The Ghost Monument

The first episode was quite promising, but it seems like Doctor Who will stay like it has been for several years. Overall, the episode was just lifeless and dull with no excitement. Looking back, Moffat isn't so bad now.

Yes, I understand that the misogynists will hate it. Yes, I understand that the die-hard Whovians will uncritically adore it. But the truth is, this was lacklustre. Predicable to the extent that even the plot holes were predictable, but offset with fair - although not outstanding - character development of and acting by the four main players. The cinematography and editing were both uneven - sometimes very good although not superb, sometimes weak, although never appalling.

But like any show, the writing makes or breaks it. And in the absence of evidence to the contrary, the writing was mediocre, too. There was none of the philosophical blockbusters that both Davis and Moffatt could produce in their series defining works, and it's even way off the pace of Chibnalls best to date, the tautly written episode "42".

Perhaps this will turn out to be the episode that laid the foundations for something special, that seeds were sown here which will yield a sumptuous harvest in later episodes. We can but hope.

Keeping it concise, the jury is still out for me on Jodie. The potential is there. She's a great actor. It's got to come down to the writing, which is what lets this episode down. The concept is there and the setup but the payoffs were weak and the ending rushed and unbelievable. So far the companions are good though clearly ticking all the PC boxes. This week it was guns. Next week it's civil rights movement. I hope it doesn't get bogged down in politics and just get on with good stories. We all want to see Who succeed so I'm staying positive.

In the vacuum of space suspended, scooped up before being blended, off to Desolation, a small compensation, with saviours who've been befriended (almost).

It's a race to The Ghost Monument, on a planet designed to torment, you can't drink the water, there's robots that slaughter, killer cloth, slaves were forced to invent.

The reward for the Doctor is bliss, a brand spanking spectacular TARDIS, she's gathered her team, designed a new theme, what could possibly go wrong or amiss?

The ghost monument is a episode that feels like it bridges the gap between two better episodes. Yet again camera work and CGI is top notch and everybody's acting is as good as ever. The story is alright, feels a bit sluggish at times.

I feel like this season has two issues. Exposition and endings. Chris chibnill can't appear to actual explain something naturally, instead having five minute blocks between much more exciting scenes. Chris also can't end an episode naturally, instead the ending feels disjointed and force. This is less present here then in a later episode.

Overall, you can skip this one if you want, but if you want a adventure story, it's for you.