"The Well" is the third episode of the fifteenth series (also marketed as Season 2) of the British science-fiction television series Doctor Who, which aired on April 26, 2025
Plot Summary
Set far in the future on a harsh, brutal planet, the story centers around a devastated mining colony where only one survivor, Aliss Fenly, remains. The Doctor and his companion Belinda Chandra join a team of soldiers investigating what happened to the 35 colonists who were lost after contact was severed. They face a terrifying alien entity that possesses people and causes death and destruction. The creature is linked to a previous Doctor Who episode, "Midnight" (2008), making "The Well" a sort of sequel or spiritual successor to that story
Key Details
- The Doctor in this episode is portrayed by Ncuti Gatwa.
- Aliss Fenly, the sole survivor, is played by Rose Ayling-Ellis, a deaf actress, which adds thematic depth to the episode about communication and exclusion.
- The episode explores themes of fear, survival, and the consequences of turning one's back on vulnerable individuals.
- The monster in "The Well" is an evolved form of the entity from "Midnight," with new abilities and a more dangerous modus operandi
Production and Reception
- Written by Russell T Davies and directed by Amanda Brotchie.
- The episode received positive reviews for its suspenseful story, strong performances, and connection to classic Doctor Who lore.
- It features a high body count and intense moments, with a notable plot twist near the end
In summary, "The Well" is a tense, atmospheric episode that revisits and expands on a classic Doctor Who monster story, blending science fiction with deeper social themes and character-driven drama
