Doctor Who: Prepare the Timelash!!

HAI!!! Have you brushed up on your Venusian aikido? Or your fencing? Hope you have, because in this bonus episode of Prepare the Timelash!!, co-hosts Mike and Ken make their first visit to the Third Doctor era with a discussion of "The Sea Devils"! There's much to discuss, and besides the story itself, they also talk about the Third Doctor's era as a whole, and why it's one of the most unique in the show's history. 

Ken & Mike are about halfway through the televised adventures of River Song in Doctor Who now, but they're also back to the beginning (timey-wimey!) as they cover two episodes that uncover River's origins, "A Good Man Goes to War" and "Let's Kill Hitler". There's a lot of things for them to talk about - and to sort out as well, since both stories are crammed full of ideas. Possibly too many ideas. Possibly way too many ideas.

It's been a while ... but Ken & Mike are back, with a new episode looking at both "The Impossible Astronaut" and "Day of the Moon"! They're certainly some of the more unsettling stories in the Eleventh Doctor era (and the opening five minutes of "Impossible Astronaut"? WILD.) However, did our hosts actually like these stories? Tune in and find out ... and then check how many tick marks you have on your hands and face when you're done.

A season finale involving the end of the universe ... ? Yeah, that could be a lot of Doctor Who finales. A brilliant two-part finale that gets complicated? That narrows it down to one of the best Who series finales of all time, The Pandorica Opens & The Big Bang! This month, Ken & Mike discuss these two episodes and how they offer just about the best of everything the show can do. So, grab a mop and a fez, and have a listen!

"What do you know of the Weeping Angels?" And with that, Ken & Mike get into the heart of an all-time two-part Doctor Who classic, "The Time of Angels/Flesh and Stone". There's a ton of stuff for our hosts to unpack in this episode - the evolution of the Weeping Angels from "Blink", how the story operates on multiple levels at once, how the mystery of River Song slowly unfurls ... and even behind the scenes, how damn good Matt Smith and Karen Gillan are in this, considering it's the first story of Doctor Who that they actually filmed. Is it the best story in Doctor Who history? (Spoilers ... that would be telling!)

Hello, sweeties! After a short break, Ken & Mike are starting a new season of "Prepare the Timelash!!" with an in-depth look at the adventures of one River Song! We start with River Song's first televised adventure with the Doctor (or is it the last? Timey-wimeyness!) in "Silence of the Library/Forest of the Dead". If you're a regular listener, welcome back - and if you're new, welcome aboard, as we fully move into some great stories and the era of Modern Doctor Who! (We'd tell you more details about this episode, but ... spoilers.)

And with this bonus episode, Ken & Mike close out Season 3 of "Prepare the Timelash!!" with a look at a Fourth Doctor classic, "Pyramids of Mars". They get into a lot with this one, including why the Fourth Doctor/Sarah Jane pair is so darn good, why Sutekh the Destroyer is one of the best villains ever to grace the show, and Robert Holmes' predilection for poachers in a story. Did they save the best story for last in this season? Listen and find out!

It's the end, but the moment ... yeah, you get the idea. This month, Ken & Mike wrap up Season 3 of Prepare the Timelash!! with a look at two Big Finish stories with god-like foes - "The Lovecraft Invasion" and "The Triumph of Sutekh". They also reflect on all the stories that they've covered throughout this season, and talk a bit about their trip to Gallifrey One this past February. There's a ton to dig into, so have a listen!

The games are afoot! And so while Mike & Ken are wrapping up this season of Prepare the Timelash!!, they take two last looks at The Toymaker after "The Giggle" - one in novel form, with "Divided Loyalties", and one in audio form, with the Season 23 missing adventure "The Nightmare Fair". Both are mixed bags, to say the least, but both have some interesting concepts ... some, though, are realized far better than others. Also, stay tuned for some news on this year's Gallifrey One, which Ken & Mike will be attending, and some news on the next topic they'll be covering for Season 4!

Worldwide Premiere! This month, Ken & Mike cover a story that they definitely didn't expect at the start of this season ... and that's "The Giggle", featuring David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor! They also talk a bit about "The Star Beast" and "Wild Blue Yonder", as well as Russell T Davies' return to Doctor Who, but there's so much to unpack in this story. Bigeneration! The return of Mel! Neil Patrick Harris as the Toymaker! And, oh yeah, some guy named Ncuti Gatwa makes his debut as the Fifteenth Doctor. Lots to talk about in this mega-sized episode!

The Beast and his Armies shall rise from the Pit, and ... apologies, did you want to listen to a podcast? Because in this bonus episode of "Prepare the Timelash!!" (which should've been part of our regular season, to be honest), Ken & Mike are talking about the Tenth Doctor 2-parter, "The Impossible Planet / The Satan Pit". Which - spoilers! - they enjoyed a lot more than they expected. In this episode, they discuss why neither are huge Ten/Rose fans, having a story where faith and trust is more important than science and intellect, and the Lovecraftian influence on this story (and why the Doctor is not a typical Lovecraft protagonist.)

Bad dreams? Fingers in the ears? It's time to jump ahead to modern Doctor Who, as Ken and Mike depart the classic era of the series to look at Jodie Whittaker's "Can You Hear Me?". Among other things, they talk about the Thirteenth Doctor's need for a good audience, why Graham is such a fun companion, and Zellin and Rakaya ... wow, they might actually have decent villainous plans, unlike many of the other god-like beings that have been covered lately! Also, some mental health topics are covered, so if that's a sensitive subject for you, please be aware.

That's the way to the zoo, that's the way ... to the latest episode of Prepare The Timelash!!? Indeed it is, and this month Ken & Mike continue their foray into the Seventh Doctor era of Doctor Who as they take a look at Ghost Light. It's a story with a reputation for being either richly atmospheric, mysteriously murky, or just plain difficult to understand. Where do our intrepid hosts fall on their opinion of the story? Pull up a seat and find out! (Just take the Doctor's advice and don't have the soup, though.)

It's the Greatest Show, in the Galaxy, the Galaxy, the Galaxy ... yeah. If Ken and Mike are talking about terrible cringe-inducing rapping in Doctor Who, then they must have arrived in the Seventh Doctor era to discuss "The Greatest Show in the Galaxy"! There's a lot of good stuff to talk about (Ace! The Chief Clown!), as well as some less-than-good stuff (the weird fruit stand lady, and the Gods of Ragnarok). Also, it's yet another story where the behind-the-scenes problems of its actual making are more bizarre than the story itself. 

Winner take all! It's time for Enlightenment, the final story of the "Guardian Trilogy" from the Peter Davison era, and it's a heck of a story! Co-hosts Ken and Mike have plenty to discuss in this episode, including the creepiness of Eternals Striker and Marriner, the fact that companions Tegan and Turlough are actually given stuff to do (!), and, well, if the Black Guardian really wanted the Doctor dead ... why didn't he get Abslom Daak? Or John Wick? They also talk about the Guardians in this story and in the Trilogy writ large, and their (lack of) impact in them. So much stuff to talk about, so pull up an Edwardian deck chair and have a listen!

In this bonus episode of "Prepare the Timelash!!", Mike & Ken sit down for a conversation with Big Finish writer Lisa McMullin! They talk about the many projects she's written for Big Finish, and hit on a number of different topics, including writing for River Song and Liz Shaw in the male-dominated Pertwee era, the Moffat style of sitcom-styled banter in serious stories, and Judoon opera. (Yes, you read that last topic correctly.) It was a fun and insightful conversation (thanks Lisa!), so we hope you enjoy listening!

Creepy skulls? A giant dog? Lots of crawling through vents? That's right, this month Ken & Mike continue their look at "The Guardian Trilogy" as they cover Terminus, which ... is oddly fun for a super dark story, but boy does it have a few problems. Among other things, they talk about the ridiculousness of the Garm (WHO'S A GOOD DOG???), the Battle of the Planets-meets-glam look of space pirates Olvir and Kara, and Nyssa's departure from the TARDIS. (And no, Olvir, we're not all going to die. Pipe down.)

Having wrapped up the "Key to Time" season, Ken & Mike move forward into the Eighties ... or is it still the Seventies? That's right, if there's a UNIT dating controversy going on, they must be covering the Fifth Doctor era and "Mawdryn Undead"! There's a lot to discuss this month, including the introduction of Turlough, the return of the Brigadier, and a genuinely great villain - no, not the dude with the dead bird on his head, but the title character of the story! And, of course, lots of walking up and down hills. Plus, Ken talks a bit about his recent work for the upcoming Doctor Who-themed "Magic: The Gathering" set, so it's a jam-packed episode this month!

FIRE! FIRE! Yes, in this episode, Ken & Mike are wrapping up the "Key to Time" saga with a look at its final episode, "The Armageddon Factor", and ... holy padding, Rassilon! Still, our hosts find a bunch of good things to talk about (Romana! The Marshal!), some not-so-good-things (the Shadow ... MWAH HAH HAH!), and then lots of oddities (like Drax). Besides the story itself, they also look at whether or not the Key to Time season worked as a whole, and Mary Tamm's time as the first Romana. Lots to discuss, so have a listen!

Kroll! Kroll! That's right, Ken & Mike are covering "The Power of Kroll" this month, and ... oh, dear. It's not exactly a riveting story. Still, our intrepid hosts brave the swamps of boredom to discuss what went wrong in this story. Among other things, they muse about why the Swampies never actually get a proper tribe name, why Romana gets nothing to do in this story, and why Kroll is inexplicably like a Destiny 2 videogame boss villain. Hopefully, their discussion is less dull than the story itself!

In this special bonus episode of Prepare the Timelash!!, Ken & Mike talk about their recent trip to Gallifrey One, the largest Doctor Who convention in North America! It was the first time at this convention for them both, so besides talking about being Gally One newbies, they discuss the many panels that they attended, the performers they met, and reflect on just the overall positivity of every attending. (And the French Toast at the Marriott. It was AMAZING.)

Who likes a fancy hat? That's right, Ken & Mike are discussing "The Androids of Tara" this month ... and there's quite a lot to like about this story! In addition to Romana's absolutely fab outfit, they also cover why Count Grendel is one of the best villains in Doctor Who history, how the Fourth Doctor's silliness serves the story well here, and the weirdness of a society where peasants are well-educated and nobles aren't. It's a great story - so check out this episode, or else next time our intrepid podcast hosts will not be so lenient!

Back to talking about odd trials in Doctor Who? If that's the case, then Mike & Ken are discussing "The Stones of Blood" this month, and ... yeah. It's one of the weirder stories they've covered! Among other things, they talk about the awesomeness of Amelia Rumford, the unlikely ability of ten-ton sentient stones sneaking up on anyone, and the surprising name drop of Trenton, New Jersey! Besides the story, they also talk about the passing of Chris Boucher and his legacy on the show (and Blake's 7), and that Prepare The Timelash!! will be attending Gallifrey One in just a few weeks! Hope to see you there!

By the raging fury of the sky demon, it's time for Ken & Mike to talk about "The Pirate Planet", the only aired Doctor Who story officially credited to the one and only Douglas Adams! (Yes, we know about City of Death. And Shada.) Lots to talk about in this episode, including Romana's awesomeness in this story, the Doctor's surprising righteous anger in a comedic story, and the epic battle between K-9 and the inimitable Polyphase Avatron. So, have a listen, unless you want the Captain to make you walk the plank instead!

Hey, did you know that no one makes a fool of the Graff Vynda-K ... and lives? If you do, then you know that Ken & Mike are covering "The Ribos Operation" this month, as they begin their look at the "Key to Time" season of Classic Doctor Who! There's a lot to look at in this terrific story, including the introduction of Mary Tamm's Romana, the highly entertaining double act of Garron & Unstoffe, and Binro the heretic, who was indeed right. Good stuff this month, so have a listen!

In this bonus episode, Ken & Mike take a look at "The Power of the Doctor", Jodie Whittaker's final story as the Thirteenth Doctor. There's a lot of great things to talk about - Ace! Tegan! Yaz! And quite a number of new and old faces! - and some other things that aren't quite so great as well. They also discuss Chris Chibnall's time overall as showrunner of Doctor Who, and why they think it's a well-meaning but very flawed chapter of the show's history.

It's a new "Prepare the Timelash!!" season, as Mike & Ken begin to cover Doctor Who stories featuring the Guardians of Time and other powerfully cosmic foes! In this first episode of the season, they look at "The Celestial Toymaker", which ... okay, yeah. The behind-the-scenes 'making of' drama for "Toymaker" is probably more interesting than the story itself! Still, besides talking about THAT craziness, Ken & Mike also discuss the story's similarities to a D&D adventure module, Dodo's way too trusting nature, and why they really like the First Doctor, even though he's barely in this one. So, join them as they cover this story from moves 1 to 1,023 - and no more clever tricks, if you please!

Surprise! In this very first bonus episode of "Prepare the Timelash!!", Ken & Mike decide to talk about a Doctor Who story that they both love ... and doesn't really fit the theme of their current season. In this case, it's the Eleventh Doctor classic "Asylum of the Daleks", where they discuss the very surprising first appearance of Oswin Oswald, Steven Moffat's uncanny ability to drop clues to a mystery in plain sight, and lament the criminal under-utilization of the Special Weapons Dalek. Get yourself some eggs and milk - it's time for soufflés, bow ties, sassy banter, and all sorts of bonus Doctor Who goodness!

Ken & Mike say a final goodbye to Leela of the Sevateem (and the Fourth Doctor, for a little while!) in this final episode of Season 2. They look at several near-misses regarding potential returns of Leela to the TV screen, and then the many audio adventures of the character on Big Finish, including "The Sons of Kaldor" by Andrew Smith and "The Hourglass Killers" by Justin Richards. Farewell, Leela. You were one of the noblest companions of them all!

And the televised adventures of Leela come to an end on "Prepare the Timelash!!", as Mike and Ken reach her final story, "The Invasion of Time". Among many other things, they discuss the horde of troubles that plagued the production of this story, the awesomeness of this incarnation of Borusa, Leela's utterly TERRIBLE departure (you deserved so much better, Louise Jameson!), and Krazy Straws and swimming pools. AND a preview of our "Season 3!" It's a jam-packed episode, so be sure to check this one out! (We'll miss you too, Leela.)

The Quest is the Quest! Ken & Mike continue their look at the adventures of Leela and the Fourth Doctor with Underworld, and ... yeah. Besides the infamous dodgy CSO effects in this story, this one's got a lot of odd head-scratching moments. Still, there's plenty to discuss, even if some of the behind-the-scenes tales of the making of Underworld are more interesting at times than the story itself!

Praise the Company! This month, Mike & Ken take a look at "The Sun Makers", and ... well, they are indeed gratified! Among other things, they discuss Leela's turn as being in charge with companions of her, the magnificent splendificity of Gather Hade, and Robert Holmes' prescient accuracy in naming Pluto as the ninth planet. Because, you know, it IS a planet. Help yourself to a raspberry leaf, keep your feet off the mahogany desk, and have a listen!

Put kettle on! Because this month, Ken and Mike take a look at "Image of the Fendahl", one of the few Doctor Who stories involving cosmic horror ... and boy, do they have a lot to talk about! Among other things, they discuss whether or not Colby is the most annoying character in Classic Who, baby Fendahline plushies, and the plausibility of the Fendahl's plan to take over humanity. It's a good one this month, folks, so get yourself a piece of fruitcake, sit back, relax, and listen!

"Contact has been made!" With THAT catchphrase, you know Ken & Mike must be discussing "The Invisible Enemy", and, well ... contact hasn't exactly been made with a Doctor Who masterpiece. Still, our hosts have much to discuss, including the debut of K-9, the dubious use of giant blast shields as a disguise, and why three-foot-tall silver prawns aren't exactly terrifying. It's a weird (and often dull) story, but Mike & Ken do their best with it!

This month, Ken & Mike are joined by Joy & Kyle from "Five Years Rapid" to discuss "Horror of Fang Rock", the Terrance Dicks-penned season opener from Season 15 of classic Doctor Who! Besides their mutual admiration of this story, they all discuss the improbabilities of a Sontaran/Rutan war, what makes "Fang Rock" good Gothic horror, and the character Vince. Oh, poor Vince. Some really great discussions and insights all around, so come on in from that cold fog and have a listen!

Do YOU know the different sounds of death? If you do, then you must know that Mike and Ken are discussing "The Talons of Weng Chiang" this month! It's a story with some great characters, some incredible world-building ... and also has a whole bunch of problems involving racism. Sigh. There's a lot to unpack about this story, so help yourselves to some mutton (no forks or knives required!) and have a listen.

Killer art deco robots on a sandminer, you say? Why, Ken & Mike must be covering "Robots of Death"! Among other things, this month they discuss the surprising diversity of the cast, Chris Boucher's knack for world-building, and why the titular Robots are, oh, a billion times better than the Quarks. Please don't throw hands at us - just sit back, enjoy a massage from a robot who couldn't possibly be homicidal, and listen to this month's episode!

It's a new season of "Prepare the Timelash" as Ken & Mike travel further back into the time vortex to an era of scarves, jelly babies, and janis thorns! That's right, they're now covering the Fourth Doctor's travels with Leela, and they're starting with "The Face of Evil"! Besides talking about the first appearance of Leela on Doctor Who, they also discuss Caleb's Loki-ish role in the story, Neeva's impressive ability to wear a glove as a hat, and how Mike & Ken can't ever seem to escape Who-related trials!

It's the end - but the moment has been prepared for! In their final episode focusing on the Sixth Doctor, Ken & Mike take a look at two of his Big Finish audio adventures that they consider to be among his finest - "The Wrong Doctors" and "Static". They also recap their thoughts on both the character of the Sixth Doctor and on Colin Baker's performance in the role, and what they've learned from looking at this era of Doctor Who so closely for the past year and a half.

The listeners have decided! In a recent Twitter poll, Ken & Mike asked what Big Finish stories the listeners wanted to hear them discuss, and in the end, "Jubilee" and "Davros", um, exterminated the competition. And besides a number of Dalek-related topics, they also reveal what they'll be covering in Season 2 of Prepare The Timelash!!, which starts in July! Lots to talk about this month, so you won't want to miss this one!

The foray into the Sixth Doctor's audio adventures continues as Mike & Ken look into two stories - "The Marian Conspiracy" and "The Spectre of Lanyon Moor", both of which feature audio companion Dr. Evelyn Smythe! Besides talking about Evelyn and the Doctor's relationship, Ken & Mike cover a few other topics, including the meeting of Six & the Brig, and why certain villains might've fit better in "Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers". It's a fun discussion, so help yourself to some chocolate cake and join us!

This month, Ken & Mike finally start covering the Sixth Doctor's audio adventures on Big Finish with two Peri-centric (is that a word?) stories - "Peri & the Piscon Paradox" and "The Widow's Assassin", both of which focus on some of the issues regarding the character in her televised stories. Do they bring a certain amount of redemption to the oft-maligned character of Peri? Listen and find out! Also, Mike & Ken's discussion is FULL of spoilers, so be warned!

Ken & Mike wander this month into "The Wilderness Years", where they tackle various appearances of the Sixth Doctor - and (cough) "The Stranger" - in the late Eighties and early Nineties. Among other things, they examine the "Ultimate Adventure" musical production (yes, really!), novels from Virgin Books and BBC Books, and video cassette releases from BBV. There's also this thing called "Dimensions in Time" that they're obligated to discuss. Much to discuss for a time when Doctor Who itself was off the air!

Court is adjourned! Yes, Ken & Mike have reached the end of "Trial of a Time Lord" as they get to "The Ultimate Foe". This month, they talk about how this season wrapped up, what worked well (the Master's boss mic drop!) and what didn't (pretty much everything else), and the continued troubles behind-the-scenes that plagued this story. Also, they discuss the future of "Prepare the Timelash!!" after they're done covering the Sixth Doctor! It's a jam-packed episode, so buckle up and have a listen!

Did you just hear an ear-splitting scream? Why yes, Mike and Ken sure did, which means Mel has arrived and they're talking about "Terror of the Vervoids"! Besides talking about Mel's first appearance, they also discuss the troubled behind-the-scenes making of this story, the Doctor's dubious choice of this adventure as his defense, and - plot twist! - what they're looking forward to with Doctor Who in 2021! There's a lot to chew on, so pull up a wicker lounge chair and have a listen!

Rombrom sabaluma sssSSSS!!! Great Morgo be praised, Ken & Mike continue their look at "Trial of a Timelord" this month, as they tackle "Mindwarp"! Among other things, they discuss the awesomeness of Brian Blessed, Sil as a second banana, and why the story's courtroom banter is something out of an argument clinic. Also, they say farewell to one Perpugilliam Brown - and the lovely and talented Nicola Bryant as well - as they take a closer look at her time on Doctor Who.

Order in the court, Sagacity? Yes, Ken & Mike have finally gotten to "The Trial of a Time Lord" as they examine its first story, "The Mysterious Planet"! Among many other things, they talk about some of the inherent problems of the Trial concept, just what the "L" in the name of the L1 robot actually stands for, and just how darn nice it is to FINALLY see the Sixth Doctor & Peri getting along. So, join us as we tackle Season 23, one of the oddest seasons in this era of Doctor Who!

This month, "Prepare the Timelash!!" becomes "The Commander Maxil Show", as Ken & Mike look at "Arc of Infinity", featuring Colin Baker's first appearance on Doctor Who! Besides discussing things like why Nyssa is so awesome in this story, why Gallifreyan lore is better left mysterious, and the Castellan's complete incompetence, they also discuss how this Season 20 story differs from the darker tones of the Sixth Doctor's Season 22. All clips are copyright BBC and Big Finish. No infringement is intended.    

Penguin private eyes? Crazed computers? The worst New Wave song ever recorded? What in the name of Rassilon is happening here? Well, this month Ken & Mike take a look at the "Doctor in Distress" - the 18 month hiatus between Seasons 22 & 23 of Doctor Who, why it happened, and what it meant for the show. They also cover the oddities that occurred during that hiatus, and look back at the highs & lows for Season 22. It's a jam-packed episode this month, so wake the kids, phone the neighbors, and have a listen!

"Prepare The Timelash!!" hits a milestone this month as Ken & Mike reach the end of Season 22 with "Revelation of the Daleks", its final story! Is it a good story? Yes. Is it a good Doctor Who story ...? Well, that's a different discussion. Also discussed in this month's episode are the amazing number of double acts in this story, the brilliance of Davros, and the traveling Doctor Who Celebration exhibit that criss-crossed the US back in the Eighties, (Yes, we're old.) Also, Jobel? BACK OFF. Yeeesh.

We get to our namesake this month - "Timelash"! - and well, to be honest, it's more of a lament than a celebration. It's a story that just has a LOT of problems. But still, Ken & Mike try to find the silver linings in "Timelash" as they discuss Paul Darrow's hammy performance as Tekker, the puzzling and relentless Third Doctor references, and the complete confounding idiocy of Herbert, a.k.a. HG Wells. And Peri. Poor Peri. Still, join us, won't you?