Belinda Chandra's Wild Ride: Doctor Who's Robot Revolution Starts Off Wobbly!

It has been confirmed that Doctor Who resumes its operations with The Robot Revolution, but unfortunately, the cosmic journey launching Ncuti Gatwa’s second season doesn’t live up to the exciting beginning some fans anticipated.

In a turn of events, we introduce Belinda Chandra, or Varada Sethu as she’s known elsewhere, a caring yet straightforward nurse residing in a London shared house. It doesn’t take long before colossal red robots make an appearance and snatch her up in their rocket, all while she’s still in her pyjamas – leaving her quite puzzled about the sudden turn of events.

17 years ago, a star was named after Belinda, and now robots inhabiting the planet that orbits this star consider her their queen. They are eager to bring her “home,” but there’s a significant issue – a fierce war is taking place on the planet known as Missbelindachandra One.

Amidst growing intricacies, an inquisitive device known as the AI Generator has expressed a desire to wed Belinda. Meanwhile, the mysterious TARDIS seems to have vanished, and as you might expect, there appears to be some complex temporal dynamics at play…

Initially, what stands out and brings a sense of relief for the upcoming season is Sethu, who truly sparkles like a breath of fresh air. Meanwhile, Belinda’s debut, who isn’t looking for an adventure among the stars but longs to return home, is one of the most delightful aspects in this episode.

Her lively, contentious relationship with the Doctor provides an intriguing twist (one that echoes some classic companions as well), and it’s immediately evident that she will push the Doctor this season in ways he may find unfamiliar.

Right off the bat, Gatwa dives headfirst into action, illuminating the screen with his distinctive style and brimming with vitality, inviting us to join him on this exhilarating journey.

In this week’s episode, I find myself juggling quite a few tasks, from developing a rapport with a fresh partner and revisiting the classic “It’s bigger on the inside” scene, to delivering some finely tuned dialogue and seamlessly transitioning between humorous and heartfelt moments. As always, it’s effortless for me, making every moment a delight to witness.

Although the storyline is engaging in parts, it unfortunately falls short in multiple areas that we can’t discuss just now. The climax, featuring an unexpected yet implausible moment, doesn’t quite deliver its intended impact. Additionally, there are instances where the dialogue feels overly explicit, detracting from the episode’s deeper themes by having characters explain points that could have been conveyed subtly instead.

In addition, there are some thrilling scenes as well. For instance, a nerve-wracking segment midway through the episode features a conversation between the Doctor and Belinda while they’re being held captive by robots, which is incredibly engaging.

Anita Dobson’s Mrs Flood makes her long-awaited return, and she’s as camp as ever.

Additionally, the episode swiftly establishes a number of captivating enigmas concerning our latest traveling partner, while simultaneously addressing a question that has likely piqued the interest of viewers.

In summary, The Robot Revolution is an intriguing idea with potential for improvement. Certainly, there could have been a stronger opening. However, episode 1 served its purpose and we’re eagerly anticipating more exciting journeys ahead.

Following the era known as the Robot Revolution, our journey takes us to a nostalgic 1950s Miami setting in Lux, featuring Alan Cumming. Then, we plunge into the ominous third episode titled The Well, where Rose Ayling-Ellis plays a significant role.

2025-04-07 22:34

Belinda Chandra’s Wild Ride: Doctor Who’s Robot Revolution Starts Off Wobbly!

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