Doctor Who: Boom Review - 9 Ups & 3 Downs
6. DOWN - Ruby Getting Removed From The Plot
We've already covered how well Gatwa and Gibson complemented each other in this episode, and so when Ruby was gunned down two-thirds in and spent the rest of it napping, the episode lost a certain spark.
We do understand why it was done – the first half of the episode spent plenty of time showing us that Fifteen needs Ruby in this situation, and so, by removing this lifeline, the tension ramps up to maximum. Makes perfect sense. Good screenwriting. Except it does this at the expense of Ruby's development.
Ruby hasn't had a hero moment yet, not properly. The Doctor had the first two of the series, and last week it was The Beatles' tribute band who saved the day. This story seemed like it was building towards something similar – Ruby was having to be the Doctor this time around, running about and trying to save the day.
This being her time to shine would've felt earned, but instead, she's shot out of the plot and contributes absolutely nothing to the resolution of the episode. Hopefully she gets her chance next week, where she seems to be the central focus.