Podcast appearances and mentions of Colin Baker

It's the 25th anniversary of Doctor Who, and for the occasion the BBC has assembled Nazis, Cybermen, time-traveling aristocrats, and a mysterious statue made of something that shouldn't exist. Add a comet, multiple centuries, and the Doctor's increasingly cryptic hints about his own past, and you've got an episode that John and Jim can't quite agree on. Production Under Pressure John Nathan Turner wanted this as the season opener for maximum impact, but the Summer Olympics threw everything into chaos. More trouble: they found asbestos in the studio. No interior TARDIS scenes meant everything had to go on location—Windsor Castle (well, a substitute), 17th-century England, and actual museums. The budget request for a proper 25th-anniversary celebration? Denied by BBC One's controller, who wasn't even a fan of the show. Tensions on set ran high, mirroring Colin Baker's era. The Idea That Started It All Kevin Clark walked into pitch meetings with no idea what to pitch. Sat down with JNT and Andrew Cartmell, and when asked what he had, he said: "Doctor Who is God." (They asked him to leave God out of it.) His concept became a story about a cosmic object, living space metal, and something called Validium. The Cybermen? Added last-minute by JNT as a twist to make it the anniversary story. Guest Stars and Hidden Layers Fiona Walker returns nearly 25 years after "The Keys of Marinus." Leslie French, who once auditioned to play the First Doctor, appears as a mathematician. Anton Differing took the Nazi role mainly to catch Wimbledon on London television. A celebrated jazz musician leads the band and gets screen time. The behind-the-sofa consensus: this beats Happiness Patrol. The Cybermen get one final classic appearance before the costumes literally fall apart (they were taped together and spray-painted silver). Where the Story Divides One host sees excellent location work, great chemistry between the leads, well-choreographed action, and "good bonkers" energy. The other finds forced humor, a clumsy attempt to deepen the Doctor's mystery, misogynistic moments, and stereotypical American characters that undermine the tone. The final scene—with Ace asking a question and the Doctor refusing to answer—creates genuine friction neither host expected. An Anniversary That Isn't Quite One For a 25th-anniversary episode, it's surprisingly light on callbacks. The real tribute to Doctor Who's past is the Cybermen themselves—silver, returning, and defeated in ways that feel... almost accidental? Multiple plot threads intersect (the Nazis, the magical artifact, the time-jumping aristocrat, the alien invaders), and whether they mesh or clash depends entirely on your tolerance for chaotic storytelling. Coming Up Next: Monday (Patreon Early): Patreon Exclusive 174 with music, Memory TARDIS, and three-part comic "Invaders from Gantac" by Alan Grant. Following Wednesday (Main Feed): Season 25 finale with "The Greatest Show in the Galaxy" (four parts). John promises it's "right up his alley." Hashtags: #DoctorWho #SilverNemesis #25thAnniversary #SylvesterMcCoy #SophieAldred #Cybermen #ClassicWho #BehindTheSofa #ProductionTrouble #HostDisagreement #Validium #McCoyEra #TimeLord #Mystery #DoctorWhoPodcast

The whiplash is immediate and brutal. After the triumph of "Remembrance of the Daleks," this three-part story lands like a thud. Jim gives another harsh —an unprecedented score that suggests something fundamentally broken beneath the surface. Despite strong performances from McCoy and Aldred, the story struggles with disconnected thematic elements, confused production design, and a narrative that never quite coheres. The Setup That Doesn't Work Terra Alpha: an Earth colony where mandatory happiness enforced through surveillance and a cheerful Happiness Patrol keeps citizens compliant. The story also includes a candy-obsessed killer, underground dwellers (indigenous inhabitants driving plot devices), a visiting blues musician, and a complex political hierarchy. None of these elements integrate coherently. Jim's assessment: This is Paradise Towers revisited, but worse. Same drab corridors masquerading as streets, same societal oppression, same everything-we've-seen-before feeling, but without even Paradise Towers' redeeming visual moments. The Candyman Disaster Originally planned as a human villain—just a bored, pale killer. JNT and director Chris Clough wanted a robot instead. The result: an uncomfortable costume that restricted the actor's movement and visibility, made the character nonsensical, and looked rushed and disconnected from every other design element on set. The production nearly got sued by a candy company for the character's visual design. , Tonal Chaos The story can't decide what it wants to be. Satirical critique of authoritarian happiness? Straight thriller? Comedic romp? It tries all three and masters none. The mime-like makeup on the Happiness Patrol's faces goes unexplained. The slot machine execution method appears once, then switches to fondant surprise. These aren't deepening themes—they're random design choices. McCoy and Aldred Carry the Load Both hosts agree the leads transcend the material. McCoy's ad-libbed singing of "As Time Goes By" shows theatrical training and improvisational instinct. Aldred proves her action credentials and moral agency—the Doctor actively investigating rather than stumbling into danger. Yet even their chemistry can't save disconnected storytelling. John's specific note: the Doctor telling Ace "You're no good to me like this" when she's about to attack—character development that deserves better context. Production Quirks The TARDIS gets painted pink by the Happiness Patrol, requiring repainting back to blue. The sets feel claustrophobic despite supposedly being outside on streets. The behind-the-sofa guests (except McCoy, Aldred, and Sheila Hancock) admitted the story didn't work. Ratings dropped after Episode One (5.3M to 4.6M to bounce back to 5.3M). The Political Subtext Nobody Asked For Sheila Hancock (Helen A) read the script as Margaret Thatcher allegory and deliberately amplified her performance toward that direction. Andrew Cartmel apparently got nervous about the comparison; Hancock pushed harder into it. John appreciates the subtext; Jim dismisses it as irrelevant to the story itself. The political commentary doesn't enhance the narrative—it distracts from already-muddled plotting. What Could Have Worked Discussion of road-not-taken choices: What if they'd fully integrated Ace into the Happiness Patrol with brainwashing elements? What if the candy theme permeated every design choice instead of being isolated to the Candyman? What if this story had followed something other than the series' strongest episode? The Colin Baker Question Jim wonders aloud how Colin Baker might have handled this material—would his more theatrical approach have elevated the chaos or made it worse? Speculation on whether "Happiness Patrol" appears in any of the audio continuations (especially with alternate Doctors). Coming Up Next: Monday Patreon Exclusive 173: Music, Memory TARDIS, Doctor Who Unbound audio "Full Fathom Five," and comics—"Time and Tide" and "Follow That TARDIS!" Wednesday Main Feed (Friday Patreon Early): "Silver Nemesis" - the ACTUAL 25th Anniversary story (three parts). Jim handles narration. Will it recover from Happiness Patrol? Hashtags: #DoctorWho #TheHappinessPatrol #Season25 #SylvesterMcCoy #SophieAldred #McCoyEra #SheiliaHancock #Candyman #TerrAlpha #ParadiseTowersPart2 #ClassicWho #DoctorWhoPodcast #WorstMcCoyStory #FromRembranceToRegression

The lads save the....worst for last??Its the final Colin Baker story Dan & Si can cover, and oddly its Colin's first outing!We see rubbish acting, companion assault and poor choices in clothes. Its The Twin Dilemma!FOLLOW US!@PlayItLoudWithSi@DanGriffin21@TheDrWhoPod

The lads save the....worst for last??Its the final Colin Baker story Dan & Si can cover, and oddly its Colin's first outing!We see rubbish acting, companion assault and poor choices in clothes. Its The Twin Dilemma!FOLLOW US!@PlayItLoudWithSi@DanGriffin21@TheDrWhoPod

This week on the Earth Station Who podcast, the crew is joined by author and longtime Whovian R. Alan Siler to discuss the definitive episodes of the first eight Doctors from Classic Doctor Who. From the First Doctor through the Eighth Doctor, the team debates which classic Doctor Who stories best represent each incarnation of the Time Lord and why these adventures remain essential viewing for Doctor Who fans. The discussion covers legendary Doctors including William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee, Tom Baker, Peter Davison, Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy, and Paul McGann while exploring iconic Doctor Who episodes, classic companions, Daleks, Cybermen, Master stories, regenerations, and the evolution of Classic Who across decades of BBC television history. Whether you love Classic Doctor Who, Big Finish audio adventures, vintage sci-fi television, or ranking the best Doctor Who serials of all time, this episode is packed with Whovian nostalgia, Doctor Who discussion, fandom debate, and recommendations for the greatest Classic Doctor Who episodes ever made. Modern Musicology https://modernmusicology1.podbean.com/ Time Stamp 0:00:00 Show Open 0:05:11 Doctor Who News 0:15:57 Classic Doctor Who Definitive Episodes (Doctors 1 – 8) 1:49:24 Show Close If you'd like to leave feedback or a comment, feel free to email us at feedback@earthstationwho.com DoctorWho #ClassicDoctorWho #EarthStationWho #Whovian #BBCDoctorWho #TomBaker #PaulMcGann #DoctorWhoPodcast #ClassicWho #SciFiPodcastSpecial Guest: R Alan Siler.

John and Jim tackle the first official Doctor Who radio drama - a six-part Eric Saward production that aired during the 18-month hiatus between Seasons 22 and 23. This marks a rare occasion where John experiences a Doctor Who story for the very first time alongside the review. Production Background: John shares fascinating details about how "Slipback" came to exist - written and produced in just four months as the BBC scrambled to placate fans during the controversial hiatus. The story aired as part of a children's summer show called "Pirate Radio 4," buried within hours of other programming. Discussion covers whether this was originally meant to be a different format, Colin Baker and Nicola Bryant's participation, and the mysterious uncredited director. The Infamous Computer Voice: The hosts immediately address the elephant in the room - Jane Carr's polarizing performance as the ship's computer. Jim shares his visceral reaction while John explores the apparent Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy influences and whether the voice was intentionally annoying or a misguided creative choice. Too Much of Everything: John and Jim examine Eric Saward's tendency to cram multiple Doctor Who tropes into one story - wandering corridors, separated companions, time travel experiments, the Big Bang, creepy aliens pursuing Peri, and more. Discussion explores whether Saward was given too little time or simply couldn't resist throwing in every idea he had. Technical Curiosities: The hosts discuss the slightly sped-up audio on YouTube versions, the quality of the production values, and how the performances hold up. They debate whether this was specifically written for children despite some mature content. Historical Significance: As the first official BBC radio drama and a true product of Colin Baker's era (alongside "A Fix with Sontarans"), the hosts examine what this means for completists and whether it deserves modern appreciation. Ratings: The hosts land on the lower end of their scale, with discussion about whether it's worth an hour of listeners' time and comparisons to the Star Wars Holiday Special as "another appearance by these actors during the original run." Listener Perspective: Jameson shares his 2022 review calling it a "historical curiosity" that doesn't stand up to Big Finish productions, sparking discussion about whether Big Finish should revisit and revise the concept. Coming Up Next: Patreon Exclusive (Monday - Episode 160): More theme music, Memory TARDIS, and the beginning of the Alan McKenzie era of Doctor Who comics with "War Game" and "Fun House." Patreon Exclusive (Friday): John and Jim's deep dive into the missing/planned Season 23 - examining the six stories that were scrapped when the hiatus was announced, discussing what could have worked, and where to find them in expanded media. Main Feed: Classic Patreon episodes released for non-subscribers during Jim's vacation. Hashtags: #DoctorWho #Slipback #EricSaward #ColinBaker #NicolaBryant #RadioDrama #SixthDoctor #Peri #BBCRadio4 #DoctorWhoAudio #Hiatus #1985 #ClassicWho #HistoricalCuriosity #DoctorWhoPodcast #BigBang #TimeTravel #DoctorWhoHistory

Jim and John tackle the Season 24 finale and the show's 150th story, featuring Bonnie Langford's abrupt departure, Sophie Aldred's introduction as Ace, the return of Sabalom Glitz, and one of the most infamous cliffhangers in Doctor Who history. Jim struggles to find redeeming qualities in a season he considers possibly the worst in Classic Who, while production issues and budget constraints become increasingly evident. The 150th Story Milestone: Written by Ian Briggs (who will later write fan-favorite "The Curse of Fenric"), directed by Chris Clough (completing his second "last two stories of a season" after Trial of a Time Lord). Originally pitched as story about an intergalactic shopping center owner wanting the TARDIS for the ultimate shopping experience. The BBC counted Trial of a Time Lord as one story arc, so technically this should be story 153. Andrew Cartmell brought writers into his office for collaborative discussion—closest thing to a "writer's room" Doctor Who ever had. Cartmell considered this the best story of Season 24, which Jim finds bewildering given his own assessment of the season. The Infamous Umbrella Cliffhanger: Everybody fixates on McCoy lowering himself over a parapet by his umbrella, stopping mid-descent and hanging there looking confused. The scene has become legendary for all the wrong reasons—why did he do it in the first place when he wasn't trapped? According to Briggs, the script called for the Doctor to lower himself because he was trapped with nowhere to go, and the actual cliffhanger was supposed to be the dragon appearing. The awkward execution wasn't the writer's fault. Director and production team share blame for one of the series' most criticized moments. Sophie Aldred as Ace: Cast at age 26 to play 16-year-old Ace (10 years younger than her actual age—more than Burt Ward's 6-year gap playing Robin). Actually two years older than Bonnie Langford despite playing significantly younger. Sophie auditioned for Ray in "Delta and the Bannermen" but didn't get it—worked in her favor as Ace became iconic. Character is human from late 20th century Earth who arrived on Iceworld when chemistry experiment triggered time storm in her bedroom. Uses homemade explosive "Nitro-9" and shouts "Ace!" frequently (which doesn't work for Jim). Calls the Doctor "Professor" which he tries to discourage. John admits he initially hated Ace in this story—found her annoying and grumpy, a "miserable brat." But promises a "Richter scale" shift in appreciation with the next story, suggesting maturation between seasons and genuine chemistry developing with McCoy that was absent with Mel. Bonnie Langford's Awkward Exit: Mel's departure makes no narrative sense—no setup, no telegraphing, completely out of nowhere. She suddenly decides to stay with Glitz to "keep him out of trouble" with zero romantic hints or friendship development to justify it. The farewell scene wasn't written by Briggs—it was McCoy's audition piece that he loved so much he convinced Cartmell to insert it into the script. Both later regretted this decision. Briggs washes his hands of it: "I didn't write that." Bonnie had to act opposite her replacement throughout, standing back while production sells Sophie/Ace hard, often getting relegated to the background. Classic Who pattern of treating departing companions poorly. Jim notes tiny bit of charm finally emerging between McCoy and Bonnie right at the very end—too little, too late. Bonnie's Post-Who Career: Didn't get the serious acting career she hoped Doctor Who would provide. Continued successful musical theater and light entertainment work but remained the butt of jokes for years—including a 1990s condom commercial depicting her parents with slogan "if only they'd used a condom." Public perception shifted when she appeared on "Strictly Come Dancing" (British dance competition) alongside John Barrowman. Fans hoped for Doctor Who face-off but she was injured during rehearsal and had to withdraw; Barrowman voted out shortly after. Her bravery with the injury softened public opinion—now considered a "national treasure" in Britain. This is why she was brought back for New Who, not just fan service. The Glitz Problem: Tony Selby returns as Sabalom Glitz—JNT read the script, liked having Tony Selby (who was "hot" at the time appearing on other British TV), and suggested using Glitz instead of similar character. Glitz owns the Nosferatu (referenced in Trial of a Time Lord). Jim couldn't stand Glitz's hair. Compares him to Star Trek's Cyrano Jones/Harry Mudd. Softened for this story, lost whatever bite he had before. No chemistry with anyone—not Ace, not the Doctor. Tony Selby passed away in 2021 at age 83. In New Who, Mel references traveling with "Sabalom Glitz" until he was 107, slipped on a bottle, cracked his head and died. She returned to Earth by "hopping on a Zingo" (running joke—no one knows what a Zingo is). Kane and the Ice World Setting: Edward Peel plays Kane, the villain who controls Iceworld trading colony on dark side of planet Svartos. His touch is so cold it can kill. Marks employees with his symbol iced into their flesh. Basically "Mr. Freeze redux" per Jim. Kane is half of Kane-Xana criminal gang from planet Proamon. Xana killed herself to avoid arrest; Kane was exiled to cold dark side of Svartos. Iceworld is actually a spacecraft—the "treasure" is a crystal that activates the ship to end his exile. Kane's head-melting death scene well-executed (reminds Jim of Star Trek TNG's "Conspiracy" but actually inspired by Toht/Belloq melting in Raiders of the Lost Ark). Jim wishes they'd lingered on the effect a second or two longer—it was actually done well. Patricia Quinn as Belazs: The only character Jim cared about in Part One. Reminded him strongly of Glynis Johns. Plays officer who realizes Kane won't release her, tries to escape, attempts to overthrow Kane by raising temperature in his chambers. Patricia Quinn interviewed on Blu-ray—now a British Duchess with purple hair, incredibly eccentric despite aristocratic status. Behind the Sofa caught her looking off-camera for cue cards "like a Saturday Night Live skit." Belazs killed by Kane, goes out "like a chump" when Jim thought she deserved to be the one to dispatch Kane. New lackeys introduced in Part 3 waste screen time that could have developed her character better. The Derivative Dragon: Jim catalogs extensive borrowing from other sci-fi properties: Dragon is blatant Alien/Aliens ripoff—H.R. Giger's xenomorph design copied almost exactly (long thin arms, fingers, back protrusions, head shape like Alien Queen) Described as "biomechanoid" (Giger's biomechanical design philosophy) Superman Fortress of Solitude hologram crystal stolen wholesale—hologram woman appears to conveniently explain backstory exactly like Lex Luthor scene in Superman II Alien tracker guns copied from Aliens (complete with "it should be right on us" suspense) Zombies added to cliché pile Jim notes the show stopped ripping off Star Wars and moved on to Alien franchise and Superman movies. This is "perhaps never more" derivative than in this story. Production and Budget Collapse: "Batman Season 3 worthy sets"—budget clearly ran out by season's end. Station sets not impressive, doesn't sell the Ice World concept. Model of planet surface done well, but interior sets very lacking. Shot brightest possible lights, no atmosphere or mystery. Dragon walks around "like a costume character at Disney World." Almost entirely studio-bound with minimal location work. Cliffhanger at end of Part 2 "one of the most horribly dull ever"—Kane just declares "the dragonfire shall be mine" with no tension whatsoever. The McCoy Problem Continues: Jim still doesn't know who McCoy's Doctor is. An engaging Doctor can carry even poor stories (citing Colin Baker), but McCoy isn't doing that. Not a force within the show, just reacting. Both McCoy and Mel "treading water" all season. This is McCoy's "freshman year" but with a producer trying to rebuild without reaching out to anything—soft reboot that plays it safe with half the budget. Jim sees all the tropes and clichés but not innovation. Brief moment of crankiness when McCoy yells "SILENCE!" at the girls—is this the temperamental side promised? Tiny bit of charm emerges at very end with Mel but too late. No chemistry with Bonnie throughout until final seconds. John's thesis: "These three seasons walked so New Who could run." Season 24 feels like desperate attempt to make it a kids' show again but dumbing it down ("Uncle Miltie's Carnival of Fun"). Philosophy discussion scene interesting but "puts everyone in the audience asleep." Cast Notes: Tony Osoba (Kracauer) played Lan in "Destiny of the Daleks," returns in New Who episode "Kill the Moon" Sharon Duce (customer with milkshake dumped on her) was the camper killed by Ogri in "Stones of Blood" (the scene that scandalized Jim and John for depicting unmarried relations) Little girl Stellar played by Miranda Borman—wearing a dress Bonnie Langford wore at that age for a role. Hosts wonder if this was a stage mother situation Large cast overall—perhaps one of the largest in Doctor Who history The Cartmell Philosophy: Andrew Cartmell doesn't like interior TARDIS scenes, so "we're not gonna see the console room much moving forward." Jim outraged: "That's inane... good writing doesn't drag a scene down." Lost opportunities for insightful TARDIS interactions between Doctor and companions. Fandom Division: By end of Season 24, fandom most divided over show's direction. Fanzine DWB went on crusade to get JNT sacked—he considered suing but BBC told him to leave it. BBC willing to let him go after 25th season (which he wanted to see through) but he stayed on longer than that. Jim's Season Assessment: Can't think of another time the show has felt this low overall. Rough, a slog. Still not sure who McCoy is as a Doctor. Compares unfavorably to Colin Baker era—at least Colin was consistent and worth watching even in poor stories. Sees Season 24 as show desperately wanting spunky girl companion (keeps trying over and over) but not knowing what to do with them when they get one (Mel being prime example). Both agree it's not a good way to end the season. Coming Up Next: Patreon Exclusive 170: Music selection, Season 24 retrospective, at least one Season 25 spoiler for Jim, comic strip reviews of "Redemption" and "The Crossroads of Time" (both one-parters), and Memory TARDIS wheel spin. Hiatus Special (Patreon early): "Wartime" shorts featuring the return of Sergeant Benton with the interesting behind-the-scenes story of how this fan production came to be (approximately 30-35 minutes). (Main feed) BBC audio drama "Slipback" with Colin Baker and Nicola Bryant. Hashtags: #DoctorWho #Dragonfire #150thStory #SylvesterMcCoy #SeventhDoctor #BonnieLangford #Mel #SophieAldred #Ace #SabalomGlitz #TonySelby #Season24Finale #KaneTheVillain #UmbrellaCliffhanger #PatriciaQuinn #IanBriggs #ChrisClough #ClassicWho #CompanionDeparture #NewCompanion #ProductionProblems #BudgetIssues #DoctorWhoPodcast

This week we begin coverage of the Valiant convention from earlier this year with a panel featuring Colin Baker and Wendy Padbury.   You may wish to contribute to the show's running costs, it's Patreon is here https://www.patreon.com/tdrury or buy me a coffee here https://ko-fi.com/timdrury   The show is also on Facebook please join the group for exclusive behind the scenes insights and of course also discuss and feedback on the show https://www.facebook.com/groups/187162411486307/   If you want to send me comments or feedback you can email them to tdrury2003@yahoo.co.uk or contact me on twitter where I'm @tdrury or send me a friend request and your comments to facebook where I'm Tim Drury and look like this http://www.flickr.com/photos/tdrury/3711029536/in/set-72157621161239599/ in case you were wondering.

Jim and John experience their most polarizing disagreement since the Colin Baker era as Paradise Towers splits them into opposing camps—Jim delivering a devastating 1 out of 15 ("a Billy") while John counters with an enthusiastic 14 out of 15, declaring it his favorite story of Season 24 and a formative influence on his understanding of world building as a young writer. The Ratings Chasm: Final scores: Jim 1, John 14, averaging to 7.5—perfectly appropriate for a story that divides straight down the middle. Jim places Paradise Towers at "Romans level bad," his first 1 rating in years, possibly ever. John acknowledges flaws but insists "I adore this. It's the best [of the season] to me. The next two aren't as good." Jim's Bewilderment: "It just had no idea what it wanted to be." Jim struggles through four parts feeling lost, bewildered, and unable to take anything seriously. The story veers wildly between dark humor and slapstick, feels like Monty Python meets children's television, and presents concepts (cannibal grannies, color-coded gangs, killer cleaning robots) that never cohere into a satisfying whole. He literally took no notes during Part 2 because he was too disconnected. The Kangs' rapid-fire accents and gang-speak were incomprehensible. The music sounds stolen from Donkey Kong or Pac-Man. Richard Briers' performance left Jim feeling "embarrassed for him." John's Passionate Defense: "This is my favorite of the season... This story as a young 17, 18, 19-year-old person trying his hand at writing finally started to click and say, 'That's what world building is all about.'" John goes against fandom consensus by loving Richard Briers' portrayal, appreciating the rule book escape scene as "absolutely brilliant," and embracing the tone as intentionally campy satire of bureaucracy, hierarchies, and dystopian societies. The Batman Season Revelation: John drops the word he's been holding back all season: "campy." He dubs Season 24 "the Batman season"—meaning Batman's infamous campy third season with Nora Clavicle, flat painted backdrops, and wind-up mice. Jim initially resists but eventually concedes: "Yeah, this is clavicle level." Discussion of JNT's continued obsession with stunt-casting notable British TV stars (Richard Briers was a huge get; Ken Dodd is coming next story). Production Context: Stephen Wyatt wrote episode one in a week without knowing the ending or who would play the Doctor (McCoy not yet cast). Inspired by J.G. Ballard's dystopian novel High-Rise. First story Andrew Cartmel commissioned as script editor. Director Nicholas Mallett loved McCoy's malleability and openness to improv versus Baker's by-the-script approach. BBC Head of Drama Jonathan Powell (not a Who fan) praised the script. Ratings: 4.5, 5.2, 5.0, 5.0—about even with McCoy's other stories. Jim's Specific Complaints: Cannot understand what the Kangs are saying half the time due to rapid delivery and thick accents. Doctor and Mel spend more time apart than any previous story. Sets look like existing ones dirtied up with garbage and wall scrawl. Killer cleaning robots are laughably unthreatening with cartoon buzzsaws—"I could outrun those things any day of the week even if I wasn't feeling well." Video game music drowns out dialogue. Cannibalism appears and disappears without explanation. Why are Tilda and Tabby's cozy apartment untouched by dystopia? Why does Kroagnon need to eat people when he's a machine? Where are all the boys? Why is it all women (Kangs, Rezzies) versus all men (Caretakers)? John's Counterpoints: The rule book escape scene demonstrates the Doctor using the Caretakers' rigid bureaucracy against them—"absolutely brilliant." Richard Briers is proud of ignoring direction and doing what he wanted; interviews on Blu-ray show he has no regrets. The jerky movements after Kroagnon takes his body represent rigor mortis setting in. Clive Merrison (Deputy Caretaker) played the pilot Jim in "Tomb of the Cybermen." The tone is intentionally satirical—mocking rule books, procedures, hierarchies in very British Monty Python style. Behind the Sofa Revelations: Three different commentary teams watched: Sylvester McCoy/Bonnie Langford/Sophie Aldred; Peter Davison/Sarah Sutton/Janet Fielding; Colin Baker/Michael Jayston. Colin and Peter both declared it one of their favorites so far—disappointing Jim but validating John. Bonnie had little to say either way. Pool filmed at private house with freezing water—Bonnie's stunt double did most shots because Bonnie can't swim (redheads apparently don't know how to swim, Jim claims) and the water was unbearably cold. Camera crew in wetsuits couldn't last more than 45 minutes. The McCoy Question: Jim still doesn't know what to think of McCoy. Not engaged, not seeing the cantankerous fellow promised. The R-rolling is Scottish, not an affectation. The left-handed handshakes are unexplained. Still no clear sense of the Doctor-Mel relationship since they're separated the entire story. John insists McCoy's performance improves with better scripts in Season 25 once Ace arrives. The New Who Question: Jim and John publicly ask listeners: should The Doctor's Beard continue into New Who after finishing Classic Who and the TV Movie? They've brought on new listeners recently and want to know if the audience wants Eccleston era coverage or if it's "too new" for Classic Who purists. Email your yes/no vote to thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com. Mel Scream Count: Screams #10, #11, #12. Less than Time and the Rani but still plenty. Coming Up Next: Patreon Exclusive (Monday - Episode 168): Colin Baker's final Doctor Who Magazine comic story "The World Shapers" written by Grant Morrison (three parts), Memory TARDIS spin, more music discussion. Main Feed (Friday) & Patreon (Monday): "Delta and the Bannermen" - Jim handling narration for the three-part story. Already started watching because he's driving to Ithaca College convention and losing three days of viewing time. Hashtags: #DoctorWho #ParadiseTowers #SylvesterMcCoy #SeventhDoctor #Mel #TheGreatDivide #PolarOpinions #JimHatesIt #JohnLovesIt #1Versus14 #BatmanSeason #RichardBriers #Kangs #Caretakers #Rezzies #Kroagnon #CampyWho #StephenWyatt #AndrewCartmel #Season24 #BuildHighForHappiness #FaultyTowers #NewWhoQuestion #ClassicWho #DoctorWhoPodcast

SPECIAL PATREON EXCLUSIVE  THE OPENING: "Peter, Peter, please forgive me..." A countdown begins the most diplomatic disagreement in podcast history. BELATED BIRTHDAY & TIMING: John's birthday just passed! Next story is Attack of the Cybermen (aired January 5, 1986) - "the year I turned 18!" THE DREAD: John: "I'm filled with a little dread to talk about this with you, Jim, because I know where you stand." Jim: "Listen, we've made too much of it. Every fan has doctors they like and doctors they don't like." THE FUNDAMENTAL QUESTION: "Do you know anybody who likes every single Doctor?" JOHN'S CONFESSION: "I do to certain degrees. There are ones I'm not as fond of - Colin, Tom Baker. In fact, I might turn around and be like Colin Baker is better than Tom Baker if I keep feeling as excited as I did with Twin Dilemma!" The Tom Baker Problem: "Tom Baker was one who outstayed his welcome. He has the David Tennant complex. They're both fabulous but they overstayed their welcome where it diminished their appeal to me." JIM'S CORE PROBLEM: THE DOCTOR WHO DIDN'T WANT COMPANIONS The Comparison: Fourth Doctor with Leela: Great mentor/teacher relationship Fourth Doctor with Romana: Lots of warmth Fourth Doctor with Sarah Jane: Clear affection Fifth Doctor: "So few moments putting across that he really wanted people traveling with him. He seemed like he'd be so much happier if he was just by himself." Jim's Labels: "The grouchy doctor. The invisible doctor. He never seemed like a larger than life character, which the Doctor needs to be." JAMESON'S FRAMING LETTER: The Fifth Doctor Summary: "Nice, sweet, the more human Doctor. Almost purely reactive. Quiet, kind of bland, often seems to have hollow victories. An anti-Fourth Doctor. The Fourth Doctor breezed in and took control - the Fifth Doctor is one who no one seems to listen to." Jameson's Position: "I don't hate his Doctor, but he's not entirely a favorite. On audio he has mixed results, though lately really good with the Season 19 crew." The Missing Element: "One thing this era is missing is more humorous or lighthearted moments. It's always gritty and dark - nobody's allowed to crack a joke." THE COMPANIONS - A COMPREHENSIVE BREAKDOWN: ADRIC - "THE BOY GENIUS" Jameson's Take: Not a big fan. Works better with Fourth Doctor in master-apprentice role. Butts heads with Fifth Doctor. First Companion killed off since Sara Kingdom and Katarina (Season 3). Hope he works better in audios with hindsight, foreshadowing his departure and fears of not being good enough. NYSSA - "THE SCIENTIST" Jameson's Summary: Orphan from Traken who lost everything. Master stole her father's body. Sweet, quiet mediator between Adric/Tegan/Doctor. Most prolific audio Companion for Fifth Doctor. TEGAN - "THE AIR STEWARDESS" Jameson's Description: "Sarcastic, sassy, acts like she doesn't want to be there but kind of loves traveling. Australian air stewardess is fun, gives older high school sister vibes to Adric/Nyssa's middle schooler vibes. Janet Fielding is so fun to watch in modern special features." TURLOUGH - "HOLD MY BEER" Jim: "Hold my beer. We ain't seen nothing yet." Jameson's Take: "Interesting character - alien exile stuck as English schoolboy. Sneaky, untrustworthy, cowardly, yet underneath wants to do right. Gets rough arc, wish they hadn't waited until last story to flesh out backstory." KAMELION - "THE CURSED ROBOT" Jameson's Frustration: "I get JNT wanted the next K-9, but why introduce a shapeshifting robot if you're not going to capitalize on shapeshifting abilities? This is a character MADE for stunt casting! Instead, the inventor/controller passed away before it could be fully utilized. Introduction story, departure story, nothing else. Wasted opportunity. Why bother?" PERI - "THE AMERICAN STUDENT" Jameson: "Perpugilliam Brown, American botany student the Doctor rescues on vacation. With Fifth Doctor she's odd beast - introduced in one story, Davison leaves in next. Sassy but more upbeat and peppy than Tegan. Really comes into her own with Sixth Doctor. On audio, several adventures with Fifth Doctor, sometimes with new Companion Erimem (father/uncle with two daughters dynamic)." SEASON BREAKDOWNS: SEASON 19 - "THE SOAP OPERA SEASON" "Crowded TARDIS, JNT wants regulars always arguing and not getting along. Still good stories - Kinda and Earthshock standouts. Death of Adric, return of Cybermen shake things up." SEASON 20 - "THE ANNIVERSARY SEASON" "Two new Companions, Companion departure, tons of returning elements celebrating 20 years. Returning: Omega, the Brig, Mara, Black/White Guardians, Borusa, the Master." THE FIVE DOCTORS DEBATE: The Classification: More people saying it's its own thing between seasons (like Christmas specials). John always looked at it as Season 20: "Caps off Season 20 - after whetting appetite with Master and others, throw it all at you." Jim's Verdict: "Best Fifth Doctor story. He pretty much holds his own." SEASON 21: Jameson: "I don't really know what to say. Possibly Davison's strongest, but I don't really have anything else. I like Resurrection of the Daleks, Frontios, Caves of Androzani." THREE YEARS OF THE DOCTOR'S BEARD: "Three years of fun with the Doctor's Beard, somewhere in time and space." NEXT TIME: Monday (Patreon #153): Voyager (five-part Colin Baker epic), Ian Levine's Doctor Who theme (Eastway/Freeway?), Memory TARDIS spin Friday (Patreon) then Saturday (Main Feed): Attack of the Cybermen - first two-parter with 45-minute episodes for Season 22! John handles narration, oddly looking forward to it after Twin Dilemma optimism This retrospective showcases exclusive Patreon content! Join for $3/month at patreon.com/thedoctorsbeardpodcast for early access, bonus episodes, and comprehensive retrospectives! Subscribe on all platforms. Email thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or join our Facebook community. Hashtags: #DoctorWho #PeterDavison #FifthDoctor #Retrospective #PatreonExclusive #ItsJustThere #FailedExperiment #InvisibleDoctor #GrouchyDoctor #SoapOperaSeason #AnniversarySeason #Companions #Adric #Nyssa #Tegan #Turlough #Kamelion #Peri #TheBachelorUncle #JNT #EricSaward #SeasonRatings #TheFiveDoctors #CavesOfAndrozani #MawdrynUndead #Enlightenment #ResurrectionOfTheDaleks #ColinBaker #SixthDoctor #TwinDilemma #CautiousOptimism #BlakesSeven #GroundedWho #DoctorWhoDidntWantCompanions #NyssaDeservedBetter #JanetFielding #RoseColoredGlasses #DrSmith #WillRobinson #WesleyCrusher #ThreeDoctors #GallifreyStories #AudioWho #BigFinish #ClassicWho #80sWho #DoctorWhoPodcast #TheDoctorsBeardPodcast #Whovian #PodcastCommunity #ComprehensiveReview #ThreeYearsStrong #DocJonesNovels #WritingLife

John and Jim conclude Colin Baker's tumultuous era with a two-part finale born from tragedy, scrambled rewrites, and production chaos - resulting in wildly divergent reactions from the hosts and fandom's most controversial regeneration-that-never-was. The Production Nightmare: John details Robert Holmes passing while writing Part 1, Eric Saward writing Part 2 from Holmes' notes but refusing to release it when JNT rejected his cliffhanger ending (the Doctor and Valeyard falling into an abyss), Pip and Jane Baker getting 10 days to write an entirely new Part 2 using only existing sets from Part 1, and the longest Classic Who episode clocking in at 30 minutes when the Bakers' 38-minute script had to be pared down. The Valeyard Revelation: Extensive discussion of the bombshell that the Valeyard is "an amalgamation of the Doctor's darker impulses from between his twelfth and final incarnations." The hosts debate why this huge concept has never been revisited on screen despite New Who passing that point in the timeline, compare it to Star Trek's "The Enemy Within" and Jekyll/Hyde dynamics, question how the Valeyard established himself on Gallifrey as a respected prosecutor, and marvel that this mythology-altering revelation planted seeds that never grew. The Master's Motivations: Jim questions why the Master appears at all beyond Robert Holmes liking the character. Discussion covers the Master entering the Matrix with a duplicate key, his refusal to let the Valeyard deny him the pleasure of destroying the Doctor personally, and the irony of him being frozen in the Matrix alongside Glitz by story's end. Peri's Resurrection: The hosts examine the shoehorned reveal that Peri survived to become Yrcanos' warrior queen - a retcon driven by negative audience reaction to her original death. Discussion includes Nicola Bryant's mixed feelings (initially disappointed, now embracing it in recent appearances), comparisons to Leela, and whether either ending serves the character well. Continuity Catastrophes: The Inquisitor doesn't recognize the Master then suddenly knows he's a renegade Time Lord within the same episode. The Seventh Door to the Matrix is inexplicably on the space station. The High Council gets deposed by insurrectionists in unexplained chaos. Jim gets "completely lost" by events on Gallifrey that are told but never shown. Bonnie Langford's Redemption: Both hosts praise Bonnie's performance in Part 2 when freed from Robert Holmes and Eric Saward's diminishment of Mel. Discussion covers her not being reduced to singer/dancer stereotypes, total recall ability introduced in "Terror of the Vervoids," recognizing Time Lord modems, and Jim's appreciation that she's treated as the Doctor's equal rather than damsel. The Detective Doctor: Jim dubs Colin "The Detective Doctor" for his Sherlock Holmes/Batman deductive reasoning throughout the trial, calling himself "Old 60" and piecing together clues about Matrix manipulation, fake Mel's knowledge gaps, and the list of judges in his own handwriting. The Ending That Never Was: Colin Baker's final words as the Doctor - "Carrot juice, carrot juice, carrot juice" - haunt him to this day. Discussion of newspapers announcing his firing the day Part 2 aired, his refusal to return for a regeneration story (offering one more season instead), becoming the only Doctor without an onscreen regeneration until Big Finish remedied it, and the raw deal of only 11 stories total. Production Chaos Recap: No script editor credited for Part 2. JNT forced to act as story editor while fighting to keep Doctor Who alive. The Bakers writing without access to Holmes' notes or Saward's script. Sets already built constraining Part 2's possibilities. Colin knowing this was his swan song but giving his finest courtroom performance. The 30-minute runtime requiring BBC schedule adjustments. The Final Twist: The Keeper revealed as the Valeyard in disguise, laughing menacingly as the ultimate cliffhanger - planted seeds for a new showrunner who would start from scratch with Sylvester McCoy. The hosts question why this twist exists when they already knew Colin was gone and had no next doctor or story editor lined up. Mel's Future: Discussion of older-looking Mel with Beverly Crusher-style hair arriving with Glitz, speculation about when they were plucked from (possibly her eventual departure with Glitz's carrot juice company and TV show), and total recall proving essential to exposing the fake Matrix trial. Coming Up Next: Patreon Exclusive (Monday): Comics "Changes" and "Salad Daze," Memory TARDIS spin, more music, and a Season 23 retrospective examining the good, bad, and ugly while preparing for Sylvester McCoy's arrival. Patreon Exclusive (Friday): "Colin Baker: One Last Look" - a retrospective on the man and his 11-story tenure. Main Feed (Following Saturday - Hiatus Content): Peter Davison retrospective from Patreon archives. Season 24 Premiere: "Time and the Rani" - Sylvester McCoy's debut AND Kate O'Mara's return heralding the new Doctor's arrival. Hashtags: #DoctorWho #TrialOfATimeLord #TheUltimateFoe #ColinBaker #SixthDoctor #TheValeyard #TheMaster #Mel #BonnieLangford #SabalonGlitz #RobertHolmes #PipAndJaneBaker #EricSaward #Season23Finale #TheInquisitor #PeriBrown #NicolaBryant #MatrixSequences #RegenerationThatNeverWas #ClassicWho #DoctorWhoReview #DoctorWhoPodcast #1986 #ProductionChaos #ColinBakerFarewell

John and Jim examine the third Trial of a Time Lord story featuring the Doctor's bold defense strategy: presenting evidence from his own future, complete with a new companion who somehow makes Perry instantly forgettable. The Gutsy Introduction: The hosts examine the unprecedented decision to introduce Mel (Bonnie Langford) not at the beginning of her travels but as if she's already been with the Doctor for ages. Discussion covers the instant chemistry between Colin Baker and Bonnie Langford, Mel's agency and enthusiasm as a breath of fresh air, and why this pairing works despite unconventional storytelling. Evidence From the Future?: Jim questions the trial's fundamental logic - why would Time Lords accept evidence that hasn't happened yet? The hosts debate whether showing the Doctor "gets better" in the future undermines the entire prosecution while simultaneously revealing he survives the trial. Discussion includes the questionable legal framework and the Valeyard's surprisingly weak objections. The Bonnie Langford Factor: Extensive background on why casting Bonnie Langford was considered both a coup and a joke. The hosts explore her reputation as "England's Shirley Temple" (not in a good way), comparisons to Justin Bieber or Tiffany suddenly joining Star Trek, and how Pip and Jane Baker deliberately wrote against audience expectations. Coverage includes the infamous scream count, the F-key requirement matching the theme music sting, and whether Mel's voice takes getting used to. Production Crisis Mode: John details the chaos behind the scenes - Eric Saward's resignation leaving no script editor credited, JNT forced to take over script development, the Starlog interview controversy, JNT's attempted resignation (initially accepted with the caveat he fire Colin Baker), and morale at all-time lows with no pickup news. The Space Liner Mystery: Discussion of the murder mystery setup aboard Hyperion 3, Honor Blackman's casting (playing someone in her 40s while in her 60s), the Love Boat-style passenger introductions, the Mogarians and their translator issues, and Commodore Travers recognizing the Sixth Doctor from an adventure viewers never saw. The Vervoid Problem: Both hosts agree the plant-based menace suffers from unfortunate design - looked fine in studio as tulips but became laughable on screen. Jim argues the human crimes prove more interesting than the creature threat. Discussion covers Pip Baker's research into plant hormones, the effective reveal scene in shadows, Professor Lasky's Thing from Another World-inspired death, and the wilting death sequence. Red Herrings and Subplots: Examination of dropped plot threads including the Demeter seeds going nowhere (despite the Doctor eating one), Ruth the plant-infested woman's wasted potential, the Mogarian hijacking subplot as acknowledged "sideshow," and whether these diversions work or waste time. The Chemistry Question: Both hosts marvel at how Baker and Langford perform as if they'd been together for years. Coverage includes Mel not being told to "stay here," treatment as the Doctor's equal rather than damsel, her computer programmer background never materializing, and Pease Pottage references connecting to nursery rhymes. Design and Effects: Appreciation for the art deco lamp-inspired Hyperion 3 design (compared to Empire Strikes Back's Cloud City inspiration), the elaborate video game homage possibly recycled from "Nightmare Fair" development, black hole interpretation, and bodies stacked like cordwood pushing graphic boundaries. The Genocide Charge: The Valeyard's closing accusation transforms the trial as Article 7 of Gallifreyan Law makes no exceptions - destroying an entire species constitutes genocide regardless of necessity. The hosts question whether this charge sticks and what it means for the finale. Behind the Sofa Confusion: Colin, Bonnie, and Nicola on one couch with Matthew Waterhouse, Fraser Hines, and Mark Strickson on another - the three men initially think the plant-infested woman is Nicola Bryant and wonder "what happened to Peri." Coming Up Next: Patreon Exclusive (Monday): More Doctor Who music, Memory TARDIS spin with random First Five Doctors story recall, the three-part comic "Time Bomb," and news about recent collection release controversies and RTD decisions raising hackles. Main Feed Episode (Friday for Patreon, Following Saturday for All): The two-part finale "The Ultimate Foe" wraps up Colin Baker's era. John handles narration and promises Jim will thank him for NOT handling this one. Fandom generally dislikes it - meaning Jim will probably love it. Hashtags: #DoctorWho #TrialOfATimeLord #TerrorOfTheVervoids #ColinBaker #SixthDoctor #Mel #BonnieLangford #HonorBlackman #PipAndJaneBaker #TheVervoids #Season23 #Hyperion3 #ChrisClough #MurderMystery #SpaceLiner #ClassicWho #GenocideCharge #TheValeyard #TheInquisitor #DoctorWhoReview #DoctorWhoPodcast #1986 #CompanionIntroduction

John and Jim tackle the second story of Trial of a Time Lord - a divisive entry that Jim describes as "fair to middling" until a jaw-dropping finale that left him questioning everything. Production Challenges: John provides extensive background on Philip Martin's return after "Vengeance on Varos," Ron Jones directing his final Doctor Who story, and Eric Saward's resignation as story editor during production. Discussion covers Robert Holmes' passing during rehearsals and the courtroom set drama continuing with union issues. The Return of Sil: Jim does NOT hold back on his feelings about Sil's return to Doctor Who. The hosts debate whether bringing back the green marshmallow-eating Mentor serves any real purpose beyond annoying viewers. Discussion includes comparisons to Star Trek's Ferengi and whether Kiv (played by Christopher Ryan) proves more interesting than his obnoxious predecessor. Brian Blessed Arrives: The hosts examine Brian Blessed's appearance as King Yrcanos - a performance John considers a saving grace while Jim finds increasingly one-note. Behind-the-scenes stories include Blessed's F-bomb outtake, JNT's gentle handling of the larger-than-life actor, and revelations about Blessed nearly becoming the Second Doctor at age 25. Cultural Appropriation Concerns: Jim and John discuss troubling 1986 production choices: Kabuki-style makeup and samurai aesthetics for Yrcanos, servants and slaves portrayed by minority actors, Native American-styled costumes, and the questionable treatment of Dorf (transformed into a dog). The hosts question why these decisions felt appropriate in the mid-1980s. Colin Baker's Motivation Mystery: Extensive discussion of Colin Baker's struggle with unclear direction - was the Doctor acting under mind control, being crafty for observers, or was the Matrix testimony itself tampered with? Nobody could give him answers, leading to confusion that permeates the performance. The Claustrophobic Complex: Jim criticizes the confined, repetitive sets of Thoros Beta, noting the same corridor and computer banks appearing from different angles. Discussion covers the limited scope compared to "The Mysterious Planet" and whether the laboratory scenes provide the only visual relief. That Ending: The hosts unpack the shocking finale where Peri's brain is replaced by Kiv's, Yrcanos bursts in and shoots everyone, and the Doctor is pulled backward into the TARDIS by Time Lord intervention. John admits this originally made him consider quitting the show, while both hosts question whether companions deserved such ignoble exits. Time Lord Treachery: Discussion of the High Council ordering Peri's death, the Inquisitor's sudden inside knowledge, and why this story made John truly understand why the Doctor ran away from Gallifrey. The Doctor's proclamation about "second-rate gods" resonates as one of Colin Baker's finest courtroom moments. The Muddled Middle: Both hosts struggle with unclear storytelling - repetitive running through corridors, vague motivations, forgotten plot threads about weapons trafficking, and whether anything meaningful happens between the shocking beginning and devastating end. Listener Perspectives: Jameson weighs in on theme preferences, Inquisitor Darkel's ruthless portrayal in Gallifrey audios, and teases Jim's eventual reaction to trial revelations. Jamie Girl appreciates the pink/purple planet effects and Brian Blessed's Viking philosophy while sharing YouTube finds of cast reunions. Coming Up Next: Patreon Exclusive (Monday): More Dominic Glynn theme music, the three-part comic "Nature of the Beast," a look back at the first five Doctors with another Memory TARDIS spin. Main Feed Episode (Friday for Patreon, Following Saturday for All): Parts 9-12 of Trial of a Time Lord - "Terror of the Vervoids." Mel arrives, and John cryptically warns the creatures' name isn't the only unfortunate thing about them. Hashtags: #DoctorWho #TrialOfATimeLord #Mindwarp #ColinBaker #SixthDoctor #Peri #NicolaBryant #BrianBlessed #Yrcanos #Sil #TheMentors #ThorosBeta #PhilipMartin #RonJones #Season23 #Crozier #Kiv #TheValeyard #TheInquisitor #ClassicWho #DoctorWhoReview #DoctorWhoPodcast #1986 #CompanionDeath

John and Jim welcome back special guest artist Jerry Lange to discuss the Season 23 opener - a story that surprises everyone involved and showcases Colin Baker delivering what may be his finest performance in the role. The Return After 18 Months: John provides extensive background on how the show returned after the hiatus with a reduced budget, shorter episode format, and completely different vision from what was originally planned. Discussion covers the tumultuous production environment, Eric Saward's declining interest, and the challenges facing the production team. Dominic Glynn's Theme: The hosts react to the new arrangement of the Doctor Who theme - and Jim does NOT hold back his feelings. Discussion explores why this version feels cheaper than previous iterations and whether anything can redeem it. Jerry's Fresh Perspective: As someone experiencing Colin Baker's Doctor properly for the first time, Jerry shares his impressions of the "grumpy Doctor" and how this performance compares to what he expected. His observations about how each Doctor can be characterized provide interesting insights. Colin Baker's Courtroom Brilliance: All three hosts agree: Colin Baker shines brightest in the trial sequences. Jim examines how Baker balances humor and outrage, the effective "fencing" between the Doctor and the Valeyard, and why these courtroom interruptions actually enhance rather than detract from the story. The Mysterious Planet Story: The hosts discuss Robert Holmes' final full script, the Beneath the Planet of the Apesinfluences, the impressive (and expensive) model work, Drathro's excellent robot design, and whether Glitz and Dibber work as comedy relief characters. Jerry questions whether certain characters were even necessary to the narrative. Production Challenges: Discussion covers wrong studio construction, extended recaps to fill time, rating troubles despite heavy BBC promotion (blamed on the Roland Rat lead-in and The A-Team counterprogramming), and which actors stood out in guest roles. The Valeyard Factor: The hosts examine Michael Jayston's performance, the mysterious prosecutor's agenda, and why his dynamic with Colin Baker creates such compelling television despite being filmed primarily in one courtroom set. Listener Perspectives: Jamie Girl weighs in on the arrogance factor and Perry's odd reaction to Earth's fate, while Jameson provides expanded media context and praises the Baker/Jayston chemistry. Jeff from Australia offers thoughts on problematic elements and the Young Ones connections in "Revelation of the Daleks". Coming Up Next: Patreon Exclusive (Monday): Dominic Glynn theme variations, the comics "Exodus," "Revelation," and "Genesis," plus another spin of the Memory TARDIS wheel. Main Feed Episode (Friday for Patreon, Following Saturday for All): Parts 5-8 of Trial of a Time Lord - "Mindwarp." John handles narration duties, and he cryptically promises Jim will thank him for the division of labor. Hashtags: #DoctorWho #TrialOfATimeLord #TheMysteriousPlane #ColinBaker #SixthDoctor #Peri #NicolaBryant #TheValeyard #MichaelJayston #RobertHolmes #Season23 #Drathro #GlitzAndDibber #ClassicWho #TheInquisitor #Ravalox #DoctorWhoReview #DoctorWhoPodcast #NicholasMallett #1986

John and Jim dive deep into one of the most tumultuous periods in Doctor Who history, exploring the fan response to the show's 18-month hiatus announcement and examining two very different productions from that era. Theme Song Discussion: The hosts review Chameleon Circuit's 2026 version of Peter Howell's 1980s Doctor Who theme. The hosts find it underwhelming, noting it fails to generate the excitement that should accompany the opening of a Doctor Who episode. They express mixed feelings about Chameleon Circuit's various covers over the years. LINK : https://youtu.be/oYyc00TKtCs?si=UUH4k9dMulobMh3o The 18-Month Hiatus: During the broadcast of "The Two Doctors," the BBC announced Doctor Who would be "rested" for 18 months to fund other BBC projects. The announcement made national headlines and BBC News broadcasts, creating major controversy among fans and the general public. "Doctor in Distress" - The Charity Single: Ian Levine, the show's unofficial historian and fan liaison, organized a charity single modeled after "We Are the World" to protest the hiatus. The hosts discuss the infamous recording featuring: Cast members: Colin Baker, Nicola Bryant, Nicholas Courtney, Anthony Ainley, Faith Brown (from "Attack of the Cybermen") Musicians: Justin Hayward and John Lodge (The Moody Blues), Phyllis Nelson, Bobby G (Bucks Fizz) Notable absences due to scheduling issues and Ian's impatience LINK: https://youtu.be/ege9lQecazo?si=yh0ROrCIbz9hf30a "A Fix with Sontarans": In stark contrast to "Doctor in Distress," this segment from the children's show "Jim'll Fix It" proved surprisingly professional. Young fan Gareth Jenkins wished to appear in a Doctor Who story, and writer Eric Saward crafted a nearly 10-minute adventure featuring: Colin Baker as the Sixth Doctor Janet Fielding returning as Tegan (not Nicola Bryant as Peri) Two Sontarans (Clinton Grain and Tim Raime from "The Two Doctors") A surprisingly serious tone rather than sketch comedy Production notes include that the two Sontarans were named Nathan and Turner (a dig by Eric Saward at producer John Nathan-Turner), and that a remastered version exists with Jimmy Savile edited out and updated special effects. Colin Baker later stated he always found Savile "creepy." LINK: https://archive.org/details/a_fix_with_sontarans Doctor Who Magazine - "Voyager" Part 5: The hosts express deep frustration with Steve Parkhouse's comic story, calling it "hogwash," "claptrap," and "balderdash." They criticize: The pretentious writing style The Doctor's complete lack of agency Frobisher the penguin's unnecessary subplot The anticlimactic appearance of the villain Voyager The waste of artist John Ridgway's talents Jim suggests Parkhouse was attempting to emulate Alan Moore but failing spectacularly, creating "whimsy disguised as something deeper." The hosts note this isn't Doctor Who and wouldn't work on television. They express relief that only two more Parkhouse stories remain. Memory TARDIS: The wheel lands on "Mawdryn Undead," which both hosts remember fondly, particularly for: Nicholas Courtney's dual role as two different time versions of the Brigadier The strong integration of the Brigadier into the plot (not just a cameo) Nyssa and Tegan's interactions with the Brigadier The creative concept of keeping the two Brigadiers apart Big Finish News: The hosts briefly discuss Big Finish's move toward digital-only releases for many products due to poor physical sales and warehouse storage issues, sparking debate about collector markets and physical media in the vinyl revival era. Coming Up Next: Main Feed Episode: John and Jim tackle "Timelash" with special guest Alan J. Porter, continuing their journey through Colin Baker's controversial Season 22. Next Patreon Episode (158): The hosts continue with more theme music discussion, spin the Memory TARDIS again, and cover Steve Parkhouse's penultimate story "Polly the Glot" - a three-part adventure from Doctor Who Magazine. Hashtags: #DoctorWho #PatreonExclusive #DoctorInDistress #IanLevine #JimllFixIt #ColinBaker #JanetFielding #Tegan #Sontarans #DoctorWhoMagazine #Voyager #SteveParkhouse #Frobisher #MawdrynUndead #TheBrigadier #NicholasCourt ney #ClassicWho #DoctorWhoComics #1985 #Hiatus #DoctorWhoHistory #DoctorWhoPodcast

John and Jim welcome back special guest Felicity Kusinitz to discuss the Colin Baker era finale - a story that generates surprising ratings diversity and sparks debate about Eric Saward's best (or most problematic) work. Production Background: Director Graham Harper returns after "Caves of Androzani" to helm this two-part adventure, the last to be shot using film for location work. John shares fascinating details about Eric Saward writing the script while vacationing in Rhodes, drawing inspiration from Evelyn Waugh's satirical novel The Loved One, and Greek locations providing character names. The story features newly constructed Daleks for the first time since "Planet of the Daleks," plus some surprising casting stories - including Sir Laurence Olivier being approached to play... the mutant. Best and Worst Guest Stars: Jim declares this story contains both the best and worst guest stars ever - a proclamation that generates immediate discussion. Eleanor Bron's appearance delights Jim (who knew her from "Help!" and "Bedazzled"), while the DJ character sparks the episode's most heated debate. The hosts and Felicity find themselves split on whether this comedic character works or derails the story's tone. The Duo Dynamic: The hosts examine Eric Saward's interesting structural choice of populating the story with paired characters - from Orsini and Bostock (the assassin and his squire) to Jobel and Tasambeker, Kara and Vogel, and more. Discussion explores whether this represents a Robert Holmes homage and how these relationships drive the narrative. Davros as Emperor Palpatine: Jim presents his case for Davros completing his transformation into Emperor Palpatine, complete with blue lightning and manipulation tactics. The hosts debate the character's evolution, Terry Molloy's performance, and the story's handling of Davros versus the "real" Daleks. The Mortuary Planet Concept: Jim shares his fascination with funeral home settings in science fiction, praising the story's dark humor and satire. Discussion covers the story's Soylent Green elements, the disturbing glass Daleks, and whether the various subplots serve or detract from the core narrative. Perry's Accent Meta-Moment: The hosts discuss the scene where DJ asks "Is that your real accent?" - exploring what the production team knew about Nicola Bryant's secret by this point. Listener Perspectives: Jameson and Jamie Girl weigh in with contrasting views on the DJ character, Herbert from "Timelash," and the season's violence levels. Final Ratings: The three hosts land across the spectrum - demonstrating this story's divisive nature even among those who generally enjoy it. Felicity's Colin Baker Era Assessment: The returning guest shares her overall thoughts on Season 22, Colin Baker's Doctor, and her relationship with Perry as a companion. Coming Up Next: Special Hiatus Content: Patreon Exclusive (Next Week): John and Jim cover "Slipback" - the BBC Radio 4 audio drama featuring Colin Baker and Nicola Bryant that aired during the 18-month hiatus. Patreon Exclusive (Week After): A deep dive into the missing Season 23 - examining what stories were planned, what could have worked, and where to find them in expanded media through Big Finish and Target novels. Main Feed: Classic Patreon episodes will be released for non-subscribers during the two-week break. Regular Patreon Episode (Monday): Episode 159 concludes the Steve Parkhouse comic run with his final story "Once Upon a Time Lord." Hashtags: #DoctorWho #RevelationOfTheDaleks #SixthDoctor #ColinBaker #NicolaBryant #Davros #Daleks #EricSaward #GrahamHarper #EleanorBron #Season22 #ClassicWho #TerryMolloy #DoctorWhoReview #DoctorWhoPodcast #Whovian #Necros #GlassDaleks #1985 #ClassicDoctorWho

In this episode of the Who's He? Podcast.... Who's On The Page? - Interstitial Insecurity To continue with our Sixth Doctor Month, Scott and Phil selected a short story written by Colin Baker, Interstitial Insecurity, set during the Trial of a Time Lord season.  Written for the Doctor Who Storybook, released in 2019, this story finds old Sixy gathering evidence for his defence in the Matrix while gathering his wits after witnessing the death of Peri.  At eighteen pages long, did Phil and Scott think this shortest of short stories added anything to this troubled season of Doctor Who? And in the news: Doctor Who: The Movie gets an updated 4k and blu-ray release in time for the films 30th Anniversary. You can currently find us on X, Threads, Mastodon, Bluesky and Facebook.  Don't miss an episode by subscribing to our show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes, Spotify, Amazon Podcasts, plus many other podcatchers of your choice.   

Join hosts John Drew and Jim Beard, along with special guest Alan J. Porter, as they tackle one of Classic Who's most controversial stories - and discover they might be more divided on it than expected! Production Overview: This 1985 two-part adventure was written by Glen McCoy (his only Doctor Who story) and directed by Pennant Roberts in his final work on the series. The production faced several challenges, including John Nathan-Turner pulling Colin Baker and Nicola Bryant out of rehearsals twice - once for a US convention and once for pantomime rehearsals. Robert Ashby's Borad makeup took three hours to apply daily and prevented him from eating, though he was given creative freedom to rewrite his own dialogue. The story originally featured the First Doctor, Susan, Ian, and Barbara, but was changed to reference the Third Doctor and Jo Grant at JNT's insistence. The Paul Darrow Factor: Guest star Paul Darrow (Blake's 7's Avon) deliberately over-acted as revenge for Colin Baker's bombastic portrayal of Bayban the Butcher on Blake's 7. When JNT asked him to play Tekker like Avon, Darrow refused and instead played him like Richard III - even asking if he could wear a hump! Eric Saward described the character as "a Roman Emperor who's been sniffing glue all day." Fan Reception vs. Host Opinions: Despite ranking 199th out of 200 in Doctor Who Magazine's 2009 poll (just above "The Twin Dilemma"), the hosts find themselves surprisingly divided. Alan defends the story as one of his favorites, particularly praising the H.G. Wells subplot and the Doctor's use of temporal mechanics. Jim finds it uneven but leans more positive than negative, enjoying Part 2 more than Part 1. John remains the dissenting voice, giving it his lowest rating and arguing it should have been condensed to a single episode. What Works: The Borad's makeup design and Robert Ashby's restrained performance The Doctor actively using time manipulation as a tool (the "time slip" device) The Third Doctor/Jo Grant backstory and photo reveal H.G. Wells as Herbert, with the reveal of his identity The Bandril aliens as an attempt at something visually different Colin Baker's performance showing the Doctor's arrogance and self-assurance Peri's relatively conservative and flattering outfit The concept of time technology used as a weapon (aging doors, etc.) References to the Doctor being President of Gallifrey What Doesn't Work: Twenty-one minutes before the TARDIS actually arrives on Karfel Excessive padding, particularly the extended TARDIS arguing scenes The "Morlocks" name being too on-the-nose from H.G. Wells' "The Time Machine" Plot holes regarding mirrors, reflective surfaces, and androids The unnecessary subplot about the impending Bandril war The clone reveal feeling like a tired trope Peri's character arc diminishing from agency to damsel in distress Questions about how the Doctor knew there was a mirror behind the mural The Borad's similarity to Davros (wheelchair, arm weapon, disfigurement) Behind the Sofa Reception: Interestingly, all three Behind the Sofa pairings enjoyed the story, with Janet Fielding calling it the best of Season 22 and Peter Davison saying it was "bad enough to be good." Special Effects: The Blu-ray release is the only Colin Baker Season 22 story to receive updated special effects, particularly within the Timelash corridor itself. However, the hosts debate whether the original effects were actually any worse than typical for the era, with some defending them as perfectly acceptable for 1985. The Third Doctor Connection: The story's references to an unseen Third Doctor adventure generate discussion about whether this needs to be explored further. Some Big Finish audios and novels have addressed different aspects of this backstory, though no single story covers the complete adventure. The reveal of Jo Grant's photo in the locket creates a memorable moment, though questions remain about the logistics of the wall/mural/mirror setup. Colin Baker as the Sixth Doctor: All three hosts praise Colin Baker's performance, with discussion about how he represents a return to the "classic" Doctor archetype - combining arrogance, self-assurance, and alien behavior in ways that callback to earlier incarnations. Alan notes that the Sixth Doctor has become his favorite classic Doctor, particularly in Big Finish audios where the character develops further. Jim agrees that Baker brings back an edge and arrogance that had been missing from the Fifth Doctor's portrayal. H.G. Wells Subplot: The reveal of Herbert as H.G. Wells divides the hosts. Alan loves this aspect and wishes Wells could have become a companion, noting that expanded media has hinted at further travels with the Doctor. The hosts discuss the 1979 film "Time After Time" covering similar territory. The Loch Ness Monster connection provides a subtle Easter egg at the story's conclusion. Nicola Bryant's American Accent: The discussion reveals interesting perspectives - Alan, who lived in Britain during the original broadcast, thought she was genuinely American for years. Now living in the US for 30 years, he can hear her straining with the accent. The hosts share the behind-the-scenes story of how Bryant and her agent maintained the deception for nearly a year before revealing the truth to Colin Baker. The Violence Debate: The hosts attribute Season 22's increased violence to Eric Saward's script editing philosophy and his particular vision of science fiction, suggesting he didn't fully understand the Doctor's character. They note that the 18-month hiatus may have saved the show by allowing time to reassess and tone down the violence. Production Value Discussion: The hosts debate whether Timelash deserves its reputation for poor effects and production values, with most agreeing the special effects are no worse than surrounding stories. The Timelash corridor interior set receives mixed reviews - an "A for effort" but questioned execution that might have benefited from filters or different lighting approaches. Viewership: Part 1: 6.7 million viewers Part 2: 7.4 million viewers Coming Up Next: Patreon Exclusive (Monday): John and Jim cover all three parts of Steve Parkhouse's "Polly the Glot" comic strip, spin the Memory TARDIS, and discuss more theme music variations. The hosts express relief that only two more Parkhouse stories remain in their comic journey. Next Main Episode: The hosts continue through Colin Baker's Season 22 with "Revelation of the Daleks," featuring the return of Davros. John handles narration duties, and they're joined by special guest Felicity Kusinitz, who has recovered from her previous illness and will bring her "much better voice" to the discussion. Hashtags: #DoctorWho #Timelash #ClassicWho #SixthDoctor #ColinBaker #NicolaBryant #Peri #PaulDarrow #BlakesSeven #HGWells #ThirdDoctor #JoGrant #TheBorad #Season22 #1985 #DoctorWhoReview #DoctorWhoPodcast #Whovian #ClassicDoctorWho #TimeLords #TARDIS #TemporalMechanics #GlenMcCoy #PennantRoberts #Karfel #Bandrils #Morlocks

Join hosts John Drew and Jim Beard, along with special guest JB Anderton (Doctor Who Gives a F*ck/The Bat 77 podcast), as they tackle one of the most controversial multi-Doctor stories in classic Who history. Production Overview: The hosts discuss the behind-the-scenes details of this 1985 three-part adventure, including how the location shifted from the originally planned New Orleans to Seville, Spain. They explore the challenging filming conditions, including extreme heat that made the production difficult, and discuss how this became Colin Baker's favorite story due to his friendship with Patrick Troughton. Creative Conflicts: The episode examines the tension between writer Robert Holmes and director Peter Moffatt, who had very different visions for the story's tone. The hosts also discuss script editor Eric Saward's influence and his preference for darker, more violent content. The Season 6B Theory: The hosts dive deep into fan theories explaining why the Second Doctor and Jamie appear older and why the Doctor seems to be working for the Time Lords, introducing listeners to the concept of "Season 6B" - the idea that the Second Doctor had adventures between his trial and regeneration. Performance Praise: All three hosts agree that Patrick Troughton delivers an excellent performance, giving the role his full commitment despite the script's issues. Colin Baker also receives praise for his dedication, though the hosts feel the material doesn't serve either Doctor well enough. Major Criticisms: The character of Shockeye and the extended focus on food/cannibalism themes Gratuitous violence including the rat-eating scene Poor pacing that stretches the story beyond its natural length Wasted potential for Jamie's character The controversial ending where the Sixth Doctor kills Shockeye Questionable makeup choices for Troughton's Androgum transformation Tall Sontarans that contradict established lore Historical Context: The hosts note that during the airing of part two, the BBC announced Doctor Who would be "rested" for 18 months, creating controversy among fans. The hosts conclude that while the story began with promise in part one, it devolved significantly by part three, with the violence and Shockeye subplot overwhelming what could have been an engaging multi-Doctor adventure. Coming Up Next: Patreon Exclusive: John and Jim wrap up their look at Colin Baker's Voyager comic story, spin the Memory TARDIS, and dive into the infamous "A Fix with Sontarans" special from Jim'll Fix It. Plus, Jim finally shares his thoughts on the legendary (and infamous) charity single "Doctor in Distress" by Ian Levine and company. Next Main Episode: The hosts continue their Colin Baker journey with "Timelash," joined by special guest Alan J. Porter. Hashtags: #DoctorWho #ClassicWho #TheTwoDoctors #SixthDoctor #SecondDoctor #ColinBaker #PatrickTroughton #FraserHines #DoctorWhoPodcast #Whovian #TimeLord #Sontarans #RobertHolmes #1985 #MultiDoctor #TARDIS #JamieJamie #Peri #DoctorWhoReview #ClassicDoctorWho

OPENING: THE RANI INTRODUCTION: John: "So here we are again talking The Mark of the Rani, which now for you, Timey Wimey, you've already met the Rani, but this is the Rani 1.0, played by Kate O'Mara, who American audiences might remember appeared on the television show Dynasty." JIM'S INITIAL REACTION: "It is really interesting. I'm glad you brought that up, because it had occurred to me that I had already met the character and was somewhat familiar with her. At least I knew the basic setup because we had talked when we watched her in the Ncuti story." THE OVERALL VERDICT: "Otherwise, in general, I enjoyed this story. And Kate O'Mara - good. And yet in a different way than the actress in current days." PRODUCTION DETAILS: Production Code: 6X Air Dates: February 2-9, 1985 Writers: Pip and Jane Baker (first outing for Doctor Who - they'll be back next season and Sylvester McCoy's first season with another Rani story) Director: Sarah Hellings (the last female director for Classic Doctor Who) THE MUSIC John: "One of the things - I've said this, this is one of my favorite episodes - but one thing that I love about it, the music stands out in this one compared to a lot of other productions." Jim: "Interesting that you say that, because I've said it many times before, I don't always notice music, it doesn't always hit me on a conscious level. I noticed it and made a note. It did stand out to me in this story." ANTHONY AINLEY'S DISCONTENT: John: "I mentioned the appearance of the Master. And Anthony Ainley, Colin Baker, and Nicola Bryant all say on the Blu-ray set that Ainley was not happy about sharing the limelight. RATINGS: Episode 1: 6.3 million Episode 2: 7.3 million JIM'S FORMAT REVELATION: "I'm gonna say it right now. While watching this, I finally, finally decided fully - I don't care for this setup. I don't care for the two parts at 45 minutes each." PART ONE SYNOPSIS: Doctor and Peri arrive in the early 19th-century mining village of Killingworth to investigate time distortion. They witness local miners attack a deliveryman and smash the machinery he was carrying, appearing as Luddites to locals. The Doctor notices one rampaging miner has a strange red mark on his neck. He meets Lord Ravensworth, a local landowner who saves the Doctor when attacked by three Luddites. He's deeply concerned about violent outbreaks among normally passive men. Culprit is the Rani, a Time Lord chemist posing as old woman running local bathhouse. She's been extracting neurochemicals from miners that enable sleep, which causes red marks on their necks. She needs these chemicals for her planet, Miasimia Goria, where her experiments have left inhabitants unable to rest and have now rebelled. Master arrives having visited her planet and forces an uneasy partnership by stealing some of her precious brain fluid to ensure cooperation. Doctor disguises himself as a miner and enters the bathhouse. Rani traps him, but Master convinces her to let him handle the Time Lord. He convinces Luddites to push Doctor's TARDIS down the mine shaft with the Doctor to follow. JIM'S LIGHTNING ROUND: "I want to try something different here. Bear with me. Lightning round of comments. You ready? Let's see this." THE LIST: Almost artistic opening shots plus nice music She is wearing - the Doctor says the Daleks have time machines Master Lots of handheld camera work Peri's more capable The Master changed time by eliminating a man Vulgarly colored coat The Master and Rani have a history Rani's jabs at the Master - smiley face Doctor's imitations of Peri - smiley face No birds Doctor recognizes the Rani but she didn't recognize him American War of Independence The Rani's a vegan Brains as good as anyone's - No comment, Doctor Shades of Bruce Wayne   THE OPENING SEQUENCE: Jim: "Let's go right back to the beginning - that opening series of shots to set up the village, the music lining, and then into the bathhouse. Almost artistic. It was filmed so nicely, with nothing weird going on. And then they go into the bathhouse, and it gets weird at that point. But accompanied by very nice music." The Impact: "Beautiful work. I was never so taken by opening shots. They were almost poetic in a way. And she did all that - that was a small area, and she made it look so much bigger."   PART TWO SYNOPSIS: Doctor is saved by inventor George Stephenson and returns with Peri to Lord Ravensworth's estate, where Stephenson has planned a meeting of scientific and engineering geniuses. The Doctor worries about gathering under the current circumstances, but the Master is desperate for it to proceed. He wants to enlist the finest minds of the Industrial Revolution to accelerate Earth's development and use the planet as a power base. Master uses mind control on Stephenson's assistant Luke Ward, ordering him to kill anyone who tries to prevent meeting. Master strikes a deal with Rani - she can return to Earth at any time to harvest brain fluid if she helps him achieve his goal. Doctor sneaks into Rani's TARDIS at the bathhouse, discovering jars of preserved dinosaur embryos. Rani summons her ship to the old mine workings, with the doctor still hiding inside, and he overhears their plans. Peri uses her botanical knowledge to make a sleeping draft for afflicted miners, searching for herbs amid Rani's landmines. Doctor confronts Master and Rani at the edge of the dell and witnesses Luke step on a mine that transforms him into a tree. Using Master's own tissue compression eliminator, Doctor takes them prisoner, but Rani tricks Peri and two escape. However, the Doctor has sabotaged Rani's TARDIS navigational system. The ship spins out of control, and under destabilized conditions, the jar holding the Tyrannosaurus Rex embryo falls and breaks, causing the creature to grow due to time spillage. Doctor and Peri swap a vial of brain fluid with Ravensworth, who will administer it to afflicted miners. They depart in the TARDIS before the astonished eyes of the scientist and his financier. THE LANDMINE QUESTION: Jim: "What is it about this show and landmines?" THE REMOTE CONTROL: Jim: "The thing about that - she has solved the problem of being able to remote control a TARDIS. Does that come into play going forward?" John: "Yes. There is another Time Lord in Classic Who coming up who also has the ability to do that." Jim: "That's cool." THE MORALITY DEBATE: John: "I think she's not evil. She's amoral." THE INVITATION: Jim: "So, everybody out there listening, if you want to chime in, is the Rani evil or just amoral? We'd love to hear from you." NEXT TIME: Monday (Patreon): More Voyager Part 4, some Doctor Who music, and some Memory TARDIS Friday (Patreon) then Saturday (Main Feed): THE TWO DOCTORS - a three-part story Jim: "Let's see how well things hold up there if I've got to sit through three 45-minute episodes. Oh my word. It does have Patrick Troughton though." John: "And you always seem to like Patrick Troughton better when he's tempered by the other ones." THE SIGN-OFF: "And now you know what your co-hosts do in the Doctor's Beard TARDIS - argue, mainly!" Support at patreon.com/thedoctorsbeardpodcast for $3/month! Subscribe on all platforms. Email thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or join our Facebook community. 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Episode Title: "I'm In The Minority" - Vengeance on Varos Review THE EMPTY TARDIS: The Missing Guest: Felicity Cousins from The Flop Cast was supposed to join but had to bow out about an hour before recording - her voice has been acting up again. "I don't think she ever really fully recovered from the last time she was sick when she was with us." THE SEXY DOCTOR ANNOUNCEMENT: John: "She was going to miss the announcement that we are now dealing with the sexiest Doctor to date!" Jim: "According to People Magazine? According to the newspapers?" The Daily Mirror: "In addition to having the sexiest Doctor, we also have a companion with great assets." Jim's Pun: "You're really keeping abreast of this stuff." John: "Yes, I am." THE SEXINESS DEBATE: Jim: "Honestly, sexier than Jon Pertwee? Come on." THE BIG QUESTION: John: "I told you this was one of my two favorite Colin Baker stories, and I would actually rank this up there as some of the best Doctor Who in Classic Who. What are your initial thoughts about Vengeance on Varos?" PRODUCTION DETAILS: Production Code: 6V (V for Varos!) Air Dates: January 19-26, 1985 Writer: Philip Martin (first story - will have sequel with Sil next season) Director: Ron Jones Original Titles: "Domain" and "Planet of Fear" THE PUBLIC RECEPTION: The Controversy: Episode didn't get very well received by the public. Scenes like: Acid bath deaths Attempted hangings Genetic experiments on women The Complaints: Widely criticized in Radio Times Letters page and in TV program Points of View. Unlike Before: "Unlike previous criticisms of the show's violence, this time it was raised by members of the general public. Some of the show's fans were even against this, besides people like Mary Whitehouse." PART ONE SYNOPSIS: Desolate planet Varos - citizen workers make up strange society of viewers who watch public torture and executions and vote on whether or not their Governor will be punished on camera for his actions. Official currently negotiating over price of Varos's precious Zeiton (Zeiton or Zyton?) with Sil, contentious representative of Galatron Mining Concern. Dealings going poorly for Varos. Sil has inside man - Governor's Chief Officer on his payroll advising him to oust current leader. Doctor and Peri arrive seeking Zeiton to repair ailing TARDIS, find themselves freeing rebel named Jondar from televised execution. As Governor, Sil, and everyone on planet watch, Doctor and Peri escape with Jondar and his wife Areta, only to wander into Purple Zone - tunnels haunted by fantastic illusions. Getting through them, Doctor discovers TARDIS has been captured, then loses Peri and others to guards chasing them. He himself walks into arid desert illusion. While citizenry watch, he seemingly succumbs to great heat and perishes. THE META COMMENTARY: Jim: "It's very meta what we would call meta today. It strikes you immediately that he's commenting about violence on television." The American Target: "I personally felt a little targeted because I feel like in extension they - or he was - pointing that a lot at us here in the United States." John: "I'd say that's fair." THE PENAL COLONY: Jim: "Weirdly enough, we're also going back to the old Australia thing. But as in good Doctor Who form, we get something like that dropped and then it's not picked up on again." The Discovery: "The whole thing about 'I discovered that this is a penal colony' - or it grew out of a penal colony. I said 'Oh, all right, we've kind of had that a lot recently.' But then I remembered that it wasn't brought up again." THE TIME CRAFT MYSTERY - AGAIN: Jim: "Another thing that's used here - I'm sure you noticed it, and I don't get it unless it's something we're going to be rewarded with at some point - there's another mention of another space-time craft. So why do we get two of these mentions now? Or is that just coincidence?" John's Explanation: "This particular season, without I don't know if they realize it, if it was done on purpose - we deal a lot with other alien cultures trying their hand in time travel. Including we're going to have, if I'm not mistaken, humans soon." JIM'S OPINION: "Piss or get off the pot. That's an interesting aspect, although as Homer Simpson's father said, 'I ain't for it, I'm agin it' because I think it does take the Mickey out of the Time Lords. But if you're going to go down that road, then tell us that story - what will the Time Lords do about making sure they're the only ones that get to do that?" WHAT JOHN LOVES: JOHN'S LIST: The Music: "I love the music. I think the music is very inspired for this." The Twin Dilemma Doctor: "This is more of the Doctor from Twin Dilemma - as he so callously says to Peri 'Oh well, you'll just live out the few years you got left, you'll die and that's it. But I'm stuck here forever in the...' That was actually an interesting moment. There was a little thread of Tom Baker's 'I am the walker in eternity' or whatever the hell he said in Pyramids of Mars." The Torture Scene: "I thought it interesting that right off the bat we get a torture scene as Jason Connery's character Jondar is chained up. That's one of the first things that was called out - 'Oh look at this, we just start the show and this guy's being brutalized?' I guess they wanted to hit people with it right off the bat. 'This isn't your typical Doctor Who.'" Jim: "It definitely isn't." THE GREEK CHORUS: John: "I was shocked - I didn't really realize it until watching it this time. We've got our two folks there sitting and watching. They represent us, the audience, the rest of Varos. How casual they talk about those being tortured as though they were fictional. You'd sit there go 'Oh no, that was the guy who got killed last week' - say that casually because it's all fiction. But these are real people and they're saying it the same way." Jim: "I mean, I think that's part of the message - violence on television is numbing us to the fact that there is real violence in the world." THE APPRECIATION: Jim: "I'll admit that part is kind of interesting because those two are totally in that room the entire time. They're kind of like a Greek chorus. They're off to one side, commenting on everything going on. Then they themselves have a little struggle between them." The Uniqueness: "That was an interesting thing to do because I don't really remember anything else like that - two characters who don't have any interaction whatsoever with all the other characters. And they're in one set the entire time." GUEST STARS: The Governor - Martin Jarvis: One of those rare people to have appeared in all three decades of Doctor Who: 1965's The Web Planet as one of the Menoptera Invasion of the Dinosaurs in 1974 Jim: "We wouldn't recognize him from that. But that's cool." John: "See, point to me - I recognize that you recognize him. I went 'This dude has totally been in Doctor Who before.'" Areta - Stephen Yardley: Previously played Severin in Genesis of the Daleks (1975) Owen Teale (Maldak): Going to appear later in Torchwood episode "Countrycide" Etta - Sheila Reid: "I was today years old when I discovered that Etta is Clara Oswald's grandmother in Doctor Who, appearing in both a Peter Capaldi and a Matt Smith story. And she's wonderful as the grandmother." John: "She's adorable as Clara's grandmother. Still with us. Still acting. Last credit was just last year." SIL - NABIL SHABAN: The Condition: Born with osteogenesis imperfecta which left his bones brittle. Recent Passing: "Only passed away this past October at the age of 72. We'll see him again next season in Trial of a Time Lord, one of the stories there." Jim's Memory: "I did look him up because I couldn't shake the feeling he was in Time Bandits, but he wasn't. He really seemed like one of the - and pardon the term - dwarves, the little people. But he's not. He's not one of them. Kenny Baker is from Star Wars." The Background: "He's Jordanian British."   PART TWO SYNOPSIS: Doctor revives on gurney just before being put into acid bath and escapes. Governor tries to wring answers out of Peri but her truth falls on deaf ears. When Doctor is recaptured, Governor stages old-fashioned hanging to trick Doctor into talking, but instead makes Sil reveal his treachery against Varos. Peri and Areta put into transmogrifier and begin to change into animals. Doctor pulls the plug and together with Jondar they escape further into dome. There they come across more illusions and near death, while Chief Officer makes his own play to oust Governor with another public vote. Peri and Governor escape with help of guard and meet up with Doctor and others. Quillam and Chief Officer perish by poison vines. Back at Governor's chambers, Sil discovers his invasion has been stopped and he is ordered by his own people to negotiate for Zeiton at any price at all. A win for people of Varos, especially when Governor ceases all public tortures and executions. HOT TAKE: Jim: "What the heck? Well, where's the vengeance? Where's the vengeance? Why? I mean, just because it's a cool alliteration? The Doctor's never met any of the bad guys before. There's no vengeance that I'm aware of, so I didn't get that." PART TWO FALLS APART: Jim: "Part two - for me, it falls apart. I think it's kind of sort of everything but the kitchen sink." The Purple Zone: "Especially at the end when they get further into dome and they've dropped the term 'the Purple Zone' - which is unfortunate because I kind of liked that. When we get to the point where all of a sudden there's like this flora and it's poison vines..." Quillam and the Chief Officer: "And that's how they get rid of Quillam and the Chief Officer who doesn't ever have a name in this - he's just the Chief Officer. But he looks like a bad guy at least." John: "All the guys, right?" PART TWO WEAKNESSES: Jim: "Part two is definitely weaker than part one. Then we go back to Sil, and everything's been taken care of for some reason. His company, his people, whatever - they just sort of change their mind and he's out on his tail." The Other Source: "There was something to the effect that they found another source, so there was no point in... just abandon these people, we don't need them." Jim's Problem: "I wasn't really buying it. I think it just really whimpers out at the end. We needed like an explosion. I really didn't care for the ending, especially since the Doctor is not the instrument of vengeance." ANOTHER AVENUE TO NOWHERE: Jim: "It is interesting, I'm with you. That said, it is another avenue that this story goes down with little to no reason for it to be there. You have the old trope of the valuable mineral - it's being mined, it's the MacGuffin, whatever, everybody wants it. But then you throw in this Quillam character and the transmogrifier and the thing about the animals and all of that, and then they're cured almost immediately." The Missed Opportunity: "Would it have been interesting to let them stay like that for rest of story and then get cured at the end? I think yes, if you're going to go down that road." The Empty Feeling: "This is another symptom of that 'feeling a little empty' at the beginning. There's a lot of stuff thrown into this part two that are just bridges to nowhere in a way. Sorry. I agreed and then quickly had to throw in a caveat there. But I am who I am." NEXT TIME: Monday (Patreon #155): Music, Voyager Part 3, Memory TARDIS spin ("hopefully not Terror of the Zygons, although I think that's gone") Sophie Aldred's Podcast: "I want to talk briefly about Sophie Aldred's podcast again. I finally caught up with most of the episodes including their little Christmas episode they did that has basically ties up a lot of the plot points they've been doing throughout their show. Remember I told you it's part interview, part story? Well, they did like a 20-minute audio drama with Russell T. Davies and Forde Colin Baker and Nicholas Briggs." John's Assessment: "We'll talk briefly about it - what worked and what didn't work. Because there were some things that I was kind of like 'Yeah, this is just too weird for me.'" Next Friday (Patreon) then Saturday (Main Feed): The Mark of the Rani! Another two-parter. Jim: "Uh-oh, are we up to that point?" John: "Yeah, we're up to that point." Jim: "Rah-rah Rani!" "The Doctor's Beard Podcast - a novel way to spend your day, somewhere in time and space!" Support at patreon.com/thedoctorsbeardpodcast for $3/month! Subscribe on all platforms. Email thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or join our Facebook community. 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Nick and Benji present... The Chat: 11th Doctor, deodorant, The Invaders and The Man From UNCLE… Behind-the-scenes and Drama Tease: Ninth Doctor Adventures - Cloud Eight… Also Available: The Lost Stories - The Collected Sixth Doctor 1.

Episode Title: "Colin Baker Fans Unite!" - Attack of the Cybermen Review THREE YEAR ANNIVERSARY! Recorded on January 14th, the anniversary was January 13th! Three years of The Doctor's Beard Podcast! The Early Days: "I wonder how many people were listening back then?" Only a couple dozen, mostly friends. "How many of those people are still with us?" Patreon Originals: Shout-out to Dawn, Jameson, and Jamie Girl who've been there from the beginning! THE OPENING QUESTION: John: "What did you think of the season opener for Season 22?" JIM'S RESPONSE: "I'M A HAPPY CAMPER." "This is a world of difference. A universe of difference. I'm even rolling with the stuff that's not that great." THE BIG DECLARATION: "I think this is my second favorite Cyberman story." Why Jim Loves It: Colin Baker has settled into his Doctor "He's smoothed over some of the rougher edges already" The Cybermen's scheme isn't dumb - it's BIG and makes sense Foundation is reasonable: self-preservation Connects with Tomb of the Cybermen John's Agreement: "I give you all that. Colin, his performance, and even Peri." PRODUCTION DETAILS: Production Code: 6T Air Dates: January 5-12, 1985 (not 1986 as John mistakenly said last episode!) Writer: Paula Moore (Paula Woolsey, Eric Saward's girlfriend) Director: Matthew Robinson (last directed Resurrection of the Daleks) THE WRITING CONTROVERSY: Three Claims: Paula Woolsey: Got the credit Eric Saward: Most say he wrote it; this was a workaround to BBC rules Ian Levine: Claims HE wrote the story, Saward just wrote the script Saward's Version: Levine contributed to continuity help, didn't write anything Jim's Reaction to Levine News: "You shouldn't have told me that. I'm down on it." John's Defense: "You appreciate these continuity things. That's what Levine brings to the table." Why the Strong Opening? "Hey, the Cybermen are back! It's the new season!" BBC did 4-5 different promos (unprecedented). Possibly Nicola Bryant cheesecake photos helped. NOSTALGIA CENTRAL: THE COMPANION NAME-DROPS: Peri's Line: The Doctor's called her Tegan, Zoe, Susan... and strangely, Jamie. Jim's Point: "Really dumb thing to say - as we in particular know on this podcast, Jamie can be used for both male and female. It's like Peri's never met a female named Jamie?" The List: Tegan, Zoe, Susan, and Jamie THE TERRIBLE ZODIN: Jim: "How do you remember that?" The Running Joke: Started in The Five Doctors - Patrick Troughton listing enemies fought, mentions "the terrible Zodin." Brigadier: "Who?" Peri's Confusion: She seemed to act like it was a companion or ally. "Although the 'terrible' part should have tipped her off." TOTTERS LANE: The Landing: No specific reason other than for us, the audience John's Theory: "There seems to be more of a nod to the 20th anniversary with these references. Companions, Totters Lane, we're getting The Two Doctors with Patrick Troughton, another story where Jon Pertwee's Doctor is referenced. This felt more like walking down memory lane." The Set vs. Location: Originally a set, now actual location shot. "Doesn't exactly match up, but probably thinking 'It was 20 years ago, who the heck would remember what it looked like?'" The Availability Problem: At that time, you couldn't watch An Unearthly Child if you wanted to - not available on VHS or anything. Only if you caught The Five Faces of Doctor Who a couple years earlier. Jim's Sadness: "It's sad they would have had to rely upon an outside source to help with historical things of the show. Doctor Who is still a pretty big, important part of the BBC. Odd there wouldn't be anybody around who would be the keeper of the flame." PERI'S FIRST OUTFIT: Jim's Complaint: "Horrible. Dumb. Peri, you're obviously having a lot of problems running when the Doctor starts running. Is this really the best choices you're making here? And the color!" Why It's There: "But I know why it's all there. I get it." (For the male viewers) GUEST STARS: Brian Glover (Griffiths): Former wrestler and English teacher turned actor. No relation to Julian Glover. David Banks: Cyber Leader (same as Earthshock) Michael Kilgarriff: Cyber Controller (same as Tomb of the Cybermen THE CYBER HIERARCHY: Jim's Confusion: "Is this the first time we've actually seen this Cyber Controller?" The Difference: Cyber Leader: Always in the field directing Cybermen in action Cyber Controller: The big boss they check in with PART ONE PRAISE: John: "I always love anytime we've got the Doctor in contemporary setting - going back to Pertwee, but definitely Troughton and Hartnell with War Machines. Here we have Peri and Doctor just roaming the streets tracking the signal. Loved it. I'm looking at the houses." The Date: Aired January 5-12, 1985. Set in 1985 to jive with The Tenth Planet (1986). The Realization: "Whoever came up with this idea realized 'We're coming up on the year the Cybermen first arrived. We should do something with that.'" THE TIME CRAFT MYSTERY: The Questions: Where did it come from? Whose planet is doing this? Was the Doctor sent off course to stop use of time ship? Is mission to stop Cybermen from changing history or to get time ship? The Concern: "How many times over past 20 years has there been any other race with time craft other than Time Lords? The Daleks, for one..." John's Point: "That should be of fairly great concern by Time Lords. They should know everybody everywhere in the whole universe who has time travel capability." Jim: "Why did they want the TARDIS when they already had a time craft?" THE WEB OF TIME: Jim's Note: "I always love the conversation about history of Mondas, the whole 1986 thing. I circled this - mentioned more than once, I don't think the term has been used before. The web of time." The Phrase: Used very formally as if that's what it's really called. The concept has been there, but not the phrase. PERI'S SECOND OUTFIT: Jim: "Much better outfit once Cybermen force her to change clothes." The Question: "Did they stand there as she changed to make sure?" John: "They'd do it passively. No passion. They'd just be like—" Jim: "Oh right, yeah. I can just see 'You've got to turn your back.' 'There's no significance to us having to turn our back.'" TOMB OF THE CYBERMEN LOVE: Jim: "I love all the references to the tombs, Tomb of the Cybermen. That whole thing. I love that concept. That's one of the reasons I like Tomb of the Cybermen. Really glad that was pulled back into cyber mythology." THE KRYONS: Jim's Uncertainty: "I don't know what to think about the Kryons and their design. Interesting it's all women who play the roles. Don't know if we were supposed to think anything of that - is their race entirely female, or were there males but the males perished?" John's Theory: "More my thinking - there's nothing suggesting 'we're the last women' or 'we were only women.'" The Appreciation: "Makes them more exotic. I appreciated all the actresses - really got into the hand movements thing. Right out of the 60s!" THE SENSORITES CONNECTION: Jim: "Everything about the Kryons is right out of the Sensorites playbook. They are so early 60s. The translucent pieces of plastic film cut up and pasted on them." The Head Pieces: "Weirdly, their eye holes are so big you can see the actresses' eyes. Then I saw there's an actual lens over that - some smooth, some segmented which really made it hard for actresses to see. I realized they weren't trying to say those were their organic heads but helmets they wear." Ice Warriors Comparison: "Reminded me of Ice Warriors - those aren't necessarily their heads but helmets. Made me wonder what the Kryons actually looked like." The Follow-Up: "There's no way nobody has not followed up - they've returned in a book, comic, or Big Finish and answered some questions." John: "Do you know off the top of your head?" / Jim: "I don't. They don't return in the show." SONIC LANCE VS. SONIC SCREWDRIVER: Jim's Frustration: "Why have an ersatz sonic screwdriver? Just have a sonic screwdriver! They call it a sonic lance. Why does JNT not want his cake but he's going to eat it too? You want to get rid of sonic screwdriver, yet you have a device that is everything but a sonic screwdriver except for the name." The Theory: "Possible Eric Saward himself was either testing waters or trying to put his mark on it." The Problem: "We won't see it again. Because it had a lot of use - chameleon circuit, closeups, handed around." Modern Context: "I get it - at this moment, sonic screwdriver's not anything like today where it's indispensable. Almost too much in modern Doctor Who - almost overboard, like he couldn't live without it." LYTTON'S TORTURE: Jim: "Wow, that was pretty extreme. But I have to say, I was glad for it. Not necessarily that somebody gets tortured, but I think it's a good moment. Makes the Cybermen seem like a threat." THE DOCTOR'S HUMANITY: Jim's Appreciation: "I really liked and appreciated how much the Doctor's humanity comes through. You might've gotten the idea with earliest moments of Colin Baker's Doctor we weren't going to see anything like that. But no - he's got one hell of a streak of humanity." The Balance: "My goodness, did they balance that character in the span of one story! They somewhat softened his sarcasm and cutting remarks, but not completely. The ego is still there, but then they play up the humanity. It's a nice balance. I really like him." COLIN BAKER'S VOICE: Jim: "I haven't said this before - I like Colin Baker's accent. Every Doctor is from somewhere different in the UK. I don't know exactly where Colin Baker's from, but I liked the way he speaks. Something about his voice I like." The Comparison: Tom Baker had the most distinctive voice Davison's kind of wasn't a pleasure to listen to Loved Hartnell's accent Troughton's just kind of bland "My God, I love the way Pertwee talked" "I'm finding I really like to listen to Baker, Colin Baker, give lines" Born in London, moved to Lancaster - primarily uses posh accent. "It is high-brow. That's okay. Nice to have another Doctor like that." THE WEAK SUBPLOT: The Agreement: Bates and Stratton (semi-converted men trying to make their way through) - "Probably the weakest part of this whole thing." Jim: "A little boring. I think the show intended them to be comedy relief with bickering back and forth and sarcasm. Didn't really take much notice of them until they run into Lytton and Griffiths." The Fan Wank Accusation: John: "Some people look at it as fan wank." Jim: "No. Yeah. No. There are moments that go so quickly - maybe a little fan service. But overall, no way whatsoever. Just because Cybermen are in it? People who are against use of any classic bad guys? Assume they probably say that of every Dalek story." The Defense: "There's no reason behind using Totters Lane and I.M. Foreman other than 'hey, look at this folks, remember this from 20 years ago?' But if it was all through the whole thing doing that over and over, no. As far as Tenth Planet references, brought in for significant reason - it's the plot! They want to go back and stop that story from happening. That's a valid story idea." Jim's Challenge: "Tell me I'm wrong. Tell me I'm wrong for liking this story." The One Person: "I know one person is probably sitting there screaming... He's probably wondering what the hell is wrong with me. That dude betrayed me." THE NEXT TWO STORIES: John: "Honest to God, the next two are two favorites of mine." Story 1: "One from extremely nostalgic perspective - first one of Colin Baker's I ever saw and actually said 'You know, as ridiculous as this coat is, this has a lot of potential.'" Story 2: "One other story speaks to my love of television in many respects." JIM'S CURRENT PROJECTS: Local Author Spotlight: Tomorrow night (unfortunately very cold - "people in my area cower in their homes if drop of rain, flake of snow falls or it drops below 55 degrees"). "Really hoping I have nice little audience. Really looking forward to it. Did some prep work today. Going to do readings from my books, selling my books hopefully. Should be pretty fun." Doc Jones Novel: "14 chapters in, writing every day, averaging between 2,600-2,700 words a day. Completely insane for me, but I can't question it or think too hard about it. Got to keep going. Try to finish this. More than halfway through." NEXT TIME: Monday (Patreon #154): Part 2 of Voyager, Memory TARDIS spin (maybe another Peter Davison to annoy Jim!), and "probably one of the most unique Doctor Who-inspired songs - not a theme this time. I found this really unique song called 'I Am Chameleon' and we'll discuss the whole origin on Patreon show." Friday (Patreon) then Saturday (Main Feed): Vengeance on Varos! Jim handles narration. Joined by Felicity Cousins from The Flop Cast! Support at patreon.com/thedoctorsbeardpodcast for $3/month - early access, exclusive episodes, and bonus content! Subscribe on all platforms. Email thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or join our Facebook community. Hashtags: #DoctorWho #AttackOfTheCybermen #Season22 #ColinBaker #SixthDoctor #PoorMalignedColinBaker #Cybermen #Lytton #MauriceCulbourne #Telos #Kryons #TombOfTheCybermen #TheTenthPlanet #TottersLane #IMForeman #TheChameleonCircuit #TheTerribleZodin #WebOfTime #CyberController #CyberLeader #DavidBanks #MichaelKilgarriff #SonicLance #BrianGlover #HalleysComet #Mondas #TimeTravel #SanitizedSewers #WebOfFear #TheInvasion #PaulaWoolsey #EricSaward #IanLevine #WritingControversy #MatthewRobinson #Peri #NicolaBryant #45MinuteEpisodes #ClassicWho #80sWho #JNT #JohnNathanTurner #BulkingMailbag #FanMail #ThreeYearAnniversary #SecondFavoriteCybermanStory #JimIsHappy #13OutOf15 #JodieWhittaker #TellMeImWrong #FanWank #Continuity #DoctorWhoPodcast #TheDoctorsBeardPodcast #Whovian #PodcastCommunity #VengeanceOnVaros #FelicityCousins #TheFlop

More than 25,000 bicycles have been reported stolen across the country since 2019, but campaigners say that up to three quarters of their victims don't report bike thefts…Is this number surprising to you? What can be done about them?Joining Andrea to discuss is Derren Ó Brádaigh, Sinn Féin Representative for Lucan, Colin Baker, Managing Director of Back from the Future Tech Support Stephen McManus from The Bike Hub in Dún Laoghaire and more.

Episode Title: "I Am The Doctor, Whether You Like It Or Not" - The Twin Dilemma Review THE GREAT REVERSAL: After three seasons of John defending Peter Davison against Jim's criticisms, the tables turn completely. Jim embraces Colin Baker. JIM'S SHOCKING TAKE: "I don't usually line up with Doctor Who fans because I did not like Caves of Androzani and I liked this. I liked Baker. If it's not what the show needed at this moment in time, it's definitely what I needed. I needed a Doctor who was more awake and doing things... larger." THE TWIN DILEMMA (March 22-30, 1984) Writer: Anthony Steven (first and only Doctor Who story - oldest writer at 67!) Director: Peter Moffatt (returning) The Legend: Doctor Who Magazine 2009 poll - Caves of Androzani came in #1. The Twin Dilemma came in #200... DEAD LAST. The Rift Begins: Saward wasn't happy with Baker's casting (thought he was miscast), didn't like JNT's stunt casting focus, and objected to JNT comparing Doctor Who to comedy show "Morecambe and Wise." THE DAVISON SLAM: The Shocking Lines: "I never really liked him anyway" "He had a sort of feckless charm" Definition of feckless: "Lacking initiative or strength of character; irresponsible" The Culprits: Either JNT (getting back at Davison for leaving?), Saward (who did the heavy rewrite), or Steven - but those lines don't get through without approval. Jim's Theory: "I can't see JNT being happy with Davison leaving after three years. This could be him being petty." STORY BREAKDOWN: Mathematical geniuses Romulus and Remus are abducted by mysterious Edgeworth and taken to Mestor on asteroid Titan Three. The newly regenerated, unstable Doctor picks a new outfit, declares himself "unregenerate," and plans to become a hermit with Peri. The twins' father alerts authorities. Police commander scrambles fighters to investigate the freighter - only survivor is pilot Hugo Lang who accuses the Doctor of the attack. The twins are forced to do calculations for Edgeworth (revealed as Azmael, a Time Lord and the Doctor's old teacher). Mestor plans to move two planets into Jaconda's orbit as "larders" to replenish the wasting planet. The Doctor realizes the calculations are off - the worlds will crash into the sun, destroying everything but scattering Mestor's gastropod eggs throughout the universe. Mestor demonstrates mind-possession on Azmael, threatening to take the Doctor's body. The Doctor destroys Mestor's slug body. Azmael dies exorcising Mestor's mind. Jacondans are freed. Lang stays to help with mop-up. The Doctor returns the twins to Earth. CHARACTER ANALYSIS: The Sixth Doctor - Every Previous Doctor Combined: Hartnell's there (not the lead initially, Peri has more agency) Troughton: "We must find this evil and destroy it!" Pertwee: Says "Eureka!" Tom Baker: The ego is BACK and turned up to 11 Davison: The violence continues, referenced regeneration fears New Affectation: Repeating words three times when incredulous or angry ("Sweet, sweet, sweet") Hugo Lang - The Space Dirty Harry: Jim's Justice League addition! "You might reach that gun before I can kill you" - classic action hero dialogue. Stays on Jaconda at the end despite having "no one to go back to." Kevin McNally plays Hugo (later Pirates of the Caribbean's Gibbs!) Azmael: Time Lord, the Doctor's favorite teacher (sorry, Borusa!). Controls Jaconda, calls them "my people" (why does a Time Lord want to rule a planet?). The Death Scene: John loved it - touched and warm between Azmael and the Doctor. "The finest teacher I ever had." Mestor: Giant slug with mind-control powers and embolism ray ("little bubbles, not good"). Finds Peri "pleasing" so doesn't kill her immediately (second ugly being attracted to Peri after Sharaz Jek). PRODUCTION DETAILS: New Title Sequence: Sparkly! Logo curved! Colin's face transitions from serious to smiling! The TARDIS: Has a chair! The Doctor calls the outside "hideous" - setup for attempting to fix chameleon circuit next story Trans-Mat Love: Jim adores that this technology persists throughout Who history. The Doctor turns it into a time travel device ("just a few little adjustments") Old Who Connections Everywhere: Braveheart Tegan reference Azmael knew Fourth Doctor Wine at the fountain (Big Finish goldmine!) Space police headquarters "straight out of Troughton's time" The Video Games: The twins face each other with what look like handheld gaming consoles - repurposed 1970s electronic games! John searched everywhere to identify them. Actor Notes: Maurice Denham returns in Pertwee BBC audio "The Paradise of Death" and appeared with Roger Delgado in "The Slide" Edwin Richfield (Mestor) was Captain Hart in "The Sea Devils" The twins' real father played a gunrunner in "Caves of Androzani"! THE ENDING - "WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT": The Lines: "Wait a bit before criticizing my new persona" "I am the Doctor, whether you like it or not" The Delivery: Spoken directly to camera, directly to the audience. Then both smile - a wink? Softening the harshness? Jim's Question: "Why put that in there? You don't just have something like that unless you already felt you were getting pushback." The Speculation: Was it in original script or added during filming? Did it start as Doctor-to-Peri dialogue that got strengthened and shifted to Doctor-to-audience? The Challenge: "People will be like 'All right, let me give it another try.' This has been the thing about doing review shows - stuff I thought was garbage as a kid is really good now, and vice versa. The Meta Moment: Lots of meta at beginning and end - the story knows it's a transition. NEXT TIME: Patreon Exclusive #152 - Music, Colin Baker's comic debut, Season 21 Retrospective (the good, bad, and ugly), spoiler card revealing something about Season 22, Memory TARDIS spin, and a longer-than-usual episode! Then: Peter Davison Retrospective (Patreon) and 1970s Doctor Who retrospective (main feed hiatus episode)! Colin Baker fans - write in! "We need to hear from more people who like Colin Baker's Doctor. Drop us a line or leave a voicemail!" Subscribe on all platforms. Email thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com. Support at patreon.com/thedoctorsbeardpodcast for $3/month. Hashtags: #DoctorWho #TheTwinDilemma #SixthDoctor #ColinBaker #Regeneration #Peri #NicolaBryant #Season21Finale #NewDoctor #ExplosionInARainbowFactory #TechnicolorDreamcoat #WhetherYouLikeItOrNot #IAmTheDoctor #PeterDavison #Azmael #Mestor #Gastropods #HugoLang #Jaconda #AnthonyStevenGastropods #EricSaward #PeterMoffat #MoodCat #CatBadge #BipolarDoctor #ManicDepressive #ControversialDoctor #UnlikeableDoctor #CharacterArc #DavisonSlam #Feckless #ClassicWho #1984 #WorstDoctorWhoStory #Number200 #TablesTurned #JohnsRevenge #JimsStruggle #UnregeneratedDoctor #DoctorWhoPodcast #TheDoctorsBeardPodcast #Whovian #PodcastCommunity #DefyingExpectations #RebelSpirit

We induct Blakes 7 into the Who Review Extra randomiser by taking a look at the sixth episode of the third series, in which Paul Darrow and Colin Baker come face to face for the first time, and Vila cops off with a Carry On girl. Presented by J.R. Southall, with Jon Arnold and Matt Barber

Time Ram goes into the shower alone and encounters Colin Baker's 'The Curse of Fenric'. In the process, we discover serious over-writing, Takis and Lilt, Mountain Dew, Jacques Cousteau and slippery babies! Listen in for more of this nonsense and to discover the answer to everything! It's in there somewhere.

Episode Title: "I Need My Pain" - The Caves of Androzani Review & The Fifth Doctor's Regeneration THE CAVES OF ANDROZANI (March 8-16, 1984) Writer: Robert Holmes (returning!) Director: Graeme Harper (debut - directing from studio floor, not control room) PRODUCTION NOTES: The Fake Title: JNT put "The Doctor's Wife" on the production board deliberately to catch office leaks (ironic foreshadowing of Matt Smith's episode!) Graeme Harper's Innovation: Highly innovative direction with unrestricted camera movement - energetic, personal style directing from the floor instead of control room. Peter Davison said if there had been more directors like Harper and writers like Holmes, he'd have stayed for a fourth season. The Strike: Recording interrupted, cutting two sequences including the Doctor explaining his blown glass bottle collection from different planets (why they're visiting Androzani Minor for sand) Nicola Bryant's Frostbite: Developed mild frostbite on first day filming because her lower legs were bare in actually cold conditions The Dream Casting That Never Was: Sharaz Jek was offered to Tim Curry, David Bowie, and Mick Jagger! Christopher Gable was Harper's first choice, Bowie his second. Only Bowie had a reason for declining (Serious Moonlight tour). STORY BREAKDOWN: The TARDIS lands on Androzani Minor where the Doctor and Peri investigate caves and step in raw Spectrox - the most valuable substance in the universe. They're caught between multiple factions fighting over Spectrox: business magnate Morgus, General Chellak's forces, gun-runner Stotz, and the mysterious masked Sharaz Jek controlling an android army. Both contract Spectrox toxemia - the only cure is bat's milk from the lower caves where a magma beast hunts. THE FACTIONS DEBATE: Jim struggles with the convoluted plot involving approximately four factions. John helps clarify: Morgus controls everything from Androzani Major, supplying guns to Jek through Stotz while also backing the military against Jek. Nobody to root for - they're all "nasty, nasty people." STANDOUT MOMENTS: Peri & The Doctor's Chemistry: Their banter is finally warm and funny! John notes Peri complains differently than Tegan - more innocent, not sharp-edged or world-weary. The Star Trek Connection: The military forces sport Star Trek colors (blue, red, gold) matching departments, and uniform design echoes later TNG/DS9 style! First "Droid" Usage: Doctor Who uses the term "droid" for the first time (George Lucas trademarked it, but the term originated with Mary Wolfe in 1952's "Robots of the World, Arise!") Direction Showing Off: The vid-screen conversations where Morgus walks behind the hologram and creative camera angles - "Someone's really showing off here, but in a good way" Morgus's Aside: John Normington misunderstood stage directions and spoke his inner thoughts directly to camera. Everyone loved it, so they kept it! Could've been the Deadpool of Doctor Who if used throughout. CHARACTER ANALYSIS: Sharaz Jek - A Cut Above: The most twisted, dark villain in Doctor Who history. Could give Davros a run for his money in maniacal madness. Shakespearean dialogue, obsessed with Peri's beauty in deeply cringy ways. The mask reveal? A letdown - "not worthy of the build-up at all." Morgus - Standard Bureaucrat Behaving Badly: Rat bastard who murders the President by pushing him down an empty lift shaft. His defeat is Jim's "moment of joy" - well-deserved! The Magma Beast: As awful as the Myrka from Warriors of the Deep, maybe worse. THE VIOLENCE: Brutal for Doctor Who - no comic book foundation anymore. The gun-runner scuffle was "nasty, nasty, nasty stuff." THE REGENERATION: Most Extensive Ever: The Doctor says "feels different this time" (David Tennant would echo this line in his bi-regeneration). All companion cameos newly filmed: Matthew Waterhouse (Adric) - the Doctor reacts most strongly Sarah Sutton (Nyssa) - had chicken pox! Janet Fielding (Tegan) - "Brave heart, Tegan" Mark Strickson (Turlough) Anthony Ainley (The Master) - "Die, Doctor!" The Psychology: John theorizes the hallucinations represent the Doctor's psyche - companions urging him to live vs. the Master (part of himself) wanting to die. Colin Baker's Entrance: Nervous during setup, but in command once cameras rolled. Dressed in Davison's outfit (as it should be!). Two takes - said "egotistical" in final cut, "egocentric" in first. End credits gave Colin Baker top billing immediately. JIM'S CONFLICTED FEELINGS: HOPE FOR THE FUTURE: Jim admits Colin Baker's brief scene gave him hope: "He's very different from Davison... the polar opposite. He immediately insults Peri and he's large and in charge. I can almost put up with a real jerk if there's just some real agency going on in the character." The Agency Theory: Jim yearns for the days of Enemy of the World when the Doctor had real agency, was right in the middle of everything. He identifies with Pertwee's sarcasm and hopes Baker will deliver. ROBERT HOLMES APPRECIATION: Both hosts wish Holmes had been brought in sooner to establish Davison's character. His dialogue elevates everything - Jek's "I have to live among androids because they do not see like we see." FINAL THOUGHTS: Jim: "I'm somewhat encouraged by that tiny little scene with Colin Baker. It gave me some hope... I can almost put up with a real jerk if there's just some real agency." John: "I think that's fair to say there will be agency." The marshmallow Doctor era ends. The loud, arrogant era begins. One more story to round out Season 21... NEXT TIME: The Twin Dilemma - Colin Baker's full premiere! Jim handles narration for the four-parter. What could possibly go wrong with starting a new Doctor's era? Subscribe on all platforms. Email thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com. Support at patreon.com/thedoctorsbeardpodcast for $3/month. Hashtags: #DoctorWho #CavesOfAndrozani #FifthDoctor #PeterDavison #Regeneration #ColinBaker #SixthDoctor #Peri #NicolaBryant #RobertHolmes #GrahamHarper #SharazJek #Morgus #Spectrox #AndrozaniMinor #ClassicWho #Season21 #BestDoctorWhoStory #Controversy #GreatestOfAllTime #CompanionCameos #Adric #Nyssa #Tegan #Turlough #TheMaster #MagmaBeast #Androids #1984 #Regenerations #DoctorWhoPodcast #TheDoctorsBeardPodcast #INeedMyPain #TablesTurned #JohnsSadness #JimsVictory #MarshmallowDoctor #TheEndOfAnEra #Whovian #PodcastCommunity #FeelsDifferentThisTime

Episode Title: "From Carnage to Cleavage" - Planet of Fire Review PLANET OF FIRE (February-March 1984) Writer: Peter Grimwade (his final Doctor Who work) Director: Fiona Cumming (her last story, dating back to The Highlanders) Location: Lanzarote, Canary Islands - chosen after Cumming promoted it with holiday photos! THE SHOPPING LIST EPISODE: Peter Grimwade faces an enormous writing burden with his final Doctor Who script - a literal checklist: Introduce Perry, reintroduce Kamelion (and write him out), fill in Turlough's background, bring back the Master and kill him off, and oh yes, set it all in Lanzarote because we want a holiday! PERI: The accent is terrible, the acting is broad, the costumes are... strategic. But she's a complete 180 from Tegan, which makes her "a refreshing change" in Jim's words. Also: Why does Fiona Cumming, a female director, go along with the obvious cheesecake shots? THE QUESTION: Why was Turlough sent to Earth instead of being on the ship with the others? THE DEATH: The Doctor hesitates as the Master burns in the flames. Both hosts question whether he could've saved him (echoing the Davros dilemma from Resurrection). KAMELION'S END: The prop finally works by having Kamelion transform into Howard (Perry's stepfather) and then the Master. Jim asks the obvious: "Why didn't they just do that all along?" THE PSYCHOLOGICAL WOUND THEORY: Jim theorizes that while previous Doctors showed physical deterioration before regeneration, Davison is being psychologically and mentally wounded - all the ethical dilemmas (Davros, the Master, Kameleon) are wearing him down, setting up the regeneration. LOCATION WORK: Both hosts praise the Lanzarote filming and volcanic landscapes doubling for Sarn. Jim wanted more of the shipwreck dive sequences. The café scene where the Doctor leaves alien money behind stands out as atypical behavior. THE SOPHIE ALDRED ACE PODCAST UPDATE: John reports the interviews barely discuss Doctor Who - Sylvester McCoy talks about pissing off Richard Burton and friendship with Ian McKellen; Katy Manning discusses life philosophy ("Every day is a blessing"). The hosts approve: "We've heard all the Doctor Who stuff for years!" NEXT TIME: The Caves of Androzani - "Once daily Androzani! Major and minor!" The end of Peter Davison, the introduction of Colin Baker, and the return of Robert Holmes! Subscribe on all platforms. Email thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com. Support at patreon.com/thedoctorsbeardpodcast for $3/month. Hashtags: #DoctorWho #PlanetOfFire #FifthDoctor #PeterDavison #Turlough #PerryBrown #NicolaBryant #MarkStrickson #TheMaster #AnthonyAinley #Kamelion #PeterGrimwade #FionaCumming #Lanzarote #CanaryIslands #TurloughOrigins #Trion #MiniMaster #TissueCompressionEliminator #CrispyMaster #1984 #ClassicWho #Season21 #Sarn #DoctorWhoPodcast #TheDoctorsBeardPodcast #FromCarnageToCleavage #Cheesecake #PinkBikini #Speedo #80sTV #Whovian #CompanionDebut #CompanionExit #PodcastCommunity

Cyber security expert and IT specialist at Back from the Future, Colin Baker on his tips on dealing with scam calls.

"The Hamster Wheel of Science Fiction Television" - Frontios Review STORY DETAILS: "Frontios" (January 16 - February 3, 1984) Production Code: 6N Writer: Christopher H. Bidmead (former script editor, Logopolis and Castrovalva) Director: Ron Jones (Arc of Infinity, future Colin Baker stories) CAPSULE REVIEW: Jim: "Doctor Who in 1984 is the hamster wheel of science fiction television shows. It just keeps going round and round and doesn't go anywhere." PLOT SUMMARY: The TARDIS is drawn to Frontios in the far future, where Earth has been destroyed and desperate colonists survive constant meteorite bombardment. The Doctor insists they leave (invoking Time Lord non-interference), but the TARDIS appears destroyed by meteors. Captain Revere's son Plantagenet leads the failing colony while second-in-command Range and science officer Brazen navigate political tensions. NEXT EPISODE PREVIEW: Resurrection of the Daleks (two 45-minute parts) with special guest Shag Matthews (The Irredeemable Shag Podcast) - "Now it's going to be two against one!" PATREON PLUG: "Nothing says I love you like a Patreon subscription to The Doctor's Beard" - $3/month gets early access, bonus content, comic strip discussions, Memory TARDIS wheel spins, Doctor Who news coverage, and music theme variations. Current Patreon Exclusive #148 covers Part 4 of "Four Dimensional Vistas" (Meddling Monk + Ice Warrior team-up). SPECIAL APPEAL: Jim asks listeners in Marietta, Georgia area to support Dr. No's Comics after catastrophic power loss from truck taking down lines during Christmas season. Shop running on generator, needs community support through devastating loss of holiday revenue. Subscribe to The Doctor's Beard Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and all major platforms. Email thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or join our Facebook community. Support via Patreon at patreon.com/thedoctorsbeardpodcast. Hashtags: #DoctorWho #Frontios #FifthDoctor #PeterDavison #Season21 #Tegan #JanetFielding #Turlough #MarkStrickson #ChristopherHBidmead #RonJones #Tractators #TheGravis #ColonyShip #TARDIS #TARDISDestroyed #RecycledPlots #HamsterWheel #SheenaEaston #80sFashion #Plantagenet #TractatorPTSD #RacialMemory #GravityMotor #TimelordNonInterference #JNT #JohnNathanTurner #ColinBaker #SixthDoctor #ClassicDoctorWho #1984 #BBCOne #ProductionCode6N #MonsterOfTheWeek #Woodlice #TargetBooks #AndrewSkilleter #Novelizations #BookCovers #DrNosComics #Marietta #Georgia #ComicShop #ChristmasSeason #DoctorWhoPodcast #TheDoctorsBeardPodcast #PodcastReview #Whovian #DoctorWhoFandom #VintageWho #RetroTV #80sTV #SciFiTV #BritishTV #ClassicTV

Colin Baker, Back from the Future tech repair and cyber security

Welcome to our Doctor Who Review podcast and we are putting the Colin Baker story 'The Mysterious Planet' Around The Console. https://twitter.com/atheconsole https://www.facebook.com/Around-the-console-103450838818887 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPpa1cf63YOT8DlUllsjXsw

Nick and Benji present... Sherlock Holmes Untold - The Aftershow... The Chat: Digressive... Behind-the-scenes and Drama Tease: The Thirteenth Doctor - Lionesses in Winter.

Nick and Benji present... Sherlock Holmes Untold - The Aftershow... The Chat: More zoology... Drama Tease and Behind-the-scenes: Bernice Summerfield - The Dalek Eternity 3: Quisling.

Irish doctors have called for “prioritisation” of further e-scooter regulations after a new study found there was a year-on-year increase in injuries related to the motorized vehicles.These injuries are creating a “growing challenge to healthcare”.Should there be more rules and regulations imposed on these e-scooters, or should they simply be banned from Irish roads completely?Andrea is joined by Colin Baker from Back from the Future IT Support, Cian Ginty Editor of Irish Cycle, Dr Mick Molloy and listeners.

Send us a textOn this latest episode Dylan is joined by James Lark to look at 'The Macra Terror' Audio Cassette read by Colin Baker, The 1993 Doctor Who Yearbook and Harry Hills Fruit Corner featuring Jon Pertwee. And as always answer the burning questions:Should we novelise evil of the Daleks again?How many Venusian lullaby's are there ?Why do Daleks have livers ?

I'm seeing double here, Four Doctors! Patrick Troughton and Colin Baker team up to fight a hungry pirate or something? And I think Stanley Tucci was in this? I don't know, man, I fell asleep.

Hey, Who fans and welcome to Episode 429.Things are a bit quiet, but there's still a few bits and bobs knocking about. The big question on everyone's mind still is about Billy Piper's mysterious role—could she be the Doctor? Colin Baker and Steven Moffatt have some interesting thoughts! Plus, I give you the lowdown on upcoming conventions, a reminder to get your pre-order in for the upcoming Season 13 blu ray set and a new comic series dropping Nov 5th.Links to the stuff we mentioned:Whooverville 17Capitol - 50 Years of DWASThis is The Big Blue Box PodcastJoin us each week for a new episode every Friday from your hosts Garry and Adam. We talk news, reviews, commentaries and general chat on everything Doctor Who PLUS listen to our monthly Round Table episodes with the whole team. Check out our website where you can also listen to all of our episodes for free along with the amazing reviews and articles from our writing team.Follow us on the socialsCome and get involved and chat Who between episodes on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. We also have a free Discord server for you to hop in and chat with other like-minded Who fans.Thank you for listening to this episode and remember to follow the podcast on your fav podcast app so you don't miss an episode when they drop every Friday (or pop over here for links to all the popular podcast platforms).Have a fantastic week and until next time remember... Aaaaaaaaaaallons-y!

Time Ram gets a bit hot and sweaty as we take Peter Capaldi's 'Empress of Mars'and re-jig for the Colin Baker era! Join us as we explore TV Centre, pod off from Gerry Anderson and try out some man-servant-splaining. All this, plus Macra! Yes, really. Maybe.

The latest Colin Baker & Nicola Bryant boxset comes under the microscope by Mark & Joe but will the consider this a jaunty romp on the high seas...or is it like being kept behind for detention?

This month, we're diving into the second Colin Baker season, collectively known as The Trial of a Time Lord, but also known to many fans as the individual stories, The Mysterious Planet, Mindwarp, Terror of the Vervoids, and The Ultimate Foe. Before that, we kick things off with the usual mix of news and short topics. Then, after the Season 23 chat, we open the mailbag for a ton of feedback from our listeners on a number of topics. Enjoy, dear listener. Contact us: X / Twitter: @theDWshow Bluesky: @thedwshow.net Facebook: facebook.com/theDWshow Email: hello@theDWshow.net

Nick and Benji present... The Chat: Movies... Good Review Guy: Survivors New Dawn 4... Behind-the-scenes and Drama Tease: The Last Queen of the Nile... Also Available: First Doctor Unbound.

Nick and Benji present... The Chat: More Doomwatch... Good Review Guy: Rose Tyler Dimension Cannon - Trapped... Behind-the-scenes and Drama Tease: V UK Occupation... Also Available: Out of Time.

Robert Ross is Britain's foremost comedy historian, author of over twenty acclaimed books including The Monty Python Encyclopedia, Sid James – Cockney Rebel and Marty Feldman – The Biography of a Comedy Legend. He is the official historian of the Carry On films ad has written Doctor Who audio dramas for Big Finish with casts including Colin Baker, Leslie Phillips, Roy Hudd, Doug Bradley and David Tennant. His first stage play, Jeepers Creepers, about Marty Feldman, was directed by Terry Jones at London's Leicester Square Theatre. It was adapted as a radio play in 2020. A familiar face on television and radio, praised by Barry Cryer as “a one-man encyclopedia of the very best of British comedy,” Ross also hosts the Comedy Historian Podcast, curates live events and exhibitions, and tours his celebrated one-man shows on the greats of British humour. His latest book, Seriously Silly – The Life of Terry Jones, is out on 6th November 2025.Robert Ross is our guest in episode 519 of My Time Capsule and chats to Michael Fenton Stevens about the five things he'd like to put in a time capsule; four he'd like to preserve and one he'd like to bury and never have to think about again .Pre-order Seriously Silly – The Life of Terry Jones, here - https://www.waterstones.com/book/seriously-silly/robert-ross/9781399742917 .For Robert's books and events, visit his website - https://www.robertross.co.uk . Follow Robert Ross on Twitter/X & Instagram @RobertWRossEsq .Follow My Time Capsule on Instagram: @mytimecapsulepodcast & Twitter/X & Facebook: @MyTCpod .Follow Michael Fenton Stevens on Twitter/X: @fentonstevens & Instagram @mikefentonstevens .Produced and edited by John Fenton-Stevens for Cast Off Productions .Music by Pass The Peas Music .Artwork by matthewboxall.com .This podcast is proud to be associated with the charity Viva! Providing theatrical opportunities for hundreds of young people .To support this podcast, get all episodes ad-free and a bonus episode every Wednesday of "My Time Capsule The Debrief', please sign up here - https://mytimecapsule.supercast.com. All money goes straight into the making of the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick and Benji present… The Chat: Penny Gold… Good Review Guy: Doom's Day - Dying Hours… Behind-the-Scenes and Drama Tease: Sixth Doctor Adventures - Bad Terms: Saoirse of the Seven Seas… Also Available: Dark Gallifrey: Master! Part 2.

Send us a textIn this latest episode Dylan is joined by Paul Griggs to talk about two Sontaran stories. First its the BBV audio ‘Conduct Unbecoming' written by Gareth Preston and directed by John Wadmore, starring Tom Chadbon. Then they look at the Big Finish Lost Story ‘The First Sontarans' written by Andrew Smith and starring Colin Baker and Nicola Bryant. And as always they answer the brining questions: Who doesn't want to talk about Doctor Who? Who is the only person who would associate with the producer?What are the Timelords doing with Spock? 

As Omega returns in the Doctor Who season finale Ian flies solo to review the last time he turned up!Doctor Who Season 20. Arc of Infinity. Written by Johnny Byrne. Directed by Ron Jones. Starring Peter Davison, Sarah Sutton and Janet Fielding. With Leonard Sachs, Michael Gough and Colin Baker

Send us a textRecorded in March 2025 Dylan and Liam traverse this season finale of Doctor Who and the future of the show and get it spectacularly right/wrong. They also look at two turning points in the show history first up its the TV Comic strip ‘The Night Walkers', then they look at the abandoned script for episode 14 of ‘The Trial of a Timelord' entitled ‘Time Incorporated'  written by Eric Saward. And as always they answer the burning questions:Who is the bonny blue of Dr Who podcasting ? What is Dynasty on ice?Are we better off with Pip and Jane Baker? Be sure to check out Liams art work at  https://www.instagram.com/artfullyliam/#

Nick and Benji present… The Chat: Walnut Whip… Good Review Guy: Torchwood: Among Us Part 2… Behind-the-Scenes and Drama Tease: The Sixth Doctor Adventures: The Cosmos and Mrs Clarke… Beyond Doctor Who: The Omega Factor.