Doctor Who: The PodKast with a K

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.

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.ShownotesTIMELASH: 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 u

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

"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

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 i

In this week’s episode, Christian Cawley and James McLean dive deep into Doctor Who's "official" 25th-anniversary silver jubilee story, Silver Nemesis. From the slightly oversized Cybermen to the curious presence of Dolores Gray, we talk all the way through the oft-derided 1988 adventure and explore what makes it fascinating -- if not somewhat polarizing.This podcast looks at the first episode of Silver Nemesis, with the rest of the serial coming up over the next few weeks.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

The recent recovery of two missing episodes of Doctor Who from The Daleks' Master Plan should be a moment of celebration — but it also raises an uncomfortable question: how many more are still out there?In this Patreon-exclusive video, Christian Cawley and James McLean dig into the latest discovery, donated via Film Is Fabulous!, and the ongoing work to restore and preserve missing television. But our conversation quickly turns to the more complicated side of the story — the long history of private collectors holding onto lost material. What the mindset keeps culturally significant footage out of public view?Why do people keep these recordings hidden? And what would it take for them to come forward?The discussion explores the legacy of figures like Philip Morris and Ian Levine, the often fraught relationship between fandom and preservation, and the strange ways history is shaped by those who control access to it. We also discuss the passing of well-regarded actor Tom Georgeson, who had appeared in two Doctor

Christian Cawley and James McLean conclude their commentary discussion of the classic Doctor Who serial The Robots of Death, focusing on Episodes Three and Four of the 1977 story. With the mystery aboard the sandminer tightening, the discussion explores how the final two episodes bring together the serial’s many strands. We've got the paranoia among the crew, growing suspicion surrounding the robots, and the increasingly complex motivations of those on board. Remember, this was written for children!Christian and James look at how writer Chris Boucher structures the closing chapters of the story as both a science-fiction thriller and a classic murder mystery, and why the solution still holds up decades later. They also query how much input the script editor, Robert Holmes, had.Along the way, the conversation touches on the serial’s memorable robot designs, its distinctive world-building, and the production choices that give The Robots of Death its enduring reputation as one of the most stylish and atmospheric

Two long-missing episodes of Doctor Who have been recovered — and they come from one of the most famous lost stories in the programme’s history, The Daleks’ Master Plan.“The Nightmare Begins” and “Devil’s Planet” have been found, restored, and will be released through BBC iPlayer at Easter. Lost Doctor Who episodes found (BBC Leicester) In this episode, Christian Cawley is joined by fanzine publisher Gareth Kavanagh (Cutaway Comics, Vworp Vworp!), to discuss the discovery of two episodes from the epic 1965 Dalek adventure, a serial that remains one of the most significant gaps in the Doctor Who archive. With around half of the 12-part story still missing, the recovery of any material is a major moment for fans of the series, and anyone interested in lost media.Christian and Gareth explore how the discovery came about, what we know about the recovered prints, and how they fit into the wider story of the BBC’s missing episodes. They also reflect on why The Daleks’ Master Plan has become such a legendary part o

In this commentary-style episode, Christian Cawley and James McLean revisit the classic Doctor Who story The Robots of Death. This is the first of a two-part podcast, covering the serials first two episodes.We compare the experience of watching classic Doctor Who episodically versus the omnibus VHS edits that hit rental stores in the 1980s. Those different formats affect pacing, cliffhangers, and the rhythm of a story, and The Robots of Death is no different.It might look amazing, but there is much more to The Robots of Death. Writer Chris Boucher blends science fiction with the traditions of classic detective fiction, and we look at the impressive world-building behind the sandminer setting, the story’s layered social tensions, and why The Robots of Death feels larger than its four episodes suggest. Could the story even work without the Doctor at all?Christian and James also discuss the performances and character dynamics that make the story memorable, from Tom Baker’s more serious Fourth Doctor to Louise J

This week’s Kasterborous opens on sad news, as Christian Cawley and James McLean reflect on the passing of Red Dwarf co-creator Rob Grant. You probably know that the writing partnership between Grant and Doug Naylor pre-existed Red Dwarf, and while it certainly helped to define Britain’s most enduring sci-fi comedy, obviously there was a split. So we consider the curious parallel timelines created by split novels and later revivals, and explore Grant’s legacy — and what his absence might mean for the future of the franchise. Let's not forget, Grant was working on a new Red Dwarf book with co-writer Andrew Marshall, Titan, set for release this July.Along the way, we recall our own first encounters with Red Dwarf.From there, the conversation returns to familiar territory with a deep dive into Doctor Who’s famously unfinished story Shada. An interesting archival research and visual-effects analysis on Substack prompted us to examine both the model and SFX work that wasn't completed, and why the Douglas Adams sc

It's a bumper edition of the podcast this week, as Christian Cawley and James McLean attempt to squeeze in not just discussion of the upcoming 4K release of the 1996 Doctor Who TV Movie and share a short chat between Brian Terranova and Paul McGann, to give you an idea of the sort of thing you can hear in the Kasterborous Archive.Shownotes Doctor Who TV Movie 4K/UHD Blu-ray on Amazon Kasterborous Archive on Patreon Why wait for your next fix of the show? Did you know that Patreon supporters are likely already listening to next week’s episode? While we love sharing the show with everyone, our subscribers get the “VIP” experience: early access, a completely ad-free stream, and an exclusive video version of every episode.Get Kasterborous on PatreonHelp 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,

It’s podcast time! Christian and James mull over the BBC’s decision not to put Doctor Who in the massive online game Fortnite, and celebrate the extension of Big Finish’s licence to continue producing audios and more.The most frustrating takeaway from the chat was what increasingly seems like a missed opportunity for a full Doctor Who x Fortnite integration. On paper, it’s a perfect match—a show about infinite possibilities and a game (and much more) that thrives on them.Yet, the collaboration never materialized.Whether this was a failure of digital literacy at the BBC or a fundamental misunderstanding of Fortnite’s culture, it really does seem to be a massive oversight, and we go pretty deep into trying to understand how the BBC missed an opportunity to supercharge Doctor Who’s audience.This week, Christian found the button that enables a video podcast (available exclusively on Patreon) to be shared as an audio podcast AT THE SAME TIME. This significant development means there is less editing required!PLUS:

Recent comments from Mark Gatiss and Peter Capaldi (made separately) concerning Doctor Who's current status are the focus of our conversation this week.Christian Cawley and James McLean cover a number of points, with everything from the dying requirement for basic screen language (such as a documentary where two people greet each other at a door before a more in-depth interaction) to whether Steven Berkoff should have had more time on-screen in The Power of Three.Come on, we all know the answer to that one.This is a big hour-long chat, so hold onto your loins, gird your hats, and mix your metaphors. Oh, and listen out for mention of the first of Brian Terranova's Doctor Who interview collection, now available on our Patreon.Patreon and Apple Podcasts Most episodes of our podcast go out on Patreon first. This week's episode is the same as the one that went out on Patreon, but subscribers there got it early, ad-free, and with a video version. We'd really appreciate your help in raising our profile on the Apple

This week's podcast is Patreon first as ever, with no ads! Christian Cawley chats with Brian Terranova, and then with James McLean, about the early years of Kasterborous. Among other things, we cover how we started it, the tools we used early on, and how we overcame Brian's departure...Shownotes Why did we start the podKast with a K? The first podKast SPLINK First podcast with James in 2011 This week, you get the podcast ad-free and early on Patreon. As this is a 500ish episode, it goes out in its entirety on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Plus, I have the list of interviews provided by Brian, which will appear exclusively in the Kasterborous Archive.The following actors, writers, and producers will be added to the Kasterborous Archive over the coming months: John Peel (author) Simon Fisher-Becker Ian McNeice Sylvester McCoy Matt Smith Caroline Skinner Karen Gillan Yee Jee Tso Paul McGann Terrance Dicks Emma Campbell-Jones Frazer Hines, Wendy Padbury, Deborah Watling Terry Molloy Daphne Ashbrook Patreon and Ap

Christian Cawley and James McLean take a break from 500ish to discuss the news that Blake's 7 could be heading for a reboot after the IP was picked up by Multitude Productions.As James is a big Blake's 7 admirer and has also worked on an eventually uncompleted project based on the show, it seemed a good opportunity to discuss what might be needed to make a Blake's 7 reboot work...Shownotes Blake's 7 IP acquisition announcement Is the Life on Mars sequel Lazarus now happening? Patreon and Apple Podcasts Most episodes of our podcast go out on Patreon first. This episode went out early, ad-free, and with a video version. We'd really appreciate your help in raising our profile on the Apple platform, so please leave a review. If you don't already subscribe, you should -- it alerts you when new episodes are available.Not on Apple Podcasts? Leave us a review somewhere else, send the link over on Twitter or Facebook or editor@kasterborous.co.uk, and you’ll get a mention.

We tend to avoid introspection on the podcast, but for the next few weeks, Christian Cawley, James McLean, and, we're pleased to say, Brian Terranova will be bringing you a series of discussions and recollections to commemorate (other words have been suggested) our 500th edition -- whenever it may or may not have happened.As we lost count some time ago, it's difficult to pinpoint when the 500th episode was (or will be). This is the background to "500ish" which will be a series of episodes of the podcast that look at how we started it, how it evolved, how podcasting itself has changed since we started in 2007, and also looks at many of the other things we did beyond the confines of the old Kasterborous website.ShownotesChristian's time-shifted Substack journal project, Ten Years GoneSo, hit play, and enjoy the reaction and the realisation of reaching 500 episodes (or so).Patreon and Apple Podcasts As this is our 500th episode, everyone gets the same material. Most episodes of our podcast go out on Patreon fir

Christian Cawley and James McLean discuss The War Between the Land and the Sea, the Doctor Who spin-off serial that aired over Christmas 2025.Our 499th podcast has a lot to cover. The five episodes are addressed as a whole, along with the ramifications beyond the series (Disney, RTD, Doctor Who itself) and what went wrong.But remember: you only get the full length show on Patreon, where it is also early, ad-free, and often with video.Shownotes The War Between the Land and the Sea on BBC iPlayerFor more in-depth thoughts from Christian, please check the Kasterborous Substack, where a full review has been published.Patreon and Apple Podcasts Most episodes of our podcast go out on Patreon first. You can hear the show there several days earlier, often with video, and usually with additional material. We'd really appreciate your help in raising our profile on the Apple platform, so please leave a review. If you don't already subscribe, you should -- it alerts you when new episodes are available.Not on Apple Podca

Taking in The War Between the Land and the Sea and a new Doctor Who cartoon, Christian Cawley delivers the latest Doctor Who news of significance, and offers his top recommendations for quality TV viewing this Christmas.Shownotes The War Between the Land and the Sea overnights: episodes 1 and 2 episodes 3 and 4 Blue Zoo to produce Doctor Who animation for CBeebies Christmas recommendations: Man vs Baby All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special on Channel 5 (Christmas Eve) Original All Creatures Great and Small 1990 Christmas special on BBC Four (December 27th) Beyond Paradise Christmas special BBC 1 (December 21st) Midsomer Murders on Acorn TV (US only) Morecambe and Wise on BBC Two Christmas Day Monty Python And Now for Something Complete Different also BBC Two, early hours of Boxing Day Sky Arts Boxing Day: Elvis Presley night, movies and documentaries Double Indemnity BBC 2 on Dec 28th  Enjoy the podcast, enjoy your Christmas, and we'll be back with new episodes in 2026!Best wishesChristian

This week's Doctor Who podcast is a collection of chats that were held back for Patreon members. So, yes, you've heard some of these before -- but the listeners on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all the other places you get podcasts, have not.As such, this podcast is free to listen to on Patreon and wider afield -- and if you want to get additional chats like this at the end of your usual podcast, then you can join our Patreon for this and other extra material with most podcasts, and access the Kasterborous Archive.Christian Cawley chats with James McLean and Philip Bates, with Just Sarah, the AI upscaling on Doctor Who Blu-rays, and the notion of personal, independent websites returning to the fore (think MySpace, Geocities, etc.)Patreon and Apple PodcastsMost episodes of our podcast go out on Patreon first. You can hear the show there several days earlier, often with video, and usually with additional material. We'd really appreciate your help in raising our profile on the Apple platform, so please leave a re