Doctor Who (TV Series) The Ghost Monument (2018) User Reviews

Killer Cloth...

[Xstal · 7/10 · 4 January 2022]

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?

Generic and not good.

[justin-sepulveda · 5/10 · 15 October 2018]

Generic forgettable episode. Sniper robots with storm trooper aim. Talking cloth easily cut by knives. Holes that could not possibly have been dug deep enough to avoid people getting scorched. Nothing about the planet felt alien. Pacing was off. Editing was off. This doesn't feel like Who. It feels like someone trying to copy Who and they're not doing it right. Still love Jodie though. Just wish she was working with Moffat or RTD. I loved Broadchuch, this just doesn't feel like Chris's bag ... yet?

A forgettable episode

[Jordan522 · 5/10 · 14 October 2018]

This episode, more than anything, will always be remembered as the episode where the new Tardis is introduced, that's it. Everything before is just a forgettable experience, It just feels like a typical filler. I was sat with three other people, and when the credits rolled we were like "oh, cool tardis.... Oh yeah and those robot thingys in a desert with... three suns?"

On the positive side Jodie's performance was memorable in this episode, though the acting seemed a bit forced at times. That can be forgiven as it's only her SECOND episode. I wish the same could be said for the rest of the cast...

Why all the bad commotion?

[stuff_er · 6/10 · 15 October 2018]

I dont get why all these people hate it so much, A lot complaing by comparing it to moffat's time and not on its own, People keep on comparing when they should just see it for what it is, It is Doctor Who, Like it or not Chibnall has taken over and as far as I can say hes been doing a pretty good job. This episode touches on how the doctor thinks and her moral values for new viewers and also her sentimental relationship with the TARDIS which is something i think hasnt really been touched on, some are complaining that its catering more to younger audiences which is something I dont see a problem in, Doctor Who can be a great show for adults so why not for children too? I just dont see why its getting such low ratings with good writing, a capable showrunner, an amazing set of companions and a great Doctor

This had real quality, very impressive.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 9/10 · 14 October 2018]

First of all, a huge thumbs up for the new opening credits, original, bang up to date, but still in keeping with those that have gone before.

I really loved the story, as with last week's it had that fresh, new feel, but in my humble opinion this story had more meat on the bone then last week's. The Alien world looked great, I really loved the characters, possibly the best thing I've seen Shaun Dooley do to date.

The new companions also got time to develop, Bradley Walsh was terrific (how I wish Anne Hegerty was sat outside the Ghost Monument, what a villain she'd make!)

It felt incredibly fresh, so different to all else from the show's recent past, and yet the mention of Venusian Karate, the new titles and seeing the TARDIS made it all extra special, nice to know that Chibnall wasn't going to make the changes too extreme.

Jodie Whittaker was once again terrific, I already love her in the role.

Energetic, fast paced, dark, this was a fifty minute thrill ride. I said last week I was optimistic about the show's future, I wasn't expecting it to reach these heights so early on. 9/10

I Want to Believe

[anthonyjlangford · 6/10 · 15 October 2018]

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.

I Miss Moffat Already

[micahmahaffey-77223 · 1/10 · 15 October 2018]

Love or hate Moffat, He can actually makes you feel something with his writing. compare these first two episodes with both Smith and capaldi's first two episodes, they're both very different, but throughout they at least evoke some kind of emotion, they make me feel something. Sad, happy, scared.. Just like RTD did. There hasn't been a single first two episodes of any season of who that were void of any emotion til now and that makes me sad.

I also miss the creativity of Moffat and RTD. oh well... People will praise this show because its visually nicer looking.. But there is far more important things than what cameras they use.

Start believing

[DVD_Connoisseur · 8/10 · 14 October 2018]

Following last week's episode, The Doctor is now settling into their latest regeneration and this is a solid second story.

"The Ghost Monument" has a genuine cinematic feel thanks to top drawer special effects, the South African shooting locations, and a great cast.

Art Malik makes an appearance as the mysterious Ilin, whilst Susan ("Killing Eve") Lynch and Shaun ("Misfits") Dooley play competing racers in a deadly intergalactic game.

The new companions have great chemistry and Jodie Whittaker buzzes as the heroic Time Lord.

8 out of 10. 50 minutes flew by. This series feels truly regenerated.

Far better than the naysayers would have you believe

[homeindryden · 7/10 · 20 October 2018]

It's quite obvious by the 1's and 2's given by many folks, these are the same angry boys that the Doctor is female.

It's like when a bunch of angry, politicized people slam a restaurant on Yelp for whatever reason.

-------

The story was not too bad. It was not as fast-paced as episode 1, but this episode was more about character development imo.

There was a couple of weak moments with Jodi as she's still getting her feet under her. It was odd seeing the Doctor so lost. Vulnerable almost.

I have a suspicion, that like every other iteration, the series will be more about the companions influence on the Doctor.

Special effects and setting was nice. A cute twist in the middle that while somewhat predictable was fun.

The guest stars were fun if lightweight.

I think something the negative reviewers are forgetting, is that there was a deliberate attempt to aim for a younger audience (young adult).

I don't agree with that decision, but it's not mine to make.

Come on!.....,

[The_GunsIinger · 4/10 · 15 October 2018]

Ok so the writing was bad for the intro. Cast is still amazing. But seriously. I think I've seen better plots on farmland than in this script. Horrible.

This is a Doctor Who story should look like!

[luningyuan-23687 · 8/10 · 14 October 2018]

Way better than the first episode! However, the speed of this episode is really fast. Consider fitting a whole story in this 40min, producers really did a good job. The fast speed seize audinces' attention tight to the show which make me even feeling tired after watched it, tired in a good way. The new TARDIS finally released, very look like the 9th and 10th's TARDIS, a little bit dark inside. Well... we can get use to it after all.

It's a meh episode.

[ricepasman · 6/10 · 5 November 2018]

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.

Slow, dull and predictable

[michaellaing71 · 3/10 · 14 October 2018]

I have to admit to not being a fan of Doctor Who generally. I want to be but the writing is generally weak, with atrocious dialogue and problems with pacing. The West Wing could do so much more with so much less time and I wish the BBC would make the episode 40 instead of 50 minutes long.

The episode starts rather like something out of A Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy (the introduction to the Heart of Gold) and goes down hill from there.

The writing of this episode is poor and whilst the idea behind it is ok, there is no sense of danger, with exceptionally weak monsters of the week.

The only positives I can say about this episode is that the new lenses the BBC are using to film each episode has improved the look of the series and you can see the money spent on the production. Now if only they could write something decent.

It was okay

[Manwhofell · 6/10 · 14 October 2018]

Not great, not bad, just okay. Jodie seems to be trying to mimic both Matt and Peter when she's a throwing in the odd silly line as an after thought. . Not a bad thing I suppose, but they were both really good at it, and it doesn't feel as genuine when she does it. I would have changed one of her lines from "because I'm smart" to "because I'm clever" as a slight nod to Tennant.. That was the way I expected that line to end after she started it, but alas... The last few minutes are the saving grace of the episode. All in all, a forgettable entry. Not one to re-watch any time soon. It was a struggled to rate this as high as a 6, but it's better than a 5, but 5.5 isn't an option. series 11 started strong, and then this? I hope it's not going to become a trend.

Why all the bad press?

[philipdowning · 10/10 · 14 October 2018]

I strongly believe that many of the people who are writing negative comments on here and on facebook are either trolls or just set in their stubborn ways. This was a fantastic episode which provides a crucial contribution to the series.

Absolute disappointment

[lukerose02 · 6/10 · 14 October 2018]

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.

Frankly, this is just bad.

[fraserhamiltonclan · 2/10 · 14 October 2018]

I'm really disappointed that Doctor Who has taken such a dive in quality. After the farse that was the first episode, I thought I'd give it a second chance. Thoroughly let down. Whittaker doesn't seem to have any idea where she is, as if someone just let her onto the set. Somehow, Bradly Walsh seems to be the best actor of the bunch, as well. Sniper robots that can't hit to save themselves? "CALL OF DUTY-harhahrar" what? Awful writing, awful directing, mediocre acting, awful characters, stale plot, say-dont-show attitude. Awful.

Jodie is new and funny and smart and amazing!

[rsanderson-80931 · 10/10 · 14 October 2018]

Ok maybe not perfect right off the bat but nobody can be perfect so quickly. I love how it's not just the usual wondering about I love how it's a race against death.

Once again, I love the camera quality. Feels like a movie and the green screaming has defiantly improved. You can tell that the budget is high compared to before series 11.

As for The Doctors attitude I love how she is mad, funny, sassy and energetic. Though I must say some of the scenes feel a little forced. However like I said I do not expect The Doctor to be perfect strait away. I loved the costume strait away from the previous episode and it really grew on me even more this episode.

Though I would've preferred a little more action with the robotic people. I don't know if the holographic guy will be explained further in future epsiodes.

Graham was a little bit of a meh at first as I know him from the show the chase but as usual he has grown on me and appears to be the one to think realistically.

As for the other companions I have no complaints. Loved them both strait away and I hope they add some background information or a good plot from them in the near future.

Now the TARDIS. Ok I wasn't keen on the interior at first but I think I will get used to it. The golden walls seem to be a little bland and it doesn't seem like there's much room to see them around the console due to the supporting walls in the middle. But I love that it dispenses a snack and the buttons are a little different. It reminds me of 11'a interior due to the odd sand timer she has on the TARDIS. Loving the colours of the tardis interior.

The intro and outdo was brilliant. May not have the usual TARDIS in there but not every intro did. It really gives a classic Doctor Who vibe and I'm loving the colours. I'm satisfied with the intro and outro.

The music itself. I hope to hear more. It's different and interesting. It's a shame Murray Gold left but his service was brilliant while he was in the run. I hope the new one (Segun Akinola) can put up with his work.

Overall very impressed and I see something in there that not everybody else sees. I see potential. Not perfect but for starting epsiodes I'd say it's very good.

AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING

[jordan-bramley-53 · 6/10 · 14 October 2018]

The whole dialogue is great, the sence of fun, wit is great. Special effects and really enjoyed the episode.

The dr. is beyond amazing, she us fantastic.

Only one critic is i think some of the acting from others is abit average other than that GREAT!

Forgetable

[ianohagan-20352 · 1/10 · 14 October 2018]

The special effects, location and cinematography are on point, but sadly this story is let down by the dull script and poor acting. Not a patch on the first episode and I still having seen anything that to say Chibnall is any better than Moffat. I really hope next week's is better.

Brilliant!!!

[stuartpbottomley · 10/10 · 14 October 2018]

Great episode. Great action, great acting and satisfying ending. Graham ( Bradley Walsh) seems very in the mold of old school 60s/70s companion (mate). This is a good sign for the rest of this series.

Very good second episode

[philmeehan-51828 · 7/10 · 14 October 2018]

Good acting from both of the guest stars and the characters were developed well. Story arcs set up for the season that are very intriguing! Different story and the new TARDIS looks great!

A total anticlimax

[avengers_inc · 1/10 · 31 December 2018]

The whole premise was a race between to people to win a prize. All the guest stars were unlikable.

By The Numbers

[Theo Robertson · 6/10 · 16 October 2018]

The Doctor and her companions are rescued from certain death in deep space and find themselves on a strange planet

With the exception of the impersonal pro-noun "her" the synopsis above shares a premise with a lot of other NuWho stories , so what's different and unique about this one ? Not much, not much at all . It's a rather light romp involving a race of sorts with the added non bonus of the protagonists in a race to save their own lives. There's not a lot of idiosyncratic quality to the plot and ends up being generic and forgettable. Someone mentioned the opening episode felt like it'd be more at home mid season. This episode feels worse and if you're rebooting a televisual legend it might be worth taking a risk and try and do something special instead of trying to play it safe

Not to be too negative The Ghost Monument has the production values you'd expect to see in a Hollywood movie for the most part and Chibnall deserves great credit for employing Segun Akinola for the incidental music which goes with the great visuals . Unlike Murray Gold you're aware of the mood muzak without it smashing you over the head

Of the cast Bradley Walsh is the stand out member and one starts to think maybe he could have been the Doctor. Whittaker does her best but she's let down by the writing to an extent . Anyone else reminded of David Tennant with her dialogue ? Tosin Cole also tries his hardest and I can see a fair bit of talent but then then silly plot turns such as Ryan using his experience of CALL OF DUTY to save the day takes the audience out of the drama. Unfortunately at this very early stage Yaz as played by Mandip Gill seems to be surplus to requirement and one wonders if the character was created because it ticks the diversity box . The supporting cast namely Malik , Lynch and Dooley give better performances than perhaps a generic forgettable DOCTOR WHO deserves

The Doctor is back!

[dracalawah98 · 9/10 · 14 October 2018]

Second week of our new Doctor and I have to say I am mesmerised. Not only was the episode a step up from last times in terms of quality but everything seems to be shaping very nicely. Really loving this new incarnation of The Doctor and everything she is bringing to the character. A surprising element I'm enjoying is the comedic one liners from Bradley Walsh; easily my favourite character of this season so far. The pacing was pretty good and I liked the mystery that seems to be setting up, most likely this seasons arc. The villains were basic but also came across as terrifying when you realise it's essentially cloth that can attack you. Finally a Tardis that dispenses custard creams, that alone makes it that much more amazing in my eyes. If this season keeps up in quality it could easily be up in my personal preferences with Season 3.