Doctor Who Wasted Belinda Chandra’s Potential

Summary

Belinda Chandra’s fresh approach captivated Doctor Who fans initially.
Chandra’s shift to a typical companion role disappoints fans after ‘Lux.’
There’s hope for Chandra to reclaim her unique character by expressing frustration.

One major topic for this season of “Doctor Who” revolves around the latest addition to the team, Belinda Chandra. Whenever a new actor steps into that renowned position, it naturally generates significant buzz since it’s essentially a key role next to the Time Lord, often appearing in almost every episode throughout the series, occasionally even without the Doctor having a significant presence.

Ruby’s impressive work in the first season left viewers unprepared for such swift changes. Yet, initially, her performance was well-received; however, following the airing of only the second episode of Doctor Who’s second season, some spectators have begun to express doubts about whether she will make a valuable companion.

Belinda Chandra Started Out So Differently

She Stood Up To The Doctor In The Opening Episode

In the debut episode of the new Doctor Who series, the plot wasn’t particularly thought-provoking, but Chandra stood out as one of the most intriguing aspects. Unlike traditional portrayals of the Time Lord’s companions, Chandra approached her role in a unique way, challenging the Doctor’s actions and even his methods, such as examining her DNA without seeking consent first. Instead of passively following the Doctor’s lead like other companions often do, Chandra took charge when she believed people were being harmed, demonstrating a sense of responsibility and autonomy that left viewers eager to see more of her character. This fresh dynamic between Chandra and the Doctor immediately piqued interest about how their relationship would unfold throughout the season.

She exhibited a contrast to Sunday, who showed excessive enthusiasm and joy about all space-related matters and the Doctor himself. Although there was nothing amiss with this, the series needed to alter the tempo to distinguish the companions, given that Sunday is set to appear in this season. Seeing someone prepared to assert her convictions and not yearn for journeys within the TARDIS added an enjoyable twist. This left viewers intrigued about how the tension between them would escalate throughout the season, a development everyone was eager to see unfold.

Belinda Chandra Already Feels Less Impressive After ‘Lux’

She Morphed Into A Typical Companion

In the first installment, much effort was expended, but it seemed like all that progress was reversed in ‘Lux.’ The second episode of the season was highly praised for its intrigue and effectively strengthened the bond between Chandra and the Doctor. They had an appealing dynamic, which is crucial if their partnership is to succeed. Regrettably, her acting in this episode led to her becoming another companion. Despite minor objections not to return to the cinema to probe Mr. Ring-a-Ding, Chandra unquestioningly followed the Doctor throughout the episode. She was content to enter his wardrobe and don a fancy dress, and she even acknowledged during the episode that she had full trust in him. Although viewers expected this level of trust later on, doing it so soon after just the second episode left many wanting more conflict.

In a different way of telling, Chandra’s storyline throughout the current season could have unfolded as her remaining unconvinced by the Time Lord, despite his persistent attempts. Frustrated at not being able to return home, she might have only accepted the danger and the Doctor’s true capabilities towards the end of the season’s climax. This had the potential to make Chandra feel special and unique, but unfortunately, this opportunity seems to have been missed so far in this season. Essentially, the show Doctor Who missed a chance to impress with its handling of Chandra, which isn’t what viewers were hoping for at this early stage of the season.

There Is Still Time For Doctor Who To Save Belinda Chandra

She Might End Up Being Mad At Him Again

It’s clear that most of this “Doctor Who” season will take place off-world since the TARDIS can’t return to the specific date Chandra desires. The main storyline follows Chandra’s desperate quest to get back home, but even the Time Lord’s genius isn’t enough to make it happen. They may eventually return, though, not until the latter episodes, which could provide “Doctor Who” an opportunity to refine its latest companion. It seems logical for her character to grow increasingly agitated by his inability to get home, mirroring her initial episode one frustration.

From a narrative standpoint, the initial portrayal of Chandra offers intriguing possibilities that add a new dimension and vitality to the series. This fresh take is exactly what Doctor Who requires at this juncture, given the uncertainty surrounding its future. If Doctor Who manages to restore Chandra to her original character while still appreciating Ncuti Gatwa’s performance, something truly exceptional could be created.

2025-04-23 17:05