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“The Well,” the third episode of Doctor Who’s second season, revisits the eerie world of the acclaimed episode “Midnight,” delivering a chilling narrative that both honors its predecessor and stands on its own. The episode was the focus of a lively discussion on Temple of Geek’s Who Review podcast, featuring hosts Nate and Elizabeth, and their insightful guest, Ivy Hanover.
A Terrifying Midnight Sequel: Doctor Who, Season 2, Episode 3, “The Well“
The podcast hosts, all self-proclaimed massive Doctor Who fans, set the stage for their review with the customary spoiler warning, emphasizing the importance of experiencing “The Well” with fresh eyes. They expressed their excitement at having Ivy Hanover join them, a YouTuber known for her Doctor Who content, highlighting the value of bringing in diverse perspectives to enrich their analysis. Their discussion offered immediate reactions and in-depth analysis, showcasing their deep engagement with the series and their commitment to providing thoughtful commentary for fellow Whovians.
The episode follows the Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and Belinda (Varada Sethu) as they land on a devastated mining colony in the far future, where they confront a mysterious and terrifying entity. The Temple of Geek trio lauded the episode for its visual and atmospheric strengths, with particular praise for the “gorgeous set and costume design” that effectively builds the episode’s unsettling tone. Elizabeth, in particular, noted the lived-in quality of the sets, emphasizing the attention to detail that enhanced the believability of the environment.
Stunning Performances and Visuals
Rose Ayling-Ellis, who plays Alice, and Varada Sethu are singled out for their compelling performances, capturing the raw emotions of fear and desperation in the face of the unknown. Ivy highlights Ellis’s ability to convey the character’s intense desire to return home while grappling with the terrifying presence latched onto her. The design of the Midnight Entity is another focal point of their discussion. The hosts appreciated how it echoes the original’s emphasis on unseen terror while offering brief, unsettling glimpses that amplify the horror.
However, the hosts didn’t shy away from expressing their reservations. Nate, in particular, found the musical sequence accompanying a costume change to be “weird and out of place,” a sentiment echoed by Ivy. They debated the effectiveness of this stylistic choice in an otherwise tense and unsettling episode, questioning the song’s relevance and the scene’s overall execution.
Connections to “Midnight” and Thematic Depth
Beyond the immediate thrills and chills, the podcast delves into the episode’s deeper connections to the original “Midnight” episode. The hosts explore how “The Well” expands the mythology of the Midnight Entity, evolving its characteristics and behaviors while maintaining the core of its terrifying nature. They keenly debate whether this evolution enhances the monster’s impact or detracts from the original’s unique horror, with varying opinions on whether the sequel effectively captures the same sense of dread.
Broader Season 3 Implications
Intriguingly, the hosts also speculate on the episode’s place within the broader season arc. The ambiguous ending, with the Midnight Entity’s escape, sparks their curiosity about its potential return and its possible connection to the season’s overarching mysteries, including the enigmatic Mrs. Flood. The hosts discuss the implications of Earth’s destruction and speculate on the true nature of Belinda, adding layers of intrigue to the ongoing narrative.
Overall, “The Well” is presented as a strong episode that effectively blends horror and mystery, offering both a thrilling standalone story and a worthy sequel to “Midnight”. The Temple of Geek’s engaging discussion underscores the episode’s strengths and invites further exploration of its complexities, making it a must-watch for Doctor Who fans.
Temple of Geek’s Who Review
Temple of Geek’s Who Review is a podcast dedicated to the British television series “Doctor Who”. Here we discuss news related to Doctor Who news, trivia, deep dives, and more.
Our Doctor Who-inspired podcast is hosted by Elizabeth “Lady of Time Cosplay” and Nate “Doc In The Box”. The series also features special guests from the Doctor Who community. You can stream the podcast on Spotify / iHeart Radio / Apple Podcasts / / Stitcher / Pandora/ YouTube and more.
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