DOCTOR WHO: THE TSURANGA CONUNDRUM (S11E05)

This week brings us The Tsuranga Conundrum, a title which...for some reason...I find remarkably challenging to type. 

BBC's description of the episode:

“Risk to life: absolute.” Injured and stranded in the wilds of a far-flung galaxy, The Doctor, Yaz, Graham and Ryan must band together with a group of strangers to survive against one of the universe’s most deadly -- and unusual -- creatures.

If my understanding is correct (and it may not be), this episode in some way involves a planet burdened by ‘junk’; this perception would appear to be borne out by one of BBC’s official promo photos.

If this proves to be the case, the use of a ‘junk world’ might suggest Team Chibnall is leaning into notably repeated patterns this Season/Series.

The first four episodes of S11, for example, each saw their primary antagonist ‘get away.’  Last week’s Arachnids in the UK hinged significantly on the ramifications of refuse. Are such blatant repetitions building towards some greater, macro narrative design?  Or, might they merely be the clumsy juggling of gags from a showrunner whose aspirations, to this point at least, don’t feel clearly defined or considered? 

TTC is helmed by Jennifer Perrott, whose credits I'm completely unfamiliar with.  The episode is once again helmed by Chris Chibnall, who has written or co-written all S11 episodes to date.  

Next week's episode, Demons of the Punjab, will mark the first S11 script not authored by Chris Chibnall, after which there will be several non Chibnall scripts in a row before the Season finale.  It'll be very interesting to glean whether additional writers can more effectively breathe life and roundness into this Series' lead characters, all of whom feel (to date) as if they're filled with potential, but are treading water.  

The message boards for The Tsuranga Conundrum - the half-way point of Series/Season 11 (depending on how you factor in the Holiday Special) - are now open.

​As always...

We warmly invite and encourage an open discourse and free exchange of ideas, but will enforce a strict zero tolerance policy regarding trolling, disrespect, or hate speak of any kind.
​

​COMING NEXT WEEK: 

Demons of the Punjab
​