Why Sonya Really Hates Amy Humanizes Doc's Villain (But I Have 1 Problem With It)

This article contains a discussion of sexual assault.

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Doc episode 7.

Dr. Sonya Maitra (Anya Banerjee) has been an antagonist in Doc, a third-year resident harboring a grudge against Dr. Amy Larsen (Molly Parker). Through flashbacks, it's revealed Amy was tough on Sonya in her first few weeks as a resident, bluntly telling her that not everyone is cut out to be a doctor. Sonya's lingering resentment is understandable, and she has been cold even after Amy's accident in Doc, inspired by actual events. Sonya is the first voice to point out the special treatment Amy receives, but they are paired up for the first time in Doc episode 7.

Sonya has largely been part of the ensemble cast but is given a harrowing backstory in Doc episode 7 when she is forced to treat a patient who date raped her. Sonya's reaction to the situation will have ramifications for her and Amy's careers moving forward. With Doc season 2 still undetermined and seven of the 10 episodes of season 1 already aired, secondary characters need development quickly. However, so much unfolds in a single episode that Sonya's story would have benefited from a multi-episode arc, allowing for a deeper exploration of her trauma.

Sonya's Date Rape Storyline Explained

Amy Helps Sonya Get Justice In Doc Episode 7

Sonya and Amy treat Ravi Dhar (Ritesh Rajan), a patient experiencing persistent nausea. Ravi seems surprised but happy to see Sonya, telling Amy lightly that it's a "little awkward" as they dated five years prior. Sonya, however, is visibly shaken. Amy notices her unease, especially when Sonya recoils as Ravi reaches for her hand. Concerned, Amy gently asks if Ravi hurt her, but Sonya dismisses it, claiming it was just a "bad breakup."

Doc Character Guide
Character Name	Role	Actor
Dr. Amy Larsen	Former Chief of Internal Medicine, now rebuilding her medical career after her accident	Molly Parker
Dr. Sonya Maitra	Third-year resident and Amy's newest ally	Anya Banerjee
Dr. Gina Walker	Psychiatrist and Amy’s best friend	Amirah Vann
Dr. Richard Miller	Acting Chief of Internal Medicine with a secret he is hiding from Amy	Scott Wolf
Dr. Michael Hamda	Chief Medical Officer and Amy's ex-husband who protects Amy's jobs	Omar Metwally
Katie	Amy and Michael's daughter	Charlotte Fountain-Jardim
Dr. Theodore "TJ" Coleman	First-year resident who always has Amy's back	Patrick Walker

Flashbacks reveal the truth: Their date — arranged by their mothers — initially seems pleasant. But later, Ravi is seen forcibly holding Sonya down in bed, his hand covering her mouth. In the aftermath, she examines her bruises in the mirror and even collects her own rape kit as evidence. In the present, Sonya finds herself alone with Ravi as she administers treatment. When she confronts him, he sneers, denying he forced her and cruelly dismissing her pain, calling her a "slut" with regrets.

Overwhelmed and dissociating, Sonya injects an air bubble into Ravi's central line — a lethal act — just as Amy arrives in time to intervene and administer life-saving treatment. Amy learns the full extent of Sonya's trauma: Ravi is the son of her father's business partner, and her own mother pressured her to "sweep it under the rug." Understanding Sonya's pain, Amy chooses not to report her.

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However, determined to hold Ravi accountable, Amy discovers that his Hepatitis B diagnosis could be used as a cover to contact other victims, so Amy breaks into his phone. Sonya interviews another victim and encourages her to disclose her date rape by bravely recounting her own. Armed with the testimony and Sonya's rape kit and photos of the bruises she collected years ago, Sonya presents the evidence to the chief medical officer. By the end of the episode, Ravi is arrested.

Exploring Sonya's Tragedy In Relation To Amy Should Have Been A Multi-Episode Arc In Doc

Amy’s Investigation Feels Rushed

Another devastating moment comes through a flashback revelation: Amy's past comment to Sonya, suggesting she might not be cut out to be a doctor, was made in the aftermath of Sonya's rape. Sonya was struggling and less meticulous in her patient history. This context redefines Amy and Sonya's dynamic, both past and present, revealing that Sonya's resentment stems from a deeper wound. Now, with Amy choosing to protect her, Sonya finds herself in an unexpected position, owing any future career to Amy's bending of the rules, something Sonya was critical of before.

Omar Metwally as Michael Hamda and Molly Parker as Amy Larsen in Doc

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So much happens in Doc episode 7 between the flashbacks and Amy's evolving relationship with Sonya that the arc could have used more breathing room by breaking it up over at least two episodes, as many of the best medical dramas have multi-episode storylines. Having Sonya recount her rape after Amy saves his life would be a perfect breaking point for one episode, with Amy and Sonya taking on the investigative task of finding a way to bring Ravi to justice in another.

Expanding this arc would have allowed for a more nuanced, emotionally resonant exploration of Sonya's trauma, Amy's internal conflict, and the weight of seeking justice.

Cramming everything into a single episode makes the progression feel rushed. Sonya's shift from denial to openly labeling her experience as rape happens abruptly, as does the discovery of another survivor willing to take legal action. Even the fact that Sonya still has her rape kit preserved feels like a narrative convenience. Additionally, Amy's moral struggle, grappling with the ethical implications of covering for Sonya, deserved more space to unfold. Expanding this arc would have allowed for a more nuanced, emotionally resonant exploration of Sonya's trauma, Amy's internal conflict, and the weight of seeking justice.

How Doc's Reveal About Sonya Changes Her Story Moving Forward

Sonya Is In Amy's Debt For Covering For Her

Sonya becomes a far more sympathetic character when viewed through the lens of this storyline. Sonya's previously cool demeanor toward Amy now feels much more justified, making their newfound allyship even more meaningful. Despite their past tension, Sonya has always admired Amy; she even praised Amy's accomplishments on her date with Ravi. Amy not only covers for Sonya multiple times in episode 7 but also publicly acknowledges her bravery, commending her for diagnosing and treating her rapist in front of Dr. Miller (Scott Wolf). This act solidifies Sonya's deep gratitude, leaving her indebted to Amy in a way she never expected.

Amy, in turn, feels a deep sense of responsibility for Sonya's actions against Ravi.

Amy, in turn, feels a deep sense of responsibility for Sonya's actions against Ravi. She sensed something was wrong but didn't push hard enough for answers. Now, both women are bound to the fallout, and with Amy already on thin ice at the hospital in Doc after her actions in episode 5, this new complication adds further risk. However, Sonya assures Amy that she is getting help, taking the necessary steps to heal. Moving forward, Amy not only has a new ally in Sonya in Doc but also a deeper understanding of the woman she once clashed with — marking a poignant shift in their relationship.

New episodes of Doc air Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT and stream next-day on Hulu. Doc season 1, episode 8, "Man Plans" airs February 28, 2025.

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