13 Reasons Why “The Ghost Monument” was a Dead Heat

Feature by Mark McCullough.

Whilst “The Woman Who Fell to Earth” was a perfect re-introduction to the show, as a standalone episode, it was far from perfect. A lot of the minor issues there follow across into this week’s episode as well, leaving me struggling to heap the praise on “The Ghost Monument” as much as I would like. I’m undecided on a final verdict on the episode, so I have split my 13 reasons into pros and cons. Let’s start with the negatives:

The Story Lacked Substance

The plot of the episode when you analyse things closer was paper thin, with very little occurring for our main protagonists. They find themselves in the final stage of an intergalactic race which has now been narrowed down to two competitors who are tasked with reaching the titular “Ghost Monument”, eventually revealed to be the Doctor’s TARDIS. There was a lot of potential to explore things further, but that was disappointingly not utilised.

It’s not the Doctor’s Story

Perhaps rather telling is the fact that if you removed the Doctor from the story, there would have been not much change to the outcome. This week the Doctor feels more like a passenger in the narrative, rather than the one leading it and fighting the injustices. Conceptually I like it when the show pushes the boundaries and structure of the show, however so early into a new Doctor’s tenure I don’t think the decision here was wise. Jodie’s Doctor needed another opportunity to cement her identity as the Doctor and unfortunately the plot didn’t give a chance for this.

Nor is it About the Companions

Previously when you think back to the second episode of other companions of the past Doctors, there is usually a moment which tasks them with a difficult decision which is absent here. Think Amy in “The Beast Below”, Clara in “The Rings of Akhaten”, or Donna in “The Fires of Pompeii”. A moment like that is something which is missing from the episode, and it suffers accordingly. Previous stories have forced the audience to question what they would do in the companion’s shoe, thus helping the audience to connect. Without that there’s still a sense of apathy towards the Doctor’s friends.

There Isn’t a Significant Threat

For a lot of the episode the antagonist remains a minor aspect of the story with it instead focusing on the team’s journey and response to the situation. When threat is introduced it is through the Sniperbots which literally have no personality and are quickly side-lined for another more intriguing antagonist, but who is unfortunately dismissed shortly after they finally come to the fore. The episode lacked an antagonist strong enough to drive the narrative, which felt flat because of this.

Predictability

One of Moffat’s greatest strengths was that he kept his audience on their toes, you never knew what was coming next. This week we see almost the exact opposite, every twist in the episode you could see what was coming well in advance. The result of the race as a draw was signposted from the start of the episode, the resolution with the cigar likewise was obvious from its introduction. It’s a different style of storytelling and one that might take me some time getting used to.

Desolation

The most interesting aspect of the story was the history of the planet on which it took place. There’s a lot hinted at with an invasion of the planet that destroyed the eco-system and all life present. Conceptually this is something that could have been expanded upon further given that this is the first alien world for our new team. However, I suspect I am going to get my wish as some of the unanswered questions may suggest a return to the planet. Of all the places in the universe why did the TARDIS decide to land here? Why has it become legend on the planet?

The Guest Cast

For characters that are only in the episode for one week only, Angstrom and Epzo are incredibly fleshed-out with both compelling backstories and purpose within the narrative. Unfortunately the plot does very little with the strong characters that have been built, which is disappointing as both may have had the potential to be fan favourites. However as things transpired, they are not overly memorable.

Characterisation

The biggest strength of this week’s outing is the same as last week: the characters. This is something I have noted to be a strength of Chibnall’s and is something that we should expect to see more of, a greater focus on the characters and the affects the narrative has on them rather than the actual story itself. I feel at this stage he has already got a solid take on the Doctor that Jodie has taken to like a glove and he is beginning to develop her companions, which is admittedly a harder task developing three people at the same rate previous series have had to develop just one.

Grace’s Legacy

I was worried that Grace’s death at the end of the previous episode was going to be forgotten about going forward. Thankfully this was not the case and this week it allows for a lovely moment between Ryan and Graham which sees a contrast in the reaction of both men. Ryan prefers not to discuss things, whereas Graham feels he doesn’t talk about things enough. If early indications are anything to go by it looks like this could play a vital part in both character’s story arcs.

Visually Stunning

There’s no denying that this week’s episode was amongst the most beautiful episodes we have seen to date. This helps to add to the scale and creates an alien world that feels realistic and immersive. The new direction style is much more cinematic which I feel is a style that suits the show. It’s also worth noting that this week outing in much more colourful than last week which also worked well with the narrative

Jodie’s Doctor

If Jodie’s performance keeps on this level she could easily find herself featuring on this list every single week. She really has stepped into the role like she’s been doing it for a lifetime. Highlights this week included the opening scenes where she takes charge, when she uses the cigar to get the team out of a tight spot and the scene at the end where she has what is arguably one of the best lines in the history of the show – ‘Come to daddy. I mean mummy’. Her performance now is enough to carry the show in other areas where it is still finding its feet.

A Potential Story Arc

One of the best aspects of a series of Doctor Who (or anything on TV for that matter) is the story arc, a common thread which ties the series together. In the run up, we were led to believe that Series 11 would not feature an arc as the episodes were all standalone. The Stenza warrior race seem to be that thread, referenced here for the second time in two episodes. It should be interesting to see how a new villain does in the show. Could we finally see something that rivals the Daleks and Cybermen?

The TARDIS is Back

Doctor Who as a show is lost without the TARDIS, it is the vehicle which allows the story to go wherever it decides. Without the ship the narrative becomes more limited, and the prospect of a protracted period without it was unthinkable this early into a new Doctor’s tenure. The aesthetics are superb with the TARDIS interior opting for a more Tennant era vibe. Notably the TARDIS interior usually reflects the Doctor who pilots it. What this one says about Jodie is yet to be seen.

One thing’s for sure, the sound of the TARDIS does indeed bring hope to those who hear it, both in the narrative and in a more meta manner. The ending of this week’s episode gives hope that the show is going to push on from what is a solid base with great characters. If not it is at risk of becoming distinctly average.