Doctor
Who 11.02 'The Ghost Monument' Review
The
second episode of series 11. But first, the new Titles. Very
'snazzy'. The introduction scenes, where Graeme and Ryan meet
Angstrom and the Doctor and Yas meet Epzo, were done very well. A
very effective lead up from the conclusion of the previous episode,
where they ended up in space. The cinematography of the crash
sequence aboard Epzo's ship was quite well done. The set up of the
Great Race was also interesting. What is Ilin's motivation behind
running this race? This isn't answered in this episode.
Then
there is the mystery of the planet, which is efficiently built up
through the episode. This along with the tension between Angstrom
and Epzo make this a rather good story. (And the efficient use of
storytelling tropes. e.g. the cigar which is later used to get out of
a rather tight spot.) That the Doctor and her friends are outside the
race is used effectively. Of course a story needs antagonists, and
the threats that planet holds are rather effective at that.
Specifically the robots. The Doctor's point that brains are better
than bullets is very apt.
(No,
Ryan, running out and firing widely isn't going to work against
robots. This isn't Halo!)
Of course the robots aren't the only antagonists. Flesh eating bugs
in the water. (The scenes on the boat are rather good also.) But the
scientists who created this stuff working for 'Tim Shaw's race? Is
that going to be the arc for this season? And those Remnants, very
creepy, and what is the Timeless Child? Is it the Doctor as a child?
Or Susan? Or something else entirely? (They're not the only entities
to feed off fear though).
Angstrom's
backstory is sad though. It isn't certain that getting the winnings
from the race (especially if they're dual winners) would be able to
help her family. But getting the two to both win, is a very Doctor
solution. However, the new console room will take some getting used
to. Very organic, and analogue. Overall a great episode. 9/10.
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