Doctor Who season 2 episode 3, titled “The Well,” is a chilling and thought-provoking episode that comes with spoilers for “The Well”—so let’s give a warning beforehand. This episode is season 2 episode 3, and the story continues, picking up straight after “Lux, without any break. As soon as the Doctor and his companion reached the planet, someone came out of the well, and from then on, everything changed. The vibes in this episode were somewhat like “Midnight,” and it clearly makes us feel like it’s a ‘Midnight’ sequel. Basically, the episode “The Well” is a spiritual sequel that takes the audience into the same unsettling silence and terror experience, much like the episode called Midnight.
Setting & Suspense: The Doctor Arrives on Planet 6-7-6-7
The TARDIS finally lands on planet 6-7-6-7—a remote and eerie place where a mining colony and a strange mining operation are underway. But the biggest problem is that something came out of the well, and now everyone feels that something is behind them… always. Characters repeatedly feel that someone is behind them, a constant dread like the weeping angels.
An automatic security system, the Vindicator, is activated, which detects and contains such threats. Then I hear the TARDIS, but for a while, everything goes silent—a little unnerving. This setup creates a slow-burn suspense that pulls you right in.
The Doctor, Aliss, and Tension Among the Main Cast
The Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) wastes no time and begins analyzing the mystery. Quickly, the Doctor approaches Aliss, a strange woman who seems connected to the threat. Her behavior is unpredictable — unnerving, even. While the Doctor tells everyone to remain calm and work together, Aliss tells the group something completely different — sowing doubt and fear.
Shaya becomes key to understanding what others miss. The Doctor asks Shaya for insight, and her calm logic shines through. Meanwhile, Doctor and Belinda share a moment of emotional clarity. Belinda asks about Aliss, sensing something isn’t right. Tension builds, and the Doctor tries to reason with the threat — using empathy instead of weapons.
In an intense twist, the vindicator reading suddenly changes — identifying a threat. But before anyone can respond, someone panics and shoots Belinda. Shock. Silence. Horror. In a final act of bravery, the Doctor offers himself to the creature, trying to de-escalate before things spiral further.
Signing, Inclusion & The Message Behind Silence
There’s an emotional theme throughout the episode — signing makes you feel heard. It’s not just symbolic; it’s how people connect when words fail. Though Rose Ayling-Ellis doesn’t appear, her influence on the show’s inclusive storytelling remains strong. In one of the most poignant moments, the Doctor offers his hand silently, choosing peace and understanding over violence.
One of the most visually stunning moments is when Aliss turns and silently communicates her realization — no dialogue needed. It’s a tribute to the kind of inclusive, emotional storytelling Russell T. Davies champions.
Parallels to “Midnight” and Echoes of the Past
This episode mirrors the psychological tension of “Midnight”—the” silence, the fear, the breakdown of trust. The fear of not knowing who’s real. It even taps into the chaotic dread like the Daleks bring — cold, calculated fear. At moments, it feels like the weeping angels are near — but this time, it’s the idea of something you can’t see that goes behind.
There’s emotional weight too — the Doctor flashes back to old times, memories of loss and fear. Hints of the Tennant era come through — the weight carried by the Tenth Doctor. It’s nostalgic and heartbreaking. Behind Aliss, something stirs — is she the source, or is she being controlled? The show teases this perfectly.
And the alien force talks about what it has heard of Earth — misunderstanding human nature. This feels like classic “Doctor” Who”—alien eyes on humanity’s soul.
Supporting Cast: Standouts Amid the Chaos
Shoutout to the guest cast — Caoilfhionn Dunne as Aliss gives a haunting performance that keeps you guessing. Christopher Chung is the practical, skeptical presence the episode needs, grounding the fear in reality. Anita Dobson returns as Anita, bringing emotional warmth in the midst of fear.
The ensemble cast shines — even using signing during the episode’s most chaotic moments. Cassio and Shaya’s relationship stands out, offering small moments of hope and tenderness when things fall apart.
Tech Breakdown: The Vindicator and Its Dangers
Let’s talk tech — the vindicator is introduced early. It’s meant to be a safety net, a tool for protecting the colony. But once fear takes over, the use of the vindicator becomes deadly. The tech fails not because it’s broken but because it’s misused. Sets up the vindicator as a failsafe, but people fail it.
Even as the Doctor tells everyone to trust in calm and connection, panic takes over. And once again, when the Doctor tries peace, someone else acts violently. That’s how we get the tragic moment where someone shoots Belinda.
Ending & What’s Coming Next Week: Review
The episode ends with raw emotion. The Doctor wakes up in the TARDIS, unsure if peace was achieved or if something more dangerous escaped. Aliss is missing, her fate unknown — and the Doctor knows she may return, changed.
The final moments echo through the silence. Like Belinda, the people left behind will carry the Doctor’s compassion. His pain. His hope.
And with that, we end our Doctor Who recap — just in time to prepare for next week’s episode. What waits next could be even darker.
