In the ever-evolving universe of Doctor Who, the iconic Time Lord has always been known for their uncanny ability to devise plans and strategies in the face of formidable intergalactic threats. Traditionally, the Doctor has been portrayed as an eccentric yet dependable leader, someone their companions rely on to navigate perilous situations. However, as the beloved series gears up for its latest season, viewers can expect a refreshing shift in this dynamic, especially with the introduction of a new companion who brings her own unique skill set to the table.

Joining the ensemble is Belinda Chandra, a character portrayed by the talented Varada Sethu, who is particularly notable for her role in Andor. Unlike many of the Doctor's previous companions, who often find themselves swept into the adventures without much preparation, Belinda is an ordinary woman deeply entrenched in her own reality. She works as an overworked nurse, balancing the demands of her hectic job with the frustrations of her less-than-ideal living situation, which includes aggravating roommates.

In her daily life, Belinda is accustomed to dealing with emergencies and is often too busy to pay attention to the extraordinary occurrences surrounding her. This changes dramatically when a colleague casually mentions that the Doctor, portrayed by Ncuti Gatwa, is looking for her. Their paths diverged dramatically last season when Sethu made her debut as an Anglican Marine from the 51st century, a character who bears a striking resemblance to Belinda but is entirely different. Now, it seems the Doctor has a keen interest in Belinda, recognizing her as a vital ally in his time-traveling adventures.

In a recent interview with Sethu, Gatwa, and showrunner Russell T. Davies, it became clear that the heart of this new season lies in the intricate interpersonal dynamic between Belinda and the Doctor. Unlike previous seasons, which typically began with companions meeting the Doctor before embarking on their adventures, Davies has opted for a different narrative approach. In this season, Belinda is already navigating her own extraordinary story, albeit without the knowledge of the whirlpool of alien encounters awaiting her.

The Doctor is literally chasing after Belinda because hes been told to look out for her and he knows that she should be on board his TARDIS, Davies explained. But Belinda isnt the type of person whos going to stand there waiting. Her life is accelerating far into the distance, the Doctors running to catch up, and in many ways that energy is what shapes their relationship throughout the series.

Davies was particularly inspired to craft Belinda's character as an accident and emergency (A&E) nurse after hearing anecdotes from a physician friend about the challenging environments in which medical professionals operate. He emphasized the critical role nurses play in healthcare, often performing the essential work that keeps the system afloat while doctors take center stage. In this narrative, Belinda embodies that ethos, proving to be an equal partner to the Doctor in a way that surprises him. As someone who is accustomed to stepping in and providing care when its most needed, Belinda doesnt wait for the Doctors directions; instead, she takes initiative when there are injured people that require assistance.

Belinda and the Doctor are equals, but when there are injured people who need help, she just rolls her sleeves up and gets to work because thats who she is, Davies added. And thats a surprise to the Doctor. Suddenly, hes seeing someone not waiting for his every word, and its clear that he isnt always in charge of the situation.

Sethu describes Belinda as not just empathetic but also grounded, capable of maintaining her composure amid chaos. Her experience in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment equips her with the clarity needed to engage with the Doctor and the bizarre aliens that inevitably come into her life. However, she also has her limits when it comes to the Doctors antics, and she is not shy about holding him accountable when he becomes overly self-important.

As a healthcare worker, you have to be able to read people who turn up at your doorstep in so many different states of distress, and you have to be compassionate as you help them find the answers they need, Sethu explained. But you also need to have your boundaries. So, Belindas very much like, yes, I will absolutely help you because I want to help save the world. And yes, I will care about you. But dont you dare speak to me like that.

The narrative complexity deepens when considering the Doctors emotional state. Following the most recent Christmas special titled Joy to the World, viewers witnessed the lingering loneliness experienced by Gatwas Doctor, who grapples with the loss of many loved ones across his numerous lifetimes. As the new season unfolds, this emotional craving for connection propels the Doctor towards Belinda, yet theres an intensity in his pursuit that prompts reflection on both their characters and their relationship.