In 2014, I listened to To The Death for the first time. Stay with me here, this is relevant. Technically, my first exposure to the Monk was The Time Meddler a few years prior, but he didn't make much impact on me then. To The Death, however... astute readers will understand from these clues why I, as a Lucie Miller lover first and person second, have a real grudge against the Monk and always will forever. Between this and the fact that I don't care much for Churchill stories, I was having some trepidation going into this one.

Rufus Hound is a wonderful Monk. He's effortlessly charming, a little sly and slimy and smug but without being overbearing and annoying. He sparkles in every scene. In fact, he's certainly the best part of this episode. I'm not entirely certain why he wanted Churchill to win the election, but him going head to head with the Doctor is effortlessly funny. The actual plot of stealing bombs and paintings and political intrigue and spaceships, I found to be a little dry, but the side characters are all well realised. I wasn't actively annoyed by any of them.

But the plot... lots is happening and it's not disengaging, but I just didn't find myself caring very strongly about any of it. As I say, it's worth it for the Monk, but as far as stories that I would rate highly, this is not one of them. Better than the last, but not one of the jewels of the MR