I’ve been a follower of the complete menagerie (almost) since 2017, sometime before Greg killed Roger Moore and Tom Bailey regenerated into Buddy Windrush (the moment had been prepared for). I’m not even sure how I got there, I was never a huge fan of Doctor Who but whatever curiosity or madness led me down their path I was instantly hooked, and never looked back. What you’ll find in these episodes is both an education and a delight- what little slices of esoterica I know regarding classic (yes, I used the C word) Who I gleaned from this podcast. Guests include Davros himself, Cyber Leader David Banks, a Bond villain, and of course the famed expert on all things Malcolm Hulke and Who, Professor Sir Michael Humbert Humbert of Kent. Thoughtful and hilarious, the playful and irreverent banter of these fine gentlemen as they pick apart this glorious (if flawed) corner of groundbreaking 20th century science fiction has accompanied me through the best of times and the worst of times; through long drives and much longer work shifts, the sleeplessness of early parenthood and the peace of well deserved holidays. I have returned to many of these episodes as one would to a favourite corner of a pub or a much loved book (mucky or otherwise), and I can only hope that those reading this review join the lads in the cab and enjoy their adventure through time and space as much as I have. The episode releases have slowed down somewhat as life moves inexorably on, but I keenly await every new dispatch from the 6th floor. Perhaps one day the lost episodes of season one - wiped no doubt by short sighted BBC officials- will be discovered in a church basement; Until then, sit back and let these Time Lords steer you across a galaxy of good natured (and foul mouthed) ribbing, Freddie Mercury sound bites and Tom Baker impressions of varying quality- you won’t be disappointed. 5 TARDI out of 5.
