Doctor Who’s “Robot Revolution” Kicks Off Season Two with a Bold, Spiky Bang
So, I just watched the season two premiere of Doctor Who , “The Robot Revolution,” and wow—there’s a lot to unpack. Russell T Davies is clearly not pulling any punches this time around. If you thought he might dial back the intensity or steer away from social commentary in his second run, think again. This episode boldly launches us into an adventure that’s just as heavy on character tension as it is on sleek robots and space tech.
Let’s start with Belinda Chandra, played by Varada Sethu. This is her official debut as the new companion, and what an entrance. Instead of immediately falling into that classic Doctor-companion chemistry we’ve gotten used to—think Doctor and Ruby Sunday—Belinda shuts it all down. She’s sharp, skeptical, and absolutely not interested in going on a whimsical ride through time and space. She literally says, “I am not one of your adventures.” That line alone sets the tone. Her first instinct isn’t awe—it’s resistance. And it gives this Doctor-companion dynamic a completely fresh edge.
Ncuti Gatwa, as always, is magnetic as the Doctor. But interestingly, he takes a bit of a backseat in this episode. This one’s really about introducing Belinda. Her choices are huge from the jump—like when she knowingly summons a group of potentially lethal robots. That’s one of the boldest, most morally complex decisions we’ve seen from a companion since Clara. It instantly sets her apart.
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The episode plays with expectations in a big way. At first glance, it feels like a cautionary tale about rogue AI. But halfway through, it pivots into something deeper—a metaphor for coercive relationships, power dynamics, and control. The villain isn’t just “evil robot guy,” he’s an unsettling portrayal of emotional manipulation, and it’s all the more chilling because of how fast it escalates.
Visually, the robots are such a vibe—retro-futuristic with 1950s flair. Some even come off more cute than creepy (shoutout to the little robot vacuum that just wants to “polish polish!”). But the real threat comes from the underlying themes, not the tech itself. That’s classic Doctor Who —using sci-fi gloss to tackle real-world grit.
There’s also some meta-play going on. References to past roles (like Belinda previously appearing as Mundy Flynn) and winks to longtime fans—“timey-wimey” jokes and even a Kylie Minogue nod—make this episode feel steeped in the show’s long, twisty history. And of course, we get a cheeky cameo from Anita Dobson’s Mrs. Flood with that fourth-wall breaking “You ain’t seen me.” Love it.
All in all, “The Robot Revolution” is an ambitious, slightly chaotic, but refreshingly bold season opener. It teases a darker, deeper, and more character-driven Doctor Who , and if Belinda and the Doctor continue down this path of friction and growth, we could be in for one of the most interesting pairings in recent years.
Next week? The 1950s. Miami. Alan Cumming in animated madness. Can’t wait.
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