Theory:Doctor Who television discontinuity and plot holes/The Monster of Peladon


 * In The Curse of Peladon, the Doctor says that trisilicate can only be found on the planet Mars.
 * The Doctor believed what he said but was wrong.


 * The mines apparently have central heating.
 * The Galactic Federation had the technology to do so.


 * In Part One the Doctor opens a secret door which nearly knocks him over.
 * If it's a secret door, he probably can't predict how it'll open.


 * In The Seeds of Death, the Ice Warriors skin was immune to bullets, but now a simple sword can kill them.
 * A recurring element in science fiction is shields that stop fast moving objects, such as bullets, but not slow moving objects, like a sword. Other instances of this include Joe Haldeman's "The Forever War" and Frank Herbert's "Dune" as well as the Goa'uld Force shield in "Stargate SG-1".


 * Similarly, a bullet-proof vest is much better at stopping bullets than it is at stopping swords. Guns are popular because they have range advantage and a low entry barrier to effective use. This doesn't mean they always trump swords. Swords are heavier and usually have a much smaller point; the metal is probably also quite a bit harder. These are all properties that make swords better at piercing armour (or tough Ice Warrior skin).


 * Doesn't the Ambassador of Alpha Centauri remember that The Doctor wasn't the real Earth representative? - and why does no-one ask about Jo?
 * Why would that matter at this point? He undoubtedly does remember that the Doctor saved the day and exposed the treachery that was going on.


 * If the Ice Warriors were on Peladon already, then surely they would know that the miners weren't co-operating - so why does the leader believe the fake speech about "co-operating" with the federation.
 * They would not necessarily know. Simply being on the planet doesn't mean that they are following all the local politics.


 * Alpha Centauri needs help getting up - it does have SIX arms - a human can get themselves up with two.
 * A turtle, with FOUR legs, also needs help getting itself up.
 * And what is it walking with - no legs are visable?
 * It's likely a snail-like "foot" covered by it's floor-length robes.


 * Human arms are much larger and stronger than Alpha Centaurian arms.