Doctor Who Season 11 Episode 10: A Disappointing Chapter in Chibnall's Era
As a long-time fan of the prestigious British science fiction television series, Doctor Who, I have steadfastly followed its intricate adventures, from the fiery and mystical plots to the emotional and character-driven narratives. Yet, my initial reaction to Chris Chibnall's latest episode The Battle of Ranskoor Av Kolos (Season 11, Episode 10) left me quite disheartened.
My Initial Disapproval
This episode made me fall asleep, which is an unprecedented event for any Doctor Who episode I have watched. This is particularly disheartening given my fervent hope to maintain an engaging connection, even as a seasoned fan. The reason for my disinterest might be attributed to our collective familiarity with the season finale's usual grandeur—a cosmic-scale event. However, Chibnall intended to strip down the narrative to a more human and personal level, much like his previous works, such as 42, The Hungry Earth/Cold Blood, and The Power of Three.
Flawed Narrative Structure
Chibnall's goal was to leverage Grace's death and the group's emotional journey as the overarching storyline for this season. With Graham and Ryan having already come to terms with Grace's loss and their bond having strengthened through their travels, the episode attempted to re-engage the audience by bringing back the antagonist.
My issue with this lies in the unnecessary reintroduction of Tzim Shaw, who, despite the writer's best efforts, felt underwhelming and disjointed. While Shaw serves as an excellent villain for the fresh Doctor, his return seemed abrupt and poorly justified. Additionally, the Ux's unwavering faith in Tzim Shaw appeared both gullible and underdeveloped, leaving much to be desired in terms of plot and character interplay.
Lack of Engagement and Potential
The episode exudes a sense of a first draft, with many pivotal, unexplored story threads that could have been beautifully woven together. Chibnall's grand plans and intriguing concepts, such as ancient religion, mysterious crystals, shrunken planets, and neurobalancers, were mostly left unexploited, culminating in a hollow and boring episode that rehashes the stolen planets subplot from the Series 4 finale.
Instead of utilizing these elements to their full potential, the episode failed to address the deeply impactful moral dilemmas and character development. For instance, Jodie Whittaker's Bad Wolf or Pandorica Opens narrative where the consequences of her actions bear heavily on her, the Doctor, and the companions, could have provided a profound and engaging storyline.
Potential for a More Engaging Story
The companions could have each brought their unique perspectives to the table, leading to a more intricate and compelling episode. Yaz, as a police officer, would believe in justice and want everything to be set right. Graham, burdened by Grace's death, would seek revenge. Ryan, the voice of reason, would urge the Doctor to be the better man. And the Doctor, always the guardian of fairness, would need to balance all these perspectives.
Concluding Thoughts
Despite the promising plot elements, The Battle of Ranskoor Av Kolos ultimately falls short of its potential. Chibnall's vision was there, but the execution left much to be desired. The episode's biggest weakness lies in its failure to effectively engage with the audience, resulting in a disheartening experience for a fan of the series. However, I must commend the Doctor's heartfelt farewell speech, which provided some closure to the episode.
While this episode may not live up to the season's expectations, it highlights the importance of execution and exploration in storytelling. In Chibnall's next episode, it would be fascinating to see how he resolves these issues and brings his unexplored ideas to fruition.