When the latest season of Doctor Who launched, viewers were eager not just for the premiere story or hints about the season’s grand finale, but for the introduction of Varada Sethu as Belinda Chandra. This character promised to revamp the Doctor/companion dynamic, something we hadn’t seen in years. Yet, as the season wrapped up amidst a myriad of narrative and production challenges, one glaring issue stood out: the complete underutilization of Belinda’s character.
Belinda, a young nurse juggling her intense career with the absurdities typical of Doctor Who—from being snatched by giant robots to assuming a cruel planetary rule and facing an awful arranged marriage—immediately disrupted the standard companion archetype. Typically, upon entering the Doctor’s world, companions like Rose Tyler or Ruby Sunday are enchanted within an hour, eagerly stepping into the TARDIS. Belinda’s debut in “The Robot Revolution” set the scene for something different.
While Belinda does eventually join the Doctor in the TARDIS, she initially rocks the boat by challenging the Doctor’s ever-assertive nature. In “The Robot Revolution,” she holds her ground against the Doctor’s charm, emphasizing the importance of consent and confronting him about invading her privacy. This vivid chemistry between Belinda and the Doctor, complemented by the charisma of Ncuti Gatwa and Varada Sethu, offers moments of genuine tension and exploration.
The Doctor’s usual approach of dazzling companions does not work on Belinda. She stands up for herself, asserting that her safety is paramount and revealing her desire to return home. What could have been a rich character arc quickly loses its depth as the season progresses.
It’s unfortunate that Belinda’s character is ambiguous and soon shifts shape as the season unfolds. Although some softening is natural for character development, her sudden shift into companion mode felt unconvincing. Subsequent episodes seemed to prioritize Ruby’s storylines, sidelining Belinda and stripping her character of the complexity presented in earlier episodes.
As the season approached its climax in “The Interstellar Song Contest,” Belinda, who initially criticized the Doctor for crossing ethical boundaries, appeared to condone his harsh actions. Her transformation from a strong, opinionated character to a generic companion left viewers disappointed.
The season finale delivers a real disservice to Belinda’s character. In “Wish World,” she is depicted through the eyes of the antagonist, portrayed merely as a mother, which reinforces outdated notions of women’s roles. What could have been a disturbing indictment of patriarchal norms devolved into a reductive characterization that overlooked her journey.
In “The Reality War,” the narrative takes a troubling turn, assuming Belinda’s new focus on motherhood is a moment of personal growth. Instead, she is reduced to the title of “Poppy’s mother,” sidelining her individuality and agency. By the climax, the Doctor continues to invade her privacy without a second thought. Belinda, once vibrant and assertive, is now merely a shadow of her former self.
Belinda’s story arc didn’t embrace the vibrant possibilities she initially offered. Rather than cultivating complexity, the show diminished her to a stereotype. A character whose motherhood bears significance is not the issue, and there are myriad narrative directions that could have explored this concept compellingly. Yet, Doctor Who chose to sideline her and forfeit the intricate storylines we hoped for.
As we look back on the season, Belinda’s fate stands out as a particularly disheartening narrative decision. By the series’ end, the character from “The Robot Revolution” hardly seems to exist, replaced by a hollow outline of what could have been. In a season filled with potential, Belinda’s arc serves as a poignant reminder of the missed opportunities that lingered just out of reach.
What does this mean for the future of Doctor Who? As the show continues to evolve, it’s essential to prioritize character complexity and development, ensuring that every companion is afforded the richness of experience their journey deserves.
Have you wondered why Docter Who has such varied character arcs? Many fans debate the choices made within the season. How can a character dynamic like Belinda’s change so drastically? Such shifts often reflect the show’s larger narrative goals rather than individual character growth.
Are there any upcoming changes in Doctor Who that might restore some of that depth? Speculation continues as new story arcs unfold, and the potential for revitalizing companion dynamics seems feasible.
As the Doctor Who universe expands, what can we expect for future companions? Fans hope that each character will bring something unique to the table, enriching the overall narrative beyond standard tropes.
Continue exploring these themes as we further discuss narratives in Doctor Who and beyond, including future character developments that may reflect the audience’s desire for deeper storytelling. Stay connected with Moyens I/O for more insights into the evolving landscape of your favorite shows.