Doctor Who’s New Companion Mirrors the Journey of Ian & Barbara Joining the TARDIS in 1963

Doctor Who is welcoming a new companion, and the storyline mirrors the experiences of Ian and Barbara, the show’s inaugural companions—an exciting prospect for fans of the series. As the longest-running science fiction television show globally, Doctor Who has introduced a multitude of companions throughout its history. These characters often serve as the audience’s perspective into the various incarnations of the Doctor, providing fresh insights into the complex persona of this enigmatic time traveler.

In Season 15, Varada Sethu steps into the role of the latest companion, portraying an original character named Belinda Chandra, having previously appeared in the series. The recent trailer for this season has sparked interest, showcasing Belinda’s character, who appears to exhibit a more confrontational dynamic with the Doctor compared to Millie Gibson’s Ruby Sunday. This development hints at a familiar yet intriguing narrative arc.

The Doctor’s Journey with Varada Sethu’s Character

A Familiar Journey Awaits

Watch the Trailer Here

As indicated in the trailer, the Fifteenth Doctor is undertaking the task of bringing Belinda home—”the long way round.” This phrase echoes a notorious line originally uttered by William Hartnell’s First Doctor during *The Dalek Invasion of Earth* in 1964. At that time, the Doctor was attempting to return companions Ian and Barbara to their home planet. Similarly, Matt Smith’s Eleventh Doctor later adopted this line in *The Day of the Doctor*, reflecting his own challenges in returning to Gallifrey.

Intriguingly, it appears that Belinda is a companion who harbors a desire to leave the TARDIS, which differentiates her from other companions introduced by Russell T. Davies. This scenario raises alarms about the Doctor’s ability to navigate the TARDIS as he grapples with a lack of control over his time-traveling vessel, suggesting a significant shift in the show’s dynamics.

A Short-Lived Adventure for Varada Sethu’s Character?

The Future of Storytelling in Doctor Who

One pivotal question arises: Can Doctor Who effectively narrate a story arc where the Doctor cannot operate the TARDIS proficiently? The modern iterations of the show have featured the Doctor wielding precise control over the TARDIS, often performing remarkable feats, such as towing the entire planet Earth in one memorable plot. A Doctor who struggles to control his time machine presents a scenario where unpredictability reigns.

This narrative twist could indicate that Varada Sethu’s character might only be part of the series for a single season—unless she undergoes a substantial change of heart. As the story unfolds, once the Doctor regains his mastery over the TARDIS, the pivotal moment will arrive when Belinda must decide whether to remain with the Doctor on this thrilling journey or return home. The precedent set in Season 14 with a brief companion may foreshadow a similar fate for Belinda.

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