“Doctor Who” Season 2 Review: Ncuti Gatwa’s Second Go Has Plenty of Fight Left

by Haley April 12, 2025

The iconic British sci-fi show ‘Doctor Who’ has been in the headlines recently, not for its thrilling and unpredictable storylines, but for the speculation surrounding its future. Despite this uncertainty, the show’s latest season, featuring breakout star Ncuti Gatwa as the 15th incarnation of the Doctor, has started off strong with its debut episode “The Robot Revolution.”

“Doctor Who” Season 2 Review: Ncuti Gatwa’s Second Go Has Plenty of Fight Left

With the return of Russell T Davies, the show’s head writer, showrunner, and executive producer, and a new companion played by Varada Sethu, there is no shortage of talent in this upcoming season. And it’s a good thing too, as much is riding on the success of this season, especially with the recent international distribution deal with Disney+ and a larger budget.

The chemistry between Gatwa’s Doctor and Sethu’s companion, Belinda Chandra, is fun. Belinda is not just another companion who blindly follows the Doctor’s lead, but rather an independent and strong-willed character who adds a new dynamic to the show. This entertaining episode begs the question, why is there so much speculation surrounding the future of ‘Doctor Who’?

One factor could be the changing landscape of television ratings in the streaming era. The viewership numbers for the previous season were difficult to gauge, with episodes being released on both BBC’s streaming service and Disney+ on the same day. Despite this, the show was able to attract a younger audience, a key demographic the show has been trying to reach.

However, reports that Disney may not renew their distribution deal with the BBC until after this season airs have only fueled the speculation about the show’s future. And even if a deal is reached, the production timeline could still result in a gap between seasons. It would be a shame if the show were to be paused or if there were a long wait for viewers, especially with the show’s strong focus on inclusivity and forward-thinking storylines.

For the first time, the Tardis is being manned solely by people of color, with Gatwa and Sethu leading the way. This inclusivity has been a hallmark of the show’s new era, with the inclusion of trans characters and the Doctor’s same-sex crush. However, this has also sparked backlash from a vocal minority who claim the show has become too “woke.” But as Sethu stated in a recent interview, “woke just means inclusive, progressive, and caring about people,” which perfectly aligns with the core values of ‘Doctor Who.’

Aside from the larger plot mysteries, this season also delves into the traditional plot beats of a new companion joining the Doctor. While some may argue that this is to educate American viewers, it adds an extra layer of familiarity to the show. And with the unexpected and ambitious twist in the third act of the debut episode, it’s clear that the show can still keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

The real challenge for this season will be tying up all the loose ends and delivering satisfying payoffs for the overarching plot mysteries. With previous seasons, some mysteries have fallen flat in their resolutions, while others have been more successful. As viewers, we can only hope that this season will deliver the same level of excitement and intrigue as the first episode promises.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding its future, ‘Doctor Who’ is back with a bang, reminding us all why it has been a cult favorite for so many years. With its diverse cast and inclusive storytelling, the show continues to break barriers and captivate audiences. So, grab your sonic screwdriver and buckle up for another thrilling ride through time and space.