The Pyramid at the End of the World

A Pyramid appears from nowhere and Earth's military forces are powerless to stop a countdown to the end of the world

This reminded me in some ways of the 1971 story The Claws of Axos where an alien race offer a solution to Mankind's problem but you know there's going to be a catch. Axos isn't considered an especially good story from the period but the reason I liked it was because Michael Ferguson directed the script with directorial flourish and imagination. Here with this 2017 episode director Daniel Nettheim just brings a journeyman style to the proceedings. To be fair to all the directors who have worked on the show DOCTOR WHO isn't really something to bring in auteur aspects but even so I do wish directors would try and bring an element of risk and their own hallmark to the stories

Narrative wise Pyramids is no great shakes and if you're an old school fan like me you'll be irritated how NuWho works . The UN call on "President Doctor" who turns up spouts innumerable lines giving away plot mechanics and exposition and more often than not the problem is easily resolved , too easily in fact . There's also the gut instinct that the Monks feature in a three episode story that will almost certainly have been better told as one 45 minute episode . Time will tell but there's a feeling here that the season is deteriorating slightly after a fairly good low key start

We are halfway through the series and halfway through the Monk Trilogy, and each episode has left me feeling really impressed with this season's quality. Obviously the visuals for the Series have been getting better, shown by the Pyramid itself and its controlling of the plane and submarine. The script quality has been outstanding, with this episode being on par with its previous episode "Extremis", making the two of these greats for the Series as a whole.

Our three main leads develop their relationship to new levels, especially Mackie's Bill and Capaldi's Doctor, making the experience much more enjoyable. The guest stars were also really well written and acted, with Rachel Denning as Erica a great stand-out.

The cliffhanger is brilliantly emotional and worrying for the Doctor; how can he save the Earth this time?

The Monks are once again incredible through their eerie voices and creepy costumes, with their powers making them extremely threatening and like omnipotent gods compared to humans. This episode expands on their characters more, which gives them an even creepier vibe, whilst also making for a more unique and intriguing invasion story.

Halfway through Series 10, and its already become one of the best of NuWho; a great jumping on point and brilliant continuation for all viewers. It's a shame the ratings are significantly lower than in recent years, as this is becoming a truly outstanding series.

Episode 7 "The Pyramid at the End of the World" - 10/10

The monks make their demands without moving their lips, who knew aliens could be such great ventriloquists, as they show what will happen if misunderstood, and monkeys of the world see a future not good. Capitulation is the name of the monastic game, as the world's simians demonstrate why they're so pathetic and lame, like the blind leading the blind and getting their just deserts, there's only one person now to stop enslavement and avert.

I have to say, Erica needs to be the next companion. Rachel Denning was funny, smart, capable, and just a wonderful screen presence, in my opinion. She was the highlight of the episode and (after watching the whole series) one of the highlights of the whole season.

Nardole was also great and Matt Lucas was hilarious.

Lots of plot holes conveniences though. Monks were weak villains. Peter Harness has written better. Kill the Moon was fantastic.

Labs don't have silly unstoppable air vents without filters, senior politicians and military don't make blind deals and high tech glasses don't work in 1970s 2D polygons with no detail whatsoever.

Every nonsense thing here was required to further the plot, which was ok in principle but oh so lazily written.

This episode could have been awesome but was completely fluffed by writers who clearly can't be bothered to make believable fantasy.

It's a shame that the rather brave move of blinding the Doctor came back to a stupid plot point that just reaked of convenience and contrivance. Once you see it, pun intended, you'll likely be shouting at the TV, wondering just how little the writers respect.their audience.