that range from bittersweet goodbyes to tragic sacrifices, leaving fans with intense emotions of grief or longing. A series showrunner explained why they had to write off the companions that way.

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Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat opened up about the companions’ departures from the series following Nicola Coughlan’s Joy’s ending in the 2024 Christmas special. The conclusion of the Bridgerton star’s story in the show left fans with mixed emotions, so Moffat explained how they usually craft the companion’s departure from the series. “In general terms in the modern show we’ve always, and Russell’s done this too, try to work out why they aren’t seeing The Doctor anymore,” he told CinemaBlend. “In the old show, they used to say, ‘I’m not gonna travel with you.’ Yeah. What? You’re never gonna come around for dinner? I mean, what’s the matter with you? You have to have a reason that they have the parting of the ways, you might say.”

In the “Joy to the World” episode, Joy is as optimistic as her name and she used to love the festive time of the year until her mom died in hospital at Christmas during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her feelings about the season changed. However, in the Christmas special, Joy is involved in the “star seed” plot and turns into a star over Bethlem, just like the classic biblical story about Jesus Christ’s birth. However, Joy’s decision to take the star seed also meant she could die. Moffat admitted that they gave Joy that ending because it was the best for the character. “In terms of Joy with the star plot, I knew I wanted to launch the star over Bethlehem. Originally, I was just going to blow up the suitcase over Bethlehem,” he added. “But it occurred to me that Joy going from the woman who avoids Christmas to the star that creates Christmas. It would be such a wonderful story for her.” The series showrunner added that Joy being a star was also a good depiction of the overflowing love trapped within the character. “That just seems like a lovely way to, not to go out with a bang. She doesn’t go out the bang. She shines, she shines,” Moffat concluded.

Joy’s story in the 2024 Christmas special is a difficult thing to forget because it left a lasting impression. It has the trademark of the series’ bittersweet storytelling and more. Joy is an adorable character, and her story was crafted with a stirring and compelling narrative. The character captured the magic and wonder of Christmas with her infectious warmth and optimism. Her faith amid the cosmic darkness resonated with the viewers. When Joy transforms into a literal star to save the universe, it is heart-wrenching and uplifting at the same time. It strikes the perfect balance of sentimentality, poignant storytelling and hope. The showrunner did their job well because her exit tugged at the audience’s heartstrings.

Doctor Who streams on Disney Plus.

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