The Well: Episode 3 of Season 2 Has Landed – Our Thoughts

Daniel’s Thoughts

To describe this episode in one word? Terrifying! From the moment the chillingly cinematic opening sequence unfolded – space-paratroopers descending onto a seemingly desolate planet to investigate a silent mining facility – I was utterly transfixed, perched on the edge of my metaphorical seat even as I enjoyed my morning Earl Grey in bed. The atmosphere was thick with dread.

The episode undeniably borrowed tropes from classic science fiction, the deployment of the troops echoing the tense entry in James Cameron’s ‘Aliens.’ This wasn’t a criticism, however; it amplified the gripping sense of terror, something I feel has been somewhat absent from Doctor Who for a while. There’s a certain magic in this series that’s proving incredibly captivating.

The storytelling style this season feels like a significant leap forward from the previous one. It truly seems Russell T Davies has hit his stride, even considering production likely commenced before the last series aired. The long-standing rumour of this episode being a sequel to the 2008 fan-favourite, ‘Midnight,’ turned out to be true. This initially made me apprehensive, as sequels can often fall short of their predecessors.

However, “The Well” delivered the same level, if not more, palpable terror than ‘Midnight.’ Beyond the sheer dread, the episode instilled a profound sense of foreboding regarding the fate of humanity. Learning that thousands of years in the future, planet Earth and the human race are no more casts a long shadow. This makes Belinda Chandra, much like the Doctor, an endangered species when venturing into the far future. They stand as potential last remnants of their kind in those timelines, forging an unexpected sense of equality between them.

The enigma of Mrs. Flood deepens, but the closing scene felt like a significant breadcrumb. Her possession of “the same cargo” as the Doctor – a certain “big, tall blue box” – is a massive clue. This strongly suggests Mrs. Flood could be a Time Lord. How else would she recognize and possess the same technology as our benevolent Doctor? Furthermore, her keen interest in the “vindicator” hints at potentially sinister intentions, perhaps seeking knowledge to prevent the Doctor’s arrival on May 24th, 2025!

Her recurring presence in every episode so far is reminiscent of Susan Triad from the last series, yet Mrs. Flood exudes a far more ominous aura compared to Susan Twist’s portrayal. The announcement of Susan Twist’s return in some capacity this series only adds another layer of intrigue.

The episode’s ending was pure slasher horror, reminiscent of those classic 70s and 80s films where the seemingly defeated antagonist hints at a final, terrifying return – lovingly parodied in the ‘Scream’ franchise. Could we be witnessing the groundwork for a third installment in the ‘Midnight’ saga in the distant future?

Ultimately, crucial questions remain unanswered: Who is Mrs. Flood, and what catastrophic event led to the disappearance of Earth and humanity?

Jack’s Thoughts

Wow!! In one word: fantastic!

That episode was a masterclass in tension, gripping me from the very first second to the final, unsettling moments. The visuals were absolutely stunning, creating a truly immersive and claustrophobic atmosphere.

As someone who absolutely loved ‘Midnight’ as a kid, this felt like a very solid and emotionally resonant sequel. I’ve always enjoyed stories where the Doctor faces familiar, psychological threats, and revisiting the core terror of the Midnight Entity brought a genuine sense of unease and excitement.

I particularly loved the design of the space suits. They had a very modern, streamlined aesthetic that felt both practical and visually appealing.

I sincerely hope we get to see a third installment featuring the Midnight Entity. For me, this was the best episode of the new season by far. Although, I did get a slight “side character” vibe from one of the crew members, which is perfectly acceptable as every story needs those supporting roles.

The Mrs. Flood mystery continues to intrigue me, and I’m consciously avoiding forming any concrete theories. I’m eager to see how this particular narrative thread unfolds organically.

On a broader note, I have a strong feeling that we are building towards something massive happening on May 24th, 2025. I’m really hoping the Trickster makes a significant return to the Whoniverse; he remains one of my favourite villains, and I’d love to see him challenge the Doctor once again.

Amber’s Thoughts

This episode served as a strong spiritual sequel to Midnight, not quite matching the original’s brilliance, but still delivering a suspenseful and engaging story. 

The mystery surrounding Earth’s fate has deepened, particularly with the revelation that people in the future no longer know of its existence. This ongoing thread continues to pique curiosity, especially with the reappearance of Mrs. Flood, who’s now clearly tied into the larger arc: mentioning that she’s interested in the Vindicator the Doctor is using. 

The entity’s escape at the end opens the door for a potential return of the Midnight Entity, which remains just as terrifying despite the lack of new information revealed about it. I appreciated how the episode maintained the unsettling tone of Midnight without overexplaining the creature, preserving its mystery. 

Although I had seen a leak and already knew the twist about the episode being set on Midnight, the reveal was still brilliantly executed. A standout moment was the use of Britney Spears’ Toxic during the Doctor and Belinda’s outfit change, it felt like a fun nod to The End of the World from Series 1. 

All in all, a well-done, creepy sequel that respects its predecessor while pushing the ongoing story forward.

Images Courtesy of BBC Pictures