Warning! This article contains spoilers for Doctor Who season 15, episode 3, “The Well.”
Doctor Who is a beloved science fiction series that often shines with the richness of its stories when revisited. The episode titled “The Well” offers a significantly different experience upon a second viewing. Over the past five years, Doctor Who has undergone substantial transformations, yet it remains a pivotal segment of a narrative that has captivated audiences since 1963. Throughout the decades, the Doctor and their companions have embarked on countless thrilling escapades, facing mysterious adversaries and navigating treacherous situations that lead to unexpected and dangerous conclusions.
With its expansive lore, Doctor Who possesses the exceptional ability to revisit narratives from long ago. In “The Well,” the series seizes this opportunity to reintroduce a formidable creature first seen in the 2008 episode titled “Midnight.” More than just the return of a chilling foe from the Doctor’s history, “The Well” also introduces a captivating new hero whose narrative journey unfolds beautifully within the confines of this single episode.
Shaya’s Transformative Final Words in Doctor Who’s “The Well”
Shaya Experiences a Complete Character Transformation in Doctor Who After Just One Episode
At the beginning of “The Well,” Shaya, who leads the expedition on a desolate mining planet, displays a demeanor that is cold, pragmatic, and straightforward in her leadership style. While her fellow crew members delve into their emotions and personal thoughts about their dire situation, Shaya bluntly asserts that “hope is irrelevant,” exemplifying a stark realism in the face of impending danger. However, as the episode progresses, Shaya’s narrative arc culminates in a powerful moment where she reflects on her journey from a frightened girl fleeing monsters to a courageous woman who now runs towards danger to protect others.
Related
Why Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor Claims “Midnight” Was His Most Terrifying Experience
In Doctor Who season 15, Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor reveals that “Midnight” was the episode that frightened him the most, and there’s a compelling reason behind his statement.
As Shaya makes the courageous decision to confront the enigmatic entity weighing down Belinda, she rushes towards the well that plunges into the planet’s core. The episode poignantly flashes back to her youth, where she was once fleeing from monsters, drawing a parallel between her past and present. Interestingly, Shaya expresses her newfound aim to “bring hope,” a stark contrast to her earlier dismissal of such a concept. This shift reflects a significant transformation in her character. Despite her previous reluctance to embrace hope, Shaya reveals that she has always held onto it within, striving to make a genuine impact while maintaining a brave exterior.
Shaya’s Hidden Faith in Hope Reveals Her Trust in the Doctor
Shaya’s Difficult Journey and an Ideal Farewell
What is particularly striking is Shaya’s willingness to place so much trust in the Doctor, despite having minimal evidence to support her faith. The mission they embark on does not seem to require such blind faith, and the Doctor’s sudden appearance in the middle of their operation could raise numerous questions. Nevertheless, Shaya chooses to trust him, even prioritizing her confidence in him over that of her own crew members. For instance, when one of her subordinates betrays her, she continues to ally with the Doctor.
Clearly, the Doctor embodies inspiration and strength. Having faced immense losses and trials, he discovers ways to preserve his hope. In the presence of evil and various threats, the Doctor reacts swiftly, fueled by hope, positivity, joy, and confidence. Shaya is likely drawn to these admirable qualities. Although hope was not her initial focus, she finds a glimmer of it through the Doctor, which empowers her to save her fellow crew members in Doctor Who’s “The Well.”
Doctor Who
- Release Date
- December 25, 2023
- Directors
- Douglas Camfield, David Maloney, Christopher Barry, Michael E. Briant, Barry Letts, Michael Ferguson, Richard Martin, Peter Moffatt, Pennant Roberts, Lennie Mayne, Chris Clough, Ron Jones, Paddy Russell, Paul Bernard, Michael Hayes, Timothy Combe, Morris Barry, Gerald Blake, Graeme Harper, Waris Hussein, Rodney Bennett, Mervyn Pinfield, Hugh David, John Gorrie
- Writers
- Russell T. Davies, Dave Gibbons, Kate Herron, Steven Moffat
- Franchise(s)
- Doctor Who