Doctor Who's New Companion, Belinda Chandra, Offers a Refreshingly Complex Dynamic with the Doctor

The premiere episode of Doctor Who's fifteenth series, titled "The Robot Revolution," introduces us to Belinda Chandra, who quickly stands out as a unique character among the Doctor's companions. Her immediate desire to return to her mundane life contrasts sharply with the typical awe and enthusiasm that previous companions have shown towards the Doctor's adventures. This episode navigates the complexities of their relationship as they grapple with interstellar conflicts brought on by rival robot factions and personal history, namely a troublesome ex-boyfriend who inadvertently drags Belinda into a civil war on a distant planet. While the episode succeeds in establishing compelling chemistry between Belinda (played by Varada Sethu) and the Doctor (portrayed by Ncuti Gatwa), it also raises questions about character agency and consent as the Doctor makes misguided choices around Belinda’s autonomy, scanning her genetic material without her permission. The writing cleverly suggests a darker undertone to the Doctor's nature, which adds depth to the story and echoes some unsettling themes around control and objectification. Moreover, the episode’s pacing prioritizes efficiency over depth, which might alienate new viewers trying to become acquainted with the show's convoluted lore and backstory. Notably, despite some effective callbacks to the series' rich history, the episode offers little in terms of character development for Belinda, hinting at a deeper narrative without fully exploring it. The protagonist's reactions to the chaos unraveling around her—such as her desire to return to a hospital shift after witnessing mortality in a spectacular adventure—reflect a realistic and nuanced reaction that diverges from the norm. While it remains unclear how the season arc will develop past the episode's cliffhanger involving the destruction of Earth, the groundwork for believably testing the boundaries of Belinda and the Doctor’s relationship is well laid. Longtime fans of the series might find satisfaction in its continuity signifiers but may also grapple with feelings of disconnection towards the narrative’s machine-like efficiency. Future episodes will reveal if the potential of this unusual companion-Doctor dynamic can translate into a lasting and meaningful partnership.