TV Reviews: FTN Reviews Doctor Who Season 11 Episode 2: The Ghost Monument

After an incredibly strong start, it was very, VERY important for Doctor Who to keep the momentum going with “The Ghost Monument”, and lo and behold, they not only did it, they did it with many twists along the way.

First and foremost, they came up with an utterly clever way to save the gang after being put into space without having it come off as cheesy or “convenient”. Granted, it was convenient in a sense, but not in the usual sense that Doctor Who would usually do. Turns out, in the place they were, there was a rally race going on, and two people were left in the race. And that race would put them, the Doctor, and her companions on a planet called “Desolation”, and they had to reach a place called the “Ghost Monument” to win.

Sure enough, the Ghost Monument was the Tardis, albeit, the Tardis that didn’t exactly appear when you would expect it.

Still, the journey across the planet was fun, and it set a lot of tones for how the season would be. The two racers were unique, yet had depth (and trust me, they needed to be deep given how they came off at first). The concept of the race and its purpose were actually really clever. The dangers that they faced were cool, and most important…the reveal of the Stenza (remember them?) was well done.

But just as important was Jodie Whittaker, she again shined here. She got to show off her brain, her “no guns” policy, her belief in life as a whole, and her undying faith in her friends. Yet, for me, the fun part was when she thought she failed, and the heartbreak over that, only to be comforted by her new best friends. And yes, the “Best Friend Doctor” moniker still applies.

All that being said, there were a few drawbacks. The ending of the “rally” felt a bit abrupt. Yes, that was shown to be consistent via the “host”, but it still felt odd. Also, the “looking into the mind of the Doctor” to find something called a “Timeless Child” felt a bit cliche, even for Doctor Who. And finally, how exactly did the Tardis fix itself?

Still, “The Ghost Monument” was another brilliant episode to Jodie Whittaker’s run, and it looks like next episode we’re going to do some great time traveling and history saving! Are you ready for “Operation: Rosa Parks”?