Warning: spoilers ahead for Doctor Who Season 15, Episode 1, “The Robot Revolution.”
The introduction of Belinda Chandra, played by Varada Sethu, represents a significant shift in the beloved Doctor Who series. While the character brings freshness, the show continues to rely on the familiar trope of the “mystery girl companion.”In this latest season, Sethu steps into the role of the Doctor’s primary companion following the conclusion of Season 14, which saw Millie Gibson’s Ruby Sunday make a captivating exit. While Ruby’s character will still appear intermittently, the new narrative will focus heavily on Belinda’s journey.
Varada Sethu isn’t entirely new to the Doctor Who universe; she previously portrayed Mundy Flynn. Her debut as Belinda unfolds in “The Robot Revolution,”where the Fifteenth Doctor, played by Ncuti Gatwa, embarks on a mission to rescue this nurse from an abusive ex-boyfriend and his robotic minions. The season premiere firmly positions Belinda as the Doctor’s newest travel partner. However, her character introduces a blend of intrigue and deviation from traditional companion roles.
Belinda Chandra’s Reluctance to Adventure
The TARDIS Life Isn’t For Everyone
A key aspect that distinguishes Belinda from her predecessors is her unwillingness to embrace the endless adventures that come with traveling in the TARDIS. Traditionally, companions join the Doctor seeking an escape from their mundane lives in contemporary Britain, longing for the thrill of time and space exploration. Although some classic companions stumbled into their journeys by chance, the majority actively sought adventure. Belinda, however, presents a unique perspective that centers on her desire to return to her life in 2025, including her parents, her job, and uncomfortable interactions with her neighbors.
This inherent skepticism about the Doctor’s lifestyle introduces a refreshing dynamic to the series. In an era where companions often express eager excitement about their journeys, Belinda’s grounded attitude emphasizes her appreciation for her ordinary life. Her reluctance adds layers to her character, suggesting she has much at stake, particularly when pulled from her familiar environment.
Belinda Challenges the Doctor
The Fifteenth Doctor Has Met His Match
Belinda’s character diverges from the norm in yet another way; she is unafraid to confront the Doctor’s ego. While past companions like Clara sought to gently correct the Doctor’s flaws, Belinda’s approach is notably more direct. Shortly after their initial meeting, she chastises him for taking her DNA without consent and challenges him on the complexities surrounding recent events. This dynamic not only highlights Belinda’s strength and autonomy but also sets the stage for rich character interactions.
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Episode Title |
Release Date |
|---|---|
|
“The Robot Revolution” |
April 12 |
|
“Lux” |
April 19 |
|
“The Well” |
April 26 |
|
“Lucky Day” |
May 3 |
|
“The Story & The Engine” |
May 10 |
|
“The Interstellar Song Contest” |
May 17 |
|
“Wish World” |
May 24 |
|
The Reality War |
May 31 |
Belinda’s witty yet pointed remarks, such as her quip to the Doctor, “Do you say that to all the girls?”showcase her ability to remain unfazed by his charm. With this dynamic, Season 15 sets the stage for Belinda to hold the Doctor accountable, pushing back against his more egotistical tendencies with unanticipated honesty.
Belinda: Another “Mystery Girl”Companion?
It’s Hard to Find a Normal Companion These Days
While Belinda’s refusal to embrace the Doctor’s extraordinary world is a promising attribute, it simultaneously highlights a recurring theme in the series. It appears that her journey will delve into the complexities of her character—perhaps becoming another enigma for the Doctor to unravel. With parallels drawn between Belinda, Mundy Flynn, and the Doctor’s mission, this mystery girl trope remains intact.
The creative team behind Doctor Who might benefit from a break from this concept. Season 14 was heavily invested in unraveling Ruby Sunday’s mysterious background, while the narratives involving both Clara and Amy also centered around their special significance to the Doctor. Introducing Belinda without another convoluted backstory would allow her to shine as a character in her own right, rather than merely being a mission for the Doctor.
In conclusion, while Belinda Chandra introduces a refreshing hesitation towards adventure and proves capable of challenging the Doctor, the series risks repeating familiar patterns unless she is afforded the chance to exist beyond the mystery. Doctor Who would thrive by permitting Belinda to navigate her journeys on her own terms, free from the burdens of cosmic expectations.