Guest: Artist Jerry Lange joins John and Jim to discuss Season 26's explosive premiere. Six Years Later: A Familiar Face in Uniform The Doctor intercepts a distress call from Earth and arrives to find military forces mobilizing around a lake in rural England. But the soldiers he encounters aren't the ragtag UNIT troops from decades past—they answer to a new Brigadier, Winifred Bambara, sharp and decisive in ways that immediately challenge the Doctor's expectations. Before he can fully process this changing of the guard, a figure from his past arrives by helicopter. Nicholas Courtney returns as Brigadier Alistair Lethbridge Stewart, and the moment he steps onto screen represents the kind of callback that reminds longtime viewers why they fell in love with this show in the first place. The Return of a Beloved Character Done Right This is Courtney's first appearance since 1983—a full six years away. Yet the script wastes no time exploring what retirement has meant for the man who spent so many years at the Doctor's side. Unlike a simple cameo or a "let me check in and leave" scenario, the Brigadier finds himself back in harness, commanding troops, coordinating military responses, and rolling with alien invasions as if no time has passed at all. The character hasn't softened with age; if anything, he's evolved into someone who finally understands what he's really dealing with and accepts it without question. This is prime Brigadier material. Medieval Knights, Ancient Swords, and a Very Complicated Woman The story introduces knights in armor who've landed on Earth, along with ancient artifacts and a mysterious woman who speaks through a crystal ball—someone claiming to be Morgaine, reaching across dimensions to reclaim what's hers. The central mystery involves Excalibur, a comatose figure who might be King Arthur, and the question of whether the Doctor himself might be Merlin. How does one character bridge ancient legend and the Doctor's own timeline? And what does it mean when the Doctor suggests he might already be Merlin, but just doesn't know it yet? A Crowded Stage: When Too Many Characters Complicate the Story With Bambera, Ancelyn, Shou Yung, the helicopter pilot, the archaeologist Warmsley, and others, the screen fills quickly. Some find this ensemble approach refreshing; others feel it dilutes the focus that Morgaine and the central conflict deserve. The new Brigadier especially becomes a point of discussion—is she a necessary counterpoint to Alistair's established authority, or does her anger and youth undercut the gravitas the role traditionally carries? And then there's the question of whether every character served the Arthurian elements or whether some existed primarily because the production wanted to demonstrate diversity of casting. Jean Marsh as Morgaine: A Villain for the Ages Yet if there's one element that commands universal appreciation, it's Jean Marsh's performance as Morgaine. She commands every scene she inhabits, wielding hand gestures, vocal inflection, and costume to create a presence that feels genuinely menacing. This is her return to Doctor Who after playing Sarah Kingdom decades earlier, and she uses the opportunity to sketch out one of classic Who's most memorable antagonists. Comparisons to Helen Mirren's Morgaine in Excalibur are inevitable—and some viewers find Marsh's interpretation equally compelling, if not superior. The Mystery of Merlin and the Doctor's Unexplained Powers Part of what makes this story intriguing is its central enigma: Is the Doctor Merlin? The story suggests he might be, but offers no clear answer. Instead, it proposes something stranger—that the Doctor might become Merlin at some point in his past, or that he already was without knowing it yet. This plays directly into the Cartmell Master Plan's fascination with the Doctor's origins and timeline. Yet the story also introduces psychic powers the Doctor exercises—mind tricks that feel Force-like in execution but are never explained or integrated into established Time Lord abilities. Where do these abilities come from, and why does the Doctor never use them again? Bessie Makes an Unexpected Entrance In one of the story's most delightful moments, the Doctor's old car Bessie emerges to save the day. It's a callback that lands harder than the story initially suggests it might, proof that even in a tale of knights and swords and alternate dimensions, there's room for the kind of continuity nods that make longtime fans smile. A Production That Nearly Caused a Tragedy Behind the scenes, Sophie Aldred found herself in genuine danger during the water tank sequence. The glass chamber—not built to withstand pressure—began to crack and bulge as water filled it. Loose electrical wiring posed an immediate electrocution risk. It took McCoy's quick thinking and frantic shouting to get her out before disaster struck. It's the kind of production hazard that modern safety standards would never permit, and it remains a sobering reminder of how close the show came to losing an actress. A Story Ben Aaronovitch Wasn't Happy With Remarkably, despite writing one of the strongest stories of Season 25 (Remembrance of the Daleks), writer Ben Aaronovitch objected to several elements of this one. The Brigadier's return, he felt, was a mistake—a sentiment that J&T, Cartmell, and Courtney himself overruled. He disliked the music, the nuclear weapons speech that Cartmell added for the Doctor, and believed the knights should have looked more futuristic rather than traditionally medieval. The Merlin Question and Time Travel Paradox The intriguing aspect of the Doctor-as-Merlin possibility is that it plays with time in ways the show doesn't always explore. If the Doctor becomes Merlin in his past, but that past hasn't happened yet, what does that mean for causality? The story leaves this deliberately unresolved, suggesting that some mysteries are more interesting unanswered—a bold choice for a four-part story with finite screen time. Production Details: Production Code: 7N Aired: September 6–27, 1989 Writer: Ben Aaronovitch | Director: Michael Kerrigan Originally pitched as: "Storm of Avalon" (Season 25, rejected due to Silver Nemesis covering similar ground) Key Return: Nicholas Courtney as Brigadier Alistair Lethbridge Stewart (first appearance since 1983) Guest Cast: Jean Marsh (Morgaine), Angela Bruce (Brigadier Bambera), Marcus Gilbert (Ancelyn) Notable: Last TARDIS interior appearance in classic Who; Courtney voted best actor of this season by Doctor Who Magazine Ratings: 3.1, 3.9, 3.6, 4.0 (opening episode 3.1 is lowest in classic history) Key Discussion Points: The Brigadier's evolution from skeptic to fully-operational military commander Jean Marsh's transformation from Sarah Kingdom to Morgaine The Cartmell Master Plan's continued exploration of the Doctor's past Morgaine's arrival from an alternate dimension and her connection to Arthur The Doctor's unexplained psychic abilities and their absence from later stories Whether the cast is too large and whether certain characters serve the narrative Ancelyn's connection to Lancelot (possible anagram?) The Bessie callback and its emotional resonance Bambera as counterpoint to Alistair: innovation vs. tradition The balance between Arthurian legend and Doctor Who mythology Coming Up Next: Monday (Patreon 177): Music, Memory TARDIS, comics "Time Flight," "Doctor Conqueror," and "Fellow Travelers" (Sarah Jane returns to comics; Ace introduced) Friday (Patreon Early) / Wednesday (Main Feed): "Ghostlight" (three-parter with guest Felicity Kusinitz from Flop Cast)—a story many fans have strong opinions about Hashtags: #DoctorWho #Season26 #Battlefield #ClassicWho #NicholasCourtney #JeanMarsh #SylvesterMcCoy #BrigadierLethbridgeStewart #ArthurinaLegend #Merlin #DoctorWhoPodcast

John and Jim bid farewell to the Sixth Doctor with surprising revelations about changed opinions, why fandom got it wrong, companion dynamics, and Colin's enduring legacy as ambassador for a show that screwed him over. John's Shocking Confession: After going into the Colin Baker era expecting disaster based on fan reputation, John emerges with a stunning announcement about where Colin now ranks in his Doctor hierarchy. Discussion covers what changed his mind and why the arrogance that defined Sixth Doctor was actually a feature, not a bug. The Great Reassessment: Where does Colin Baker hate really come from? The hosts dig into the Davison devotion factor, the "hurt/comfort" fiction phenomenon, visual pushback, and story selection bias. Parallels drawn to another controversial modern Doctor currently experiencing reassessment. The question: does Colin deserve a renaissance? Season Showdown: Jim and John compare Season 22's classic monster lineup against Trial of a Time Lord's experimental structure, with numerical ratings revealing surprising sympathies and contradictions. Twin Dilemma gets revisited with fresh perspective. Peri vs. Mel: Deep dive into why the Doctor/Peri dynamic never quite worked (flashback to guests on John's old public access show The Chronic Rift bashing their chemistry), why Mel clicked better with Sixth than she will with Seventh, and what might have been with that brief Tegan/Colin pairing. The BBC Institutional Problem: Doctor Who as "begrudging institution" Britain was done with by 1987, contemporary articles calling for the show to rest, and the uncomfortable parallel to where we are today. Saward vs. JNT: Who really sabotaged Colin's era? The case against Eric Saward for wanting the Doctor "off to the side," the case for JNT staying despite wanting to leave, and how Andrew Cartmel represents the moment fans took over the asylum. The Chris Chibnall irony explored. Colin the Ambassador: Why Colin immediately embraced fandom despite BBC treatment while Tom Baker grudgingly came around decades later. Discussion covers charity work, fan productions, regrets about the regeneration he refused, and the motivation difference between appreciation and adulation. McCoy Preview: John drops a gauntlet: three stories from the Seventh Doctor era will score 15/15 as among the best of the entire classic run. Setup for the Troughton-inspired "don't underestimate me" Doctor and predictions about acting range debates. Final Doctor Rankings Revealed: Jim and John count down their top six Doctors with Colin landing in surprising positions on both lists. The Tom Baker controversy unpacked - why both hosts rank him lower than conventional wisdom despite his institutional status. Coming Up Next: Patreon Exclusive (Monday): Comic "Prophets of Doom," more Doctor Who music, Memory TARDIS wheel spin, and reactions to recovered Dalek Master Plan episodes 1 & 3 (BBC YouTube Easter miracle). Main Feed (Monday - Schedule Change!): "Time and the Rani" - Sylvester McCoy's debut with Kate O'Mara as the Rani. Jim's first narration of the McCoy era. Hashtags: #DoctorWho #ColinBaker #SixthDoctor #Retrospective #11Stories #WeHardlyKnewYou #DoctorRankings #Season22 #Season23 #TrialOfATimeLord #ClassicWho #DoctorWhoPodcast #SylvesterMcCoyPreview #FandomReassessment

The Story That Beats Coronation Street (But Divides the Hosts) Stephen Wyatt returns after Paradise Towers to deliver a circus-themed finale to Season 25. Expanded from three parts to four at John Nathan Turner's request, this story follows the Doctor and Ace arriving at the psychic circus on the planet Seganax—except Ace hates circuses, and the Doctor seems unusually fascinated by performance, danger, and magic. It wins over behind-the-sofa panelists and pulls the highest ratings of McCoy's entire run (beating Coronation Street for the first time), yet one host finds it compelling while the other considers it nearly unwatchable. What makes the difference? Production Under Impossible Circumstances The asbestos discovery that plagued Silver Nemesis forced this finale into a makeshift tent rigged in the parking lot. The budget is visibly exhausted by this point, yet the production team managed to secure Jeffrey Durham (The Great Soprendo) as the first magic consultant since 1977 to coach McCoy in juggling. The explosion sequence near McCoy was supposed to be blown air with added effects—until last-minute testing showed it looked unconvincing, so they switched to live pyrotechnics without telling the lead actor. He didn't blink on set because he believed there wouldn't be a retake. The Doctor's Behavior: A Fundamental Divide One host sees a character temporarily set aside his usual competence for story purposes. The other sees the Doctor acting like a completely different person—gullible, clumsy, silly, and uncharacteristically unable to read situations. The proactive crime-fighter from Remembrance and The Happiness Patrol has vanished, replaced by someone who falls into obvious traps and does pratfalls. McCoy's physical comedy training makes the juggling work, but does the writing serve the character he's been becoming over the last three stories? The Satire Cuts Both Ways Whiz Kid represents fandom—earnest, excited, devoted to the circus's history. His reward is a cruel, unnecessary death played as harsh comedy. What's the point of making fun of fans, especially when the message seems to be that fans should be punished for their devotion? Meanwhile, the real family in the audience—who turn out to be the Gods of Ragnarok—are abstract divine beings demanding entertainment. Who is the story really criticizing? A Pantheon Problem The Gods of Ragnarok are named after Norse mythology's apocalypse, yet they look almost Egyptian with their eye-based design. They get referenced later in New Who (specifically with the Fifteenth Doctor), which raises the question: did this story earn that future callback, or does the massive concept introduced in Part Four feel tacked on? What does naming them after Ragnarok actually accomplish? Character Choices Captain Cook is largely despised—a manipulative bore whose presence never makes sense. Mags is the victim of a rushed werewolf transformation that doesn't commit to either wolf or cat form. Kingpin is confusingly established as the former circus leader, but the revelation lands without impact. Bellboy's name suggests something, but what? The food cart lady exists to expose hippies. Meanwhile, the Chief Clown—sinister, physically controlled, genuinely threatening—stands out as the most interesting antagonist, but even he doesn't quite fit the larger story. Does a Four-Part Circus Need to Be This Long? The production feels stretched, relying on repetitive moments (running through quarries, hiding in tents, escaping robots) that feel interchangeable by Part Three. Could this have been told in three parts? Would removing redundant sequences have tightened the narrative? Does the extended runtime serve the story, or does it expose the thinness of the plot? Production Highlights: Music: First original song for Doctor Who since The Gunfighters (1966). Performed by Rico Ross, who played Private Frost in Aliens. Magic Consultant: Jeffrey Durham (The Great Soprendo)—first since Talons of Weng Chiang (1977) Guest Star: Jessica Martin (Mags) returns to the role in Big Finish and will later play Queen Elizabeth in Voyage of the Damned Ratings: 5.0–5.3–4.8–6.6 (the finale pulls the highest numbers of McCoy's entire run) Coming Up Next: Friday (Patreon): Doctor Who: The Ultimate Adventure (1989 stage production with John Pertwee—the clearest footage available on YouTube). Following Wednesday (Main Feed): Colin Baker retrospective (hiatus episode). Jim's Links: Big Top Tales Anthology - https://www.amazon.com/Big-Top-Tales-Nicholas-Ahlhelm/dp/1522700226 Pulp Fest Convention - http://www.pulpfest.com/ Hashtags: #DoctorWho #GreatestShowInTheGalaxy #Season25Finale #SylvesterMcCoy #SophieAldred #CircusStory #GodsOfRagnarok #StephenWyatt #ClassicWho #HostDisagreement #DoctorWhoPodcast

[Special Release: This episode is being released simultaneously on the main feed and Patreon for immediacy.] BREAKING NEWS: The Future of Doctor Who Takes a Dramatic Turn Just hours before recording, the BBC made a major announcement that affects Doctor Who's direction for years to come. RTD and Bad Wolf are parting ways with the BBC. The Christmas special is canceled. New production arrangements are being sought. John and Jim process what this means for fandom, for the show's creative identity, and for the possibility of a true fresh start. One host sees this as inevitable reckoning; the other worries about what gets lost in transition. Both discuss how long the darkness might last—and whether that's actually a bad thing. Season 25: Taking Stock of Four Stories After racing through Remembrance of the Daleks, Silver Nemesis, Happiness Patrol, and The Greatest Show in the Galaxy, Jim and John pause to rank what they've just watched. Best episode? That's clear. Worst episode? They disagree—and don't let ratings alone settle it. Best villain, best companion, best guest star, best monster, funniest moment, best overall moment—each category sparks different reactions. What makes a story work, even when individual elements fail? When does spectacle overwhelm character? Why does one host adore a story the other found painful? Nemesis of the Daleks: The First Dalek Comic in Ages A four-part comic strip featuring the Doctor's oldest enemies—and a character that may or may not have survived. The art improves significantly from recent strips. The scope feels genuinely cinematic with the Dalek Death Wheel. But here's the question: did the ending rush a story that deserved more room to breathe? John appreciates the scale; Jim wishes the narrative had time to match it. Both wonder if this Dalek adversary will return. Music & Memory TARDIS "The Psychic Circus" by Christopher Guard (who played Bellboy) is a curiosity—an actual song written specifically about an episode, not the show itself. Peter Davison's final story, "The Caves of Androzani," offers stunning supporting characters and a presidency subplot that overshadows the main narrative. One host loves it unreservedly; the other would only revisit select scenes. What Doctor Who Needs Now With RTD out and the show facing a complete reset, Jim and John discuss what a new showrunner should do. Forget continuity complications? Embrace them? How long should the silence last? Should the next Doctor arrive on screen with no explanation, like Eccleston did? Can a complete reboot work? Should there even be a TARDIS anymore? These aren't answered so much as explored—and the conversation suggests the wilderness years ahead might be exactly what the franchise needs. Support the Podcast: Join us on Patreon for early access to episodes like this, exclusive comics, Memory TARDIS selections, and bonus content! The Doctor's Beard Podcast on Patreon As little as $3/month gets you: Early access to all episodes Exclusive Patreon-only content Full comic strips we discuss Bonus Memory TARDIS segments $5/month adds access to our special Gatwa and Tennant reviews from the Disney era. Coming Up Next: Friday (Patreon): Doctor Who: The Ultimate Adventure (1980s stage production from 1989, featuring 70-year-old John Pertwee). Following Wednesday (Main Feed): Colin Baker retrospective (previously recorded Patreon exclusive from our hiatus). Following Monday (Patreon): Music, Memory TARDIS, and comics "Stairway to Heaven" and "Hunger from the Ends of Time." Hashtags: #DoctorWho #PatreonExclusive #Episode175 #RTD #BadWolf #ChristmasSpecialCanceled #Season25Retrospective #NemesisOfTheDaleks #SylvesterMcCoy #PeterDavison #CavesOfAndrozani #FutureOfDoctorWho #ClassicWho #NewWho #DoctorWhoPodcast #BrokenNews

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

Jim experiences a breakthrough moment that surprises everyone—after struggling through Season 24, "Remembrance of the Daleks" finally answers the question: who is the Seventh Doctor? Special guest Alan J. Porter joins to celebrate this landmark story as the 25th Anniversary season begins with what may be one of the finest Dalek stories ever produced. What Changed? Everything came together—writing, acting, production values, and most critically, McCoy's characterization. The switch has been thrown. Jim identifies the Seventh Doctor as something unexpected: the anti-human Doctor, more realistic and pointed about humanity's flaws than previous incarnations. The umbrella becomes his signature prop. The chemistry with Ace finally clicks. Ace Equals Ripley Sophie Aldred's companion proves to be exactly what this TARDIS team needed. The hosts discuss how the show has shifted from Star Wars obsession to Alien inspiration, and why Ace works when so many companions before her didn't. Alan reveals this is his favorite Doctor/companion pairing across all of Who. Behind the Scenes Revelations Ben Aaronovitch was 24 years old when he wrote this—his first TV script ever. The dinner between McCoy, Aldred, Cartmel and the writers that changed the creative dynamic. The full-size Dalek shuttle that required a crane. McCoy's script page system in his coat pockets. Mark Ayers' rejected score that would have ruined everything. The IRA bomb scare during filming. Production Details & Cast Connections The only time Keff McCullough's music works. Michael Sheard's final Doctor Who appearance. George Sewell from UFO. Pamela Salem's James Bond connection. Dursley McLinden's tragic story. How Sophie Aldred still has Ace's jacket. The misspelled junkyard sign. John Leeson's voice work. 1963 Setting Perfection Alan praises the period-accurate set dressing that transported him back to his childhood. The TV detector van reference. Why Ace was confused by pre-decimal money. Elvis and Beatles music dating the story. Returning to Coal Hill School and Totter's Lane without requiring viewers to remember "An Unearthly Child." The Special Weapons Dalek Instant fan-favorite design that demonstrates Dalek civil war escalation. Why it works as a one-story deployment. Its weathered appearance compared to pristine white Imperial Daleks. Confirmation it returns in the Matt Smith era. Davros and Mythology The Emperor Dalek reveal subverts expectations. Imperial versus Renegade factions fighting for supremacy. The Hand of Omega as stellar manipulator. Century 21 comic design influence. Terry Molloy's final televised appearance as Davros (though Big Finish continues). Terry Nation's reluctant approval. The Skaro Problem Jim identifies the massive continuity issue everyone must discuss: the Doctor destroyed Skaro—but what about the Thals? How does this work with the Eighth Doctor movie? Why does Skaro appear in New Who? The paradox of destroying Skaro before first encountering Daleks. Alan's response: fandom generally brushes it under the carpet, but it doesn't stop this being a great story. Social Commentary The "no colours" sign that McCoy and Aldred fought to keep. How the story addresses 1960s racial tension without being heavy-handed. Ratcliffe's fascist group mirroring Dalek ideology. Whether this approach works better than New Who's handling of similar themes. Defining Moments The ripples speech in the café. The uncertainty around the Doctor's actions. Ace asking if they did good and the Doctor's ambiguous response. Why this exchange defines the entire season for Alan. The somber ending at Mike's funeral. Big Finish Spinoffs Group Captain Gilmore, Professor Rachel Jensen, and Dr. Allison Williams become the core of the "Countermeasures" series—following proto-UNIT adventures in spy/mystery format. The Anniversary Balance Why this feels more like a 25th anniversary story than "Silver Nemesis" (the designated anniversary episode). Callbacks and nods that reward longtime fans without requiring homework. How the story works as both standalone adventure and mythology expansion. Jim's Transformation The moment Jim admits he almost quit the podcast because he couldn't imagine McCoy getting better than this. His enthusiasm is genuine—this justifies the journey through rough patches. The question: can the show maintain this quality through the remaining seasons? This is the Final Dalek Story Confirmation that classic Who never returns to the Daleks after this. What a way to go out—not as chumps, but with one of their finest stories. Alan J. Porter Updates Casino Royale book complete and off to publishers (spring 2027 target). Second expanded Star Trek comics history in progress. "Saloons, Jungles and City Streets" Victorian adventure collection available now. Pulp Fest appearance coming in Pittsburgh where Jim and Alan will finally meet in person after years of online collaboration. Coming Up Next: Monday Patreon Exclusive 172: Music, Memory TARDIS, and comics—"Planet of the Dead" and "Echoes of the Mogor," plus the looming "Emperor of the Daleks" epic. Wednesday Main Feed: "The Happiness Patrol" - Jim handles narration for what he calls "the weirdest Doctor Who story title ever." Hashtags: #DoctorWho #RemembranceOfTheDaleks #Season25 #SylvesterMcCoy #SophieAldred #Daleks #Davros #SpecialWeaponsDalek #AlanJPorter #ClassicWho #25thAnniversary #CoalHillSchool #BenAaronovitch #DalekCivilWar #WhatAboutTheThals

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

Jim and John find common ground after their Paradise Towers divide, both celebrating the three-part structure as potentially perfect for Doctor Who storytelling. The story features 1950s nostalgia, holiday camp hijinks, and Stubby Kaye from Guys and Dolls. The Relief Factor: After Paradise Towers' evisceration, John feared the worst. Jim's verdict: "It's no Paradise Towers" (thankfully). Discussion of whether you can go lower than a 1 rating and what "having a nice time" means for Doctor Who evaluation. Three Parts: The Perfect Length?: Extended discussion of whether three episodes might be the ideal Doctor Who story format. They've said it before but only really had one three-parter to judge by (Planet of Giants). Jim credits the economy of three parts for helping this story—nothing wasted, though some backstory needed filling in. Question raised: why not make the entire 14-episode season consistent lengths instead of mixing two four-parters with two three-parters? Production Context: Written by Malcolm Kohll (first Doctor Who story). Directed by Chris Clough (Terror of the Vervoids, Ultimate Foe, upcoming Dragonfire, Happiness Patrol, Silver Nemesis). Original title: "The Flight of the Chimeron." Shot almost entirely on location at Butlin's Barry Island holiday camp in Wales (rats forced crew to abandon staying there after two nights). Interior shots done first for once because next story (Dragonfire) is entirely in studio. Ken Dodd (intergalactic tollmaster) took role to dig at tax revenue service investigating him—they discovered over £300,000 unclaimed in his home but he was acquitted. The Stubby Kaye Question: Jim's jaw-dropping moment: recognizing Stubby Kaye from Guys and Dolls (Nicely Nicely Johnson, "Sit Down You're Rocking the Boat"). He was 69 in 1987, 32 when the Broadway show opened in 1950, 37 in the 1955 film. Extended discussion of how an American actor wound up in Doctor Who—was he living in England? Did he do multiple British productions? Also appeared in Who Framed Roger Rabbit the following year as voice of editor. Paired with Morgan Deare (American actor) whose "terrible" accent made Jim think he was British doing bad American Southern/Western accent. Both actors somewhat superfluous to story. Weissmuller and Hawk characters had larger role in uncut version involving the satellite subplot. The Ray Factor: Sarah Griffiths as Ray was being tested as potential new companion because Bonnie Langford was thinking of leaving. Sophie Aldred auditioned for this role but didn't get it—instead cast as Ace for next story, which worked in her favor. Jim didn't identify Ray as potential companion (first time in long time he missed that cue). Malcolm Kohll created character but signed waiver making her BBC property since JNT/Cartmel came up with basic idea of girl who could fix anything with right tool. Lynn Gardner was original actress but injured herself practicing motorcycle riding, so Sarah Griffiths got role. McCoy Development Moments: John identifies key character growth: McCoy showing appreciation for simple things like Burton the camp director's life. Monologue to Gavrok about life defeating those who deal in death—Jim thought this might be quotable Doctor speech. Jim still waiting for something to quantify McCoy as distinct from previous six Doctors: The Interspecies Romance: Billy drinks Chimeron nutrient solution to become one of Delta's people so he can leave with her and the princess to restart the race.\ The Villain Problem: Gavrok (Don Henderson, who was General Tagge in original Star Wars) and Bannermen lack clear motivation. Backstory existed but cut for time: Bannermen invaded Chimeron homeworld because they'd made ecological mess of their own worlds. Mel Forgotten: By final action sequence, Mel almost completely absent. Stands holding Bannerman weapon in macho pose at end "as if she had a big part in rounding up those guys" but didn't. Bonnie's decision to leave not story-based but timing: "never intended to be long-term player, felt it was right time to go." Only 20 episodes across six stories makes her one of briefest companions. Didn't do convention circuit until last 15-20 years; now enthusiastic about return in New Who. Production Details: Chimeron baby played by 3-4 different children (teenage princess not interviewed for Blu-ray despite being old enough) Green makeup question: females outgrow green skin? Delta has "very slight greenish cast" only visible at end Baby in green onesie looks ridiculous Effects with bus and TARDIS "pretty bad" but Bannermen ship landing "nicely done" Loved the vintage bus itself (appropriate for 1959) Beekeeper character adds to already massive cast Final shot: beekeeper's impish grin as TARDIS disappears (Chris Clough will repeat this in Dragonfire) Cast and Crew Favorite: Despite acknowledging it's not a great story, cast and crew enjoyed nostalgia of 50s holiday camps and had fun making it. Ratings consistent: 5.3, 5.1, 5.4. The Cartmel Philosophy: Andrew Cartmel doesn't like interior TARDIS scenes so "we're not gonna see the console room much moving forward." Jim outraged: "inane... good writing doesn't drag a scene down." Discussion of lost opportunities for insightful TARDIS interactions. The New Who Question: Public call-out asking if listeners want them to continue past TV Movie into New Who (Eccleston era). Multiple positive responses received. Shag's thoughtful response: only continue if you find joy in it, not worth 20 years of episodes without happiness. John notes RTD1 was "glorious time for Doctor Who" with fandom mostly united (unlike RTD2 era). Discussion of callbacks, slow beginning like Star Trek TNG's moratorium on mentioning Vulcans. Both agree putting themselves in companion's shoes helps—did they feel sad leaving this world? Yes for Delta, unlike Paradise Towers. Coming Up Next: Monday on Patreon Feed - Music, Memory TARDIS and a look at the first Sylvester McCoy appearance in the comics with "A Cold Day in Hell". Friday on Patreon Feed (Monday for the main feed) - Season 24 finale, "Dragonfire" - the introduction of Ace, which John will narrate. Hashtags: #DoctorWho #DeltaAndTheBannermen #SylvesterMcCoy #SeventhDoctor #Mel #BonnieLangford #StubblyKaye #GuysAndDolls #1950sNostalgia #HolidayCamp #ThreePartStory #KenDodd #ChrisClaw #Season24 #Chimeron #Bannermen #RayNotAce #SophieAldred #InterspeciesRomance #WagnerianOpera #ChuckJones #ClassicWho #NewWhoQuestion #DoctorWhoPodcast