Kasterborous Classic TV: Exploring Doctor Who & Classic Sci-Fi

Kasterborous
Kasterborous
  • 4.9 (7)
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Regular podcast featuring unique and in-depth discussions covering Doctor Who and other classic TV and movies, usually in the sci-fi and sci-fantasy fields.  Launched in 2007, we've lost count of how many episodes we've actually done. Special episodes include interviews with creatives, writers, actors, and notable commentators in the cult TV field.  Your regular hosts are Christian Cawley, James McLean, and Brian Terranova.

  1. 1d ago

    Doctor Who Series 2 isn't what you remember

    This week, Christian Cawley, James McLean, and a returning Brian Terranova revisit Doctor Who Series Two (2006)! Twenty years after Doctor Who Series Two first aired, we look back at the stories that established David Tennant as the Doctor and cemented the modern series as a television phenomenon. From New Earth and Tooth and Claw to School Reunion, The Girl in the Fireplace and the return of the Cybermen, we revisit our original reactions, discuss how our opinions have changed over the years, and ask whether this celebrated run of episodes deserves its reputation. The conversation also broadens into a look at modern Doctor Who as a whole, from the Chibnall era to Russell T Davies' recent return, considering which stories have stood the test of time and how fandom's views continue to evolve. In this episode Looking back at Doctor Who Series Two (2006) First impressions versus twenty years of hindsight New Earth and the strengths (and weaknesses) of the opening story Tooth and Claw and the evolving Doctor/Rose relationship Why School Reunion remains one of the defining stories of the era Revisiting The Girl in the Fireplace The Cybermen's return in Rise of the Cybermen and The Age of Steel Which episodes have improved with age—and which haven't Flux, the Whittaker era and recent Doctor Who highlights Why every era of Doctor Who has both classics and disappointments What are your memories of Series Two? Has your opinion changed over the last twenty years, or does it still represent the high point of modern Doctor Who? Let us know in the comments, or get in touch: podkasterborous@gmail.com You can support the podcast via our Patreon, which features a full unedited discussion about this topic and others. You'll also find the Kasterborous archive, which resurfaces old interviews and other material from the old Kasterborous website.

    Doctor Who Series 2 isn't what you remember

  2. Jul 13

    From Transformers to the TARDIS: Lee Sullivan on drawing Doctor Who

    Doctor Who artist Lee Sullivan joins Christian Cawley to look back on a career that has spanned Transformers, Marvel UK, Doctor Who Magazine, and some of the most memorable comic strips of the Seventh and Eighth Doctor eras.Beginning with his childhood love of comics and Gerry Anderson, Lee explains how an ambition to become a comic strip artist eventually led him from British Aerospace to Marvel UK, where he cut his teeth drawing Transformers before unexpectedly becoming one of Doctor Who's defining artists. The unedited interview is available on our Patreon. The conversation explores the creative process behind classic Doctor Who Magazine strips, the challenges of sequential storytelling, and the evolution of the comic throughout the Wilderness Years and beyond.  Along the way, Lee discusses:  How Transformers became his first professional comic strip work.  Breaking into Marvel UK and working with editors including Richard Starkings.  Becoming a Doctor Who artist during the programme's 25th anniversary.  The enduring popularity of the Seventh Doctor comic strips.  Bringing the Eighth Doctor to life in comic form.  Storytelling techniques, page layouts and visual pacing.  Working on graphic novels, illustrations and Doctor Who publications beyond the comic strip.  Why Doctor Who has remained such a constant throughout his career.   Whether you discovered Lee Sullivan's artwork through Doctor Who Magazine, Marvel UK's Transformers, or later Doctor Who books and illustrations, this interview offers a fascinating insight into one of the franchise's most recognisable artists. Learn more about Lee Sullivan and his work: https://leesullivanart.co.uk/

    From Transformers to the TARDIS: Lee Sullivan on drawing Doctor Who

  3. Jul 6

    From cinemas to Steam: who really owns entertainment anymore?

    The conversation continues beyond Doctor Who this week as Christian Cawley and James McLean turn their attention to the changing world of film, gaming, and digital entertainment. Starting with the prospects for DC Studios’ Supergirl and the current state of superhero cinema, the discussion broadens into the future of the cinema experience, the decline of physical media, and what it really means to own the films and games we pay for. Along the way, they consider whether streaming has changed our relationship with entertainment forever, why Blu-rays and boxed games still have a place on the shelf, and whether services like Steam have fundamentally altered consumer expectations. Also discussed: Is superhero fatigue really to blame for declining cinema audiences? DC Studios, Marvel Studios and the challenge of rebuilding franchises. Why some films still deserve to be seen on the big screen. The continuing appeal of Blu-ray and other physical media. Sony’s changing approach to physical PlayStation releases. Steam, digital ownership and the risks of an all-digital future. Evercade and the resurgence of physical retro gaming. Windows 11, ageing hardware and planned obsolescence. The full uncut edition of this week’s podcast discussions can be found on our Patreon, along with the Kasterborous Archive.

  4. Jul 6

    Remembering Justin Richards and Doctor Who's literary legacy

    The Doctor Who world lost one of its most important creative voices with the passing of Justin Richards. This week, Christian Cawley and James McLean celebrate his remarkable contribution to the Whoniverse and discuss why his work mattered to generations of fans. From the Virgin New Adventures to BBC Books, Big Finish audio dramas, comics, and countless reference works, Justin Richards helped define Doctor Who during the years it was off television—and continued shaping the franchise long after its return. Christian and James both experienced the books when they were released, back when there was no Doctor Who on TV. Pre-Big Finish, these titles were the only tangible Doctor Who stories beyond the comic strip and the short-lived TV Movie, and were vital to positioning Doctor Who as a serious brand.  Along the way, the conversation explores favourite novels, the evolution of Doctor Who publishing, and the enduring importance of books in keeping the series alive between 1989 and 2005.  Also in this episode:  Updates from the growing Kasterborous Archive on Patreon. A preview of an upcoming interview with Doctor Who artist Lee Sullivan. Our favourite Justin Richards novels and recommendations for new readers. The transition from Virgin Books to the BBC Books range. Justin Richards’ editorial influence on Doctor Who publishing. Why the Wilderness Years remain one of Doctor Who’s most creative periods. Whether you discovered Justin Richards through his novels, his audio dramas, or his work behind the scenes, this episode celebrates a writer whose influence on Doctor Who is difficult to overstate. The full uncut edition of this week’s podcast discussions can be found on our Patreon, along with the Kasterborous Archive. Kasterborous Archive on PatreonLook out for our main chat, landing later.

    Remembering Justin Richards and Doctor Who's literary legacy

  5. Jun 29

    The “ersatz” Doctor: Why fandoms are obsessed with deleting the past

    Christian Cawley and James McLean address some recent show reviews and consider a growing trend in major fandoms: the desire to rewind the clock, and remove episodes, or movies, that don’t align. Following a surprising Apple Podcasts review that labelled certain eras of Doctor Who as “ersatz,” they dive into the psychology of canon, the reality of “brand positivity,” and why big studios might actually consider wiping the slate clean. This episode first aired on our Patreon. Support the Kasterborous Archive on Patreon, and unlock interviews and "lost" items from our old website. Our topics this week The “professional” fans: Christian reads out a selection of listener reviews, including a three-star critique that calls out the “modern abomination” of Doctor Who. Defining “ersatz” Who: Where do you draw the line? Is everything off-screen fake? We discuss the subjective nature of what “counts” as real Doctor Who. The Star Wars sequel trilogy erasure rumours: Addressing the recurring social media storm that Disney is planning to “delete” the Star Wars sequels. Is it a legitimate business move or just fan wish-fulfilment? Canon as an audience construct: James argues that while fans obsess over timelines, producers only care about IP utility. Does “canon” even exist to the people making the movies? There’s also time to consider how shows like Scrubs and Roseanne used “light-touch revisionism” to ignore unpopular final seasons and return to familiar status quos, and the 1990s Timothy Zahn-penned Star Wars novels. Let us know what your thoughts are on this matter -- is it useful to remove or ignore multimillion dollar movies from a timeline? Can the same be done to Doctor Who -- or is it simply not necessary? Email us: podkasterborous@gmail.com

    The “ersatz” Doctor: Why fandoms are obsessed with deleting the past

  6. Jun 22

    Confessions of a 90s fan: How we survived the Doctor Who wilderness years

    In this episode of Kasterborous, Christian Cawley and James McLean take a trip down memory lane to discuss the infamous "wilderness years" of Doctor Who.  Inspired by current industry headlines and the recent status of the series, they recall and reflects on how they—and the wider fandom—navigated the period following the show's 1989 cancellation.  Key topics this week The "Cancellation" Conversation: We break down the current state of Doctor Who and explore whether rumors of cancellation are merely a strategic attempt to generate discourse or a genuine reflection of industry instability.  1989 vs. Now: Comparing the experience of the late 80s with the modern era, and why it is so difficult for fans to determine the actual status of a production in today’s "post-truth" media landscape.  The 90s Wilderness Years: James and Christian recall how they stayed engaged with the show during the hiatus, focusing on the rise of the Virgin New Adventures novels, VHS releases, and the importance of specialist shops like Forbidden Planet.  Canonicity and Cash Cows: A deep dive into the 90s obsession with "official" canon and the changing perception of tie-in merchandise—from "crass commercial cash cows" to the more integrated, sophisticated marketing seen in modern franchise media.  The Power of Independent Media: We highlight the opportunities for creativity in the "digital wild west," referencing the work of people like Gareth Kavanagh and Cutaway Comics as a blueprint for how fans and creators can keep a franchise alive. Mentions and links Substack: Follow our latest writing and discussions at gamingretro.substack.com. Cutaway Comics: Check out the excellent work being done by Gareth Kavanagh and the team at Cutaway Comics. Support our work in bringing lost and forgotten interviews and features from our old website to the Kasterborous Archive

    Confessions of a 90s fan: How we survived the Doctor Who wilderness years

  7. Jun 12

    From CSO to space stations: ranking the best and worst of classic Doctor Who effects

    Christian, Brian, and James dive into the complex, hodgepodge world of special effects in Classic Doctor Who. From the creative ingenuity required to mask limited budgets to the philosophical debate between practical effects and modern CGI, the team explores what makes certain classic effects timeless while others fall short. Key Discussion Points: The Art of "Classic" FX: Discussion on why classic Doctor Who effects often feel more engaging than seamless modern CGI, specifically the audience's enjoyment in understanding the "how-to" behind the curtain. Practical vs. CGI: Why practical effects, such as elaborate alien suits, maintained a sense of reality through consistent lighting and physical interaction, whereas some modern CGI struggles with aging and believability. The "Rubber Nose" Trope: Examining the shift in alien design from elaborate, ambitious suits to the more common Star Trek: TNG-inspired humanoid-with-a-prosthetic approach, and whether this was due to budget constraints, audience expectations, or actor comfort. CSO (Chroma Key) Analysis: A deep dive into the use of CSO in Classic Doctor Who, highlighting the technical ambition of stories like Underworld—despite its flaws—and comparing it to the near-seamless work in Silver Nemesis. The Best and Worst Effects: We offer our thoughts on what are the best and worst special effects in classic Doctor Who. Let us know what you think, as we really only skimmed the surface in this episode. Plus, there is also mention of: Doctor Who: Death to the Daleks, Silver Nemesis, The Five Doctors, Underworld, Revenge of the Cybermen, Invasion of the Dinosaurs, Trial of a Time Lord. Blake’s 7: Discussion on the recent release with updated VFX. Star Trek: Comparisons between its alien designs and the riskier, more varied approach taken by Doctor Who. Random Acts of Hopkirk (Deceased): Tom Baker’s interaction with extensive green screen work. Thanks for watching, and don't forget, joining our Patreon as a paid subscriber gives you access to the Kasterborous Archive, a growing collection of material that was either unused, or forgotten, from the days of the old Kasterborous website.

    From CSO to space stations: ranking the best and worst of classic Doctor Who effects

  8. Jun 10

    The end of an era: Russell T Davies out, no 2026 Christmas special, and a new future for Doctor Who

    The TARDIS is changing hands—or at least, the keys might be. In a massive shake-up, the BBC has officially put Doctor Who out to tender, signaling a potential end to the current Russell T Davies era. While the show is far from cancelled, the search for a new production house to take the helm has sent shockwaves through the fandom. Join Christian Cawley and James McLean as they break down the implications of this news. What does it mean for the future of the series? Could this open the door for a radical creative shift, or are we looking at a period of uncertainty as the show prepares for its next phase? We also weigh in on whether the festive hiatus is a temporary blip or a sign that the BBC’s priorities are shifting away from appointment viewing. Tune in as we dissect the headlines and try to make sense of one of the biggest Doctor Who news stories of the year. As ever, let us know what you think.

    The end of an era: Russell T Davies out, no 2026 Christmas special, and a new future for Doctor Who
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About

Regular podcast featuring unique and in-depth discussions covering Doctor Who and other classic TV and movies, usually in the sci-fi and sci-fantasy fields.  Launched in 2007, we've lost count of how many episodes we've actually done. Special episodes include interviews with creatives, writers, actors, and notable commentators in the cult TV field.  Your regular hosts are Christian Cawley, James McLean, and Brian Terranova.

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