As the highly anticipated Doctor Who Season 15 approaches, stars Ncuti Gatwa and Varada Sethu shed light on how the Doctor’s identity as the Last of the Time Lords will influence his relationship with new companion Belinda Chandra. This upcoming season promises to showcase the Doctor’s efforts to navigate time and space to return Belinda to her rightful era. Alongside Gatwa and Sethu, fans can expect the return of Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday, along with Anita Dobson, Jemma Redgrave, Bonnie Langford, Alexander Devrient, and Ruth Madeley.
In a recent session with ScreenRant, Gatwa and Sethu provided insights into the new dynamics of the TARDIS crew. The Doctor’s status as the Last of the Time Lords is expected to play a crucial role this season, with Gatwa hinting that his character will become increasingly dependent on Belinda during their adventures. Sethu also noted that their relationship will deepen, highlighting a growing affection for the Doctor amid challenging circumstances.
Ncuti Gatwa: Wow, I guess that’s just the narrative of the Doctor. He’s escaped a genocide and has been wandering throughout the universe on his own for the majority of the time. But I think you see it play out this season in the relationship that he has with Belinda and how much he leans on her.
He’s an alien craving connection, and I think you see that play out this season in their relationship and [how] they lean on each other and support each other. But yeah, it’s a very interesting question, and I think you’ll see it all this season.
Varada Sethu: Yeah, I think we’ve all been in situations where we are somewhere we don’t really want to be, but [Belinda] realizes pretty quickly that it’s not like she has a choice. They can’t seem to return to Earth on this particular date, so I think the process that I figured out was that she has to make the best of what there is right now, and that comes from forming a deep bond with the Doctor.
There’s a deep love and a trust in his instincts and in his intentions to get her home, it being very obvious that’s what he wants. He also wants her to be happy, so it’s a balance between, “Okay, we have to get through this for me to go home,”but also “I’m enjoying every moment I get to spend with this beautiful alien.”
Exploring the Evolving Bond Between the Doctor and Belinda in Season 15
The Doctor’s Connection to Belinda Rooted in Previous Adventures
Both Gatwa and Sethu have suggested that the Doctor’s historical relationship with Belinda is sparked through earlier encounters. Notably, Belinda is linked to Mundy Flynn, an Anglican Marine previously played by Sethu in Season 14, creating intrigue around this familial connection. This unique backstory not only enriches their bond but also enhances the Doctor’s ability to trust her during their adventures.
With Belinda’s entry into the Doctor’s life, the stakes in Season 15 are poised to rise considerably. Reflecting on Season 14, the Doctor grappled with personal relationships and their implications, especially during the special episode titled “Joy to the World.”This season, having tentatively opened up, he must now navigate new dilemmas while fulfilling his promise to safely return Belinda.
Insights on Season 15’s Focus on the Last of the Time Lords
Gatwa’s Portrayal of the Time Lord: A Deep Dive into Character Traits
The notion of being the last of the Time Lords has been a pivotal aspect of the Doctor’s narrative throughout the series, deeply rooted in the aftermath of the Time War and the complicated history with characters like the Master (Sacha Dhawan). With each iteration, the Doctor’s struggle with isolation becomes more apparent—pushing boundaries and contemplating deep connections. Fans are eager to discover how Gatwa will navigate these established character traits while bringing fresh perspectives to the role in Doctor Who Season 15.