In Focus: TARDIS

The most reconigizable part of "Doctor Who" is that time traveling, blue police box, the TARDIS. She's been a constant presence, but how much do we know about this Time Lord ship? Jessica and Phillip examine the TARDIS as an active character in the show, from how she reacts to companions to how she communicates with the Doctor. 

In their look into the TARDIS library, the couple co-hosts examine "Attack of the Cybermen," when the Sixth Doctor actually (kinda) fixes the TARDIS' chamelon circuit, and we see it appear as non-police box objects.
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What would be the best substitute for the police box as a new TARDIS appearance? What would be the worst?

The Many Deaths of the Doctor (7-12)

Endings can be sad, but they are also celebrations of the journey. All that to say - the Doctor has died many times, but each time "Doctor Who" ends; we get to say goodbye, look back on that particular Doctor's life and times, and ready ourselves for the next regeneration. Jessica and Phillip talk about the deaths of the Seventh thru Twelfth Doctors, trying to spot any patterns, and what sets them apart.

In their look into the TARDIS library, the couple examines "Planet of the Spiders," as the Third Doctor faces his final fear, with a death in the spider crystal caves.
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What's your favorite Doctor death scene?

Big Moral Decisions of the Doctor

The Doctor often has the fate of the planet Earth or even the whole universe in his hands - the decisions he makes affects the fates of entire galaxies. Jessica and Phillip ask - does the Doctor always make the right choice? They explore the big moral decisions in "Doctor Who," like whether to use The Moment to end the Time War by destroying Gallifrey and the Dalek fleet. They also look at how the Doctor's frequent interferences and the consequences might make the Time Lords' doctrine of non-interference look more attractive.

​In their look into the TARDIS library, the couple revisits the Fourth Doctor's big decision in "Genesis of the Daleks" - has he the right to destroy the Daleks in their infancy?

Is there a decision or action by the Doctor that you disagree with?

​Companions as The Doctor

Jessica takes charge this episode by asking two questions: 1) What is the definition of a "Doctor Who" companion? and 2) Which companion would make the best Doctor?

The Whovian debate about favorite Doctors and companions will last forever, but not many companions would be able to take the wheel ... er, switch? ... of the TARDIS. Jessica and Phillip take turns listing their nominations for which companion could fill the Time Lord's shoes.
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Do you agree with their definiton of a companion or do you have one of your own? And which companion would you nominate as the best able to be a "Doctor"?

Episode of the Daleks

They are the epitome of Doctor Who villians - the Daleks. These pepper pots have captured Whovian imaginations for over 50 years - so what makes them so timeless? Jessica and Phillip take a close (but safe) look at the aliens, using the first feature film "Dr. Who and the Daleks" (1965).

In their look into the TARDIS library, the couple revisits the Seventh Doctor's encounter with the Skaro aliens in "Remembrance of the Daleks."
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What's your favorite Dalek moment?

"The Enemy of the World" Review

There is always a celebration to be had in "Doctor Who" fandom when a so-called "lost story" is found, made complete, and restored. Such was the case with the 2nd Doctor serial, "The Enemy of the World." It was recovered complete, just a few years ago, and this past year it was restored in a new release, along with some fascinating extras. Jessica and Phillip examine this interesting six-episode story that features Patrick Troughton playing two main roles - the Doctor and the evil Salamander. 
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In their look into the TARDIS library, the couple look at Matt Smith's turn at playing both the protaganist and antagonist in the Neil Gaiman-written 11th Doctor episode "Nightmare in Silver."

Episode of the Cybermen

They are one of the Doctor's most-feared enemies: The Cybermen. From the earliest "sock monkeys" of "The Tenth Planet" and the First Doctor to the metallic cyborgs of the 12th Doctor era, these villains have evolved over the deceades. What makes them so interesting? Why do fans keep looking forward to their stories? 

Jessica and Phillip focus on the IDW graphic novel series "Assimilation2" which mixes up the worlds of "Doctor Who" and "Star Trek: The Next Generation." They look at how the Cybermen teaming up with the Borg makes a story big enough for the 11th Doctor and the crew of the Enterprise-D.

In their look into the TARDIS library, the couple revisit "The Tomb of the Cybermen," a fan favorite story of the cybernetic foes. The 2nd Doctor, Victoria, and Jamie must battle the ancient Cybermen being awoken by foolish humans.
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What's your favorite Cybermen moment? 

"Torchwood" Overview

There are Whovians ... and then there are "Torchwood" fans. Which ones are more "hardcore"? Regardless of the answer, Jessica and Phillip focus on the "Doctor Who" spin-off "Torchwood" this week - along with its four series and other forms of life. They look at all things Captain Jack, Gwen, Ianto, Tosh and Owen ... as well as Rhys and Andy. 

In their look into the TARDIS library, they examine the first episode of the OTHER spin-off - "The Sarah Janes Adventures." The couple talks about their first viewing of "Invasion of the Bane" and why they look forward to watching the complete series 1 of SJA.
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What's your favorite "Torchwood" moment?

Captain Jack Harkness Overview

The man, the myth, the Time Agent - Captain Jack began as companion to the 9th Doctor but soon bolted to head the "Doctor Who" spin-off "Torchwood" and became a legend in the fandom. What makes this sexually-charged, dynamic, vortex manipulator-wearing leader such a Whovian star? Jessica and Phillip talk about his time with the Doctor and Torchwood, and their personal encounters with the man behind the character - John Barrowman.

In their look into the TARDIS library, they revisit another West End star who served as a companion - Bonnie Langford's Mel in her last serial "Dragonfire." The couple look at how this Seventh Doctor adventure almost got rid of Mel as an afterthought as it welcomed Ace (Ace!) as the new companion.
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What's your favorite Captain Jack moment?

Companion Exits

Companions come and go - sometimes sad, sometimes not. However, the way they leave the TARDIS and the Doctor can be controversial at times. Jessica and Phillip look at how all of the nuWho companions have left and whether it made sense. They also connect them to "classic" companion exits to see if there are any patterns to how the TARDIS journey ends. 

In their look into the TARDIS library, they travel to the 5th Doctor adventure "Earthshock" for a rare companion death. 
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Which companion's exit is the most memorable?