The 1st Doctor and Stephen end up in the midst of France's Wars of Religion. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss the religious background of the Catholics and Huguenots; the significance of the Doctor's double; and how the story ended up as audio-only.

The post The Massacre appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 4th Doctor and a regenerated Romana return to Skaro. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss the conundrum of getting caught between two robot-like enemies and how their logic drives a stalemate and how self-sacrifice confounds them.

The post Destiny of the Daleks appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Does the 15th Doctor's season finale provide a satisfying conclusion? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the resolution of the season-long story arcs and the connections to classic Who lore, plus lots of feedback and a farewell.

The post Empire of Death appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Time loops within time loops. Jimmy Akin and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 8th Doctor Big Finish story, including a character who says he kills the Doctor in his future; the Roman cult of Mithras; and loose threads connecting to later stories.

The post Seasons of Fear appeared first on StarQuest Media.

All about Missy! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Big Finish audio story featuring Missy, the Doctor's female nemesis, in which she becomes part of a TV true crime documentary ... or does she?

The post The Broken Clock (Missy) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Doctor goes back to school and meddles in Clara's love life. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the Doctor's animus toward soldiers, Danny's controlling behavior, and the enduring presence of Coal Hill School.

The post The Caretaker appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 6th Doctor's finale! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the end of the 6th Doctor on TV and the Trial of a Time Lord, including how they see him at the end of his tenure compared to the beginning.

The post The Ultimate Foe appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 12th Doctor has an Oceans 11-style bank heist with a time travel twist. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the plot misdirections and story twists as well as the moral and ethical questions that arise.

The post Time Heist appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 5th Doctor's farewell to Nyssa. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the 2nd story of the Black Guardian trilogy, the connection to Norse mythology, and what really caused the Big Bang.

The post Terminus appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Sssshhhh! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the 12th Doctor's obsession with a theoretical creature capable of perfect hiding, how Danny Pink and Clara fail to listen, and the elephant-in-the-room loose thread of Orson Pink.

The post Listen appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 4th Doctor and Sarah Jane are in Renaissance Italy. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the court intrigue, the pagan worship in Catholic Italy, and how the Doctor thwarts an alien presence from conquering Earth.

The post The Masque of Mandragora appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Doctor and Clara meet Robin Hood. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the 12th Doctor's acerbic encounter with the fictional(?) character, including impossible trick shots and boastful competition and a resolution of questionable morality.

The post Robot of Sherwood appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Our introduction to Peladon. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha dig into this 3rd Doctor and Jo Grant story of a primitive planet on the edge of joining the galactic neighborhood; overcoming preconceived prejudices; and the perils of pretending to be a princess.

The post The Curse of Peladon appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Who is Ruby? And who is the One Who Waits? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the answer we get to one of those questions, as well as all the misdirections and dives into the deep lore of Doctor Who in this penultimate episode of the season.

The post The Legend of Ruby Sunday appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The story that brought the 9th Doctor back wraps up and Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss its highs and lows. Was the story too complex for audio? Should it have been three parts? And does Christopher Eccleston step right back into the iconic leather jacket?

The post Food Fight (Ravagers #3) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Part 2! Fr. Cory Sticha and Jimmy Akin discuss the 2nd part of this 9th Doctor audio story, including the complex story building, the interesting new companion and foes, and a connection to old 8-bit video games.

The post Cataclysm (Ravagers #2) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 9th Doctor, Christopher Eccleston, is back in Big Finish. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the first part of this three-part event, which sees the Doctor dealing with a futuristic VR game, Cold War London, and Romans run amok.

The post Sphere of Freedom (Ravagers #1) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Easter special! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the penultimate 13th Doctor story that brings back the Sea Devils and introduces some 19th century Chinese pirates and then talk about the teaser for the upcoming regeneration special that will bring back familiar faces.

The post Legend of the Sea Devils appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Sea Devils are coming back for the 13th Doctor, so Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha review their first appearance with the 3rd Doctor, which was a high seas adventure that included the Master and the Royal Navy!

The post The Sea Devils appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Until recently, most of this 2nd Doctor story was lost, but in 2021 it was completed with animation substituting for the lost footage. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this base-under-siege story of the Great intelligence's return, the robot Yeti, and the introduction of Lethbridge-Stewart.

The post The Web of Fear appeared first on StarQuest Media.

In the spirit of April Fools Day, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the wonderful Doctor Who spoof from Comic Relief starring Rowan Atkinson, among others, as the Doctor. It's a hilarious (sometime off-color) non-canonical (or is it?) romp that the panel has fun exploring.

The post The Curse of Fatal Death appeared first on StarQuest Media.

In classic scifi style, the Doctor gets shrunk down to go inside a Dalek. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about how the Doctor himself has to deal with his Dalek-like behavior and attitudes and Clara's role in confronting him with it.

The post Into the Dalek appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The first Doctor and his Companions find a space museum where they are the exhibits. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the failing empire and how Vicki foments a rebellion among the young people as well as the early roots of the dangers of the Doctor's time travel.

The post The Space Museum appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Back to the beginning! It's been over 7 years since we started this podcast with the 12th Doctor's first episode, and Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha are revisiting his tenure with a fresh look at this story, including a pondering of the Doctor's moral choices.

The post Deep Breath appeared first on StarQuest Media.

On the latest episodes of the 15th Doctor, Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the cautionary tale of social media bubbles and class/race insularity as well as the Doctor's jaunt in Regency England with an awkward, sudden relationship.

The post Dot and Bubble and Rogue appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 4th Doctor goes underground. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Tom Baker story that sees him helping yet another society of oppressed underclass, talk about finding the edge of the universe, and think about the Time Lords being seen as gods.

The post Underworld appeared first on StarQuest Media.

It's the 11th Doctor's penultimate story, and Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about the resolution of several ongoing 11th Doctor story threads, incl. the Impossible Girl, the doom of Trenzalore, and the menace of the Great Intelligence.

The post The Name of the Doctor appeared first on StarQuest Media.

In this 8th Doctor audio play, Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss how it uses H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds radio program as a plot element; the old-time radio play production style; and big guest stars like Simon Pegg. Plus how aliens, Nazis, Soviets, and the Mafia come together in one story.

The post Invaders from Mars appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Creepy amusement park filler with Cybermen? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about this 11th Doctor story that brings back this classic enemy, but upgrades them; talk about Warwick Davis's guest role; and the Doctor's antics fighting against an evil version of himself.

The post Nightmare in Silver appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 7th Doctor continues his dark turn with Ace. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about the Victorian horror story with a scifi twist and dig into why the Doctor is putting Ace through some harrowing adventures involving some of her worst memories.

The post Ghost Light appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 11th Doctor in Victorian horror! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the Doctor and Clara's team up with the Paternoster Gang against Dame Diana Rigg's villain; what optograms are; and Matt Smith's Yorkshire accent.

The post The Crimson Horror appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Orient Express in space! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the 6th Doctor's new companion, Melanie and the change in tone with her arrival; the continuation of the Trial of a Time Lord; and the prospect of sentient, carnivorous plant people who see humans as livestock.

The post Terror of the Vervoids appeared first on StarQuest Media.

More of the Tardis than we've ever seen before. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story that takes us to parts of the Doctor's ship we've never seen, but also addresses questions of personhood and the dignity of each individual.

The post Journey to the Center of the Tardis appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The best Doctor's New Year's Eve yet? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 13th Doctor special, especially its fun guests characters, Sarah and Nick; the fun, lowered-stakes plot device; and the quippy dialogue that overcome the few missteps.

The post Eve of the Daleks appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Brigadier is back again. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the return of Lethbridge-Stewart with the 5th Doctor; the addition of Turlow to the Tardis Companions; attempts to steal the Doctor's regenerations; and this first part of the Black Guardian trilogy of stories.

The post Mawdryn Undead appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Ruby on her own. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest 15th Doctor-less Doctor Who story that touches upon the folk horror genre and spins up an intriguing mystery that be related to Ruby's true identity.

The post 73 Yards appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Doctor goes ghost hunting. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about the 11th Doctor's search for answers to the mystery of Clara; how it is based on a 1959 movie; and Jimmy's assessment of the paranormal research depicted in the episode.

The post Hide appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 4th Doctor v. killer plants! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 4th Doctor story that combines Lovecraft's "Mountains of Madness" and Hawks' film "The Thing From Another World," including a Bond-level villain, an Antarctic base, and an English country estate.

The post The Seeds of Doom (4) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The end of the Flux! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this last chapter which jam-packs the end of this 6-episode season, assess the season a whole, and give their predictions for what happens next in the upcoming specials.

The post The Vanquishers appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Five plot threads race to a conclusion of the Flux as Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the potentially mythos shattering revelations about the Doctor's true backstory, but will it ruin the mythos to reveal too much?

The post Survivors of the Flux – The Secrets of Doctor Who appeared first on StarQuest Media.

In Chapter 4 of The Flux, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about how the lore of the Weeping Angels is greatly expanded and for the better; how much they liked guest character Professor Jericho; and what that mid-credits scene meant.

The post Village of the Angels – The Secrets of Doctor Who appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Flux continues! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this midpoint of the 13th Doctor's last season, incl. fan theories about Vinder; who the odd woman was; and how they want to see more of "Doctor Ruth."

The post Once, Upon Time appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Doctor goes to Crimea. Jimmy Akin and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the historical context of the 2nd chapter of the Flux; the return to form of the Sontarans; and the interesting context of What would the Doctor do?

The post War of the Sontarans appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 13th Doctor starts her final season with the first chapter in a six-episode arc. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the many threads that are unspooled here and how this may be the best 13th Doctor episode yet.

The post The Halloween Apocalypse appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Doctor averts World War III by reasoning with a Cold Warrior. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about the return of the Ice Warriors, a Companion who finally stays put, and Dom's nitpicking on how submarines work.

The post Cold War appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Third Doctor gets his first encounter with Daleks. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss this time-hopping adventure that jumps from Cold War brinksmanship to a future dystopia ruled by collaborators, apemen, and Daleks.

The post Day of the Daleks appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 15th Doctor and Ruby land in a minefield. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the stories complex attitude toward faith (both positive and negative) and the exploitation of war for profit as well as the mysterious actor who keeps showing up in different roles.

The post Boom appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Clara and the Doctor go on their first offworld adventure. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about what makes Clara different as a Companion; how the plot of the story resolves in a totally unclear way; and how right off the bat Clara is already taking on the Doctor's role.

The post The Rings of Akhaten appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Patrick Troughton in two roles. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss this 60s supervillain thriller in which the 2nd Doctor also plays the bad guy and shows his acting range. Plus the very cool spy-agent Astrid.

The post The Enemy of the World appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Clara Oswald's first adventure with the Doctor sees the return of an old, but recent foe. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the beginning of a new era for the Doctor with the Impossible Girl and how the episode is more important for setting the stage than for its own plot.

The post The Bells of St. John appeared first on StarQuest Media.