The Well

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Warning! This review contains spoilers for Doctor Who season 15, episode 3.

In season 15, episode 3, titled “The Well,” stands out as one of the most compelling episodes this season and among the finest produced during Russell T Davies’ tenure. The Doctor and Belinda are yet to find a way home to Earth when they get involved in a perilous expedition to an abandoned planet. But when the Doctor discovers the planet’s name, the danger escalates to an unimaginable level, making it eerily familiar.

The TARDIS has difficulty locking onto Belinda’s house and time period, causing the Doctor to devise a strategy using spatial triangulation by deploying specific gear to locate her home. But things get tricky when the Doctor encounters a space station filled with deceased individuals; some were gunned down while others were viciously attacked. This scene is gripping, exciting, and offers some of the most evocative nostalgic moments in recent episodes of Doctor Who.

Doctor Who Is Leaning Into Its Roots In The Best Way Possible

Being the longest-running science fiction series ever produced, “Doctor Who” boasts a vast archive of episodes to revisit. Yet, the 2005 revival is now two decades past us. When “The Well” alludes to an iconic adventure from David Tennant’s tenure, “Midnight,” it strikes a chord with fans who started watching the series back then. For someone like me, who first tuned in during 2005, this nod was a heartening reward from the showrunner who initially directed that very episode.

In addition, this episode focuses on developing the bond between Belinda and Ncuti Gatwa’s character, the Fifteenth Doctor. They have several conversations within the TARDIS, both in the opening scene and throughout the storyline. However, while this episode seems to be a continuation of the 2008 story “Midnight,” the link to that monster was somewhat weak. What made “Midnight” so suspenseful wasn’t just that you couldn’t see the creature; it was that it invaded people’s thoughts.

As a cinephile, I must confess that the beast in “The Well” seemed rather anemic compared to its original counterpart. If it’s hinting at another Pantheon deity, it might not be as promising. However, the episode itself was quite robust. The secondary characters gave heartfelt and gripping performances, while the Doctor seized control of the situation, reinforcing his reputation as the shrewdest individual in the room. It all feels very much in line with the show’s identity, reaffirming my faith that the series will continue to expand upon the magnificent legacy it has established thus far.

“The Well” Presents A Serious Challenge For The Doctor

The Well” offers an engaging blend of suspense, fear, and intrigue that furthers the enigma central to this series. The Doctor strengthens a significant bond with Belinda, yet her impatience to return home persists. Nevertheless, she’s growing fond of the thrill these journeys provide. However, the episode concludes with a hint that this creature may resurface again.

In this current season of “Doctor Who,” there have been three episodes featuring Mrs. Flood, and it looks like these scenes might play a significant role in the season finale. However, it’s important to remember that “Doctor Who” isn’t your typical ongoing series. Each adventure presents the Doctor and his companion with fresh, perilous situations. This season seems more connected than usual, which I find intriguing as it could lead to innovative storytelling for the rest of the season.

1) The content, acting, and emotional depth exhibited by each major character in “The Well,” a captivating episode of Doctor Who, is nothing short of spectacular. This show has a knack for stirring our emotions and encouraging us to engage. Watching the Doctor triumph against insurmountable odds never fails to delight. However, such moments must be executed skillfully, with the resolution offering a sense of accomplishment and reason. Fortunately, despite some stumbles in Russell T Davies’ second tenure, “The Well” lived up to expectations.

Doctor Who season 15 continues with new episodes on Disney+ and BBC iPlayer each Saturday.

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2025-04-27 01:37