Doctor Who’s Terrifying New Villain: The Midnight Monster Returns

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Be advised: A potential plot point for the Doctor in ‘Doctor Who’ season 15, episode 3, titled “The Well,” could introduce an enduring menace to the character. The Weeping Angels, initially introduced in 2007’s “Blink,” have since reappeared and grown in significance within the show’s lore, particularly as they relate to various incarnations of the Doctor from the last 18 years. Critics such as “Lux” have hailed “Blink” as the greatest ‘Doctor Who’ episode ever, and “The Well” continues this legacy by offering a chance for the Angels to temporarily take a break.

Initially, it appeared as though “The Well” was a standalone story for me, but as I delved deeper, I realized it serves as a sequel to an episode from David Tennant’s time as the Tenth Doctor. The terrifying entity that came close to ending Ten’s life in 2008’s “Midnight” resurfaces in “The Well,” but this time it’s even more powerful than before when it crossed paths with the Time Lord. The ending of “Midnight” suggested the monster was defeated, and “The Well” follows suit by creating a false sense of security. However, in an unexpected twist, it turns out the Midnight Monster still has unfinished business.

With The “Midnight” Monster’s Survival, Doctor Who Finally Has A Great, New Recurring Villain

Fifteen unknowingly fails to contain the creature in “The Well”

In the story “The Well,” the monster generally stays connected to Aliss Fenly (Rose Ayling-Ellis). Towards the finale, it leaps to Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu). Notably, Shaya Costallion (Caoilfhionn Dunnse) bravely acts by attacking Belinda, intending for the monster to leap onto her instead. This valiant move of hers, trying to push the monster back into the depths of the well, unfortunately proves futile. Tragically, “The Well” concludes with a twist: if the monster had ever bonded with Shaya, it was merely for a short while before moving on to another team member.

Concerningly, Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) had departed before this disclosure, leaving no one with sufficient knowledge to spearhead the battle against such a formidable foe. As a result, it appears that the monster will carry on causing destruction among any group it encounters during its cosmic journey. Initially trapped on the planet’s surface, the monster has now broken free and may cross paths with the Doctor once more in the series, either soon or later, making for an intriguing recurring antagonist.

Doctor Who’s “Midnight Monster” Could Be As Dangerous As The Daleks, Cybermen, Or Weeping Angels

The trio of classic Doctor Who monsters could have a new member

Apart from the different versions of the Master, it is common for Doctor Who to cycle through three main groups of antagonists: The Daleks, Cybermen, and Weeping Angels are consistently among the show’s most frequent foes. Although their repetitive appearances can grow monotonous, they are utilized often due to their shared qualities of terror and strength. In essence, these villains make formidable opponents for the Doctor, as many other adversaries are usually defeated in a single episode.

Previously, the Midnight Monster has managed to slip past the Doctor on two occasions, suggesting it could be a recurring antagonist for our main character. In other words, The Doctor was unable to capture it as the Tenth Doctor and failed again as the Fifteenth. Consequently, this creature seems skilled at evading capture, making it one of the most challenging foes the Doctor has faced since the show’s inception. Initially thought to be confined to a single episode, this revelation adds an element of intrigue.

Doctor Who Has Badly Needed New Recurring Villains For A Long Time

The return of the Midnight Monster is the breath of fresh air Doctor Who has been looking for

In essence, the unique characteristic of ‘Doctor Who’ allows for an almost endless variety of villains. New antagonists pop up frequently, and it’s common for the Doctor to deal with them comfortably. However, recurring villains bring something different to the table, ideal for significant stories and season conclusions. Regrettably, these recurrent adversaries are tough to craft, and they work best when they emerge naturally rather than being deliberately designed as ongoing enemies. Consequently, the Weeping Angels represent the most recent instance of this type of villain.

Due to ongoing issues with the show’s persistent antagonist dilemma, Doctor Who has excessively relied on the Daleks, Cybermen, and Weeping Angels. During this period, potential returning villains have been underutilized or new adversaries have been written off permanently from the series. It is hoped that the monster from “The Well” will become the next significant recurring threat for Doctor Who, otherwise it would seem illogical to reintroduce it after so long since “Midnight” and allow it to survive on two separate occasions.

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2025-04-27 12:57