Doctor Who Literature
- Description:
- Doctor Who is not just one of the world's longest-running science fiction TV shows, but it's also generated a prolific amount of tie-in books, often with strong literary merit. Join Jason from the Trap One Podcast on a solo journey through the Target novelizations, in publication order.
RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/72d51f48/podcast/rss
- Episodes:
- 135
- Average Episode Duration:
- 0:1:30:31
- Longest Episode Duration:
- 0:2:18:20
- Total Duration of all Episodes:
- 8 days, 11 hours, 38 minutes and 52 seconds
- Earliest Episode:
- 6 November 2021 (4:53pm GMT)
- Latest Episode:
- 7 April 2024 (5:58am GMT)
- Average Time Between Episodes:
- 6 days, 12 hours, 53 minutes and 49 seconds
Doctor Who Literature Episodes
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Episode 75 - Meglos (with Conrad Westmaas)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 47 minutes and 46 secondsThe new trailer for the Autumn 2023 Doctor Who specials is up!
Conrad Westmaas (@HairOfTheHound_) is back this week as we discuss "Meglos". Conrad tries to win back his 20 Questions crown... how well will that go? We also play a lively game of show-and-tell.
The "Josie and the Pussycats In Outer Space" series can still be found on DVD.
The full cut of Peter Howell's "The Astronauts", mentioned this week, can be heard in full.
"Doctor Who – Meglos" features cover art by Andrew Skilleter.
Doctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.
Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/doctorwholit/message
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Episode 74 - Time-Flight (with Frazer Gregory)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 37 minutes and 58 secondsIt's 1983! And the second-ever novelization of a Peter Davison story, released just in time for the end of TV's Season 20.
Joining me this week is Frazer Gregory (@FelixFrazer). We have an epic discussion of "Time-Flight" the book and TV, and play an involved game of "Target Books First Lines" -- turning the tables on Frazer after he sprung this game on ME on an earlier episode.
You can hear a lot of Frazer's recent appearances on other Doctor Who podcasts such as WHO Corner to Corner.
And Jim Sangster (@MonsterMaker), who contributed the excellent show open this week, can recently be heard on Reality Bomb and the Doctor Who Target Book Club Podcast.
You can read Waris Hussein's 1963 diaries here.
Also mentioned in this episode is David Gerrold's very funny book about the genesis of Star Trek: TOS "The Trouble with Tribbles".
Doctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.
Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/doctorwholit/message
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Episode 73 - The Sunmakers (with Lewis Baston)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 40 minutes and 55 secondsWhat is The Sun Makers on TV? A simple satire on 1970s' British taxation? A subversive takedown of capitalism? Colonialism? All of these things? Lewis Baston (@LewisBaston5) has written the book on this story -- literally -- and is back this week to discuss with us.
Please purchase Lewis' Black Archive volume on Sun Makers here.
Last week, one memorably cranky reviewer on Apple Podcasts described my guests as "ghastly woke zombies". You bet we are! And even more of that this week. Jim Sangster (@Monster_Maker) has gone ahead and designed the Ghastly Woke Zombie T-shirt.
And friend of the podcast Brian Burkart has given us the K-9 Roomba.
"Doctor Who and the Sunmakers" features cover art by Andrew Skilleter.
Doctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.
Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/doctorwholit/message
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Episode 72 - Logopolis (with Jonathan Blum)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 51 minutes and 23 secondsOne of Jason's favorite Doctor Who TV episodes and novelizations is the subject of this week's episode.
Joining me is long-time Doctor Who author Jonathan Blum, back for his third appearance.
Kate Orman was on the schedule but unable to join us this week, but please purchase and listen to her incredible new Big Finish audio novel, The Dead Star.
John Fraser, who was the principal guest star in Logopolis, wrote a terrific autobiography several years ago which you can still find -- even if, sadly, the book doesn't describe his three weeks on Doctor Who.
Jason's most recent guest spot on the Doctor Who Target Book Club Podcast can be found here.
"Doctor Who – Logopolis" features cover art by Andrew Skilleter.
Doctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.
Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/doctorwholit/message
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Episode 71 - Full Circle (with Jim Sangster)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 49 minutes and 56 secondsJoining me this week to wrap up the E-Space Trilogy -- the first story in the trilogy is the last to be novelized -- is Jim Sangster (@Monster_Maker), the designer of our excellent new logo, and the musical genius behind... well, you'll hear it within today's episode.
Check out Jim's RedBubble Store, my official Doctor Who convention T-shirt outfitter, and from which Jim wore a selection during our recording for this week.
You can catch Jason on the most recent podcast guest appearance on the most recent episode of Gallifrey's Most Wanted.
This week's episode frequently references James Cooray Smith's excellent Doctor Who-themed Substack.
A new James Bond novel is out, and author Kim Sherwood has a surprising connection to Doctor Who's "Full Circle"...
"Doctor Who and the Leisure Hive" features cover art by Andrew Skilleter.
Doctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.
Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/doctorwholit/message
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Episode 70 - The Visitation (with Mark from Trap One)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 31 minutes and 42 secondsThis week, it's the first Peter Davison novelization, the first Season 19 novelization, and the first photographic cover. We love all three, no surprise.
Our guest is the superb @Quark_McMalus of Trap One Podcast.
You can find an image of the proposed (and rejected) cover painting for this novelization here.
Doctor Who: Doom's Day Hours 14-11 by M.G. Harris is due out in August.
We have a new logo beginning this week and it's all thanks to @Monster_Maker! It's absolutely lovely and I can't believe it's mine!
If this week's book sounds familiar, it's possibly because the Doctor Who Target Book Club Podcast covered it last week, also with the help of @Monster_Maker.
And don't forget to tune in NEXT week, when our special guest is... @Monster_Maker.
The full 1963 version of "Meet the Mets" can be found here.
Doctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.
Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/doctorwholit/message
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Episode 69 - The Leisure Hive (with Si Hart)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 42 minutes and 56 secondsWelcome to your weekend of Jason. This weekend I can also be found on the following just-released podcast episodes:
We're All Stories in the End: Camera Obscura
Trap One: The Season 2 (William Hartnell) Blu-ray Collection
Doctor Who Literature: The Eight Doctors
Meanwhile this week, the ubiquitous Si Hart brings his talents back to DWLit. And brings not one, not two, but, how gratifying, THREE copies of the Leisure Hive novelization.
We also discuss the significance of Lalla Ward's bathing costume, the many splendors of Season 18, and whether or not, when it comes to playing "20 Questions", Si is smarter than an AI program.
"Doctor Who and the Leisure Hive" features cover art by Andrew Skilleter.
Doctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.
Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Bonus Episode - The Eight Doctors (with Stacey Smith?)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 0 hours, 40 minutes and 50 secondsHappy April 1st, y'all!
The topic of our annual April Fool's episode is Terrance Dicks' generally derided 1997 novel The Eight Doctors. But, no fooling, Stacey and I just get into a pretty hard-hitting debate about all sorts of things related to the book.
Back with a regular episode tomorrow!
Doctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.
Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 68 - The Keeper of Traken (with Lelon Stoldt)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 38 minutes and 52 secondsWe continue on our Season 18 run with our third straight novelization from the season -- unusually, all so far in story order. "The Keeper of Traken" on TV is a delightful gem, and the book is not too far behind it.
Joining me this week to celebrate Season 18 -- as well as the many other topics which inevitably come up -- is Lelon Stoldt (@LelonStoldt) from the InDOCtrination Podcast, a delightful show in which Lelon reads his way through the Target novelizations with his daughters -- in story order. You can catch their latest episode here.
All our guests are up for a rousing game of "20 Questions"... but what happens when an AI program attempts the same? Find out... the results will shock you.
"Doctor Who and the Keeper of Traken" features cover art by Andrew Skilleter.]
Doctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.
Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 68 - The Keeper of Traken (with Lelon Stoldt)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 38 minutes and 52 secondsWe continue on our Season 18 run with our third straight novelization from the season -- unusually, all so far in story order. "The Keeper of Traken" on TV is a delightful gem, and the book is not too far behind it.
Joining me this week to celebrate Season 18 -- as well as the many other topics which inevitably come up -- is Lelon Stoldt (@LelonStoldt) from the InDOCtrination Podcast, a delightful show in which Lelon reads his way through the Target novelizations with his daughters -- in story order. You can catch their latest episode here.
All our guests are up for a rousing game of "20 Questions"... but what happens when an AI program attempts the same? Find out... the results will shock you.
"Doctor Who and the Keeper of Traken" features cover art by Andrew Skilleter.]
Doctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.
Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 67 - Warriors' Gate (with Adam Clegg)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 40 minutes and 24 secondsOur journey through Season 18 continues with the novelization of "Warriors' Gate" -- and, for a short time only, the Target books match up by publication order AND story order!
Jason's guest this week is Adam Clegg (@AdamJClegg), a popular returning guest, and co-host of both The Real McCoy Podcast and Harry Sullivan Is An Imbecile!. We are both delighted by Warriors' Gate, both in print and on TV. As a result, this conversation is much more on topic than usual. But there's still time for a game of 20 Questions.Jason then breaks down the text of the novelization, which is in many ways a stark departure from the previous Target books that we've been examining in publication order. What is the significance of the April 1982 release date?
"Doctor Who and Warriors' Gate" features cover art by Andrew Skilleter.
Doctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 66 - State of Decay (with Denise Sutton)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 30 minutes and 10 secondsSeasons 18 through 21 of the Classic Series are my era of the show, and this week's novelization, January 1982's "Doctor Who and the State of Decay", is the first novelization of the JNT era. You'll be hearing a lot more Peter Howell music on this show the next few seasons!
After a brief roundup of some distressing current events, we revisit Harlan Ellison, one of the topics from last week's show. The anthology referenced is "This Book Needs No Introduction, by Harlan Ellison".This week's guest is the always wonderful Denise Sutton (@CupOfTea69).
"Doctor Who and the State of Decay" features cover art by Andrew Skilleter.
Doctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Bonus Episode - Chris Boucher and Harlan Ellison (with Philip Hinchcliffe and Jason Davis)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 16 minutes and 57 secondsThis week we take a break in between the 1981 and 1982 seasons to explore the legacies of two writing titans.
Harlan Ellison wrote the 7-page introduction that appeared in most American reprints of Target novelizations, put out by Pinnacle Books. How did that essay come to be commissioned, and why did Harlan write it? We have answers! We're joined by Jason Davis, who edited several of Harlan's collections, and shares his knowledge with us, in an interview recorded live at Gallifrey One in Los Angeles in February 2022.
You can find Jason at Humanity Is My Business.
We are then rejoined by Philip Hinchcliffe, Doctor Who's producer between 1974 and 1977, and producer for Chris Boucher's first two TV episodes, to discuss the work and legacy of Mr. Boucher, who passed away in December 2022. This interview was recorded in January 2023.
And stay tuned for a bonus conversation, also recorded live at Gally, with long-time show contributors David Barsky and Bill Evenson. This conversation is, ah... much less scholarly and stately than the other two.
Doctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.
Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 65 - An Unearthly Child (with Mark from Trap One)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 44 minutes and 18 secondsDoctor Who's origin story is our focus this week.
There is so, so much to discuss, and it's fitting that Mark from The Trap One Podcast is the one to join me this week. We discuss both the TV serial -- Doctor Who's first four weeks on television in late autumn 1963 -- and the novelization, which came out 65th in Target's publication run but is indeed the first story.
Mark and I have lots and lots of memories this week. And lots more in my audio essay, following the conversation with Mark.
You can find for purchase two Doctor Who spinoff media tales mentioned by Mark:
--"Hunters of the Burning Stone", a comic book sequel to this adventure.
--"The Last Day at Work", a Big Finish freebie audio play also riffing on this adventure.On YouTube you can find:
--the 1976 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Weebles set.
--Game 6 of the 1981 World Series, which aired the same week this novelization was published.
"Doctor Who and an Unearthly Child" features cover art by Andrew Skilleter.
Doctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 64 - The Enemy of the World (LIVE -- with Stacey Smith?)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 23 minutes and 15 secondsThis episode of "Doctor Who Literature" was mostly recorded live at Gallifrey One in Los Angeles between February 16 and 18, 2023.
Stacey Smith? joins me to discuss the episode and novelization of the week, the pandemic, the convention, and her international travels. And Dale Santos returns from the Gally dealer's room with some fascinating book-related treasures.
The con is not over yet and there's plenty more con-related content to come over the next few episodes!
"Doctor Who and the Enemy of the World" features cover art by Bill Donohoe.
Doctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 63 - The Creature from the Pit (with Frazer Gregory)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 14 minutes and 5 seconds"The Creature from the Pit" as a TV episode has divided fandom over the years, but fortunately, my guest this week, the great Frazer Gregory (@FelixFrazer), fall onto the same page in discussing both the episode and the January 1981 David Fisher novelization.
However, Frazer doesn't find "20 Questions" such an easy time of it...
"Doctor Who and the Creature from the Pit" features cover art by Steve Kyte.
Doctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 62 - The Monster of Peladon (with Jo Short)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 0 hours, 46 minutes and 20 secondsDecember 1980 marks a watershed moment for the Target novelizations range -- the last calendar year in which more than half a given year's books will be written by Terrance Dicks. We will look back and pay tribute to his contributions to the range during this episode -- though of course he will have many more novelizations put out over the next decade-plus.
Joining me as a first-time guest this week is Jo Short (@thebrainofspock). Technical problems transpired to make this a very short interview, but Jo came packed with insights, so there's not a wasted moment."Doctor Who and the Monster of Peladon" features cover art bySteve Kyte.
Doctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 61 - The Horns of Nimon (with Ross Aitken)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 34 minutes and 11 secondsWe've got a show bursting at the seams this week.
We have a new Season 9 Classic Series Blu-ray collection trailer, and it is very emotional.Jason previously discussed this week's book, "Doctor Who and the Horns of Nimon" over on our sister podcast, The Doctor Who Target Book Club Podcast.
My guest this week is the great Ross Aitken (@traitken), from such amazing podcasts as Gallifrey's Most Wanted (@GallifreysMWPod). Ross, like Jason, never shies away from strong opinions, and there are some great ones this week.
We discuss some Hall of Fame athletes this week as well, and joining the Doctor Who Literature guest reading Hall of Fame is the one and only Jim Sangster (@monster_maker).
Ross and Jason briefly discuss the game that broke Jason's heart when Jason was just days old, Game 7 of the 1973 World Series. We have very different rooting interests in this game.The stakes are very high in this week's game of "Guess That Cliffhanger".
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's Substack is an incredible ride.
"Doctor Who and the Horns of Nimon" features cover art by Steve Kyte.
Doctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 60 - Nightmare of Eden (with Pete Lambert)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 35 minutes and 59 secondsJanuary 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the releases of the first three Target novelizations. Happy Birthday to Doctor Who novels!
My guest this week, and it's a fun, wide-ranging chat, is fan favorite Pete Lambert (@Prof_Quiteamess). Fresh off his appearance discussing "Buffy: The Vampire Slayer" on another podcast, Pete has several fresh takes about the way Buffy/Angel and Doctor Who have influenced each other over the years, and we detour to a brief lovefest about "House, M.D.".
The story of the week is "Nightmare of Eden", Bob Baker's final "Doctor Who" script before departing to the world of Wallace and Gromit, and this is the final novelization of any of his stories. How does the TV production differ from Baker's intended story? And how does the great Terrance Dicks bring the story back to basics?
Pete will have his hands full with a game of "Guess That Cliffhanger".
"Doctor Who and the Nightmare of Eden" features cover art by Andrew Skilleter.
Doctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 59 - The Keys of Marinus (Philip Hinchcliffe; Jim Sangster)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 2 hours, 7 minutes and 57 secondsPossibly our biggest and boldest episode yet. The great Philip Hinchcliffe is back to discuss his third and (sadly) final Doctor Who novelization; August 1980's "The Keys of Marinus". Always an honor to speak to Philip, who had not read this book in decades and gained a new perspective on the text.
And Jim Sangster (@Monster_Maker) is back to discuss "Marinus" in both TV and book incarnations and why "Marinus" is so important to 21st-century "Doctor Who"... as well as Jim's prolific creative work and DW content, Bette Davis, limericks, and the long-awaited return of everyone's favorite game, "Guess That Cliffhanger".
The Bette Davis/George Colouris interview may be found in its entirety here.
The "Blake's 7" anthology for which Jim provided illustrations may be found and purchased here."Doctor Who and the Keys of Marinus" features cover art by David McAllister.
Doctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 58 - The Armageddon Factor (with Paul Scoones)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 27 minutes and 18 secondsWe're very excited to welcome Paul Scoones (@Paul_Scoones) to Doctor Who Literature. Paul wears many hats in the "Doctor Who" universe and we'll discuss almost all of them today. We'll also discuss pronunciations, genealogy, the long and benevolent shadow of Terrance Dicks... and play a game of "20 Questions".
Read Paul's accounting of the recovery of Episode 1 of "The Crusade", which occurred 24 years ago this week.
You can find the TSV novelizations -- including two written by Paul himself -- here.
Bonus reading on the Curse of the House of Atreus.
"Doctor Who and the Armageddon Factor" features cover art by Andrew Skilleter.
Doctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 57 - The Power of Kroll (with Iain Martin)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 21 minutes and 26 secondsHappy New Year to all; we wish you a happy and healthy 2023.
My guest this week is the great Iain Martin (@broadanddeep), from oh so many great Doctor Who podcasts, including but not limited to We're All Stories in the End and All of Time and Space.
Iain proves a true challenge to the all-time "20 Questions" quiz title-holders.
While the TV version of "The Power of Kroll" doesn't win a lot of fans this week, the novelization was previously featured on Jason's Terrance Top Ten list in September 2019.
"Doctor Who and the Power of Kroll" features cover art by Andrew Skilleter.
Doctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 56 - The Androids of Tara (with Michael Stevens; Pete Lambert)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 20 minutes and 33 secondsAnd, incidentally, a happy Christmas, to all of you at home!
For this Yule themed (and 7th-day-of-Hanukkah themed) episode of Doctor Who Literature, we feature K-9 singing holiday classics.There are two guest interviews this week. Delighted to have Michael Stevens, editor of the Target Audiobooks range, which featured a new novelization of this week's story, "The Androids of Tara".
And we have frequent Doctor Who Literature guest Pete Lambert (@Prof_Quiteamess) reading the Terrance Dicks adaptation of "Androids of Tara" for the first time!
Don't forget to listen to the Trap One discussion of the David Fisher novelization.
"Doctor Who and the Androids of Tara" features cover art by Andrew Skilleter.
Doctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 55 - The Stones of Blood (with "UK" Jason McLaughlin)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 39 minutes and 31 secondsWe lost two big names connected with Classic Doctor Who this week: episode writer and novelist Chris Boucher, and actor Jane Sherwin. This episode features audio clips from Boucher's "The Robots of Death", and of Sherwin (with Frazer Hines and Graham Weston) in "The War Games".
My guest this week is Jason McLaughlin (@JangoMac72), one of my fellow co-hosts from The Trap One Podcast, and the impresario behind Bearded Geek Toy Reviews over on YouTube. "UK Jason" offers us a tour of his recording studio and his impressive array of genre memorabilia.Topics discussed this week include the great Saturday morning TV shows of Sid and Marty Krofft, specifically "Far Out Space Nuts" and "Land of the Lost". UK Jason also takes his turn at "20 Questions", with surprising results.
We also have Listener Mail, Jason's review of the "Stones of Blood" novelization, and much much more.
"Doctor Who and the Stones of Blood" features cover art by Andrew Skilleter.
Doctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 54 - The Invasion of Time (with Mark from Trap One)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 17 minutes and 0 secondsWe have a guest host this week. Mark (@QuarkMcMalus) from the Trap One Podcast does a brilliant job manning the ship and taking us back to Gallifrey, discussing this week's book with a first-time (and yet oddly familiar-sounding) guest.
"Doctor Who and the Invasion of Time" features cover art by Andrew Skilleter.Doctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.
Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 53 - Underworld (with Frazer Gregory)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 44 minutes and 41 secondsThis has been a fraught week on the Internet, on Twitter especially, so we open with an unscripted monologue on the subject.
Some background reading on the odious Joe Rogan, my fellow Spotify podcaster.
A link to Judd Apatow's 2015 anthology, Sick in the Head, an excerpt from which is read on the program. No copyright infringement is intended.This episode features Mouret's Rondeau, best known in the US as the theme to PBS's "Masterpiece Theater".
My guest this week is the great Frazer Gregory (@FelixFrazer). We discuss Underworld (the week's book and its parent TV episode), but also Warriors of the Deep and the Doctor Who Rubbish Monsters Advent Calendar. There are dramatic readings, and there's a game -- but not the game you were expecting."Doctor Who and the Underworld" features cover art by Bill Donohoe.
Doctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Bonus Episode - LI Who guest & fan interviews; bonus Classic Series audio commentary
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 11 minutes and 42 secondsJason is back from LI Who (Long Island Doctor Who) presents: Meglos 2022. And he's brought back interviews with four convention guests plus several fan friends. The perfect way to spend a week in between the end of the 1979 Target books and the start of the 1980 books.
Jason then does a spontaneous, unrehearsed audio commentary for a single 25-minute Classic Series Doctor Who episode. The episode we will be discussing this week is...Doctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.
Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 52 - The Ribos Operation (with David Barsky)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 34 minutes and 38 secondsThis week on Doctor Who Literature we close out our third season with a look at the last novelization of 1979, Ian Marter's third book, and the first book in the "Key to Time" cycle. US TV producer David Barsky rejoins us to talk about Harlan Ellison, "American Chopper", and a rousing game of "Listener Limerick Challenge".
Also this week we learned that Millie Gibson will be playing Doctor Who's newest assistant, and she's interviewed by the new Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa, here.
Jason can be heard this week on the latest episode of Reality Bomb."Doctor Who and the Ribos Operation" features cover art by John Geary.
Doctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 51 - Destiny of the Daleks (with Larry VonMersbergen)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 28 minutes and 12 secondsWe have a short Terrance Dicks novelization this week, but one that was very influential on Young Jason's fandom, so there's a lot to say on this episode.
My guest this week is Larry, the founder and CEO of the Direction Point! podcast network, and the host of the Doctor Who Collectors Podcast. Larry has been around American fandom since practically the very beginning and has a wealth of stories to tell, but, more importantly, we also discuss which city makes the better pizza: New York or Chicago (spoiler alert, this is my podcast, so the answer is not going to be Chicago).
Last week I moderated a Trap One podcast discussion on The Stones of Blood, the new David Fisher novelization, with three other Doctor Who fans well known to listeners of this podcast.You can watch the full "Sesame Street" Monsterpiece Theater version of "Me, Claudius" (featured in this episode) here.
"Doctor Who and the Destiny of the Daleks" features cover art by Andrew Skilleter.
Doctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.
Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit
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Episode 50 - The War Games (with Ross Aitken, and many special guests)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 2 hours, 18 minutes and 20 seconds50 episodes of Doctor Who Literature, and this episode releases of the first anniversary of my original trailer for the then-forthcoming podcast, November 6. It's been a fun and rewarding year, we've read some great books and interviewed some great guests. Thanks to all of you who have been along for all or part of this journey.
"The War Games" is surely one of Doctor Who's best -- and most groundbreaking -- TV serials. The novelization by Malcolm Hulke has not quite received perhaps quite so much love, but we try to remedy that over the course of this episode.
Joining Jason this week is Ross from Gallifrey's Most Wanted Podcast as well as Stop! Let's Team Up. We discuss War Games, Jack Kirby, and Eli Wallach; and reflect on some of the badly-dated language used in the 1970s to denote race in the Target novelizations.
Many other special guests stop by this week to remember "The War Games" (TV and book) and to wish the podcast a happy 50th episode.
Read more about Rudolph Walker, who had a too-small part in Episodes Four and Five of "The War Games".
Pete Seeger's rousing rendition of "John Brown's Body", a fight song for the Union Army in the American Civil War, as referenced in the novelization.
Eli Wallach's excellent autobiography was published in 2005. The actor passed away a few years later at age 99.
"Doctor Who and the War Games" features cover art by John Geary.
Doctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.
Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 49 - Image of the Fendahl (with David Barsky)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 16 minutes and 3 secondsAnd, incidentally, a Happy Halloween, to all of you at home.
Welcome to the first episode of Doctor Who Literature made after the airing of "The Power of the Doctor", the BBC centenary episode, and the last hurrah for Jodie Whittaker and Chris Chibnall. I appeared on Trap One earlier this week to discuss the episode. And be sure to check out DWLit vets Conrad, Mark, and Pete, discussing the Disney/Doctor Who news.
Joining Jason this week to break down "Image of the Fendahl" is friend of the podcast and TV producer David Barsky, who brings us news on his latest series, braves a round of "20 Questions", talks cross-country travel, and discusses just what merit might be found in this slender novelization. Plus, a surprising abundance of jokes about novelization author Terrance Dicks' surname.
This is your last week to contribute any audio recollections in advance of next week's special Episode 50, covering "The War Games" and its novelization."Doctor Who and the Image of the Fendahl" features cover art by John Geary.
Doctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 48 - The Robots of Death (with Daniel Knight)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 29 minutes and 49 secondsThis episode is being released the same day that "The Power of the Doctor" -- the Jodie Whittaker and Chris Chibnall finale -- is set to air. One day ago, we received this gorgeous new trailer. How excited are you for this episode? We are, and we'll talk about it a lot today.
My guest this week is a returning guest, Daniel Knight (@DanielKnight73). We'll be talking "The Robots of Death", TV and book, but we also discuss the legacy of Philip Hinchcliffe, the last DWM survey of the entire series, and our thoughts on Jodie's and Chibnall's work on Doctor Who the last few years.
We are also joined again by Simon Hart (@Si_Hart), our correspondent at "Terrance Dicks: A Celebration" at Riverside Studios earlier this month.
"Doctor Who and the Robots of Death" features cover art by John Geary.
Doctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.
Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit
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Episode 47 - The Invisible Enemy (with Si Hart)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 47 minutes and 49 secondsFor the third straight week on Doctor Who Literature, we are examining the novelization of a Bob Baker & Dave Martin TV episode. Made at the very beginning of the Graham Williams era, the first story produced as part of Season 15, this proves to be a somewhat rocky maiden voyage for Doctor Who's incoming producer, and the scripts that Williams was handed... probably did not help matters. There are some terrific ideas on the page and some terrific visual effects on screen, especially in Part One, but, this week's guest (the inaugural member of the Doctor Who Literature Five-Timers club), Si Hart (@Si_Hart) and I, sure have a lot of fun breaking down what went wrong.
Jason and Si also apply our Retrospective Script Editor hats to try and improve several Classic Doctor Who stories, such as "The Time Monster", and we revisit a COVID-inspired trip through the Jon Pertwee era.
Among the many other places you can catch Si is on the Maximum Power Podcast, which is about to launch its second season.
And catch Jason on the most recent episode of the Trap One Podcast discussing the Power of the Doctor trailer.
"Doctor Who and the Invisible Enemy" features cover art by Roy Knipe.
Doctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.]
Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 46 - The Hand of Fear (with Dale Smith)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 52 minutes and 27 secondsDoctor Who Literature is now a member of the Direction Point Doctor Who podcast network.
This week we are joined by Dale Smith, a prolific writer of both Doctor Who fiction and non-fiction. Dale talks about two of his Doctor Who novels and his recent Black Archives volume on "The Talons of Weng-Chiang". You can find Dale's masterful website detailing his writing career here, and can purchase his Black Archives volume here. We've talked a lot about "Talons" on Doctor Who Literature lately, but Dale's literally written the book on the subject, and this was a particularly fascinating conversation.
"The Hand of Fear" features one of Doctor Who's most emotional companion departures, and another amazing vocal performance by the great Stephen Thorne. We will cover all of that, from the sublime to the sublime.
Thanks to Frazer Gregory (@FelixFrazer) for this week's transcendently good guest reading.
"Doctor Who and the Hand of Fear" features cover art by Roy Knipe.
Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 45 - The Sontaran Experiment (with Bill Evenson)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 45 minutes and 7 secondsSeveral program notes this week. We're a big hit in France. The fabulous novelization cover by Roy Knipe generates much talk on Twitter. A major change to the show coming next week -- tune in and find out --
-- but before you do that, stick around this week. The always funny and ever-unpredictable Bill Evenson (of The Frankenstein Minute Podcast and Reality Bomb!) is back. We discuss Frankenstein, his Doctor Who humor book (co-written with repeat Doctor Who Literature guest Stacey Smith?), which is the better show: Breaking Bad or Better Call Saul, and... occasionally, just very occasionally, we talk about "Doctor Who and the Sontaran Experiment".
Bill has a memorably rough time with "20 Questions". Will he finish? Will he be the first person in the history of the show to NOT get the answer?
Jason breaks down what CultBox calls his "forensic look" at the text. Who's the better narrator -- Jason, or Jon Culshaw?
Links this week:
We're thrilled to make CultBox's September podcast roundup.
Bill and Stacey Smith? wrote a very funny book.
Jason previously interviewed Bill and Stacey about it on Trap One.
Jason returns to Trap One to discuss The Celestial Toymaker this week.
And Bill can be heard weekly on The Frankenstein Minute.Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 44 - The Android Invasion (with Ross Aitken + excerpt from a mystery guest)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 52 minutes and 35 secondsThere comes a time in every Doctor Who podcast's life -- and I'm sure I'll have plenty of them -- where the episode under discussion just isn't that good. This is one of those weeks, but it's a tribute to Doctor Who in general that it took 44 weeks' worth of books to get to this point.
Jason opens up with several anecdotes meant to delay the inevitable. Talking about dorm room decorations, Brooklyn geography, Winona Ryder, off-Broadway musicals, and knitting.
A mystery guest speaks to us, via an excerpt from a forthcoming Doctor Who Literature episode, about "The Android Invasion" on TV. Listen on to find out who!
Ross Aitken (@traitken) from Gallifrey's Most Wanted (@GallifreysMWPod) joins Jason this week for an all-encompassing and unpredictable discussion about the entirety of Doctor Who -- we literally chat about 1963 and 2022 and most stops in between -- while taking a few minutes to scowl at the TV episode and book in question this week.
Jason then reads a more sarcastic than usual breakdown of the Terrance Dicks novelization -- but Terrance himself has some thoughts on this story, it seems, and they're not too dissimilar to Jason's and Ross's.
Links to other podcasts mentioned in the episode:
Trap One: Galaxy 4
Gallifrey's Most Wanted: The 3rd Doctor
Gallifrey's Most Wanted: The 4th Doctor
Trap One: Doctor Who - Flux Trailer Breakdown
Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 43 - Death to the Daleks (with Paul Simpson)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 45 minutes and 6 secondsThis week in September 2022 saw the announcement of the title of the next Doctor Who episode ("The Power of the Doctor"), although not the release date. This week also saw "Cobra Kai" Season 5 drop on Netflix, though that's of slightly less importance to fandom.
My guest this week is Paul Simpson (@scifibulletin), who has several terrific stories to tell about the early years of the Target Books publishing office and some amazing details about the early writers (Malcolm Hulke and his graph paper!). Paul is currently managing editor of Sci-Fi Bulletin.
Release information and a link to "Doctor Who and the Daleks: The Illustrated Edition" can be found here.
Stick around for the second half of the program, when Jason discusses the "Death to the Daleks" novelization -- a perfect example of how Terrance adds value and insight and depth to the TV serial even in a very short book. There's lots to break down today.
Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 42 - The Time Warrior (with Conrad Westmaas)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 58 minutes and 38 secondsIt's been a busy week in world news, especially in England, with the selection of a new Prime Minister, the passing of the Queen, and the accession of a new King.
Here on Doctor Who Literature, we tackle the novelization of "The Time Warrior", a book with sole writing credit to Terrance Dicks, but actually the work of two men: Terrance, and Robert Holmes.
We spend some considerable time on the book's Prologue, written by Holmes. This week's guest, Conrad (@HairOfTheHound_), lays down one of the great guest-readings of all time. Jason and Conrad have a long chat about the state of Doctor Who in 2022, "The Time Warrior" on TV, that prologue, and all the other wonderful material in the book.
Conrad takes a run at becoming Champion of "20 Questions". Will he succeed?
Finally, Jason goes through the rest of the book chapter by chapter. What happens to Eric the Squire in the book vs. on TV? Who is Professor Dingle? Who is Professor Crabshaw? Who has the upper hand in their alliance -- Linx, or Irongron? The answers to all these might surprise you...Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 41 - The Tomb of the Cybermen (with Steven B. from New To Who)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 56 minutes and 11 secondsSteven B. (@steedstylin) from the excellent New To Who podcast is a first-time guest this week. We have much to discuss about "Tomb of the Cybermen", which premiered 55 years ago this week. We take a look at some of the TV story's more questionable choices on race and ethnicity, and discuss what it was like to watch this story in 1967 when it first aired, versus 1992 when it was recovered after being thought lost, versus today. Steven also enthuses over the novel's cover art, and we discuss the great work of Jeff Cummins and other titans of the Target cover-painting range.
Here you can find New To Who's Ratings Matrix, a nifty way of ranking all the Doctor Who episodes from worst to best. What are some of our choices for best?
Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 40 - Horror of Fang Rock (with Steve Alexander)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 53 minutes and 56 secondsJason is on vacation this week, so here is a pre-recorded episode. We did not discuss the book cover, but this is one of the all-time great Target covers, so take an extra minute to drink that in. Jeff Cummins, everyone. Such a haunting, moody painting.
Jason is joined this week by Steve Alexander (@stealexanderuk), a very familiar voice to listeners of the Trap One and the "Hamster with a Blunt Penknife" podcasts. Steve brings terrific intensity as we discuss not only "Horror of Fang Rock", both TV episode and novelization -- but also the long line of Target novelization audiobook adaptations. Steve brings with him a Top Ten list of audiobooks and his revelation of the top spot is not to be missed.
Jason then reviews the novelization, in terms so glowing that the review itself could serve as a lighthouse.
Also discussed this week is the fascinating 2018 Scottish film The Vanishing, based on the original Flannan Isle Lighthouse mystery.
And don't forget to read the Wilfrid Gibson poem based on the same subject.Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 39 - The Face of Evil (with Lelon Stoldt)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 41 minutes and 3 secondsIn 2022, it may be mid-August, traditionally a slow season for media, but there's been a lot going on this week. Jason takes a look at the series finale of "Better Call Saul" -- is it the greatest US TV series finale ever? And there's a new trailer out for the Doctor Who Blu-ray Collection -- it's Season 2, and Maureen O'Brien is back on screen as Vicki! We also have listener mail, and a plug for two new Black Archives releases.
Back to January 1978, Jason is joined by Lelon Stoldt (@LelonStoldt), creator and co-host of the InDOCtrination podcast -- catch its latest episode, which dropped after we recorded.
There's much to discuss about the novelization of "The Face of Evil". How does Terrance handle the TV characters. Is Chris Boucher's script flawless, and, if not, what does Terrance do, or not do, to salvage some of the flaws? How do you introduce your young daughters to "Doctor Who"? We also look at "Better Call Sault", and the current Star Wars spinoffs -- the latest of which has a name very, very familiar to longtime fans of "The Face of Evil". And how will Lelon fare at a game of 20 Questions?
Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Bonus Episode - A Conversation with Jim Sangster
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 26 minutes and 24 secondsJason pauses the read-through in between the 1977 and 1978 books, and gives the episode over to Jim Sangster, a long-time Doctor Who fan who you know from pretty much everywhere, but most recently from his pandemic-inspired read-through of the Target novelizations in publication order (does that project sound familiar?), the wonderful Escape to Danger blog.
You can also find Jim on Twitter and I highly recommend his Target-inspired Redbubble shop.
We also have listener mail; Jason is left completely speechless by some of Jim's stories; and Jason digresses to discuss his all-time favorite Albert Brooks movie.
We will be back next week and will embark for the next few months on our journey, this time through the 1978 and 1979 books.
Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 38 - The Masque of Mandragora (with Philip Hinchcliffe and Graeme Burk)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 2 hours, 15 minutes and 51 secondsWe close out the 1977 Target novelizations with the longest-ever episode of Doctor Who Literature.
This is largely because we have two interviews this week. First, former Doctor Who producer Philip Hinchcliffe rejoins Jason to discuss his work on 1970s Doctor Who, specifically the TV production and the novelization of "The Masque of Mandragora".
We take a moment to reflect on the passing of Nichelle Nichols and of Vin Scully, the latter of whom has a surprising connection to TV science fiction.
We're then rejoined by Graeme Burk (@GraemeBurk), co-producer and co-host of Reality Bomb. We discuss the differences between our two podcasts, share our love for the Philip Hinchcliffe era, and both the TV and book versions of "Masque of Mandragora", share some laughs... and then go deep into debate over "Talons of Weng-Chiang", subject of last week's episode. Was "Talons" controversial when it came out in 1977? When did public opinion start to shift? Was "Talons" really banned in Canada? And, after clearing the air, we discuss Graeme's soon-to-be-released Hinchcliffe biography.
Lastly, Jason goes deep into the "Masque" novelization, and wouldn't even say no... to a salami... sandwich.Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 37 - The Talons of Weng-Chiang (with Kate Orman & Jon Blum)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 50 minutes and 32 seconds"The Talons of Weng-Chiang" is still, by popular acclaim, one of the greatest "Doctor Who" stories of all time. It's still in the top-10 -- out of both Classic and New series -- in the year-2014 DWM survey, and is even top-5 among Classic stories on that list.
"Talons" however also has major problems. One is the language; words that may (or may not) have been acceptable in 1977, are certainly not acceptable here in 2022. Two is the story's world-view, in which the immigrants (the Chinese, and other groups to be found in London's East End in the 1890s) are Other, alien, here solely to cause trouble -- described by various English characters within the story as "inscrutable", "pixilated", and "bloodsucker". "Doctor Who" -- both the TV show and the character -- has spent the better part of 60 years sticking up for the underdog, empowering the powerless and defending the oppressed. But for six weeks in the winter and early spring of 1977, the show took a break from that, and told a story instead about defending the Crown from... those other people.
Of course, "Talons" is NOT the only "Doctor Who" story with indefensible language and beliefs -- not the only Classic Series story to do that, and certainly there are New Series stories which also have problems. Does loving "Doctor Who" mean we have to accept its baggage?
Over the next two hours, join Jason -- and our first tandem guests, long-time Doctor Who novelists Kate Orman and Jon Blum -- as we take an unflinching look at this story, and then try to see if it's still possible to love this story in spite of its flaws, its many flaws.
Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 36 - The Deadly Assassin (with Mark from Trap One)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 40 minutes and 8 seconds"The Deadly Assassin" is the first Season 14 story to be novelized, the first of four straight Season 14 books to come, and the start of a long consecutive run of adaptations of *many* truly excellent Doctor Who stories.
Helping me break the book down this week is returning guest Mark (@QuarkMcMalus) from The Trap One Podcast. We have much to discuss about Time Lord mythology, the population breakdown on Gallifrey, how this story doesn't (or does!) connect up with "The War Games", and who are the best actors to play Borusa and the Master. Mark is also challenged to a game of "Guess That Cliffhanger". Plus we have more Listener E-Mail from a surprising source.Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 35 - The Mutants (with Denise Sutton)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 23 minutes and 19 secondsThis week Denise Sutton (@CupOfTea69) is our guest. We discuss what it's like watching Doctor Who overseas, what it's like when "The Dominators" is your birth story, and what links "The Mutants" has to other Bob Baker & Dave Martin scripts. Denise can also be found at her blog and on several terrific episodes of Trap One, such as discussing the Audio Annuals or "The Pirate Planet".
Denise goes for the all-time record on "20 Questions", and we have our first listener e-mail (it's... interesting).Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 34 - Planet of Evil (with Simon Hart)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 25 minutes and 55 secondsBack for a record-setting fourth appearance on Doctor Who Literature this week is Simon Hart (@Si_Hart). We both break down the TV version of "Planet of Evil" -- is this one of Doctor Who's most successful hours? How does the dialogue and plot logic measure up to the many other jewels in the Philip Hinchcliffe era crown? Then we get to the book -- is Terrance Dicks able to work his usual magic on a script that he seems to find less enjoyable than many others he's adapted in the past?
Si also tries to defend his crown as all-time DWL "20 Questions" champion. Can he break his own record this week?
Later on, Jason walks us through the text of the book and gets the impression that Terrance is rolling his eyes at the story a little more than usual.
Please e-mail the pod at DrWhoLiterature@gmail.com.
You can catch all past episodes at https://anchor.fm/doctorwholit.
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Episode 33 - The Brain of Morbius (with Adam Clegg)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 37 minutes and 41 secondsIt's June 1977, and the release of the novelization of a Doctor Who story whose influence is still being felt in the New Series even 45 years later. It's "The Brain of Morbius".
My guest this week is Adam Clegg (@AdamJClegg) of the Real McCoy Podcast, and we both have thoughts about Morbius, and the New Adventures, and the current series, and many, many other topics.
You can also hear Jason this week on the newest episodes of Reality Bomb and Gallifrey's Most Wanted. And check out the night that Trap One took Times Square!
Check out all past episodes of Doctor Who Literature here.
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Episode 32 - The Ark in Space (with Stacey Smith?)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 35 minutes and 38 secondsJason is joined this week by three-time Doctor Who Literature guest Stacey Smith?, to break down Ian Marter's first novelization, "The Ark in Space". Stacey, who continues to be prolific, recently edited the Outside In volume on Twin Peaks, and, of course, Stacey being Stacey, has several other books in the work. All at once. Other passionate and controversial opinions are exchanged.
Jason then does his close reading of Ian Marter's text of the Ark in Space book. What does Marter do differently from Terrance Books? How do the scenes in the book stack up to those on television? And how much are we looking forward to Marter's next book after this one?
You can check out the full Doctor Who Literature archives here.
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Episode 31 - The Claws of Axos (with Jan Fennick)
Episode Duration: 0 days, 1 hours, 22 minutes and 19 secondsIt's April 1977, and "The Talons of Weng-Chiang" has just finished its controversial run on TV, but in the books, we are back in the height of the Pertwee era, reading the novelization of 1971's "The Claws of Axos".
My conversation this week is with Jan Fennick, a New York-based Doctor Who fan and writer, and a long-time friend of Jason's. We cover lots of ground -- Long Island geography, stories about U.S. Who fandom in the '80s and '90s, and, of course, "Star Trek" and "Twin Peaks".
Jason then brings us home with a glowing discussion of the magic that Terrance Dicks works on the "Axos" novelization -- perhaps not the greatest episode but certainly one of the more fun and involved books. That makes two books in a row where Terrance is really enjoying himself.
You can find Jan's writing in many places, but especially recommended is Red, White and Who, the book on the history of American "Who" fandom, and the forthcoming Outside In Walks With Fire, in which Jan (but not Jason this time) helps analyze the entirety of "Twin Peaks".
We will be back next week with another episode, but in the meantime, don't forget to check out our full archive here.