The
Tsuranga Conundrum
The fifth episode of series 11. Certainly an interesting episode. A
cavalcade of interesting ideas, albeit with some caveats. The
junkyard planet (or a cluster of junkyard planets?) is an idea I
would like to see explored further. Not sure what the Doctor was
looking for, but it's a great set up. I can also see why there would
be booby traps in such a place. The sonic mine was also a good idea.
That the Doctor was willing to sacrifice herself to protect her
companions is consistent with the characterisation of her earlier
selves.
The introduction to the characters on the Tsuranga was quite
good. Especially Astos' dissuading the Doctor from being selfish in
re-directing the ship back to the junkyard planet. The Doctor's
realisation of her selfishness was done well. The reveal of each
character was also done well. (Even Joss. Not sure what to make of
his story, but the reassurance by Ryan that he can be a good father
was a good addition.) The plot line with the General Pilot and her
engineer brother was also good, although the android consort was
just, there.
Mabli's growth as she deals with having the responsibility of looking
after the ship and the patients aboard her was done rather well also.
But any good storytelling has a problem to deal with. The Pting was
certainly a problem! If rather reminiscent of a Gremlin (one movie I
haven't watched, but am familiar with the concept of). (But not of
Nibbler, despite my being a fan of Futurama's early seasons,
nor Stitch, having seen Lilo and Stitch a few times.) It's
existence and the threat it presented were presented rather well.
Then there is the self destruct on the ship, being activated if there
is a threat detected (like say, a Pting...) This is also presented in
a believable way, although it is a little predictable. However, the
Doctor being enthusiastic about the iCERN Antimatter Drive was a
rather nice touch, another glimpse into how she is developing as a
character distinct from her earlier selves. A very good episode.
8.5/10.
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