Notable Ninth Doctor Episodes

Jessica and Phillip each pick an episode of the Christopher Eccleston era for special discussion - "The Empty Child" and "Boom Town," respectively. Why are these two episodes considered stand out by the co-hosts? What do they show about the Ninth Doctor's character and his companions? And how does Eccleston shine in these roles?

In their look into the TARDIS library, the couple examine the 1998 movie "Elizabeth," co-starring Christopher Eccleston as the antagonistic Duke of Norfolk.

Richard E. Grant's Ninth Doctor and "Scream of the Shalka"

We all know the Ninth Doctor first appeared in 2005, with Christopher Eccleston bringing back "Doctor Who" in his leather jacket, waving around his sonic screwdriver. But he was not the first Ninth Doctor. An enterprising group of Whovians inside BBC were desperate to find a way to celebrate the 40th anniversary of "Doctor Who" in 2003. With no news of anything happening, they decided to bring back the program in the form of an animated webcast, with a new Doctor, new companions, and a ... robot Master? 

Phillip and Jessica look at the BBCi production of "Scream of the Shalka," with Richard E. Grant as the Ninth Doctor. Some other once and future "Who" stars make their first appearance in this six-episode story, including a certain Scottish Whovian who would eventually star in the TV series. Would you be interested in more stories featuring Grant's Doctor? Or is this series of webisodes better left as alternate "Who" history? 

In their look into the TARDIS library, the couple dive into Richard E. Grant's filmography with a feature on "A Royal Scandal," a 1996 docudrama about the Prince of Wales' disastrous marriage to Caroline of Brunswick. What is your favorite Grant role?

Eighth Doctor August (and the Wilderness Years)

Each incarnation of the Doctor is unique - but the McGann era of "Doctor Who" is something of its own temporal paradox. The Eighth Doctor appears solely on television with the Doctor Who TV Movie (and, of course, his death and regeneration in "Night of the Doctor"). Yet his story lasts the longest in books, audio adventures, and comics. 

Richard Carrier joins Jessica and Phillip to talk about the era of when "Doctor Who" was off of television, what the Eighth Doctor means to him, and how new fans can tackle the "non-TV" adventures of the Doctor. Watch Richard's latest video on the Wilderness Years here.

In their look into the TARDIS library, Jessica and Phillip look at the Tenth Doctor's final adventure in "The End of Time." How does David Tennant (and showrunner Russell T Davies) close this chapter of Who?

The Paternoster Gang

The characters of Madame Vastra, Jenny, and Strax were first introduced in the Eleventh Doctor episode "A Good Man Goes to War," but that was just the beginning for this memorable trio. Jessica and Phillip talk about their favorite Victorian era gang, from what makes each character special to how they performed in their first Big Finish box set "Heritage 1." What's your favorite Paternoster moment?

In their look into the TARDIS library, the couple review the Eighth Doctor Big Finish episode "The Chimes of Midnight." What more did they learn about the paradox of Charley?

Seventh Doctor July

With the end of the seventh month, it's time to focus on the Sylvester McCoy era of Doctor Who! Jessica and Phillip review Richard Carrier's YouTube documentary (here) on the closing of the classic era and this Doctor's end in the 1990s television movie. They look at Mel vs. Ace, which Hogwarts house this Doctor belongs to, and what makes him Jessica's favorite classic Doctor. What's your favorite Seventh Doctor story?

In their look into the TARDIS library, Phillip reviews the Doctor Who book "A History of Humankind: The Doctor's OFFICIAL Guide."

First Time Doctoring - Series 1/Ninth Doctor

Jessica and Phillip are proud to convert people to becoming Whovians. One of those "convertees" is Char who just finished watching Christopher Eccelston's series of "Doctor Who." What does she think of the Ninth Doctor? What does Captain Jack do for her? What are her favorite episodes? What was it like meeting a Dalek for the first time? And how was it going thru her first regeneration? Join us for a new fan's reactions and let us know your favorite Ninth Doctor moment.

In their look into the TARDIS library, the couple visit the Third Doctor serial "The Daemons." As they continue their first time watch of Jon Pertwee's turn as the Doctor, they talk about The Master being in ALL THE episodes, their enjoyment of Jo Grant, and how effective UNIT seems (or doesn't seem).

Companion Spin-offs

There are a variety of Doctor Who spin-off series, featuring characters from both classic and nuWho. Jessica and Phillip pitch their own ideas for new companion series featuring ... the Doctor's companions! Whether it is Ace in a prequel or sequel series or Rory and Amy solving mysteries in New York City, there are lots of opportunities for new Doctor-less adventures in time and space.

In their look into the TARDIS library, the couple visit the Sixth Doctor's final outing in "The Ultimate Foe" aka episodes 13 and 14 of "The Trial of a Time Lord." Did Colin Baker get the unknown send-off he deserved? Did the series wrap up in a satisfying way? Which fate for Peri is preferred? Let us know your season 23 thoughts!

Contrasting Classic and nuWho

Fans often debate which is better - the classic era of "Doctor Who" or "new" Who? Jessica and Phillip leave any arguments aside and just look at what exactly defines these two era of Who. What makes a classic serial? What sets nuWho apart? What strengths and weaknesses are on both sides? Join us for this in-depth look at the Doctor Who eras.

In their look into the TARDIS library, the couple look at the pilot episode from the series "K9," "Regeneration." What happens when K9 turns into a flying CGI version that helps virtual reality kids and a professor playing with time and space? Let us know if you've seen this entire series.

Sixth Doctor June

Each month in 2019, the co-hosts look at an episode from Richard Carrier's YouTube Doctor Who research and analysis series. This sixth part focuses on the Colin Baker era of classic Who, and its trials (of the time lord) and tribulations. You can check out the video here. The also focus on the first half of Season 23, also known as Peri's final serials.

In their look into the TARDIS library, Phillip reviews the Fifth Doctor novel "Sand of Time" by Justin Richards. This story sees the Doctor, Tegan, and Nyssa go on an Egyptian adventure, featuring some familiar mummies and villains.

Doctor Who Grab Bag - An Eighth and Third Doctor Adventures

The couple spend this episode talking about two random serials in the Doctor Who franchise - the Big Finish Eighth Doctor adventure "Invaders from Mars" and the Third Doctor episode "Colony in Space." What do you think of these two quite different episodes? 

In their look into the TARDIS library, Phillip reviews the First Doctor biography, "Who's There? The Life and Career of William Hartnell," penned by Hartnell's granddaughter.