Thworping through time and space, one adventure at a time!

“THE GHOST MONUMENT: A DESERT DETOUR TO A FAMILIAR BLUE BOX”

Picking up directly from The Woman Who Fell to Earth, The Ghost Monument wastes no time throwing the newly formed TARDIS team into the chaos of outer space. After a brief, breathless rescue, they find themselves split across two crashing ships, piloted by rival space racers Angstrom and Epzo, landing them on the harsh and desolate planet Desolation. The tension of this disorienting start—fuelled by shaky camera work, scarred ships, and the growing dread of imminent doom—immediately draws us in.

From the get-go, the companions are forced to adjust to their extraordinary new reality. Ryan plays it cool and dismissive, Graham is more grounded and pragmatic, and Yaz remains curious and attentive. The Doctor, as ever, leaps straight into command, barely breaking stride. The dynamic between the characters starts to gel, with the four feeling more like a team in motion, even if still a bit shaky.

A RACE WITH LOW STAKES

The bulk of the story takes place on Desolation, a dusty, sun-scorched planet reminiscent of Tatooine from Star Wars. Its alien landscape, while visually simple, is brought to life through a warm, evocative colour palette. Sadly, the actual plot—the final leg of a galaxy-spanning race—lacks urgency or depth. The so-called “Ghost Monument” at the finish line is, unsurprisingly, the TARDIS, which robs the narrative of any real surprise or tension. While the idea of building an episode around the Doctor desperately trying to reach her lost ship is a lovely callback to Classic Who, the execution is surprisingly low-key.

There’s also a notable absence of a proper villain. The true danger lies in the planet itself—abandoned, booby-trapped, and cursed by a violent past. It’s an intriguing setting that whispers of something sinister, but that thread never truly builds. Hints about what happens after nightfall or why the world is deserted are never fully explored. And when the “monsters” finally do appear—floating, whispering, sentient rags called the Remnants—they feel half-baked. Despite a haunting concept and a tragic origin, they arrive far too late and leave too little impact, serving mostly to tease the “Timeless Child” arc that won’t come to fruition until much later.

COMPANIONS UNDER PRESSURE

This episode continues to explore the growing tensions and bonds within the companion group. Ryan and Graham are still at emotional odds, grappling with Grace’s death and their uneasy relationship. Ryan pushes boundaries by reaching for a gun, testing the Doctor’s firm no-weapons stance. His dyspraxia is mentioned again, but frustratingly, a key scene of him struggling with a ladder was cut—an opportunity missed to explore his challenges more meaningfully. Yaz, meanwhile, is largely sidelined, a pattern that will sadly repeat throughout the series.

Jodie Whittaker delivers a more confident, vibrant performance here, clearly enjoying the chance to blend rapid-fire science with a dose of righteous authority. Her infectious enthusiasm and optimism are a delight, even if the script sometimes favours sentiment over storytelling.

SECONDARY CHARACTERS LEFT IN THE DUST

Angstrom and Epzo, the two racers, don’t leave much of an impression. Their endless bickering quickly becomes tiresome, and their backstories are delivered in clunky exposition dumps. Neither character is particularly likeable, and their scenes tend to slow the pacing rather than build it. Art Malik appears briefly as Ilin, the race’s organiser and final judge, and while he gives a suitably authoritative performance, his role is so minor it feels like a waste of a strong guest actor.

THE BLUE BOX RETURNS

The emotional payoff comes in the closing minutes, as the Doctor—believing she has failed her new friends—sinks into quiet despair. But just as hope fades, the TARDIS finally materialises, drawn to her once more. It’s a joyous reunion, made even sweeter by Whittaker’s beaming reaction and the stunning reveal of the Thirteenth Doctor’s TARDIS interior: a crystal cathedral of amber light, strange geometry, and warm welcome. It’s a high note that elevates the episode’s uneven journey.

📝VERDICT: 6/10

The Ghost Monument has its moments: a strong opening, a vibrant Doctor finding her footing, and a beautiful TARDIS return that tugs on the heartstrings. But the lack of compelling guest characters, the weak villains, and a meandering central plot prevent it from fully taking off. A classic-style Who tale in structure, it ultimately feels more like a gentle stroll than a dramatic race. Whittaker shines, the companions begin to gel, and the ending lands—but it’s a long walk across a mostly empty desert to get there.