Doctor Who showrunner, Russell T Davies, has unveiled insights into the creation of the formidable creatures that debut in the season 15 premiere, revealing intriguing connections to classic science fiction. This season introduces audiences to Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor, who is tasked with guiding the new and hesitant companion, Belinda Chandra (played by Varada Sethu), back to her rightful time. In the premiere episode, “The Robot Revolution,”the narrative unfolds as Belinda is unexpectedly crowned the queen of a world embroiled in a civil war between humans and machines.
In discussing the imposing robotic footsoldiers featured in the opening episode, Davies shared his thoughts with Doctor Who Unleashed regarding the design choices for these antagonists. He noted that while the series has evolved immensely since its inception in the 1960s, the robots were purposely designed with a nostalgic aesthetic that emphasizes both their docility and an unexpected level of politeness. Below is Davies’s complete commentary on the matter:
“I just wanted the aesthetic of the 1950s. There’s something a bit dumb about the robots. If they’d been very modern AI robots, they would have looked a bit too stupid. So they’ve got a bit of old-fashionedness. They’ve almost got an old-fashioned courtesy about them, and there’s almost a politeness about them. So that made me think there should be something a bit retro about them. So once you start thinking of that, once you start thinking of robots. And I wanted them to have great big laser guns. I love those laser guns. An old-fashionedness just creeped into it and it just became the 1950s. That kind of bled into the whole thing and became part of the style and design of it, and it’s lovely. I love it.”
The Implications of the Robot Designs in Doctor Who’s Season 15
Exploring the Depth of the Robots’ Subservience
Davies’s insight into the robots’ design aligns well with their narrative function in the season premiere. While these mechanical giants engage in battle against human citizens of Missbelindachandra, their actions often reflect a more refined demeanor. Rather than displaying outright aggression, the robots maintain a civil approach, emphasizing their upbeat disposition as they follow directives. This contrast hints at a greater underlying complexity to the conflict that engulfs the planet.
As Belinda actively seeks to resolve the chaos surrounding her, it becomes clear that the true antagonist— the AI Generator overlord— possesses a more mechanical essence than initially perceived. The disturbance in time orchestrated robotic forces to capture Belinda’s former love interest, Alan (Jonny Green), ten years prior to the present storyline. Alan’s controlling nature rapidly intensifies when he is granted authority, highlighting a disturbing parallel between the robots’ retro designs and themes of toxic masculinity, showcased by their susceptibility to manipulation.
Our Thoughts on Season 15’s Mechanical Antagonists
The Uniqueness of the Missbelindachandra Robots
Doctor Who has a rich history of memorable robopocalyptic foes, most notably the Daleks and Cybermen. While their designs have continued to evolve with advances in sci-fi storytelling and production values, the Missbelindachandra foot soldiers offer a distinctive throwback that sets them apart in the Whoniverse. Given Davies’s penchant for retro aesthetics, viewers might be left pondering whether future season 15 adversaries will similarly embrace a nostalgic design philosophy.
Source: Doctor Who Unleashed