The highly anticipated second season of the enduring British sci-fi series, “Doctor Who“, has launched, introducing a compelling new companion to the Time Lord’s adventures. Varada Sethu delivers a standout performance as Belinda Chandra in the season opener. And has immediately established her as an intelligent, capable, and fearless addition to the TARDIS team.
Spoilers ahead for Doctor Who, season 2, episode one, “The Robot Revolution.”
In the season premiere, the Doctor encounters Belinda Chandra, a resourceful nurse from Earth. However, a mysterious and formidable force obstructs their journey, hinting at the thrilling and unpredictable adventures that lie ahead.
New Doctor Who Companion: A Familiar Face in a New Role
What makes Sethu’s casting particularly noteworthy is her previous appearance in the first season episode “Boom” as Mundy Flynn, an Anglican Marine. This marks a significant and intriguing instance where an actor returns in a substantial new role within the Doctor Who universe. Sethu portrays a completely distinct character with a unique, yet currently undisclosed, connection to her previous persona.
This isn’t the first time “Doctor Who” has seen actors reappear in different roles before stepping into the shoes of a companion:
- Freema Agyeman: First appeared as Adeola Oshodi in “Army of Ghosts” before becoming the beloved companion Martha Jones. Notably, Adeola was later revealed to be a cousin of Martha.
- Karen Gillan: Played a Soothsayer in “The Fires of Pompeii” prior to her memorable run as Amy Pond. In this instance, there was no narrative link established between the two characters.
- Jenna Coleman: Famously portrayed three distinct iterations of the same character. She was Oswin Oswald in “Asylum of the Daleks,” Clara Oswin Oswald in “The Snowmen.” Ultimately, Coleman portrays the ongoing companion Clara Oswald.
Belinda Chandra: A Companion Who Demands Respect
However, Belinda Chandra distinguishes herself as a companion who will not passively accept the Doctor’s often cryptic explanations. She insists on clarity and respect, a refreshing dynamic that promises to challenge the Doctor’s established patterns of interaction. Belinda is portrayed as direct, confident, and possessing a strong will. In this first episode, she seems unafraid to voice her opinions and hold the Doctor accountable for his actions.
Despite her assertive demeanor, Belinda also demonstrates a capacity for genuine connection and a lighthearted approach to the extraordinary. Her balanced nature suggests a companion capable of navigating the unbelievable while remaining grounded and relatable.
A significant moment in the premiere saw Belinda firmly establish her boundaries, stating to the Doctor that she is “not just another adventure” for him. This was further underscored when she confronted him for testing her DNA without her consent, a clear violation that the Doctor immediately acknowledged and apologized for. This display of accountability from the Doctor is a welcome development, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct even amidst extraordinary circumstances.
Belinda’s expressed eagerness to understand the underlying connection or destiny that is drawing her and the Doctor together hints at a compelling and potentially significant narrative arc that will unfold throughout the season.
Varada Sethu: A Rising Star Joins the TARDIS
Varada Sethu joins Millie Gibson, who portrays Ruby Sunday, as the Doctor’s companions in this exciting new season. Sethu is a burgeoning British actress who has garnered recognition for her captivating performances in both film and television. A former member of the National Youth Theatre with a background in the classical Indian dances of Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam, she also holds a degree in physiology.
Sethu made her screen debut in 2010 and has since cultivated a diverse and promising career. She was recently recognized as one of Variety’s “10 Brits to Watch.”
Fans can also anticipate seeing Sethu reprise her role as Cinta Kaz in the highly acclaimed Lucasfilm series Andor on Disney+. Her previous credits include appearances in major productions such as “Jurassic World Dominion”, the gripping thriller miniseries “I Came By”, the action-packed series “Strike Back”, and the BBC adaptation of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, among other notable roles.
Belinda Chandra’s impactful debut in the Doctor Who season premiere signals an exciting new chapter for the series, introducing a companion who is poised to challenge the Doctor and undoubtedly captivate audiences with her intelligence, bravery, and unwavering sense of self.
Join the Conversation!
What were your thoughts on “The Robot Revolution”? Share your theories and favorite moments in the comments below. And don’t forget to subscribe and follow us on social media for more Doctor Who content.
Connect with us on social media for all the latest pop culture news and discussions!
- Bluesky: We’re on Bluesky! Join our community for insightful conversations and exclusive content.
- TikTok: Follow us on TikTok for fun and engaging videos about your favorite pop culture topics.
- Instagram: Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and behind-the-scenes updates on Instagram.
- YouTube: Subscribe to our YouTube channel for in-depth reviews, interviews, and special features.
Don’t miss out on all the fun! Connect with us today! Let us know your thoughts! Be sure to join our Discord for discussions about film and television at Temple of Geek!
Check Out 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.
Temple of Geek’s Who Review
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. “Who Review” is available on major podcast platforms, including Spotify, iHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, YouTube, and more.
