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

Kasterborous
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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 and James McLean.

  1. Pilot pressure: Why the 1996 Doctor Who TV Movie tried to do too much at once

    1D AGO

    Pilot pressure: Why the 1996 Doctor Who TV Movie tried to do too much at once

    In this episode, Christian Cawley, James McLean, and Brian Terranova reunite to look back at the 1996 Doctor Who TV movie. It was a night of high stakes, big budgets, and a transition that would define the "wilderness years" for a generation of fans. This week: * Brian Terranova Explains the PAL Problem: We welcome back the podcast’s original co-host to discuss his experience watching the movie’s US premiere on Fox and the "commercial break" mishaps that haunted his VHS recordings for years. Brian reveals why UK audiences have never actually heard Paul McGann’s real voice or the correct musical pitch due to the NTSC-to-PAL conversion speed-up. * The Jules Verne TARDIS: A deep dive into the 1996 console room. Is it too Victorian, or is it the first time the show actually looked like it had money behind it? * A Poetic End for Seven: We debate Sylvester McCoy’s regeneration. Was it a "un-heroic" mistake, or the perfect end for a master manipulator who finally missed one small detail?* The Pilot Problem: Why cramming 30 years of lore—Time Lords, Daleks, and Master-snakes—into 90 minutes might have alienated the very American audience Fox was trying to court. * Ahead of Its Time: How the movie’s reverence for props like the sonic screwdriver and jelly babies predated the modern era of "prestige" reboots. On the Kasterborous Archive, we have new chats with various people involved with the Doctor Who TV Movie, including Daphne Ashbrook and Sylvester McCoy.

    1h 26m
  2. The Trial of a Time Lord fatigue sets in and it's only episode 2

    5D AGO

    The Trial of a Time Lord fatigue sets in and it's only episode 2

    We dive headlong into the second installment of The Mysterious Planet this week, only to find a struggle with the overarching structure of The Trial of a Time Lord. From the pitfalls of 1980s "stunt casting" to the surprisingly accurate technological predictions of the mid-80s, we explore why this era of Doctor Who often feels like a struggle between a standalone story and a courtroom drama. Our key talking points The "Bland" Factor: Why The Mysterious Planet lacks a certain "humanity" compared to other "mid-tier" stories like Black Orchid or Paradise Towers. Stunt Casting vs. Character: We look at the appearances of Joan Sims and Brian Blessed, and whether their larger-than-life personas pull the audience out of the story. A Win for the Prop Department: We marvel at a service robot that looks suspiciously like a modern-day automated vacuum cleaner—is this 1980s Doctor Who's most accurate prediction of future tech? Scale and Sci-Fi Talk: Why "wanted in the six galaxies" feels like a hollow threat compared to the more grounded stakes of Star Wars or earlier eras of the show. Peri’s Perspective: A rare moment where Peri isn't being objectified or "claimed" as a future wife (at least until Mindwarp). But here's the thing: at the midway point of this 4-parter season opener, it oddly feels more taxing than any commentary we've done before -- especially comparing this with how the show's format and pace was completely different a couple of years later. We're presenting our commentaries to you on Patreon in a complete story-by-story package, in both video and audio. To remind you, Season 23 comprised the following individual stories: The Mysterious Planet by Robert Holmes Mindwarp by Philip Martin Terror of the Vervoids by Pip and Jane Baker The Ultimate Foe by Robert Holmes (with Pip and Jane Baker) Help us climb the charts! We are on a mission to raise our profile on Apple Podcasts, and we can’t do it without you.  If you enjoy what we do, please leave a review.It takes 30 seconds but makes a massive difference in helping new listeners find us. While you’re there, make sure you’re subscribed so you never miss a drop. Not on Apple Podcasts? No problem. You can still help us grow. Leave a review on your platform of choice and send us the link via X/Twitter, Facebook, or directly to editor@kasterborous.co.uk. We’ll make sure to give you a shout-out in a future episode as a thank you for your support. Thanks! What do you think of the Sixth Doctor's final stand? Let us know in the comments.

    25 min
  3. The Mysterious Planet: IKEA courtrooms and the best model shot in classic Doctor Who

    MAY 4

    The Mysterious Planet: IKEA courtrooms and the best model shot in classic Doctor Who

    Christian Cawley and James McLean settle in for a long-overdue rewatch of The Trial of a Time Lord, the Sixth Doctor’s epic 14-part swan song. Things kick off in signature style with a false start on the wrong episode, followed by a deep dive into the high-budget model work and low-budget "starched doily" fashion of 1986... This is the first part of our commentary/talking over The Mysterious Planet, with each subsequent installment coming to your podcast app over the next few weeks. However, if you want the whole thing in one go, you'll find it on our Patreon, details below. We'd love it if you watched along with us, via DVD, Blu-ray, or even BBC iPlayer. Just be sure not to hit "continue watching" or whatever if you've already enjoyed some classic Doctor Who lately... ShownotesWe're presenting our commentaries to you on Patreon in a complete story-by-story package, in both video and audio. To remind you, Season 23 comprised the following individual stories: The Mysterious Planet by Robert Holmes Mindwarp by Philip Martin Terror of the Vervoids by Pip and Jane Baker The Ultimate Foe by Robert Holmes (with Pip and Jane Baker) Your Patreon option This week, you get just the first part of the conversation, BUT Patreon listeners got the whole thing AND earlier than you, by a full 3 days. To join them, visit the Kasterborous Patreon today and sign up to support us with a free trial. Patreon supports will be getting our thoughts on Mind Warp and Terror of the Vervoids and the rest of the Doctor's trial much sooner than everyone else, too. Every week, supporters get the podcast first, with extra material (this one had video), ad-free, and other video content, and we give you access to the Kasterborous Archive (this week: Karen Gillan!) Help us climb the charts! We are on a mission to raise our profile on Apple Podcasts, and we can’t do it without you.  If you enjoy what we do, please leave a review.It takes 30 seconds but makes a massive difference in helping new listeners find us. While you’re there, make sure you’re subscribed so you never miss a drop. Not on Apple Podcasts? No problem. You can still help us grow. Leave a review on your platform of choice and send us the link via X/Twitter, Facebook, or directly to editor@kasterborous.co.uk. We’ll make sure to give you a shout-out in a future episode as a thank you for your support. Thanks! What do you think of the Sixth Doctor's final stand? Let us know in the comments, look out for our conversation about part two next week.

    30 min
  4. The Doctor on trial: Was season 23 a meta-commentary too far?

    APR 27

    The Doctor on trial: Was season 23 a meta-commentary too far?

    This week, Christian Cawley and James McLean prepare for the journey they’ve avoided for over 500 episodes: the 14-part epic, The Trial of a Time Lord.  As the longest single serial since The Daleks' Master Plan, it was intended to save the show, but instead, it became a fascinating, frustrating mirror of Doctor Who’s real-world struggle for survival in 1986. No shownotes as such this week, but look out for discussion of: The binge-culture disconnect: We discuss the "memory of disappointment" surrounding the 14-week structure. Does a story this long work better in the era of streaming, or was the "trial" format fundamentally flawed from the start? The unlikable hero: James revisits his "pre-teen" struggle with Colin Baker’s Doctor. We look at the "clownish" costume, the bullish personality, and whether a simple wardrobe change could have saved his legacy (probably, yes). Interruptions in the matrix: Why the constant cutaways to the courtroom dampen the stakes of stories like Mindwarp and The Mysterious Planet. The "lost" season 23: Christian breaks down the original plans for the season—including The Nightmare Fair and Yellow Fever and How to Cure It—and how a behind-the-scenes "trial" at the BBC led to the version we eventually got. The Valeyard revelation: We talk about the "adult vagueness" of the show's dark mirror-Doctor and why the revelation of his true identity didn't quite land for a younger audience in the 80s. Missed opportunities: From the lack of past companions in a courtroom evidence-giving scenario (where was Jamie or Ian Chesterton?) to the "meta-danger" of putting the show on trial while it was actually under threat from BBC management. We're hitting play on The Trial of a Time Lord from next week, and we'll be presenting our commentaries to you on Patreon in a complete story-by-story package, in both video and audio. To remind you, Season 23 comprised the following individual stories: The Mysterious Planet by Robert Holmes Mindwarp by Philip Martin Terror of the Vervoids by Pip and Jane Baker The Ultimate Foe by Robert Holmes (with Pip and Jane Baker) The Patreon option This week, it's a full show for everyone, BUT Patreon listeners got it earlier than you, by a full 3 days. To join them, visit the Kasterborous Patreon today and sign up to support us with a free trial. Every week, supporters get the podcast first, with extra material (this one had video), ad-free, and other video content, and we give you access to the Kasterborous Archive. Help us climb the charts! We are on a mission to raise our profile on Apple Podcasts, and we can’t do it without you.  If you enjoy what we do, please leave a review.It takes 30 seconds but makes a massive difference in helping new listeners find us. While you’re there, make sure you’re subscribed so you never miss a drop. Not on Apple Podcasts? No problem. You can still help us grow. Leave a review on your platform of choice and send us the link via X/Twitter, Facebook, or directly to editor@kasterborous.co.uk. We’ll make sure to give you a shout-out in a future episode as a thank you for your support. Thanks! What do you think of the Sixth Doctor's final stand? Let us know in the comments, and look out for our deep dive into The Mysterious Planet next week!

    36 min
  5. The Daleks' Master Plan: Were we too harsh?

    APR 20

    The Daleks' Master Plan: Were we too harsh?

    In this week's chat, Christian and James revisit their recent discussion about recovered episodes from missing Doctor Who serial The Daleks' Master Plan.  Was the initial reaction to viewing the episodes harsh?  Sourcing comments from the Facebook thread on the episode, we add some context, underline a few points, and possibly even concede a few things. As stated at the time, Christian and James have different views on this, which makes it all the more interesting. Could The Daleks' Master Plan have been viewed differently if it had always existed in the hands of the BBC? Is the currency of scarcity something we need to understand better? Enjoy the podcast now on video, pick it up in audio format via Spotify, or wait until Monday for the public release on all platforms. Shownotes TIMELASH: Confessions of a Visual Effects AssistantThe Patreon option This week, it's a full show for everyone, BUT Patreon listeners got it earlier than you, by a full 3 days. To join them, visit the Kasterborous Patreon today and sign up to support us with a free trial. Every week, supporters get the podcast first, with extra material (this one had video), ad-free, and other video content, and we give you access to the Kasterborous Archive. Help us climb the charts! We are on a mission to raise our profile on Apple Podcasts, and we can’t do it without you.  If you enjoy what we do, please leave a review.It takes 30 seconds but makes a massive difference in helping new listeners find us. While you’re there, make sure you’re subscribed so you never miss a drop. Not on Apple Podcasts? No problem. You can still help us grow. Leave a review on your platform of choice and send us the link via X/Twitter, Facebook, or directly to editor@kasterborous.co.uk. We’ll make sure to give you a shout-out in a future episode as a thank you for your support. Thanks! We'll be back next week with the first part of our look at The Trial of a Time Lord...

    32 min
  6. Is Silver Nemesis a masterpiece of 80s Doctor Who?

    APR 13

    Is Silver Nemesis a masterpiece of 80s Doctor Who?

    We're back for part 3 of our commentary of Silver Nemesis, the official Doctor Who 25th anniversary story from 1988. Starring Sylvester McCoy and Sophie Aldred, the serial has various versions and edits -- we watched the cut you can see on BBC iPlayer, and you're free to watch along with us. This week, Christian Cawley and James McLean reach the rooftop showdown, where it’s the endgame for Lady Peinforte, the Fourth Reich, and a battalion of Cybermen who probably should have invested in better respiratory filters... The Patreon optionPatreon listeners get the full three episode commentary in one go, and you can join the Kasterborous Patreon today to enjoy it that way. Supporters get the podcast first, with extra material, ad-free, and video content, as well as access to the Kasterborous Archive. Help us climb the charts! We are on a mission to raise our profile on Apple Podcasts, and we can’t do it without you.  If you enjoy what we do, please leave a review.It takes 30 seconds but makes a massive difference in helping new listeners find us. While you’re there, make sure you’re subscribed so you never miss a drop. Not on Apple Podcasts? No problem. You can still help us grow. Leave a review on your platform of choice and send us the link via X/Twitter, Facebook, or directly to editor@kasterborous.co.uk. We’ll make sure to give you a shout-out in a future episode as a thank you for your support. Thanks!

    29 min
  7. The Daleks’ Master Plan: Is this Doctor Who’s most disappointing discovery?

    APR 10

    The Daleks’ Master Plan: Is this Doctor Who’s most disappointing discovery?

    "It feels like a show which has kind of lost its spirit a bit... I could see in a different timeline where Doctor Who did not regenerate into Patrick Troughton, and this was the tired back end of a format."  This week, Christian Cawley and James McLean dive into the recent recovery (and release on BBC iPlayer/YouTube) of two episodes from the legendary 1965 epic, The Daleks’ Master Plan. While the "discovery" of episodes 1 and 3 has sent shockwaves through the fandom, our hosts find themselves at odds over whether this "lost" footage is a masterpiece or a sign of a format running out of steam... "The Nightmare Begins" and "Devil’s Planet" were found, restored, and released on Good Friday 2026 thanks to the efforts of Film is Fabulous.  On the one hand, Christian is enthusiastic, and loved watching the episodes. On the other, James was intrigued from an artistic point of view, but felt that the recovered installments don't really add anything to The Daleks' Master Plan. So, it's a discussion about the importance of these finds, and a look at the poor characterization -- in the script -- for one of the show's most interesting early characters, Katarina. Even if the episodes are "bland television" to some, how much does the recovery of characters like Katarina and Bret Vyon (Nicholas Courtney's first appearance) matter to Doctor Who's history? The Patreon optionPatreon listeners get the full three episode commentary in one go, and you can join the Kasterborous Patreon today to enjoy it that way. Supporters get the podcast first, with extra material, ad-free, and video content, as well as access to the Kasterborous Archive. Help us climb the charts We are on a mission to raise our profile on Apple Podcasts, and we can’t do it without you.  If you enjoy what we do, please leave a review.It takes 30 seconds but makes a massive difference in helping new listeners find us. While you’re there, make sure you’re subscribed so you never miss a drop. Not on Apple Podcasts? No problem. You can still help us grow. Leave a review on your platform of choice and send us the link via X/Twitter, Facebook, or directly to editor@kasterborous.co.uk. We’ll make sure to give you a shout-out in a future episode as a thank you for your support. Thanks!

    37 min
  8. Silver Nemesis: The Doctor Who blockbuster that never was

    APR 7

    Silver Nemesis: The Doctor Who blockbuster that never was

    In this commentary, Christian Cawley and James McLean dive into the heart of Silver Nemesis, and give some thought to Elizabethan sorceress Lady Peinforte and her loyal murderer Richard. Oh, and Argentinian Nazi refugees, Cybermen, and a couple of youths with a bizarre dislike for social workers. Elsewhere in this episode, that "Jazz" interlude between Sylvester McCoy and Sophie Aldred which remains one of the most natural, relaxed moments in the show’s history. Line up your DVD or BBC iPlayer (optional) and hit "play!" The Patreon optionPatreon listeners get the full three episode commentary in one go, and you can join the Kasterborous Patreon today to enjoy it that way. Supporters get the podcast first, with extra material, ad-free, and video content, as well as access to the Kasterborous Archive. Help us climb the charts We are on a mission to raise our profile on Apple Podcasts, and we can’t do it without you.  If you enjoy what we do, please leave a review.It takes 30 seconds but makes a massive difference in helping new listeners find us. While you’re there, make sure you’re subscribed so you never miss a drop. Not on Apple Podcasts? No problem. You can still help us grow. Leave a review on your platform of choice and send us the link via X/Twitter, Facebook, or directly to editor@kasterborous.co.uk. We’ll make sure to give you a shout-out in a future episode as a thank you for your support. Thanks!

    28 min
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4.9
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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 and James McLean.

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