Doctor Who recently concluded its two-part finale, leaving fans with mixed feelings about the direction of the show. The finale began with a unique concept of a backwards world where the Doctor, played by Ncuti Gatwa, was married to companion Belinda, portrayed by Varada Sethtu, in a blueprint nuclear family setting. The addition of Poppy, their daughter they never had, added an intriguing dynamic to the storyline.
However, as the mystery unfolded, the qualities that made the situation compelling began to unravel, mirroring the trajectory of two key characters: Belinda Chandra and antagonist Mrs. Flood, played by Anita Dobson. Both characters were introduced with mysterious origins and complex dynamics, sparking speculation among fans about how their motivations would clash with the Doctor. Unfortunately, these promising signs ultimately led to disappointment as their storylines failed to deliver on their initial potential.
Mrs. Flood’s build-up was a complete waste
The character of Mrs. Flood was revealed to be a villain from Classic Who: The Rani. However, her introduction was overshadowed by the sudden appearance of the true Rani, played by Archie Panjabi, during a pivotal scene in the Interstellar Song Contest episode. This abrupt twist undermined Mrs. Flood’s character development and left fans questioning the purpose of her build-up throughout the season.
Despite being a prominent presence in Gatwa’s tenure as the Doctor, Mrs. Flood’s character arc culminated in a lackluster post-credits scene that failed to deliver the anticipated impact. The underwhelming reveal and flat dialogue left much to be desired, diminishing the potential for a compelling confrontation between the two Ranis.
Anita Dobson’s portrayal of Mrs. Flood was overshadowed by Panjabi’s performance as the Rani, with the former being relegated to a secondary role and ultimately sidelined in the narrative. The decision to introduce two versions of the Rani added little value to the storyline, ultimately detracting from Mrs. Flood’s significance as a character.
While Panjabi brought a sense of wicked campness to the Rani character, the writing failed to do justice to the antagonist’s potential. The constant barrage of new twists and turns overshadowed the villainous presence that had been built up throughout the season, leaving Mrs. Flood’s character arc feeling unresolved and unsatisfying.
Belinda became nothing more than a tradwife
In contrast to Mrs. Flood’s disappointing arc, Belinda’s character initially captured viewers’ attention with her strong-willed personality and independent nature. As a companion who challenged the Doctor’s assumptions and valued her work as a nurse, Belinda stood out as a dynamic and multi-dimensional character.
However, as the final episodes unfolded, Belinda’s character development took a disappointing turn, reducing her to a traditional housewife archetype. The complexities and depth of her character were overshadowed by a lack of focus on her individual agency and growth, leading to a regression in her storyline.
Despite the initial promise of exploring Belinda’s relationships with her family and the impact of her travels with the Doctor, these aspects of her character were largely ignored in the final episodes. The potential for meaningful character development and emotional depth was sacrificed in favor of a more superficial portrayal, resulting in a missed opportunity to further explore Belinda’s story.
In conclusion, Doctor Who’s two-part finale left fans divided over the handling of key characters and storylines. While the concept of a backwards world and the introduction of intriguing new characters held promise, the execution fell short of expectations, leaving viewers with a sense of unfulfilled potential. As the show moves forward, fans hope for a return to form and a renewed focus on character-driven storytelling that honors the rich history and legacy of Doctor Who. In the alternate reality of Wish World, viewers witnessed a surprising turn of events as Belinda, a once ambitious character, transformed into a stay-at-home mom to Poppy and married to ‘John Smith’, also known as The Doctor. Initially, this development seemed laughable, as Belinda’s character was complex and dynamic, leading many to believe that there was more to the story than meets the eye.
However, as the plot unfolded, it became apparent that Belinda’s fate was sealed as a mother to Poppy, with her other qualities taking a backseat to this new role. While there is nothing wrong with exploring parenthood in a character’s storyline, the sudden shift in Belinda’s narrative felt forced and out of character.
Throughout the season, Belinda was confined to a box with Poppy, while other characters took center stage in saving the day. Even when Poppy disappeared, Belinda’s focus remained solely on the child, undermining her previous personality and depth. The universe was rewritten to revolve around Belinda’s maternal instincts, erasing any hint of her desires or aspirations beyond motherhood.
The rushed nature of Belinda’s storyline left much to be desired, with crucial interactions and character development sacrificed for the sake of a shocking twist. Despite hints at a more complex backstory, Belinda’s arc ultimately culminated in her becoming a single mother, with the Doctor’s role in her life drastically altered.
The disappointing conclusion of Belinda’s character arc raises questions about the direction of Doctor Who and the handling of female characters. As a show known for pushing boundaries and representation, the reduction of Belinda to a stereotypical gender trope is a missed opportunity for meaningful storytelling.
Moving forward, fans hope that Doctor Who learns from these missteps and delivers more nuanced and empowering narratives for its female characters. Belinda and other characters like her deserve better than to be relegated to outdated gender roles, and viewers remain hopeful for a more engaging and respectful portrayal in future seasons.
Overall, the finale of Doctor Who left much to be desired, with Belinda’s character bearing the brunt of rushed storytelling and missed opportunities for growth. As the show evolves, it is essential to prioritize character development and representation to truly resonate with audiences and do justice to the rich tapestry of diverse stories within the Doctor Who universe. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel back in time and experience life in a different era? Imagine stepping into a time machine and being transported to a world where horse-drawn carriages roam the streets and people communicate through letters delivered by hand.
As you arrive in this bygone era, you are struck by the sights and sounds of a simpler time. The streets are bustling with activity as vendors sell their wares from wooden stalls and children play games with hoops and sticks. The air is filled with the scent of freshly baked bread and the sound of church bells ringing in the distance.
You find yourself drawn to a quaint little inn where you decide to rest and refresh yourself. As you enter the dimly lit establishment, you are greeted by the warm glow of a crackling fire and the sound of lively conversation. The innkeeper welcomes you with a smile and offers you a seat at a wooden table where you can enjoy a hearty meal of roasted meats and vegetables.
After your meal, you decide to take a stroll through the cobblestone streets and explore the town. You pass by a blacksmith’s shop where a burly man hammers away at a red-hot piece of metal, shaping it into a horseshoe. Further down the road, you come across a group of women gossiping as they hang laundry out to dry in the midday sun.
As you continue your walk, you are struck by the sense of community and camaraderie that permeates the town. Neighbors greet each other with warm smiles and lend a helping hand when needed. You witness a group of men working together to build a new barn, their laughter echoing through the countryside.
As the day draws to a close, you find yourself feeling a sense of nostalgia for this simpler way of life. The pace is slower, the connections deeper, and the beauty of everyday moments is cherished. You realize that while the modern world may offer many conveniences, there is something special about the charm and simplicity of the past.
As you step back into the time machine and return to the present day, you carry with you the memories of your journey into the past. You are grateful for the experience and the opportunity to glimpse a world that once was. And perhaps, you find yourself longing for a time when life was a little bit slower, a little bit sweeter, and a lot more connected.