Rory Williams, affectionately dubbed “The Man Who Waited,” is notorious for his numerous and often tragic demises in Doctor Who. While he doesn’t permanently die in a single episode until his final farewell, he experiences several “deaths” throughout his travels with the Doctor and Amy Pond.
The Life and Frequent Deaths of Rory Williams
Rory Williams, portrayed by actor Arthur Darvill, quickly became a fan favorite for his unwavering loyalty, surprising bravery, and unfortunate tendency to kick the bucket (temporarily, usually). His journey from Amy’s somewhat overlooked friend to a valiant centurion and finally a time-lost father made him one of the most compelling companions in the show’s modern era. But why did he die so often? Part of it was for dramatic effect, raising the stakes and showing just how dangerous life with the Doctor could be. Another part was Rory’s inherent selflessness; he was always willing to sacrifice himself for Amy and the greater good. This made his deaths all the more poignant and his eventual survival (or at least, a version of him) all the more satisfying.
Episodes Featuring Rory’s Demise (and Revival)
While pinpointing a singular episode where Rory definitively dies is tricky due to the complexities of time travel and alternate realities, let’s break down the instances of Rory’s “deaths” across his tenure.
“Amy’s Choice” (Series 5, Episode 7)
This episode presents a unique scenario. Rory “dies” in both the “real” world (destroyed by the Eknodine) and the dream world (killed by elderly residents). However, because the reality is uncertain until the Doctor, Amy, and Rory make their choice, neither death is truly definitive in the grand scheme of the series.
“Cold Blood” (Series 5, Episode 9)
This is perhaps Rory’s most iconic “death.” He is shot by a Silurian and then consumed by the cracks in time, effectively erasing him from existence. This event has a profound impact on Amy, as she slowly begins to forget him.
“The Pandorica Opens” (Series 5, Episode 12)
After being restored to existence by the restoration of the universe, Rory becomes a Roman centurion, but with a twist. He is an Auton duplicate, programmed to protect the Pandorica and Amy. While not a “real” death in the traditional sense, Rory (Auton) is ultimately destroyed by the Pandorica’s energy.
“The Angels Take Manhattan” (Series 7, Episode 5)
This is the final, permanent death of Rory Williams. He is touched by a Weeping Angel and sent back in time. This initiates a paradox, as he meets his older self already living in the 1930s. He and Amy choose to jump off the building, creating another paradox to destroy the Angels in that location. However, they are unable to return to the TARDIS and are effectively removed from the Doctor’s life. While not a traditional on-screen death, their removal from the timeline signifies the end of their travels with the Doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rory Williams’ Fate
Here are some frequently asked questions concerning Rory Williams and his many brushes with death in Doctor Who:
FAQ 1: Did Rory actually die in “Cold Blood” or was he just erased from time?
Rory was both shot and then consumed by the cracks in time. The cracks erase individuals from existence, effectively reversing their birth and all events involving them. So, in a sense, he died and was also erased from the timeline, making his existence cease to be.
FAQ 2: How was Rory brought back to life after being erased by the cracks?
The cracks were caused by the explosion of the TARDIS. When the TARDIS was repaired, it created a reset of the universe. This reset also restored individuals who had been erased by the cracks, including Rory.
FAQ 3: Was the Roman Centurion Rory a real person or an Auton?
The Roman Centurion Rory was an Auton construct created by the Nestene Consciousness and imbued with Rory’s memories and personality. He was programmed to protect the Pandorica and Amy. He thought he was real, and acted as Rory would, but was ultimately a sophisticated plastic duplicate.
FAQ 4: What was the purpose of Rory becoming a Roman Centurion?
The Nestene Consciousness created the Centurion Rory as part of a complex plan to trap the Doctor in the Pandorica. They used Rory’s feelings for Amy and his dedication to protect her as a means of luring the Doctor into their trap.
FAQ 5: In “The Angels Take Manhattan,” could the Doctor have gone back to get Rory and Amy?
The episode establishes that the time energy in New York during that period was too chaotic for the TARDIS to reliably land. Stepping back into that same time zone would have risked creating even more paradoxes, potentially destroying the universe. Therefore, the Doctor made the difficult decision to leave them be.
FAQ 6: Was Rory always destined to die in “The Angels Take Manhattan”?
The show suggests that some events in time are fixed and cannot be changed. Whether Rory and Amy’s fate was predetermined or a consequence of their own actions is a matter of interpretation, but the narrative strongly implies that their final departure was unavoidable.
FAQ 7: How did Rory and Amy survive for so long after being sent back in time by the Angels?
Rory and Amy simply lived out their lives in the past, building a family and experiencing a full lifespan together. The Doctor’s presence was no longer a factor, allowing them to age naturally without the constant threat of alien invasions or time-bending paradoxes.
FAQ 8: Does Rory ever appear in Doctor Who after “The Angels Take Manhattan”?
No, Rory and Amy do not make any further appearances in the television series. While their story concludes in “The Angels Take Manhattan,” they remain beloved characters in the Doctor Who universe.
FAQ 9: Why did the writers keep killing Rory off only to bring him back?
The constant near-death experiences and resurrections served several purposes. They highlighted Rory’s bravery and devotion, emphasized the dangers of traveling with the Doctor, and created emotional tension for the audience. It became a running gag, albeit a tragic one, showcasing Rory’s resilience and importance.
FAQ 10: Was Rory a better companion than Amy?
Whether Rory was a “better” companion is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Amy was initially presented as the main companion, but Rory’s character arc evolved significantly, making him a compelling and relatable figure. Many fans argue that Rory’s unwavering loyalty and selflessness ultimately made him a more admirable and heroic companion.
FAQ 11: How does Rory’s character growth contribute to the overall themes of Doctor Who?
Rory’s transformation from a hesitant friend to a heroic figure emphasizes the show’s themes of courage, self-sacrifice, and the power of love. His journey demonstrates that ordinary individuals can rise to extraordinary circumstances and make a significant impact on the universe.
FAQ 12: What made Rory Williams such a popular character in Doctor Who?
Rory’s relatability, his unwavering devotion to Amy, his surprising moments of bravery, and his frequent (and often hilarious) brushes with death resonated with audiences. He was an ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances, making him a character that viewers could easily identify with and root for. He brought a grounding presence to the often-chaotic world of the Doctor, and his love story with Amy became a central and beloved aspect of the show.