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

Joe & Jack; and the Dawn of a new solar system! Much TARDIS talk, including all the innovations over years abc celebrating William Hartnell owning the show at last. Jack’s theories about the Ship are sublime.

Joe & Jack; ducking scissors, avoiding spiked drinks! How can you have this much fun talking about such a derided story? Everybody is acting out of character, but apparently in very different scripts!

Joe & Steven; happy 17th to the destruction of the Earth! Here’s a chance to see what Doctor Who can do to a ridiculously high standard. Laughs, tears, developments, aliens, twists, romance and feels. Doctor Who is being written by a genius.

Joe & Frazer; coming up with a huge list of reasons why this is one of the best Doctor Who stories ever. We talk episode fours, McCoy’s range, explosions, codas, ranting villains, and boiling down racism for children.

Joe & Frazer; full of praise for the 7th Doctor. What scene does Frazer thing Chris Chibnall would be crucified for? Is this the ultimate Keff Jive session? Massive props for the effects they are pulling off on this budget.

Joe & Frazer; and it’s Joe’s turn for a Tale of Youth (TM Simon Hart). Explosions, super weapons, bringing down racism, Peter Halliday, Keff McCulloch, a brilliant cliffhanger…this one has it all. And we’re here to celebrate that.

Joe & Frazer; celebrating their anniversary! A story that offers up everything; a great setting, a marvellous cast of characters, production value, continuity, great monsters, shock moments, period details and a beautifully confident plot. How Frazer and I can agree ❤️

Step up, laugh and quote with Joe & Si as they step into the glorious world of The Sarah Jane Adventures. So many beautiful men, glorious colours, smart kids and a heroine for the ages. We’re just delirious about this show.

Joe & Mark; in the train carriage, with the mummy rags. Mark struggled with this season, but this was his salvation. Much talk of the new, crabby Doctor, his fascinating relationship with Clara and the sheer verve and style of what is on display. The best Capaldi episode?

Joe & Lucy; and a hell of a tribute to Lis Sladen. So much to enjoy here; Anthony Head’s villain, creepy monsters, a memorable setting, emotional and great gags, and a fannish David Tennant getting his teeth into the role. A perfect bridge between classic and Nu Who.

Joe & Steven; falling in love with the Doctor and Rose and series 2! Why is this the modern day Horror of Fang Rock? What about the direction? And why is this Steven’s favourite season of NuWho? A joy to watch, and discuss.

Joe & Si & Frazer; and the most contentious commentary yet. Si thinks this starts well but ends terribly. Frazer thinks this is better than it’s reputation. Now thinks this a load of old irresponsible tripe. Bring on the fireworks…and the laughs!

Joe & Frazer & Si and half of the hamfam; all singing, all dancing, all critiquing! It’s early Capaldi in the firing line and we’re entranced by pretty pictures, heroics legends, wit and warmth. Is it Hollywood history? The best ever Hamster intro ❤️

Joe & Jason; remembering one of the daughters of the Gods. We cover the death of companions in some depth. Is it responsible? Dramatic? Impactful? Should it happen at all? Has this been bettered?

Joe & Jason; waiting for the hair raising climax to this episode. We talk the length of this story, the nature of padding in Doctor Who and why and how this story presents Doctor Who’s core concepts better than any other story. Grumpy William Hartnell ahoy!

Joe & Jason; in fear of the conquest of the universe! We’re heading to Kembel to the great space conference of universal powers! And even more shocking…moving pictures! This is the best surviving episode and we count ourselves very lucky to be able to see it.

Joe & Jason; beginning the nightmare. Much discussion of the wonderful William Hartnell and the MVP of this story; director Douglas Camfield. This really shouldn’t work and it works exceptionally well.

Joe & Jason; steeped Dalekmania! There’s no Doctor but that doesn’t mean there is no suspense, action, excitement and drama. We’re embarking on a 13 part commentary in three blocks and we couldn’t be more excited!

Joe & Frazer & Si; counting how many ways they can praise this story! Is the ending too convenient or optimistic? What is the Tegan moment we all adore? And David Collins & Valentine Dyall get their plaudits.

Joe, Frazer & Si; wandering corridors trying not to meet thenselves. Conceptually, this might be the most interesting episode but we have some complaints at this point. Design and score and direction still gets much praise, though.

Joe, Frazer & Si; in possibly the best episode of this story. Things are getting timey wimey, and we’re impressed with how simple and sophisticated the storytelling is. What do you do when the Doctor isn’t the Doctor.

Joe & Si & Frazer; loving life together! So much to talk about in this one…new murderous companions, the Brigadier is back, terrific design, insane music and a love for era from two of us (the other is a right moaner).

Joe & Si; we love Pearl Mackie. A fine introduction to Doctor Who, to the possibilities of the show, to a warmer 12th Doctor, and to a fun and likeable dynamic. Also, we love Pearl Mackie.

Joe solo; being given the willies and then some! Is this the best of the Flux season? Jodie’s finest? The most memorable cliffhanger? The creepiest imagery? The answer could potentially be yes…

Joe & Mike; and a massive Flux love in prelude! Superlatives abound as we sing the praises of this delightful episode. Is this Jodie Whittaker’s finest performance? Will Yaz get a happy ending?