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

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.