Coming off the back of a strong second episode, the latest adventure in the season swaps the bright lights of the cinema for a trip to the darker corners of the galaxy…

Launching into the far-off future, “The Well” sees the Doctor and Belinda join a test mission to discover what happened to the colonists of Planet 6767. What they find is a single survivor (Rose Ayling-Ellis) and a hell of a lot more than they bargained for.

The opening act on the planet and the mining base set the scene for a strong, claustrophobic mystery. The story ramps up the tension bit by bit as the cast makes their way through the corridors, passing body after body. Each has died in one of two ways, and every mirror has been smashed, leaving the audience plenty to question as the mystery deepens.

Ultimately, these questions reach their apex as the Doctor, Belinda, and the crew discover a single survivor among the dead – a deaf cook named Aliss. Before they can ask too many questions, however, the culprit begins to make their move.

Those who had seen the leaks beforehand, including myself, knew the returning villain rumoured to be at the centre of this episode, but being spoiled doesn’t matter. The reveal of the Midnight entity works regardless of foreknowledge and is suitably met with a host of death and chaos.

Since its original appearance in Midnight, the entity has evolved over the past 400,000 years. No longer satisfied inhabiting a victim, it now only kills those standing directly behind it and transfers itself to a new victim when the old one dies. These new abilities are thoroughly explored as the episode progresses and are helped in their realisation with purpose-built sets that amplify their effects.

As the Midnight entity comes into its own, so too does the cast. Ayling-Ellis’s performance as Aliss is the highlight of the episode, playing the terrified and alienated original colonist well. Belinda shines in this episode as well. She’s often the voice of reason throughout the story, and her knowledge as a nurse gives her plenty to do as it progresses. Also, Christopher Chung’s portrayal as Cassio should get a mention, as he’s immediately believable as an antagonist and agitator to the Doctor’s proposed solutions.

Even with the Doctor’s final solution, with an unstoppable force like the Midnight entity, the resolution still requires weight. Fortunately, the climax of the story is not without consequences, and the Doctor’s victory isn’t without sacrifices.

This is only heightened as the season’s main arc piles on the consequences, as The Doctor and Belinda discover the reason why they can’t get back to March 24th, 2025.

A chilling and claustrophobic sequel! “The Well” manages to successfully build on what came before, whilst telling a fresh tale that’ll entice new audiences to check out the Midnight entity’s first appearance. With stellar performances throughout, whatever happens with the rest of the season, this will still be a highlight.

I Give The Well: 9.5/10