A Hamster With a Blunt Penknife - a Doctor Who Commentary podcast

Joe, Dave, Lucy & Daniel; and the ultimate (Malkon) spoiler! The trio join the cast of Last of the Summer Wine, a cast member joins Howard’s away and there’s plenty of psycomorphic fringing!

Joe, Dave, Lucy & Daniel; and discussing all things Master? Was Ainley having the most fun? Will they learn to glue the beard on? Who will obey as we take a tour around all the Masters and then head back to Sarn for a burning.

Hey I dig your fab gear! You asked the questions, Joe & Mark answered! The best story? Pertwee in Alice? Cilla Black in Distress? Susan stabbing a Sensorite? Let’s all have a giggle.

Joe, Lucy, Dave & Daniel; back together again! This time we’re talking sun, sea, sand and underpants…plus religious overtones. Is this the best produced story? Is this a boring story? The troupe is in session!

Joe & Si; and the Si Hart synopsis! What do Doctor Who designers have an obsession with? Will we hear The Hand of Peace? Will Chela be joining the TARDIS crew?

Joe & Si; and the worst examples of exposition in Doctor Who! We discuss the infamy of part threes and whether this one manages to avoid the usual traps. Doe the plot stop? Is there too much explanation? Have the characters stopped revealing new shades? 

Joe & Mark; retooling Doctor In Distress for the 80s, piling more blame on Saward and then lauding his stories, deciding who should have a longer era and singing every 80s song that comes to mind! Thanks for the questions, guys!

Hamster Extra Sneak Peek! Joe & Rob talking all things The Storyteller! Puppets, folk tales, movie directors, John Hurt…Jim Henson’s The Storyteller is a prestige dark fantasy anthology mini series. Check this out, then check it out.

Mark asks Joe questions from Twitter about 80s Doctor Who. So much to discuss from script editors, companions, innovation, reputation, what could have been and what was and worked (and didn’t work).

Joe & Si; and the Frazer faces of delusion! There's no sign of this thoughtful story running out of steam and the character work is just getting better and better. Why was Si so alarmed by this as a child? 

Joe & Si; in our garden, silly! The most psychologically frightening episode of Doctor Who for Si, which turns into a conversation about what Doctor Who we find scary as adults. This is just sublime, and we detail all the reasons we find it so. 

Joe, Mark & Luke; scared of what the hell is under the bed. The ultimate hidden threat, the Floof? Is this Capaldi’s first grasp of greatness? What is the best joke?

Joe & Luke; off to a gay gypsy bar mitzvah. Is this where series six goes off the rails? Is it the most self confident episode of Doctor Who? And what does Doc Oho think?

Joe & Luke; having a grand old time disagreeing, flirting and outrageously enjoying this Steven Moffat tent peg episode. Joe couldn’t be happier discussing this episode that he dislikes, Luke tells him why he is wrong.

Joe, Si & Frazer; being frightened to death by our deepest, darkest secrets coming out. Why does Frazer prefer this episode? Who does Si fancy more than pretty much anybody in Doctor Who? And why is this truly frightening for children? 

Joe, Si & Frazer; the pit is open...and the opinions are free! Can Joe survive the onslaught of opinions about Rose Tyler? Can he make a case in her defence? Is this the spookiest New Series story? And what does everybody think of the Ood? 

Joe & Dylan; staying up all night with the girls! An episode that means a lot to me, and a season that Dylan re-evaluating to enormous acclaim. This is peak dramatic Doctor Who, beautifully realised.

Joe & Nathan; determined not to make this the shortest ever episode of Hamster! Is this a duff final episode, or insane farcical fun? What is Meglos’ motivation? And will Karis and Deedrix get their happy ending?

Joe & Nathan; watching a long reprise and ten minutes of new material. Is this a terrible studio jungle? Is Romana the Doctor now? Is Lexa redeemable?

Joe & Nathan; facing lush, aggressive vegetation! How do you get out of a chronic hysteresis? How much business can the pirates indulge in? And is Meglos scary?

Joe & Nathan; setting the record straight on this neglected, insane, hilarious gem. It has a giant rubber cactus, a time loop, comedy pirates and scene sync. What could go wrong?

Joe & Frazer; disagreeing agreeably. Can he do it? Can Frazer convince Joe that The Time of the Doctor has some merit? Is this pure self indulgent wank? Or a beautiful study of the 11th Doctor Who?

Joe, Daniel, Lucy & Dave; ‘the Doctor has done it!’ Prentis is out, but Sorenson is alive, the creature is abated and Sarah is off to London. What could go wrong? Daniel Knight moderates.

Joe, Lucy, Daniel & David; cowering together as things get more claustrophobic! Sorenson is getting hairy, the planet is angry and Tom is deadly serious. Lucy McCaul narrates.

Joe, Dave, Daniel & Lucy; doing the Maloney love! We dissect this story’s direction in some depth, and afford some time for the sets and atmosphere. Dave Rennie moderates.

Joe, Lucy, David and Daniel; keys in the pot, it’s the first 🐹 foursome! We’re heading to Zeta Minor on a Morestran ship to face antimatter monsters! Joe moderates episode one.

Joe & Frazer; and our last triumphant effort to spread the love for this much derided story. What was Quickie’s ultimate adventure? Who’s that on location with the bomb? And is this the most explosive of climaxes?

Joe & Jack; together again! Why had this Christmas special gathered such a terrific reputation over the years? The best River Song story? An improving director?

Joe & Frazer; pondering if this is the best Jamie story of season six! Who shot Balon? Who will win the ultimate face off between Rago & Toba? And can you invade without an appointment?

Joe & Dylan; refusing to be told who to marry! Plus ten minutes of between episodes conversation! How hero is Ian? How dirty is Susan? And it’s this an effective climax?

Joe & Dylan; Terry Nation Armying the Slyther! Discussion of the wonderful Doctor Who: Too Hot for TV! Will the penultimate episode lead to a rousing climax?

Joe & Dylan; impressed by further world building and character development. Enter: the Slyther! Just what is his backstory? Does Nick Evans know?

Joe & Dylan; Tarantino, Saward or Nation? Fatalism all the way as we dash across war torn London. We’re definitely turning a corner with this story.

Joe & Dylan; trying to figure out what is going on due to uncertain direction. We choose our favourite guests characters, learn which writer Dylan is having tea with and get sidetracked by the Blu-Rays.

Joe & Dylan; exploring a story they’ve never thought much of…and finding loads to love! Is this the best scene setter in all of Doctor Who? Oppressive and brooding, the show will never be the same again.

Joe & Frazer; merchandising the Quarks. We take a complete divergence in this episode and discuss the nature of a Turkey, how that reputation comes about and how to turn that around.

A sneak peek into 🐹 Extra - one free full episode of the 🐹 extra slice podcast for members. We’ve covered Red Dwarf, Hitchhikers & Press Gang. See how passionately Mark can talk about Neighbours. Happy New Year! Subscribe here - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hamsterpenknife

Joe & Frazer; seduced by the comedy genius of Troughton and Hines. We're off to the city of the Dulcians...but do we have an appointment? Can we survive the blowing to shit of the sets? Are the Quarks a genius design? 

Joe & Frazer; and special guest star Quickie the Quark! We come to praise this story and not to bury it so prepare yourselves for five episodes of hippy hi-jinks and exploding beat boxes!

Joe & Mark; pickled in time! It’s Christmas time and it’s time to get talk panto! We’re a little merry but we have genuine affection for this charity vignette. Join in the fun!

Joe & Daniel; discussing their own stories of prejudice. A hugely important, striking and emotional episode that educates and entertains. We take a deep dive into the this modern day classic.

Join me as we take a little tour of the TV shows that the first four Hamster contributors (Frazer Gregory, Nathan Bottomley, Si Hart and myself) and the five episodes they are going to tackle as commentaries. Plus extra information about other features. Enjoy :-) 

Joe & Pete; scared that something is forcing its way up their throats (blame the script). Phew, this is peak Moffat. We cannot help but bask in how this story comes together so beautifully, emotionally and cleverly. Bravo.

Joe & Pete; falling head over heels for Steven Moffat (I wonder how long it will last?). This one has it all; atmosphere, adventure, wit, scares, sex and a Doctor and companion at their most confident. We’re in love.

Joe, Si & Simon; finally reaching The Centre. It’s the final instalment of this ambitious story. Joe needs the plot explained to him and the Animus scares the life out of us.

Joe; Simon & Si; discussing the structure of this story, how it splits the crew and explores Vortis, and the best way to experience classic Who. There’s no sign of this kaleidoscope of weirdness is best viewed kindly, and patiently.

Joe, Simon & Si; 4 in and still glorying in this oddball ephemera. Who has been smoking 20 a day? What happens when seaweed cooks under studio lights? And is Hillio the new gay at work?

Joe, Si & Simon; making connections old and new. What happens when you have no fixed rules in Doctor Who? How many ways does this story remind of a gay sauna? Will we ever see the Astral plane again? Is this a sideways adventure?

Joe, Simon & Si; picking apart the First Doctor era as a whole. Special movement? Acid spewing grubs? Terror ants? We’re not letting up in the praise for this story and it’s exotic weirdness.

Joe, Simon & Si; somehow being slowly dragged down. Brilliant sets, bold poetic concepts, the best set of regulars, a chilling atmosphere…why do people not like this again?

All 🐹 episodes (400+) remain free but this is some subscriber bonuses for Buy Me a Coffee members… https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hamsterpenknife

Joe & Mark; and the epic fail face palm of gunge. Colonel Faraday? Evil Doctor? Plot inconsistencies. Mark gives impressive reasons why he loves this, and Joe explains why it is so special to him.

Joe & Mark; and the curse of Kerry Nation! We’re still impressed at this point, despite a crushing cliffhanger and too much studio work. Mark reveals the ultimate Terry Nation ‘get out of a cell’ trick.

Joe & Mark; and the tragic tale of what went wrong with the Kraals. We still love this; action, suspense, location work, memorable cliffhangers. And an appearance by the entire cast of rainbow!

Joe & Mark; regaling with delightful tales of Didcot! Mark LOVES this story, and Joe has been seduced by his enthusiasm for it. Is this one of the best ever episode ones?

Joe & Dave; breaking the show as they clash over the idea of the Doctor murdering. Amy tortured and tricked? Rory duped? Is the Doctor pro-Ganger or not? Has the show lost its mind in this ambitious arc?

Joe & Dave; and buckets full of, um, flesh. Is this a vastly underrated horror story with atmosphere and chills? Or is it a ghastly, ugly, hollow bore-fest that does perverse things with the regulars? Only one way to find out…FIGHT!

Joe & Peter; needing more than Perrrier. We address the complaints; the gratuitous violence, acid bath humour, a murderous climax and lots of corridor wandering…and we revel and laugh our way through the lot!

Joe & Peter; we’ll hear you scream until we’re deaf with pleasure. A popular season, a well directed story, featuring a strong cast, a biting commentary on Doctor Who, atmosphere and a commanding Doctor? Can we be talking about the Colin Baker era?

Joe & Si; Ra! Ra! Ra! Discussion about piecing together Doctor Who like a puzzle. How gay and cheerful is Jamie? And how do you bring down giant gas guzzling crabs?

Joe & Si; happy to work, happy to play! Is this the point where the story becomes a little more conventional? What the hell is the Danger Gang? And what is the backstory of the Macra infiltrating the colony?

Joe & Si; pondering extraneous TARDIS facilities that we never hear about again. Is Si a champion tosser? An initiative test? Missing episodes = the ultimate, unsolvable puzzle.

Joe & Si; well this is gay! Huge love for the first episode, the subversive nature of Troughton’s Doctor emerging, the insidious, jolly atmosphere and discussion of the animation. Nothing succeeds like success!

Joe & Gary; and the ultimate 🐹question. More talk of watching this as a kid, especially in relation to the brilliant final set piece. How did we do in actually talking about Day of the Daleks?

Joe & Gary; in a war torn Dalek future. Who was the last survivor of the Titanic? What was Terrance and what was Louis? Is this the first deeply unpleasant Dystopia? Is this the first unpleasant depiction of the future?

Joe & Gary; the Tomorrow People podcast! Much focus on Paul Bernard and his strengths and weaknesses as a director. How many kids out of a class of 25 were watching Doctor Who in the 70s?

Joe, Jeff & the Hammies; celebrating Doctor Who’s part in 100 years of the BBC and Jodie Whittaker’s incredible Doctor. Come with us as we count those references, laugh, cry and delight in this.

Joe & Gary; a good humoured commentary - perhaps a touch sardonic but not cynical. Discussion of the Targets, for Terrance, Barry, being a child in the 70s watching Doctor and why this story is hideously undervalued.

Joe & Jim; perfectly content drinking their own lactic fluid. It’s Derek Jacobi as the Master! That would be enough. But this is a fierce script, packed with great characters, banter, twists, energy and horror. It’s one of Joe’s all time favourites.

Joe, Luke & Mark; and the plot condensed in three sentences. Holmesian gobbledegook, character beats, atmosphere, scares and our personal reasons we love this story. Mostly it’s Mr Sin!

Joe, Mark & Luke; and River Song? Can Mark pronounce anything? Is Big Finish a vulture pecking over the corpse of Talons? Has the plot run out of juice just as the character work goes through the roof?

Joe, Mark & Luke; it won’t be a stylish marriage! Luke’s favourite episode thanks to the magic tricks, show tunes and suspense in the theatre. How many Doctor Who tunes can we fit into one episode?

Joe, Luke & Mark; getting by with a little questions from their friends. Is Jameson the best actor to appear in Doctor Who? A hooker?! Massive love for a giant fluffy rat gnawing on Leela. The Maitland Children spin off!

Joe, Mark & Luke; straight to the point boys! Patsy the Mudlark - the Complete History! Much love for Leela; the conception of her character and how it is executed here. Two double acts; the Doctor & Jago and Leela & Litefoot and both are gold.

Joe, Luke & Mark; a podcast threesome experience! You cannot talk about Talons without dealing with the racism and we get straight to the point so we can deal with its many, many virtues. Make an ‘orse sick, that would!

Joe & Nathan; off to Barcelona! He killed Lynda with a Y, and Jack, and the entire game station crew, and Joseph Patterson. And the Doctor! Badass Daleks, religion, redemption and very human moments. This is just gold.

Joe & Nathan; WHERE were they hiding that? How do you pastiche reality TV whilst adoring it and using it for sick jokes and drama? RTD knows. How do you bring back the Daleks in the most spectacularly memorable way? He knows that too.

Joe & Si; and the curious case of Moffat love on 🐹 Saddle up cowboy! We’ve got lush location work, confident regulars, a fascinating moral dilemma, action, a great score and some fine character study. This is the worst season, you say?

Joe & Jack; don’t look at us like it’s our fault! Animated cadavers, gaseous lifeforms, immigration rumblings, a morality play, a fresh Doctor and companion, a Christmas ghost story and a verbally dexterous writer. Series one is where it’s all at!

Joe & Mark; THERE WILL BE NO BATTLEFIELD! Why is Joe sniffing? Why is the Destroyer so cool? Should the Brig have died? And what about that charming coda? More on Bambera and how much we would have loved to have seen her back.

Joe & Mark; hairy chests and drippy mouths. Our love for Battlefield explodes into action! Where is Shou Young’s mother? Why is Morgaine so layered? And poor Sylv is wondering when it’s safe to walk across the set.

Joe & Mark; and the tragic tale of the Fantom signing. Which Battlefield spurned Mark? Who’s not joining the action? Why do we love Jean Marsh? And will Joe survive his childhood memory of the cliffhanger?

Joe & Mark; drinking Arthur’s Ale (anything but that beer!). Mark ADORES this, and Joe has done a 180 with it. The Brig, Bambera, Shou Young, Lavel, Morgaine, Mordred, Elizabeth & Patrick…too many great characters to go on an adventure with.

Joe & Lucy; and a dramatic U-turn into tragedy! Zaroff, his plan at its apotheosis, is ready to pull the massive phallic lever and destroy the world. And we couldn’t be more delighted for him.

Joe & Lucy; rebelling under the ocean! Joe needs help unpicking Zaroff’s fatal plan and Lucy is on hand to provide the logic! It’s pure farce this week, plankton is in short supply and nothing in the world is going to stop Zaroff now!

Joe & Lucy; & La Gette of Death! Zaroff! Moving pictures! Zaroff! The Temple! Zaroff! Silly hats! Zaroff! Sir Charles Grover! Zaroff! Insane plans! Zaroff!

Joe & Lucy; figuring out where they are in the Mediterranean! Dare you come beneath the waves and face the mighty Professor Zaroff, Fish People and blowy kazoos? We promise to celebrate, and laugh, and examine.

Joe & Mark; peeling scalps & being sucked into brains. Morally complex, impeccably acted, full of action, fascinating characters and confronting dialogue. This is one of the lesser episodes of series four?

Joe & Jason; and the Climax of Doom! Are we married at the end of this commentary? Is this an ‘evil’ climax? How is there no Achilles Heel? Junking this story - what a senseless waste!

Joe & Jason; and the dangers ramping up! What is yon fella’s mother in law responsible for? Was this bloated spider of a story responsible for tearing a new creative team apart? Is this the single most disquieting episode to date?

Joe & Jason; and the adventure of moving pictures! Featuring the Monk and his companions, Steven and Sara. Jason details two stunning directorial moments and we talk Dalekmania ratings (bollocks!).

Joe & Jason; & Doctor Who’s rudest line! Did Terry Nation dislike finishing his stories? Is Douglas Camfield a hero to attempt this endeavour? Is Egypt necessary or successful? And how fabulous does Hartnell look in that hat?

Joe & Jason; trapped on the planet Tigus! Why is the Monk a Monk? How would you make this a six parter? Why was Hartnell grumpy this week? How does Doctor Who switch tones with such confidence?

Joe & Toby; podcasts uniting to spread the love. What an extraordinary man Toby Hadoke is; insightful, generous, witty and self affecting. He has so many wonderful things to say about this story. Press play and smile.

Joe & Toby; hey who turned out the lights? What don’t we cover in this conversation? Peak Doctor Who; a brilliant writer and showrunner, a top cast and director, laughs and scares, and so many great ideas. Sublime.

Joe & Frazer; it was our moral duty! Featuring Willow! How do we sum this one up? Carrington, his terrifying plans come to fruition, and he’s forgiven by the Doctor who is trying to protect the monsters. Extraordinary.

Joe & Frazer; playing in pipes! Is Jon Pertwee a glowing asshole? Who is the best Cyril Shapps? Do Benton and Yates hinder the Brig? Is this episode padding? Are we heading to a thrilling climax?

Joe & Frazer; character assassination! We bring Benton into light and try and explore the suggestion he might be a murderer. The big question on our lips…WHO KILLED LENNOX? No stone is left unturned.

Joe & Frazer; Si has been kidnapped! Is the Brigadier at his most fuckable? Would kids have the patients to watch this? Is this Doctor Who characterisation at its best?

Joe & Frazer; and the ten minute Pertwee era discussion before the episode! Why does Joe like stroppy Doctors? Why is the Doctor exiled on Earth? And can Frazer mention the Brig’s bum again?

Joe & Frazer; fashion experts (apparently). Frazer drops early why Ambassadors is the best story ever. A massive celebration of Liz Shaw, and of female companions in general. We’re agog at the production value of this story.

Joe & Frazer; schwing! Guest starring Frazer’s puppy! Exemplary acting, writing, direction, music, characterisation - why does nobody rate this? Frazer and I are about to set the record straight - or at least give it a smoother re-entry.

Joe & Luke; all singing, all reputation saving! Perhaps the greatest work yet done in 🐹 - detailing all the reasons this episode is a brilliant. Luke & Joe took to social media on airing, we’re appalled, and now settle the score.

Joe & Si have lost the plot! Geriatric porn? Necrophilia? Calamity Jane? The Mexico People from Peru? William Russell’s sex life? And that’s just the first five minutes! Our professionalism is on fire here, as we learn not to meddle in history, but save a life.

Joe & Si; testing the theory of how wrong two people can be about Doctor Who! We discuss the first hint of pro trans rights in the show, the first (delightful) romance, the first hints of Joe’s personal life (yeah right) & how to make jabolite look like stone.

Joe & Si; 90% laughter, 10% intensity. Should Doctor Who educate or entertain? Do Joe & Si know their geography? How many stories has Si been keeping? How much should the show explain itself?

Joe & Si; happy that Cameca isn’t taking dating tips from Amy Pond. At this point we’re in control of this commentary; loving the detail of the sets, script, and performance. An impeccable historical.

Joe & Dave; and Dave’s controversial favourite Tennant episode. We’re both keen on this neglected gem; loving the Pertwee vibe, catty Francine, the grotesque CGI and the surprising moments of poetry. Martha absolutely rocks.

Joe & Rob; entertaining you…or dying. How well does the era tackle mythology? Why is McCoy so comfortable here? What are Rob’s (minor) criticisms? And will Joe remember the film is called Requiem for a Dream (no).

Joe & Rob; the growling, the snarling…the reaction to the moon! The Chief Clown comes into focus; one of the most fascinating henchmen in the shows history. And the Doctor’s unusual behaviour towards Ace is examined too.

Joe & Rob; we’re in the ring next. How much does the Doctor know, and does he have this plotted out? Who is Whizzkid? Are off screen deaths more effective? And is this more effective because of its production nightmare?

Joe & Rob; metatextually speaking. A stab at surrealism, horror, drama, comedy and mad, memorable imagery. So much to discuss here. Rob joins the ham fam and immediately arrested me with his smart reading on this story.

Joe, and Steven, and Nathan; and the fruition of a gothic classic! We love this; but Steven and Nathan have issues with the era (which we discuss) and Joe tells them why they are wrong. But we find much to admire with this atmospheric horror tale…

Joe, and Si, and Frazer; will they complete their mission for the Time Lords? How do we bring this epic commentary to a climax? Can we reach a consensus on this brilliant story? Can we do one more hammy opening?

Joe, and Si, and Frazer; and the ultimate idea in the universe. Would Si release it? Did Terry Nation write the dialogue in this story? Is Frazer obsessed with the Davros and Nyder relationship? And will we finish this story without being attacked by gungy mutants?

Joe, and Frazer, and Si; and delusions of grandeur! Do we believe Sarah and Harry are dead? Do we believe Nyder will defect? Do we believe that the Doctor will spill the secrets of the future?

Joe, and Si, and Frazer; and Si’s favourite piece of Dudley Simpson music! Frazer explains why the Daleks are the Phantom Menace, Joe can’t be arsed to talk about the titles, and we give a lot of consideration to Davros and why he is such an iconic character.

Joe, and Frazer, and Si; dodging bullets and bodies! Director David Maloney comes under the microscope and we have lots of complimentary things to say about his contributions to Doctor Who. Should Davros have been a one shot villain?

Joe, and Si, and Frazer; caught in a 60 minute cassette! Here we are, in total agreement that this is a classic Doctor Who. How many superlatives can we point at this story? And how many funny intro can we devise?

Joe & Mark; and question time! How much did Jon Pertwee exaggerate stories? What is the difference between Dicks and Holmes? What last minute treats does Death to the Daleks have up its sleeve? And Mark admires Joe’s perineum restraint.

Joe & Mark; doing some very simple stratagem tests! The plot is falling off a cliff but there’s still much to admire. Especially that moment where Sarah Jane and the Doctor appear to say goodbye.

Joe & Mark; dissecting their (very different) styles of podcasting! More great atmosphere, bizarre music, loud Daleks, machine guns, sacrifices, hoover attachments and great costumes. We’re high on the positives of this story.

Joe & Mark; in nostalgic heaven! We have absolute affection for this four part adventure, with a chilling first episode that is dripping in atmosphere. The third Doctor and Sarah is given some consideration too.

Joe & Steven; monopolising (or monoptoconising) the pool! Time to bring this classic to close; but does the plot make ANY sense? Can we make sense of this trash? Can Steven insult anyone else? And can they survive this comedy as friends?

Joe & Steve; slightly hysterical as their tussle over Four to Doomsday reaches its penultimate episode. We might have different opinions but we are loving pulling this story apart. Get out of the pool!

Joe & Steven; remember @stealexanderuk! No stone is left unturned as we lock horns over this classic; Tegan’s tantrums, unexpected trainers, macho Adric, weak direction, marvellous Monoptocons…

Joe & Steve; having an absolute riot in the flesh time! No stone goes unturned as Steve fights for this story’s rights; the sets, the direction, the regulars, the big frogs, the stupid title, Kato…this is only the beginning!

Joe & Gary; and the tables have turned! Joe interviewed! A discussion that has spanned the multi media universe of Doctor Who comes to a close with a very touching tribute to a much maligned producer. And The Sensorites is defended in the wrap too.

Joe & Gary; and cows on the moon! This commentary has become a full blown interview! We turn our mind to the comic strips, more Big Finish and the importance of a good voice in drama.

Joe & Gary; and at least 3.5 minutes of discussion on The Sensorites! Instead we talk about the pros and cons if bringing old monsters back, Gary’s time with Big Finish and how the Doctor never got to forget one of his best friends.

Joe & Gary; screwing it up and laughing their heads off. A treatise on fandom and the impact our opinion can have, on how the quality of the picture can affect your opinion of the story & a commentary without actually watching the story.

Joe & Gary; discussing the nature of soap operas through the years and how that relates to The Sensorites! There’s no soap left unturned! It’s the rarest of things, an episode of a commentary podcast where we barely discuss the episode unfolding.

Joe & Gary; in love with sixties Doctor Who. At this point we have lots of lovely things to say about The Sensorites; from the performances to the immediacy to the stunning cliffhanger.

Joe & Jason; Christmas special double bill! Can Doctor Who spend an entire 25 minutes knocking up a fake bit of gubbins to fool the Daleks and then follow it up of a Christmas pantomime? Oh yes they can!

Joe & Jason; facing the trippiest transported through space special effects of all time! We’re confused by some episode titles, and also what the hell happened to Karlton, but we love Jean Marsh and her almost companion status (or actual companion status)

Joe & Si & a very rude Frazer; finally cutting out all this politeness bollocks and disagreeing with each other! It’s a tricky episode; blood, cyanide and stabbings - Joe loves it, Si and Frazer are less sure. Let the carnage begin!

Joe & Si and Frazer; discussing just how far Doctor Who can go. Three guys; one troublesome story, lots of opinions. However we find more up like than not; from the sets to the location to the biting humour and the terrific acting.

Joe & Pete; questioning whether a story can take a lurch into slapstick. There’s still much to love; witticisms, campness, a clever use of the Key and more Amelia. Cosy teatime Who at its finest.

Joe & Si & Frazer; together for the first time on their - one year anniversary. Two Doctors, Peri & Jamie, Sontarans, Jackie Pearce, Dastari’s glasses, and a foreign location! Loads to talk about!

Joe & Pete; discussing how Doctor who marries comedy and drama so well at times. The Doctor has a new assistant for this episode, and we simply can’t get enough of Professor Amelia Rumpford.

Joe & Pete; Untoppable (at least one of us is…) Cosy cottages, Good Life characters sacrificed to living stones, brandished truncheons, Shirley Bassey, K.9’s guts…this one has it all!

Joe & Pete; whoring away on other podcasts. It’s rural England, spooky happenings and sausage sandwiches…Pete is in heaven. Add in four fabulous women and we couldn’t be more enchanted.

Joe & Daniel; not in bed together! Is this a disappointing climax to the story or do the Daleks sweep in save the day? We celebrate Roger Delgado as our favourite Master; funny, threatening and so classy.

Joe & Daniel are heading to Draconia! Given that they are such a well defined species, we are shocked that you never see the Draconians again. A transitionary episode, but with lots of scope to talk about its scope!

Joe & Daniel; improvising for half an hour whilst the plot grinds to a halt. We adore the dialogue and the interplay in this one, and it gives us a chance to admire the charisma of this cast and talk about why we love this silly show so much.

Joe & Daniel; accused of a list of crimes by the Sirius Commissioner! Katy Manning (and Jo Grant) love, more future fashion admiration, feminism, new prisons, Governer Lobos and sippy cups on the moon!

Joe & Daniel; discussing Doctor Who and space opera. More fabulous prisons and outfits, a trip to the BFI (possibly MFI), impressive design and lighting, subtle political sexual chemistry…and our last minute realisation that this story spotlights Gruntleigh the Ogron!

Joe & Daniel; starting their tour of the prison cells of the universe. Or are they starting the Moonbase 3 podcast? The design and direction gets so love, and we love how chilled Pertwee is.

Joe; getting by with a little help (and questions) from my friends! I’m not teasing you! Lots of plot threads and characters…and delivering on a scene to scene basis. This is great fun…but is it any good?

Joe & Mark; making an argument that this is the single best episode of Doctor Who. Battered, bloody, dirty and exhausted…will the Doctor get out of this one alive? We’re completely bewitched by this nasty thriller.

Joe & Mark; with no third episode syndrome. Is this the rudest episode of 🐹? Joe is distracted by bearded bullies, Mark is obsessed with handcuffs, Joe’s partner is tied up in shot, characters are penetrating narrows, and Colin Baker is doing obscene things to Peter Davison. Also, a fabulous cliffhanger.

Joe & Mark; casting Morgus’ mother! The tightest Doctor Who script? The best of Robert Holmes? More troubling treatment of women? The best villain the show ever saw?

Joe & Mark; in danger the second they leave the TARDIS. We have so much to say about this one, and not all of it is positive. However we both accept this is one of the best ever Doctor Who stories. Go figure…

Joe & Mark; facing a giant CGI vagina on top of a church! Verona Chard is out, but Natasha Alexander is in! Mark’s love for 90s spin offs knows more bounds and Joe is impressed with the filmic direction. Pre-Big Finish Briggs at his height!