Episode Title: "Throwing Daleks Out the Window" - Resurrection of the Daleks Review with The Irredeemable Shag

SPECIAL GUEST ALERT: The Irredeemable Shag joins from the Fire & Water Podcast Network for what he calls "The Tegan Jovanka Appreciation Podcast!" A lifelong Davison-era fan who started watching in 1982 at age 10, Shag brings 500+ Doctor Who books worth of knowledge and passionate defense of the Fifth Doctor era.

THE STORY: "Resurrection of the Daleks" (February 1984)
Writer: Eric Saward (script editor writing his own script)
Director: Matthew Robinson
Originally filmed as 4-parter, edited to two 45-minute episodes due to Winter Olympics scheduling

London 1984 meets space station carnage as the Daleks attack a prison holding Davros in cryogenic suspension. With duplicates, time corridors, Commander Lytton's creepy constables, and the Movellan virus, this becomes the most violent Doctor Who story yet - estimated 70+ deaths!

THE BIG QUESTIONS:

Should the Doctor Have Killed Davros? The hosts debate the story's central moral dilemma when the Doctor picks up a gun to execute Davros. Jim declares it completely out of character ("That's not the Doctor"). Shag argues Eric Saward wrote declarative statements without explanation. John appreciates the Genesis of the Daleks callback but questions the execution. The Batman/Joker parallels emerge - can heroes cross that line?

Terry Nation's Absence: Nation is in America (possibly producing MacGyver) but still approving everything. JNT reveals Nation insisted Davros appear in every Dalek story after Genesis. This is the fourth non-Nation Dalek script (after Whitaker's two, Lewis Marks, and now Saward).

The Dalek Civil War Begins: First time Daleks mention Gallifrey! Is this the Time War's origin? The Supreme Dalek versus Davros's renegade faction sets up ongoing Classic Who Dalek continuity.

SHAG'S BREAKTHROUGH THEORY: "This is not a Doctor Who story at all. This is the Daleks - which just happens to guest star the Doctor this episode. If you think of this as an ongoing series of Dalek stories where the Doctor guest stars, this whole thing makes perfect sense."

The theory revolutionizes the hosts' perspective, raising ratings across the board!

ICONIC MOMENTS:

• Daleks thrown out second-story windows (exploding unnecessarily but fantastically)

• "My vision is impaired! I cannot see!"

• Davros going "full spitting Hitler"

• The Doctor bloodthirstily shooting the Kaled mutant

• Creepy constables casually slaughtering then chitchatting

• Stein's stutter disappearing when programming activates

• That unfortunate foam party when Davros releases the Movellan virus

TEGAN'S DEPARTURE - UNIVERSAL AGREEMENT: All three hosts agree: Tegan is completely justified leaving after this massacre. "It's stopped being fun, Doctor."

The emotional farewell works despite Jim's overall Tegan fatigue. Janet Fielding's performance is universally praised. The "Braveheart Tegan" callback and the Doctor's "I must mend my ways" provide powerful closure.

Shag's observation: JNT specifically chose an emotional departure for Janet after knowing two companions were leaving, wanting each exit to feel different.

FIND THE IRREDEEMABLE SHAG: Fire & Water Podcast Network shows:

• JSA Presents (Justice Society 1990s-2000s)

• Who's Who: The Definitive Podcast of the DC Universe

• Marvel Star Wars: From Empire to Jedi

• Once Upon a Geek

NEXT TIME: Planet of Fire - the penultimate Fifth Doctor story! Plus Patreon Exclusive #149 with Four Dimensional Vistas Part 5, music discussion, Memory TARDIS, and John finally reviews Sympathy for the Devil Unbound audio!

Subscribe on all platforms. Email thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com. Support at patreon.com/thedoctorsbeardpodcast for $3/month.

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Episode Title: "A Whopping 12 Word Balloons!" - Summer Hiatus Comics & Roberta Tovey's Doctor Who Song - Patreon Exclusive Sample

HOLIDAY GIFT TO OUR LISTENERS: The Doctor's Beard Podcast is unwrapping a special Patreon Exclusive episode for all listeners this holiday season! Join John and Jim as they explore what kept young Doctor Who fans entertained during the 1965 summer break between Seasons 2 and 3.

ROBERTA TOVEY'S "WHO'S WHO" (1965) Before diving into comics, the hosts examine a rare Doctor Who musical artifact: a single released by Roberta Tovey (who plays Susan in Doctor Who and the Daleks). Composed by Malcolm Lockyer (the movie's composer), this track remains mysteriously under-documented compared to other Doctor Who novelty songs like "I Want to Spend My Christmas with the Daleks." The B-side was called "Not So Old" (unrelated to Doctor Who).

BONUS MUSIC DISCOVERIES:

• Malcolm Lockyer also released "The Eccentric Doctor Who" and "Daleks and Dolls"
• "Dance with the Daleks" - The hosts declare this the weakest cash grab yet, a generic instrumental with "Dalek" slapped on the title

Jim's verdict: "We demand more Daleky from our Dalek music!"

SUMMER HIATUS COMIC STRIPS REVIEWED:

"Time in Reverse" (August 9-23, 1965)
TV Comic
Writer/Artist: Neville Main
John appreciates the clever backward storytelling requiring reversed dialogue for all non-TARDIS crew characters, though he notes the Doctor and companions simply wait out events rather than actively participating. The story features "German soldiers" (drawn with distinctive helmets) reminiscent of pre-WWII American comics using sideways Nazis without naming them. Jillian Count: 12 word balloons (chatty Kathy, but still just Greek chorus)

"Lizard World" (August 30 - September 20, 1965)
TV Comic
Writer/Artist: Neville Main
First time John and Jillian are completely separated from the Doctor and on their own! Jim praises Neville's artwork capturing the massive scale of the lizard creatures. John questions the Doctor complaining about being "an old man" while climbing when he performed fine in earlier stories. Jillian Count: 13 word balloons (a landmark!) The episode concludes with Jim nearly suggesting they review The Avengers comics advertised in the strip instead.

TV COMIC ANNUAL 1966 (Released September 1, 1965)

"Prisoners of the Kleptons"
Writer/Artist: Neville Main The Kleptons return! Landing on their overheated world, John shoots down a Klepton vehicle (back to using guns). The aliens want help invading Earth but settle for lowering captives into boiling oil. John saves the day with an unclear plan, leaving Jim wishing for more ambitious storytelling. Jillian Count: 3 word balloons

"The Caterpillar Men"
Writer/Artist: Neville Main Set in 2035, alien Caterpillar Men invade Earth and control the world's scientists from one location. The Doctor identifies himself as "Dr. Who" and doesn't correct being called an Earthman. John and Jillian visit World Pest Control, convincing officials to spray the invaders away. The entire resolution happens in half a page. Jillian Count: 3 word balloons John saves the day again!

Both agree: Even bad Dalek strips surpass the Doctor Who ones.

MOVIE BONUS FACT: Doctor Who and the Daleks played in scattered UK theaters into January 1966, but bombed in America when released July 1966. Jim's theory: This may have sunk Terry Nation's ABC deal for a Dalek TV series. Americans wanted Batman in '66, leading to Jim's high-concept pitch: "Batman versus the Daleks in Londinium 2050!"

LOVE WHAT YOU HEARD? This is just a sample of the exclusive content available to Patreon subscribers! For as little as $3/month, you get:

• Early access to main episode reviews
• Complete comic strip discussions with art analysis
• Memory TARDIS retrospectives
• Doctor Who music deep dives
• News coverage and behind-the-scenes content

Visit patreon.com/thedoctorsbeardpodcast to unwrap year-round Doctor Who goodness!

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Happy Holidays from The Doctor's Beard Podcast!

Hashtags: #DoctorWho #DoctorWhoComics #PatreonSample #HolidayEpisode #TVComic #FirstDoctor #WilliamHartnell #NevilleMain #JohnAndGillian #JillianCount #JillianWatch #SummerHiatus #1965Comics #TimeInReverse #LizardWorld #PrisonersOfTheKleptons #TheCaterpillarMen #Kleptons #TVComicAnnual #RobertaTovey #DoctorWhoMusic #WhosWho #MalcolmLockyer #DaleksAndDolls #DanceWithTheDaleks #NoveltyRecords #60sMusic #VintageComics #RetroComics #BritishComics #ClassicDoctorWho #DoctorWhoHistory #ComicReview #DoctorWhoPodcast #TheDoctorsBeardPodcast #PatreonExclusive #FreeEpisode #HolidayGift #Whovian #DoctorWhoFandom #PodcastSample #SupportThePodcast

"Two Is Too Few, Four Is Too Much" - Production 6M: "The Awakening" (January 19-20, 1984) - Classic Doctor Who Season 21 Review

The Fifth Doctor brings Tegan to 1984 Little Hodcombe so she can visit her grandfather, Andrew Verney. But the TARDIS materializes in an unstable church during an English Civil War reenactment organized by the local magistrate, Sir George Hutchinson. When Tegan's grandfather goes missing and they encounter Will Chandler—a genuine 17th century peasant pulled through time—the Doctor discovers something sinister beneath the village: the Malus, an alien war machine feeding on psychic energy from the staged battles.

Join podcaster John S. Drew and acclaimed writer/editor Jim Beard as they master time and space, delivering comprehensive reviews of every Classic Doctor Who serial. In this Season 21 analysis, they debate whether three episodes would be the perfect Doctor Who story length, discuss the rushed pacing versus Jim's feeling it dragged, and explore themes of companion family visits and the show's grounded Earth-based budget-cutting era.

Cast Fatigue: By this point, both Peter Davison and Janet Fielding had announced departures (Mark Strickson would follow soon). Jim declares: "I am totally ready for a new Doctor and new companions." The energy has drained after 20 years, with JNT himself seeking other opportunities but trapped by industry circumstances.

Subscribe to The Doctor's Beard Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and all major podcast platforms. Connect with our passionate Whovian community by emailing us at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com, leaving voicemails at thedoctorsbeardpodcast.com, or joining our active Facebook discussions.

Check out Jim Beard's creative work and visit thedoctorsbeardpodcast.com for John's new Target novelization review blog series starting with "An Unearthly Child"!

Become a Patreon member today for early episode access, bonus content, and support our complete journey through Classic Doctor Who!

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Patrick Troughton played the Doctor for nearly three full years from 1966-1969.   Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss the "mercurial" performance of Patrick Troughton, the perceptions fans have of Patrick Troughton based solely on the almost complete sixth season, and his companions.

 

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.

"The Daemons" Production JJJ May 22 - June 19, 1971

 

A race of alien scientists have returned to one of their first experiments - Earth - and are ready to pass judgement.

 

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. They are joined in this episode by writer/podcaster Alan J. Porter. In this episode, they discuss how cool the Brigadier is, the comradeship of Yates and Benton, and what perfect casting in Roger Delgado.

 

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community. Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

"Colony in Space"
Production HHH
April 10 - May 15, 1971

 

The Doctor's first trip in the TARDIS in over a year takes him and Jo to the planet Exarius on a mission for the Time Lords.

 

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss a scheme worthy of the Master, Jim's disappointment in the lack of color of this episode, and Jo Grant, Girl Hostage.

 

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.   Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

"The Claws of Axos"
Production GGG
March 13 - April 3, 1971 An alien race offers a cure all for humanity, but it comes at a terrible price. Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss freak weather conditions, Bill Filer - Man of Action, and the Doctor's selfishness. Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community. Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

"The Mind of Evil"
Production FFF
January 30 - March 6, 1971

 

The Master has a new plan to destroy the Earth by using an alien intelligence that feeds on the fears of humanity.

 

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss a Benton/Yates adventure, ethnic casting, and the return of the Master.

 

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community. Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

"Terror of the Autons"
Production EEE
January 2 - 23, 1971 A new evil arrives on Earth and he awakens an old evil that has periled the planet before.   Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss the introductions of the Master, Jo Grant, and Mike Yates, the updated special effects, and the return of the Autons. Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community. Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

Join us as we present another Patreon exclusive as a preview of all the wonderful things we do over on Patreon.  For just $3 a month, you get extra weekly content in the form of discussions on music, comics, novels, audio dramas and more.  We'll be back next week with the premiere of our look at the 8th season of Doctor Who - "Terror of the Autons".   MUSIC Doctor Who Theme on a Banjo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FphlLCQgMPw Extra: Frazer Hines sings Who's Doctor Who? - https://youtu.be/W6jG7MbBguo?si=HF10dETgtMnPdd2t   COMICS 51 - Doctor Who - Martha the Mechanical Housemaid - February 1 - March 1, 1969 Writer - Roger Noel Cook Artist - John Canning

The Doctor creates a robot which he markets to the American public. The Quarks then take advantage by taking over the robots and attack the American people. You can't make this stuff up, people.

  TARGET - "The Time Meddler" Jim shares his thoughts on the Target novelization "The Time Meddler" as chosen by our Patreon subscribers.   We hope you enjoy this discussion and as a Patreon member, we ask that if there is something you'd like to hear us cover on the podcast, do not hesitate to reach out to us by email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com.

Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

 

"Inferno"
Production DDD
May 9 - June 20, 1970 The Doctor is pushed into an alternate universe where Earth is several hours ahead in a project that is trying to penetrate the Earth's crust. The problem is, the results prove disastrous. Can the Doctor escape and warn his Earth in time to save the world. Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss the evil portrayals of several of the characters, the premiere of Venusian Karate, and the padding in this story. Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community. Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

 

"The Ambassadors of Death"
Production CCC
March 21 - May 2, 1970 The astronauts of Mars Probe 7 are missing, but then who are the astronauts that were taken from the capsule? Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they the deepening of the relationship of the Doctor and the Brigadier, the ineffectiveness of UNIT soldiers, and the re-introduction of Sgt. Benton. Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community. Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

"Doctor Who and the Silurians"
Production BBB
January 31 - March 14, 1970
A menace from beneath the planet brings with it prehistoric creatures and a deadly plague.
Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they the trust issues of the Doctor and the Brigadier, the working relationship of the Doctor and Liz, and the introduction of Bessie.
Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.   Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

"The Klepton Parasites" - Doctor Who TV Comic Strip Review (November 9, 1964 - January 11, 1965) - Christmas Patreon Exclusive

TV Comic Issues 674-683 Writer & Artist: Neville Main

In 1964, the BBC made television history by launching the first weekly Doctor Who comic strip in the pages of TV Comic- a surprising choice given the magazine's focus on ITV programming. This groundbreaking comic adaptation took bold creative liberties, featuring the First Doctor and his TARDIS in adventures that barely resembled the television series, introducing controversial changes including the Doctor's mysterious grandchildren John and Gillian.

Join podcaster John S. Drew and acclaimed writer/editor Jim Beard for this special Christmas promotion episode as they launch their comprehensive journey through classic Doctor Who comics, celebrating the show's 60th anniversary. In this inaugural comic strip review, they analyze Neville Main's distinctive artwork style, debate the absurdly literal naming convention of the villainous Kleptons (who steal everything), examine the controversial introduction of the Doctor's grandchildren companions, and explore how these early comics diverged wildly from established TV canon during William Hartnell's era.

This December, we're releasing exclusive Patreon episodes every weekday to celebrate Doctor Who's 60th anniversary and showcase the premium content available to our supporters. Experience the complete history of Doctor Who across all media formats!

Subscribe to The Doctor's Beard Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and all major podcast platforms. Connect with our passionate Whovian community by emailing us at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or joining our active Facebook and BlueSky discussions for exclusive Doctor Who content and anniversary celebrations.

Become a Patreon member today to receive early episode access, exclusive comic strip reviews, Big Finish audio drama analysis, Doctor Who music reviews, and the opportunity to request special topics you'd like us to cover on the show.

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"Spearhead from Space"
Production AAA
January 3-24, 1970

The Doctor teams up with the Brigadier and UNIT to stave off an invasion of the Nestine Conscience.

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss Liz Shaw as a companion, the Doctor's tattoo, and the Pertwee Gurn.

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.

Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss the impact of black and white episodes of Doctor Who, the differences between William Hartnell and Patrick Troughton's portrayals, and the best and worst of the entire six years of the 60s era.

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.

Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

"The War Games, Part Two"
Production ZZ
April 19 - June 21, 1969

The situation with the warring aliens reaches a point that the Doctor can't deal with it alone. He's forced to call in his own people - the Time Lords.

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss the evil of the Time Lords, do all Gallifreyans regenerate, and the treatment of Jamie and Zoe.

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.

Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

"The War Games, Part One"
Production ZZ
April 19 - June 21, 1969

The Doctor, Jamie and Zoe, land in the middle of WWI, but the landscape quickly changes and they are facing a Roman legion. Are they on Earth?

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss the pacing of the story, the buildup of plot elements, and Jamie getting his chance to shine.

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Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

"The Space Pirates"
Production YY
March 8 - April 12, 1969

The TARDIS winds up in the middle of a pirate raid of a space beacon and the Doctor has to determine who leads the Space Pirates.

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss the writing of Robert Holmes, the model work in the story, and the performances of the main cast.

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.

Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

"The Seeds of Death"
Production XX
January 25 - March 1, 1969

In the future, the Ice Warriors take control of the official teleport system for the planet Earth with plans to terraform the planet.

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss the Ice Lords, Jamie getting more to do, and the very attractive Gia Kelly.

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.

Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

"The Krotons"
Production WW
December 28, 1968 - January 18, 1969

On a future world, the Gonds are subjected to a series of mental tests with the winners being killed by the robotic crystalline Krotons.

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss the Doctor/Zoe dynamic, the writing of Robert Holmes, and the odd history of this production space.

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.

Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

"The Invasion"
Production VV
November 2 - December 21, 1968

Earth is threatened by an alien invasion spearheaded by a leader of industry.

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they are joined by artist Jerry Lange to discuss the design of the Cybermen, the length of the story, and the poor treatment of the Brigadier.

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.

  Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

Patreon Exclusive #26
William Hartnell Retrospective
Originally Released August 26, 2023

As we conclude our look at William Hartnell's time as Doctor Who, we take a look back, thanks to the framing device of an extensive email from our Patreon supporter, Jamie, to discuss Hartnell, his time on the show, his companions and his seasons, what worked and what didn't.

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.

Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

 

"The Mind Robber"
Production UU
September 14 - October 12, 1968

In the Land of Fiction, the Doctor, Jamie and Zoe fight to halt the attempts to make them part of the story.

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss Zoe as a judo expert, the "Master", and the idea of the TARDIS blowing up.
Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.   Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

John and Jim sit down to review their time watching the first series of Doctor Who, the good and the bad. In addition, Jim shares his thoughts on what he would like to see in the second series. John plays Spoiler Cards with Jim, offering him a pick of one of three cards revealing a spoiler for the second series. Of the Doctor, Barbara and Ian, and the Daleks - which one did he choose?

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.

Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

"The Dominators"
Production TT
August 10 - September 7, 1968

The Dominators and their deadly Quarks are willing to destroy the world of Dulkis in order to just refuel their ship.

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss Zoe's character, the design of the Quarks and the development of this story back in 1968.

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.

Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

An Adventure in Space and Time
November 21, 2013

This 50th anniversary 2013 docudrama looks at the development of the worldwide phenomenon. It's fitting that we cover this now as we prepare to celebrate the 60th anniversary.

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss the casting of the original members of the TARDIS crew, the accuracy of events depicted, and David Bradley as an excellent Hartnell, but poor Doctor.

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.

Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

"The Wheel in Space"
Production SS
April 27 - June 1, 1968

The Cybermen attempt to takeover a space station with plans to use it to conquer Earth.

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss the new companion, Zoe, the disappointing performance of the Cybermen, and the beats of the typical "base under siege" story.

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.

 

Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

"Fury from the Deep"
Production RR
March 16 - April 20, 1968

Intelligent seaweed takes control a gas pumping station at sea. Yeah, it's as dumb as it sounds.

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss the slow pace of this episode, the departure of Victoria, and the differences between the original broadcast and animation.

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.

Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

"The Web of Fear"
Production QQ
February 7 - March 9, 1968

London is overrun with Yeti and a fungus is growing throughout the London Underground.

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. They are joined once again by author/podcast Alan J. Porter.In this episode, they discuss the premiere of Alastair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart, how Victoria has failed Jim, and the redesign of the Yeti.

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.

Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

The Enemy of the World"
Production PP
December 16, 1967 - January 20, 1968

The Doctor finds himself pitted against a world leader who looks exactly like him.

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss how great it is to have two strong women in the show, Jamie getting to shine, and Patrick Troughton's Tour-de-force performance.

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.

Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

"The Ice Warriors"
Production 00
November 11 - December 16, 1967

In the future, Earth faces another ice age that is kept at bay by an ionizer that threatens a group of defrosted Ice Warriors.

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss how the story doesn't hold up under critical scrutiny, they compare the Ice Warriors with the Cybermen, and they point out where the derision for Victoria comes from.

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.

Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

"The Abominable Snowmen"
Production NN
September 30 - November 4, 1967

The TARDIS returns to Earth in Tibet of the 1930s where the Doctor returns an ancient bell to a monastery besieged by the legendary Yeti.

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss Jim's continuing appreciation for Victoria, the animation choices made for characters, and getting six episode stories right.

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.

Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

"The Tomb of the Cybermen"

Production MM

September 2-23, 1967

The TARDIS lands on the world of Telos where an archelogical group is attempting to open the Tomb of the Cybermen.

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss Jim's growing appreciation for Victoria, the stereotypes of the villains, and the Doctor/Jamie dynamic.

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.

Dalek Invasion Earth 2150AD
July 22, 1965 (London)
August 5, 1965 (UK)

Dr. Who and his granddaughter Susan and niece Louise travel into the future with a police officer named Tom to find that Earth has been taken over by the Daleks.

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this special Patreon episode, they discuss the differences between the TV episode and the movie, how this movie is so much better than the first one and their disappointment that a third movie was not made.

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.

"There Should Have Been Another Way"
Production 6M: "Warriors of the Deep" (January 5-13, 1984)
Classic Doctor Who Season 21 Premiere Review

In the year 2084, the Fifth Doctor, Tegan, and Turlough materialize at Sea Base Four, a military installation staffed with personnel on high alert due to tensions that could trigger World War III. An unknown object lurking in the waters proves to be a Silurian battlecruiser seeking to revive suspended animation Sea Devil warriors stored in underwater chambers. The reptilian cousins plan to manipulate the base's weapon systems to start a nuclear war, wiping out humanity so they can reclaim Earth as their ancestral home.

Join podcaster John S. Drew and acclaimed writer/editor Jim Beard as they master time and space, delivering comprehensive reviews of every Classic Doctor Who serial. In this Season 21 premiere analysis covering this notorious production, they discuss:

Production Nightmare Behind the Scenes:

• Margaret Thatcher's election sabotage - The 1983 UK general election announcement created BBC studio space demands, costing Doctor Who two weeks of production time and forcing rushed filming with minimal rehearsal

• The infamous Myrka disaster - The creature costume was still being sculpted and painted an hour before shooting, with wet paint and adhesive fumes getting one operator high. The poorly-fitted suit left performers uncomfortable and unable to rehearse, resulting in slow-motion movements that destroyed any sense of menace

• Johnny Byrne's disappointment - The writer envisioned dark, Alien-inspired sets with the Myrka glimpsed briefly in shadows, not brightly-lit corridors showcasing every flaw. He vowed never to work for Doctor Who again

Character and Story Analysis:

• The Doctor's uncharacteristic violence - Jim questions Byrne's characterization showing the Fifth Doctor as naive, foolish, and suddenly engaging in unnecessary hand-to-hand combat

• Tegan and Turlough's evolving dynamic - The companions finally bond over eye-rolling about the Doctor, though both still don't want to be traveling in the TARDIS. Tegan suffers through another story of being trapped, taken hostage, and reduced to damsel-in-distress after her previous action hero moments

• The moral dilemma arrives too late - Part 4's ethical debate about genocide feels rushed when it should have been developed earlier. Jim controversially argues the Doctor was wrong to hesitate using the hexachromite gas with billions of lives at stake

• Base Under Siege formula exhaustion - After 21 years, this well-worn plot structure offers no surprises: the paranoid commander, the likable female officer, the traitors within, the invaders, the giant creature. Viewers who've watched for two decades have seen it all before

Design and Direction Problems:

• Moon Base Alpha aesthetic - The overly-bright, sterile sets fail to convey an underwater atmosphere despite occasional model shots of the Silurian ship

• Dr. No radiation suits - The guards' helmets appear identical to the 1962 Bond film's radiation gear (the wiki claims they're the actual costumes, though Jim remains skeptical)

• Laughable battle sequences - No muzzle flashes or laser beams, just actors pointing rifles in extreme slow motion. Quick cuts could have salvaged excitement, but Roberts' clumsy direction makes conflicts feel like rehearsals rather than life-or-death struggles

• Skirt Gate - The famous blooper where a falling door clearly weighs nothing as Janet Fielding's every tiny movement lifts it

• Ingrid Pitt's karate vs. the Myrka - The former Hammer horror star (playing Dr. Solow) deliberately aged herself up and performed unconvincing martial arts against the creature in an obvious first-take

Reptilian Reunion:

• First team-up of Silurians and Sea Devils - Despite being "cousins," the two reptilian species look nothing alike, with Sea Devils acting as subservient warriors to Silurian scientists

• Redesigned Sea Devils - New helmets with Asian-influenced design reminiscent of Buck Rogers' Draconians, with illuminated third eyes solving the mouth-movement problem

Jim argues this represents Doctor Who's aging fanbase problem - like 1980s comics, the show wasn't attracting new young viewers, leaving only "cranky old fans" who'd seen every trope before. The hosts debate whether the Doctor's final moment of regret will carry into the next serial, with John insisting it must affect the character going forward.

Extended Listener Mail Segment: The episode features six emails discussing The Five Doctors, providing retrospective thoughts on the anniversary special, Tom Baker's absence, Richard Hurndall's performance, and various behind-the-scenes details.

Subscribe to The Doctor's Beard Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and all major podcast platforms. Connect with our passionate Whovian community by emailing us at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or joining our active Facebook and BlueSky discussions for exclusive Doctor Who content, character analysis, and fan theories.

Check out Jim Beard's latest creative release - a beautiful blank journal book "Snowball Strums a Story" featuring an original sketch from Jim himself, perfect for Whovians and creative writers! Available now on Amazon for only $7.99 with 200 pages of lined and blank pages: https://www.amazon.com/Snowball-Strums-Story-Thinkin-Journal/dp/B0FTVDVD45

Become a Patreon member today for early episode access, bonus behind-the-scenes content, exclusive deep-dive Doctor Who analysis, and special multimedia reviews covering comics, audio dramas, and music. Your support helps us continue our complete journey through Classic Doctor Who!

Hashtags: #DoctorWho #WarriorsOfTheDeep #ClassicDoctorWho #FifthDoctor #PeterDavison #Season21 #Silurians #SeaDevils #Myrka #ReptilianReunion #Icthar #TeganJovanka #JanetFielding #Turlough #MarkStrickson #BaseUnderSiege #ProductionDisaster #TheMyrka #BehindTheScenes #MichaelGrade #JohnnyByrne #PennantRoberts #MargaretThatcher #BBCProduction #DoctorWho1984 #ProductionNightmare #DrSolow #IngridPitt #SeaBase4 #UnderwaterBase #2084 #ColdWarSciFi #MoralDilemma #Genocide #HexachromiteGas #DoctorWhoReview #DoctorWhoPodcast #TheDoctorsBeardPodcast #TARDIS #Whovian #DoctorWhoHistory #ClassicWho #BBC #BritishSciFi #DoctorWhoFandom #ProductionProblems #SpecialEffectsDisaster #PepperPots #ReptilianAliens #DoctorWhoVillains #JonPertwee #ThirdDoctor #SkirtGate #WardrobeMalfunction #DrNo #JamesBond

The Evil of the Daleks"
Production LL
May 20 - July 1, 1967

The Doctor and Jamie embark on an adventure that takes them across time and space from modern day England to a Victorian home to the planet of the Daleks where Jamie is experimented on to learn the "Human Factor" that has defeated the Daleks time and time again.

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss the epic quality of the story, the rotating companions, and Jamie finally coming into his own as a companion.

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.

The Faceless Ones"
Production KK
April 8 - May 13, 1967

Passengers are disappearing after taking off on flights from Gatwick Airport.

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss the departure of Polly and Ben, the pacing of the story, and Samantha as a potential companion.

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.

The Macra Terror"
Production JJ
March 11 - April 1, 1967

The TARDIS travels to a future Earth colony that is like a holiday camp, but it holds a sinister secret.

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss emergence of Jamie, the swinging personality of the Doctor and the ways one gets multiple Macra out of one.

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.

Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

"The Moonbase"
Production HH
Febrruary 11 - March 4, 1967

The TARDIS makes an emergency landing on the surface of the moon as the Cybermen are trying to invade.

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss the new look of the Cybermen, the point of Jamie, and ineptness of the fourth episode.

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.

Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

"The Underwater Menace"
Production GG
January 14 - February 4, 1967

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss the first visual appearance of Troughton as the Doctor, the acceptance of Ben as a companion, and the desire for Ara to be a companion.

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.

Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

"The Highlanders"
Production FF
December 14, 1966 - January 7, 1967

The Doctor and his companions find themselves caught up in the events following the Battle of Culloden where Ben finds himself being carted away as a slave.

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss Jamie the cypher, Polly's enthusiasm for the Doctor, and Ben's sudden development as a character.

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.

Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

"The Power of the Daleks"
Production EE
November 5 - December 10, 1966

The TARDIS lands on the planet Vulcan and not only do Ben and Polly have to deal with a new incarnation of the Doctor, but there are Daleks who appear subservient to the human colonists.

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss Patrick Troughton's version of the Doctor, the slaughter of the Daleks, and the connections this episode has with the "Timeless Child" story arc.

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.

Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

"The Smugglers"

Production DD

October 8-29, 1966

The TARDIS lands on the South Pole in 1986 where an international space agency is monitoring a rocket landing.  But they quicky discover an alien fleet appraoching Earth and a very weakened Doctor struggles to keep on top of the situation.

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss the Cybermen design, the renewal scene at the very end and the animation for episode four.

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.

Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Jim Beard pounds out adventure fiction with classic pulp style and flair.

A native Toledoan, he was introduced to comic books at an early age by his father, who passed on to him a love for the medium and the pulp characters who preceded it. After decades of reading, collecting and dissecting comics, Jim became a published writer when he sold a story to DC Comics in 2002. Since that time he's written official Spider-Man, X-Files, and Planet of the Apes prose fiction, Star Wars and Ghostbusters comic stories, and contributed articles and essays to several volumes of comic book history.

His prose work also includes GOTHAM CITY 14 MILES, a book of essays on the 1966 Batman TV series; SGT. JANUS, SPIRIT-BREAKER, a collection of pulp ghost stories featuring an Edwardian occult detective; MONSTER EARTH, a shared-world giant monster anthology; and CAPTAIN ACTION: RIDDLE OF THE GLOWING MEN, the first pulp prose novel based on the classic 1960s action figure.

Jim is also the co-publisher at Flinch Books, a small-press pulp house.

Please visit him on Facebook at http://facebook.com/thebeardjimbeard

Want to read some of Jim's works?  Simply follow the link provided and enter a world of mystery and excitement.

"The Smugglers"

Production CC

September 10 - October 1, 1966

The Doctor lands Ben and Polly in the middle of the 17th century as a Cornish village is under threat of attack by a group of pirates.  Their only hope is the Doctor solving a riddle posed by a dead church warden.

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss the characters of Ben and Polly, the locations shooting in Cornwall, and the possible racist portrayal of Jamaica. Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.

Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Jim Beard pounds out adventure fiction with classic pulp style and flair.

A native Toledoan, he was introduced to comic books at an early age by his father, who passed on to him a love for the medium and the pulp characters who preceded it. After decades of reading, collecting and dissecting comics, Jim became a published writer when he sold a story to DC Comics in 2002. Since that time he's written official Spider-Man, X-Files, and Planet of the Apes prose fiction, Star Wars and Ghostbusters comic stories, and contributed articles and essays to several volumes of comic book history.

His prose work also includes GOTHAM CITY 14 MILES, a book of essays on the 1966 Batman TV series; SGT. JANUS, SPIRIT-BREAKER, a collection of pulp ghost stories featuring an Edwardian occult detective; MONSTER EARTH, a shared-world giant monster anthology; and CAPTAIN ACTION: RIDDLE OF THE GLOWING MEN, the first pulp prose novel based on the classic 1960s action figure.

Jim is also the co-publisher at Flinch Books, a small-press pulp house.

Please visit him on Facebook at http://facebook.com/thebeardjimbeard

Want to read some of Jim's works?  Simply follow the link provided and enter a world of mystery and excitement.

Dr. Who & The Daleks

June 25, 1965 (London)

August 23, 1965 (UK)

May 1966 (US)

 

Dr. Who and his granddaughters Susan and Barbara travel to the planet Skaro with Barbara's boyfriend Ian and discover a world filled with alien robotic creatures called Daleks.

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this special Patreon episode, they discuss the differences between the TV episode and the movie, how Susan is more interesting in the movie and who the movie is really made for.

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.

Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Jim Beard pounds out adventure fiction with classic pulp style and flair.

A native Toledoan, he was introduced to comic books at an early age by his father, who passed on to him a love for the medium and the pulp characters who preceded it. After decades of reading, collecting and dissecting comics, Jim became a published writer when he sold a story to DC Comics in 2002. Since that time he's written official Spider-Man, X-Files, and Planet of the Apes prose fiction, Star Wars and Ghostbusters comic stories, and contributed articles and essays to several volumes of comic book history.

His prose work also includes GOTHAM CITY 14 MILES, a book of essays on the 1966 Batman TV series; SGT. JANUS, SPIRIT-BREAKER, a collection of pulp ghost stories featuring an Edwardian occult detective; MONSTER EARTH, a shared-world giant monster anthology; and CAPTAIN ACTION: RIDDLE OF THE GLOWING MEN, the first pulp prose novel based on the classic 1960s action figure.

Jim is also the co-publisher at Flinch Books, a small-press pulp house.

Please visit him on Facebook at http://facebook.com/thebeardjimbeard

Want to read some of Jim's works?  Simply follow the link provided and enter a world of mystery and excitement.

"Orange Whip, Orange Whip, Orange Whip" - Production 6K: "The Five Doctors"
(November 23/25, 1983) - Classic Doctor Who 20th Anniversary Special Review

The ultimate Doctor Who celebration arrives! To commemorate two decades of time travel adventures, all five incarnations of the Doctor are mysteriously pulled out of time and transported to the Death Zone on Gallifrey - the ancient forbidden wasteland where Time Lords once staged gladiatorial games. The First Doctor (Richard Hurndall) and granddaughter Susan, the Second Doctor (Patrick Troughton) and Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, the Third Doctor (Jon Pertwee) and Sarah Jane Smith, and the Fifth Doctor (Peter Davison) with companions Tegan and Turlough must navigate deadly traps, face classic enemies including Daleks, Cybermen, and a Raston Warrior Robot, and ultimately reach the Dark Tower to discover who has orchestrated this temporal kidnapping. Meanwhile, the Fourth Doctor remains trapped in a time eddy. The Master receives a presidential pardon to help, Lord President Borusa harbors dark secrets about immortality, and the fate of all Gallifrey hangs in the balance in this 90-minute anniversary extravaganza.

Join podcaster John S. Drew and acclaimed writer/editor Jim Beard as they master time and space with an incredible lineup of special guests! From The Flopcast, the Mayor of Chickentown herself, Felicity Kusinitz returns to claim the Second Doctor. From The OSI Files podcast, artist extraordinaire Jerry Lange champions the Fourth Doctor (despite Tom Baker's controversial absence). And from the late Doctor Who Gives a Bleep podcast and current host of The Bat77 podcast, JB Anderton takes on the First Doctor role.

In this comprehensive anniversary special analysis, the hosts discuss:

• The Tom Baker controversy - Why the Fourth Doctor was reduced to archive footage from the unfinished "Shada" serial, theories about his refusal (too soon after leaving, not wanting to share the spotlight, conflicting theatre commitments with "Educating Rita"), and whether the public knew beforehand

• Richard Hurndall's remarkable performance - How the replacement First Doctor exceeded expectations and created wonderful chemistry with both Carol Ann Ford's Susan and surprisingly, Tegan

• Robert Holmes' rejected script - The original "Six Doctors" concept featuring a robot First Doctor and Cybermen becoming "Cyber-Lords" (a concept Chris Chibnall would eventually use)

• Perfect companion pairings - Sarah Jane with the Third Doctor and the Brigadier with the Second Doctor as happy accidents that became highlights

• Production challenges - The Eye of Orion footage damage requiring Mark Strickson's emergency recall ("Strickson phone home!"), the abandoned hang glider sequence replaced by the zip line, and Elizabeth Sladen's unfortunate costume choices

• Patrick Troughton and Jon Pertwee's minimal aging - Both looking remarkably like their original incarnations despite years away from the role

• The balance of multiple Doctors - How the script successfully gave each incarnation meaningful moments without anyone overpowering the others

• American vs. British viewing experiences - PBS broadcasting it two days before the BBC on the actual anniversary during the Chicago convention

Jim declares this "a lot of fun" and "almost everything I wanted" - a breath of fresh air with excellent character interactions, though Tom Baker's absence remains the only significant downbeat. The panel agrees that all actors played their roles straight without mugging or winking, creating a sincere celebration rather than a farce.

This landmark special aired November 23, 1983 on American PBS stations (particularly WTTW Chicago during the massive "Visions" convention) and November 25, 1983 on BBC1 during Children in Need.

Subscribe to The Doctor's Beard Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and all major podcast platforms. Connect with our passionate Whovian community by emailing us at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or joining our active Facebook and BlueSky discussions for exclusive Doctor Who content, character analysis, and fan theories.

Check out Jim Beard's latest creative release - a beautiful blank journal book featuring an original sketch from Jim himself, perfect for Whovians and creative writers! Available now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Snowball-Strums-Story-Thinkin-Journal/dp/B0FTVDVD45

Become a Patreon member today for early episode access, bonus behind-the-scenes content, exclusive deep-dive Doctor Who analysis, and special multimedia reviews covering comics, audio dramas, and music. Your support helps us continue our complete journey through Classic Doctor Who!

Hashtags: #DoctorWho #TheFiveDoctors #20thAnniversary #AnniversarySpecial #ClassicDoctorWho #FirstDoctor #WilliamHartnell #RichardHurndall #SecondDoctor #PatrickTroughton #ThirdDoctor #JonPertwee #FourthDoctor #TomBaker #FifthDoctor #PeterDavison #SarahJaneSmith #ElisabethSladen #BrigadierLethbridgeStewart #NicholasCourtney #Susan #CarolAnnFord #TeganJovanka #Turlough #TheMaster #AnthonyAinley #Borusa #Gallifrey #DeathZone #DarkTower #Cybermen #Daleks #RastonWarriorRobot #Shada #TerenceDicks #PeterMoffatt #JohnNathanTurner #DoctorWho1983 #MultiDoctor #ChildrenInNeed #PBS #WTTW #ChicagoConvention #DoctorWhoReview #DoctorWhoPodcast #TheDoctorsBeardPodcast #SpecialGuests #FelicityKusinitz #TheFlopcast #JerryLang #TheOSIFiles #JBAnderton #TARDIS #Whovian #TimeLords #DoctorWhoHistory #LandmarkEpisode #DoctorWhoFandom #MultiDoctorStory #BluesBrothers #OrangeWhip

"The War Machines"

Production BB

June 25 - July 16, 1966

The TARDIS brings the Doctor and Dodo back to London, 1966. There, the Doctor finds an evil force at work that he can feel and is determined to stop WOTAN and the War Machines

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss the shift in storytelling tone, the even more abrupt departure of Dodo, and the music cues that were used in Spider-Man 1967. Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.

Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

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Jim Beard pounds out adventure fiction with classic pulp style and flair.

A native Toledoan, he was introduced to comic books at an early age by his father, who passed on to him a love for the medium and the pulp characters who preceded it. After decades of reading, collecting and dissecting comics, Jim became a published writer when he sold a story to DC Comics in 2002. Since that time he's written official Spider-Man, X-Files, and Planet of the Apes prose fiction, Star Wars and Ghostbusters comic stories, and contributed articles and essays to several volumes of comic book history.

His prose work also includes GOTHAM CITY 14 MILES, a book of essays on the 1966 Batman TV series; SGT. JANUS, SPIRIT-BREAKER, a collection of pulp ghost stories featuring an Edwardian occult detective; MONSTER EARTH, a shared-world giant monster anthology; and CAPTAIN ACTION: RIDDLE OF THE GLOWING MEN, the first pulp prose novel based on the classic 1960s action figure.

Jim is also the co-publisher at Flinch Books, a small-press pulp house.

Please visit him on Facebook at http://facebook.com/thebeardjimbeard

Want to read some of Jim's works?  Simply follow the link provided and enter a world of mystery and excitement.

"The Savages"

Production AA

April 30 - June 18, 1966

The TARDIS lands in a future filled with peace and posperity, but there is a dark side to the utopia as the Doctor soon learns.

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss the departure of Steven, the music in the episode and the anticipation for Patrick Troughton.  Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.

Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Jim Beard pounds out adventure fiction with classic pulp style and flair.

A native Toledoan, he was introduced to comic books at an early age by his father, who passed on to him a love for the medium and the pulp characters who preceded it. After decades of reading, collecting and dissecting comics, Jim became a published writer when he sold a story to DC Comics in 2002. Since that time he's written official Spider-Man, X-Files, and Planet of the Apes prose fiction, Star Wars and Ghostbusters comic stories, and contributed articles and essays to several volumes of comic book history.

His prose work also includes GOTHAM CITY 14 MILES, a book of essays on the 1966 Batman TV series; SGT. JANUS, SPIRIT-BREAKER, a collection of pulp ghost stories featuring an Edwardian occult detective; MONSTER EARTH, a shared-world giant monster anthology; and CAPTAIN ACTION: RIDDLE OF THE GLOWING MEN, the first pulp prose novel based on the classic 1960s action figure.

Jim is also the co-publisher at Flinch Books, a small-press pulp house.

Please visit him on Facebook at http://facebook.com/thebeardjimbeard

Want to read some of Jim's works?  Simply follow the link provided and enter a world of mystery and excitement.

"The Gunfighters"

Production Z

April 30 - May 21, 1966

 

 

Sung to the melody of "The Ballad of the Last Chance Saloon"

The Doctor's got toothache,

He needs some relief,

He just needs a dentist

One's on a Tombstone street.

 

But Doc Holliday has other plans,

Ones that could spell your doom,

If you're slow upon the draw

at the Last Chance Saloon.

 

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode they are joined by writer/podcaster Alan J. Porter.  Alan was born and raised in England and grew up watching Doctor Who in the 60s.  He shares his insights in this episode as we discuss the historical inaccuracy of the piece, the song - "The Ballad of the Last Chance Saloon", and the bad reputation this story has.

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or by joining our Facebook community.

Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Jim Beard pounds out adventure fiction with classic pulp style and flair.

A native Toledoan, he was introduced to comic books at an early age by his father, who passed on to him a love for the medium and the pulp characters who preceded it. After decades of reading, collecting and dissecting comics, Jim became a published writer when he sold a story to DC Comics in 2002. Since that time he's written official Spider-Man, X-Files, and Planet of the Apes prose fiction, Star Wars and Ghostbusters comic stories, and contributed articles and essays to several volumes of comic book history.

His prose work also includes GOTHAM CITY 14 MILES, a book of essays on the 1966 Batman TV series; SGT. JANUS, SPIRIT-BREAKER, a collection of pulp ghost stories featuring an Edwardian occult detective; MONSTER EARTH, a shared-world giant monster anthology; and CAPTAIN ACTION: RIDDLE OF THE GLOWING MEN, the first pulp prose novel based on the classic 1960s action figure.

Jim is also the co-publisher at Flinch Books, a small-press pulp house.

Please visit him on Facebook at http://facebook.com/thebeardjimbeard

Want to read some of Jim's works?  Simply follow the link provided and enter a world of mystery and excitement.

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Alan J. Porter, writer, and podcaster, likes to talk about stuff and makes up stories too. With over 30 fiction and non-fiction book publishing credits and hundreds of magazine articles, he covers the worlds of Pop Culture, Comics, High-Adventure fiction, Movies, Music, Business Strategy, and more. 

His pop-culture non-fiction work has featured properties such as Batman, Star Trek, The Beatles, G.I. Joe, Battlestar Galactica, and James Bond.  He can also be found podcasting on a regular basis about James Bond, The Beatles, and pop-culture in general.

He has also written comics for Tokyopop, BOOM Studios, Marvel, Disney, and Kid Domino, as well as produced a series of educational comics in partnership with the University of Texas and NASA.

He has written original adventures featuring classic characters such as Sherlock Holmes, Allan Quatermain, Houdini, The Musketeers, Wild Bill Hickok, Gideon Cain, and private eye Rick Ruby; as well as his own New Pulp adventurers, The Raven and The Lotus Ronin.

His other online activities include the comics history blogs: Batman On The Cover(Tumbler and Instagram) and Racing Comics: Motor Sports In The Comics (Tumblr).

He is a regular guest and speaker at various comics, pop-culture, and science-fiction conventions.

His business books have covered topics such as Customer Experience, Content Strategy, and Wiki Implementation.

A full bibliography can be found here.