Doctor Who Series Eleven and story arcs: Rule one – Chris Chibnall lies

Chris Chibnall swore to fans that Series Eleven of Doctor Who will have no story arcs. But did The Ghost Monument just prove him to be a huge liar already?

During Steven Moffat’s tenure heading Doctor Who, a certain phrase was uttered on-screen – “Rule one: the Doctor Lies”.  This phrase morphed into “Rule one: Moffat Lies” amongst portions of the fandom for the misleading, slippery comments that he’d make. Being partially dishonest to misdirect and shock Doctor Who viewers was a tactic routinely used. Maybe, just maybe, Moffat has passed on the responsibility…

Chris Chibnall, new show-runner/head writer/executive producer/omnipotent Doctor Who God prior to Series Eleven airing, voiced the fact there would be no story arcs. Following The Ghost Monument, this seems to not be the case.

Whilst traversing the derelict, baron ruins of Desolation, we find out that none other than the Stenza were responsible for the civilisation’s collapse. This insight pricked many a fan’s ear. Having just seen a Stenza warrior in the series opener, it’s suspicious that the race was given more background in the following episode.

Could the Stenza race make a comeback or play a role towards the end of the series? Seeing a single member of the species, then seeing what the species as a whole are capable of seems like deliberate build-up.

Though, perhaps Doctor Who fans are just programmed to pick up on consistent details. Perhaps mention of the Stenza was merely an innocent act of world building, making the universe feel more interconnected. Not every reference needs to play into a long-running story arc after all.

Was the mention of the Timeless Child a hint of things to come?

(Image credit: Doctor Who/BBC. Image obtained from: official Doctor Who website.)

The Timeless Child

But more interestingly, what was said by one of the Remnants to the Doctor is strong evidence that some form of story arc has been set in motion. Eerily whispering, the Remnant says:

"Afraid of your own newness, we see deeper though, farther back…. The Timeless Child."

And if that wasn’t a big enough hint:

"More from Winter is ComingFor All Mankind finally gives us information in Episode 405, “Goldilocks”Watch a stunning VFX breakdown of The Wheel of Time season 2Of course Steve Toussaint (Corlys Velaryon) thinks Eve Best (Rhaenys Targaryen) should rule WesterosConfirmed: The Last of Us season 2 will air in 2025Final season of Star Trek: Discovery will have “a lot of action, a lot of adventure, a lot of fun”She doesnt know… We see whats hidden even from yourself, the outcast , abandoned and unknown."

It’s doubtful this was brought up randomly and in isolation. A cryptic message about the Doctor’s past and reference to “the Timeless Child” has established a mystery that needs to be resolved. Who is the Timeless Child? The Doctor herself? The Doctor’s granddaughter, Susan? Or someone else entirely?

It seems that one of Chris Chibnall’s assertions about Series Eleven is, at least, partially incorrect. A story arc does seem to be present. Perhaps, in years to come, we will all be saying “Rule one: Chris Chibnall Lies” with fondness.

What do you think? Are these just casual mentions that Chibnall is putting into the show? Or is he setting up his own arc for the series? Let us know in the comments below.