An in-depth look at different eras of Doctor Who. Each month, your hosts Ken Hart and Mike Ferguson celebrate the wonderful moments of the show, criticize the things that went wrong, and lament "what could've been". In Season 1, they covered the Sixth Doctor, Season 2 looked at Leela's adventures with the Fourth Doctor, and Season 3 examined stories featuring the Guardians of Time. Now, in Season 4, it's a journey in modern Doctor Who with a look at River Song's adventures with the Doctor!
"What do you know of the Weeping Angels?" And with that, Ken & Mike get into the heart of an all-time two-part Doctor Who classic, "The Time of Angels/Flesh and Stone". There's a ton of stuff for our hosts to unpack in this episode - the evolution of the Weeping Angels from "Blink", how the story operates on multiple levels at once, how the mystery of River Song slowly unfurls ... and even behind the scenes, how damn good Matt Smith and Karen Gillan are in this, considering it's the first story of Doctor Who that they actually filmed. Is it the best story in Doctor Who history? (Spoilers ... that would be telling!)
7/24/24 • 62:32
Hello, sweeties! After a short break, Ken & Mike are starting a new season of "Prepare the Timelash!!" with an in-depth look at the adventures of one River Song! We start with River Song's first televised adventure with the Doctor (or is it the last? Timey-wimeyness!) in "Silence of the Library/Forest of the Dead". If you're a regular listener, welcome back - and if you're new, welcome aboard, as we fully move into some great stories and the era of Modern Doctor Who! (We'd tell you more details about this episode, but ... spoilers.)
6/27/24 • 64:18
And with this bonus episode, Ken & Mike close out Season 3 of "Prepare the Timelash!!" with a look at a Fourth Doctor classic, "Pyramids of Mars". They get into a lot with this one, including why the Fourth Doctor/Sarah Jane pair is so darn good, why Sutekh the Destroyer is one of the best villains ever to grace the show, and Robert Holmes' predilection for poachers in a story. Did they save the best story for last in this season? Listen and find out!
5/8/24 • 63:58
It's the end, but the moment ... yeah, you get the idea. This month, Ken & Mike wrap up Season 3 of Prepare the Timelash!! with a look at two Big Finish stories with god-like foes - "The Lovecraft Invasion" and "The Triumph of Sutekh". They also reflect on all the stories that they've covered throughout this season, and talk a bit about their trip to Gallifrey One this past February. There's a ton to dig into, so have a listen!
3/29/24 • 87:33
The games are afoot! And so while Mike & Ken are wrapping up this season of Prepare the Timelash!!, they take two last looks at The Toymaker after "The Giggle" - one in novel form, with "Divided Loyalties", and one in audio form, with the Season 23 missing adventure "The Nightmare Fair". Both are mixed bags, to say the least, but both have some interesting concepts ... some, though, are realized far better than others. Also, stay tuned for some news on this year's Gallifrey One, which Ken & Mike will be attending, and some news on the next topic they'll be covering for Season 4!
1/31/24 • 70:40
Worldwide Premiere! This month, Ken & Mike cover a story that they definitely didn't expect at the start of this season ... and that's "The Giggle", featuring David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor! They also talk a bit about "The Star Beast" and "Wild Blue Yonder", as well as Russell T Davies' return to Doctor Who, but there's so much to unpack in this story. Bigeneration! The return of Mel! Neil Patrick Harris as the Toymaker! And, oh yeah, some guy named Ncuti Gatwa makes his debut as the Fifteenth Doctor. Lots to talk about in this mega-sized episode!
1/12/24 • 86:33
The Beast and his Armies shall rise from the Pit, and ... apologies, did you want to listen to a podcast? Because in this bonus episode of "Prepare the Timelash!!" (which should've been part of our regular season, to be honest), Ken & Mike are talking about the Tenth Doctor 2-parter, "The Impossible Planet / The Satan Pit". Which - spoilers! - they enjoyed a lot more than they expected. In this episode, they discuss why neither are huge Ten/Rose fans, having a story where faith and trust is more important than science and intellect, and the Lovecraftian influence on this story (and why the Doctor is not a typical Lovecraft protagonist.)
1/3/24 • 69:03
Bad dreams? Fingers in the ears? It's time to jump ahead to modern Doctor Who, as Ken and Mike depart the classic era of the series to look at Jodie Whittaker's "Can You Hear Me?". Among other things, they talk about the Thirteenth Doctor's need for a good audience, why Graham is such a fun companion, and Zellin and Rakaya ... wow, they might actually have decent villainous plans, unlike many of the other god-like beings that have been covered lately! Also, some mental health topics are covered, so if that's a sensitive subject for you, please be aware.
11/24/23 • 70:46
That's the way to the zoo, that's the way ... to the latest episode of Prepare The Timelash!!? Indeed it is, and this month Ken & Mike continue their foray into the Seventh Doctor era of Doctor Who as they take a look at Ghost Light. It's a story with a reputation for being either richly atmospheric, mysteriously murky, or just plain difficult to understand. Where do our intrepid hosts fall on their opinion of the story? Pull up a seat and find out! (Just take the Doctor's advice and don't have the soup, though.)
9/27/23 • 82:48
It's the Greatest Show, in the Galaxy, the Galaxy, the Galaxy ... yeah. If Ken and Mike are talking about terrible cringe-inducing rapping in Doctor Who, then they must have arrived in the Seventh Doctor era to discuss "The Greatest Show in the Galaxy"! There's a lot of good stuff to talk about (Ace! The Chief Clown!), as well as some less-than-good stuff (the weird fruit stand lady, and the Gods of Ragnarok). Also, it's yet another story where the behind-the-scenes problems of its actual making are more bizarre than the story itself.
9/15/23 • 71:13
Winner take all! It's time for Enlightenment, the final story of the "Guardian Trilogy" from the Peter Davison era, and it's a heck of a story! Co-hosts Ken and Mike have plenty to discuss in this episode, including the creepiness of Eternals Striker and Marriner, the fact that companions Tegan and Turlough are actually given stuff to do (!), and, well, if the Black Guardian really wanted the Doctor dead ... why didn't he get Abslom Daak? Or John Wick? They also talk about the Guardians in this story and in the Trilogy writ large, and their (lack of) impact in them. So much stuff to talk about, so pull up an Edwardian deck chair and have a listen!
7/26/23 • 80:31
In this bonus episode of "Prepare the Timelash!!", Mike & Ken sit down for a conversation with Big Finish writer Lisa McMullin! They talk about the many projects she's written for Big Finish, and hit on a number of different topics, including writing for River Song and Liz Shaw in the male-dominated Pertwee era, the Moffat style of sitcom-styled banter in serious stories, and Judoon opera. (Yes, you read that last topic correctly.) It was a fun and insightful conversation (thanks Lisa!), so we hope you enjoy listening!
7/12/23 • 57:03
Creepy skulls? A giant dog? Lots of crawling through vents? That's right, this month Ken & Mike continue their look at "The Guardian Trilogy" as they cover Terminus, which ... is oddly fun for a super dark story, but boy does it have a few problems. Among other things, they talk about the ridiculousness of the Garm (WHO'S A GOOD DOG???), the Battle of the Planets-meets-glam look of space pirates Olvir and Kara, and Nyssa's departure from the TARDIS. (And no, Olvir, we're not all going to die. Pipe down.)
6/28/23 • 68:17
Having wrapped up the "Key to Time" season, Ken & Mike move forward into the Eighties ... or is it still the Seventies? That's right, if there's a UNIT dating controversy going on, they must be covering the Fifth Doctor era and "Mawdryn Undead"! There's a lot to discuss this month, including the introduction of Turlough, the return of the Brigadier, and a genuinely great villain - no, not the dude with the dead bird on his head, but the title character of the story! And, of course, lots of walking up and down hills. Plus, Ken talks a bit about his recent work for the upcoming Doctor Who-themed "Magic: The Gathering" set, so it's a jam-packed episode this month!
6/7/23 • 75:07
FIRE! FIRE! Yes, in this episode, Ken & Mike are wrapping up the "Key to Time" saga with a look at its final episode, "The Armageddon Factor", and ... holy padding, Rassilon! Still, our hosts find a bunch of good things to talk about (Romana! The Marshal!), some not-so-good-things (the Shadow ... MWAH HAH HAH!), and then lots of oddities (like Drax). Besides the story itself, they also look at whether or not the Key to Time season worked as a whole, and Mary Tamm's time as the first Romana. Lots to discuss, so have a listen!
5/3/23 • 82:08
Kroll! Kroll! That's right, Ken & Mike are covering "The Power of Kroll" this month, and ... oh, dear. It's not exactly a riveting story. Still, our intrepid hosts brave the swamps of boredom to discuss what went wrong in this story. Among other things, they muse about why the Swampies never actually get a proper tribe name, why Romana gets nothing to do in this story, and why Kroll is inexplicably like a Destiny 2 videogame boss villain. Hopefully, their discussion is less dull than the story itself!
3/31/23 • 49:01
In this special bonus episode of Prepare the Timelash!!, Ken & Mike talk about their recent trip to Gallifrey One, the largest Doctor Who convention in North America! It was the first time at this convention for them both, so besides talking about being Gally One newbies, they discuss the many panels that they attended, the performers they met, and reflect on just the overall positivity of every attending. (And the French Toast at the Marriott. It was AMAZING.)
3/13/23 • 47:32
Who likes a fancy hat? That's right, Ken & Mike are discussing "The Androids of Tara" this month ... and there's quite a lot to like about this story! In addition to Romana's absolutely fab outfit, they also cover why Count Grendel is one of the best villains in Doctor Who history, how the Fourth Doctor's silliness serves the story well here, and the weirdness of a society where peasants are well-educated and nobles aren't. It's a great story - so check out this episode, or else next time our intrepid podcast hosts will not be so lenient!
3/8/23 • 64:11
Back to talking about odd trials in Doctor Who? If that's the case, then Mike & Ken are discussing "The Stones of Blood" this month, and ... yeah. It's one of the weirder stories they've covered! Among other things, they talk about the awesomeness of Amelia Rumford, the unlikely ability of ten-ton sentient stones sneaking up on anyone, and the surprising name drop of Trenton, New Jersey! Besides the story, they also talk about the passing of Chris Boucher and his legacy on the show (and Blake's 7), and that Prepare The Timelash!! will be attending Gallifrey One in just a few weeks! Hope to see you there!
2/6/23 • 66:35
By the raging fury of the sky demon, it's time for Ken & Mike to talk about "The Pirate Planet", the only aired Doctor Who story officially credited to the one and only Douglas Adams! (Yes, we know about City of Death. And Shada.) Lots to talk about in this episode, including Romana's awesomeness in this story, the Doctor's surprising righteous anger in a comedic story, and the epic battle between K-9 and the inimitable Polyphase Avatron. So, have a listen, unless you want the Captain to make you walk the plank instead!
12/7/22 • 52:37
Hey, did you know that no one makes a fool of the Graff Vynda-K ... and lives? If you do, then you know that Ken & Mike are covering "The Ribos Operation" this month, as they begin their look at the "Key to Time" season of Classic Doctor Who! There's a lot to look at in this terrific story, including the introduction of Mary Tamm's Romana, the highly entertaining double act of Garron & Unstoffe, and Binro the heretic, who was indeed right. Good stuff this month, so have a listen!
11/29/22 • 56:27
In this bonus episode, Ken & Mike take a look at "The Power of the Doctor", Jodie Whittaker's final story as the Thirteenth Doctor. There's a lot of great things to talk about - Ace! Tegan! Yaz! And quite a number of new and old faces! - and some other things that aren't quite so great as well. They also discuss Chris Chibnall's time overall as showrunner of Doctor Who, and why they think it's a well-meaning but very flawed chapter of the show's history.
10/25/22 • 60:10
It's a new "Prepare the Timelash!!" season, as Mike & Ken begin to cover Doctor Who stories featuring the Guardians of Time and other powerfully cosmic foes! In this first episode of the season, they look at "The Celestial Toymaker", which ... okay, yeah. The behind-the-scenes 'making of' drama for "Toymaker" is probably more interesting than the story itself! Still, besides talking about THAT craziness, Ken & Mike also discuss the story's similarities to a D&D adventure module, Dodo's way too trusting nature, and why they really like the First Doctor, even though he's barely in this one. So, join them as they cover this story from moves 1 to 1,023 - and no more clever tricks, if you please!
9/28/22 • 56:09
Surprise! In this very first bonus episode of "Prepare the Timelash!!", Ken & Mike decide to talk about a Doctor Who story that they both love ... and doesn't really fit the theme of their current season. In this case, it's the Eleventh Doctor classic "Asylum of the Daleks", where they discuss the very surprising first appearance of Oswin Oswald, Steven Moffat's uncanny ability to drop clues to a mystery in plain sight, and lament the criminal under-utilization of the Special Weapons Dalek. Get yourself some eggs and milk - it's time for soufflés, bow ties, sassy banter, and all sorts of bonus Doctor Who goodness!
9/15/22 • 39:23
Ken & Mike say a final goodbye to Leela of the Sevateem (and the Fourth Doctor, for a little while!) in this final episode of Season 2. They look at several near-misses regarding potential returns of Leela to the TV screen, and then the many audio adventures of the character on Big Finish, including "The Sons of Kaldor" by Andrew Smith and "The Hourglass Killers" by Justin Richards. Farewell, Leela. You were one of the noblest companions of them all!
9/12/22 • 60:22
And the televised adventures of Leela come to an end on "Prepare the Timelash!!", as Mike and Ken reach her final story, "The Invasion of Time". Among many other things, they discuss the horde of troubles that plagued the production of this story, the awesomeness of this incarnation of Borusa, Leela's utterly TERRIBLE departure (you deserved so much better, Louise Jameson!), and Krazy Straws and swimming pools. AND a preview of our "Season 3!" It's a jam-packed episode, so be sure to check this one out! (We'll miss you too, Leela.)
6/21/22 • 75:58
The Quest is the Quest! Ken & Mike continue their look at the adventures of Leela and the Fourth Doctor with Underworld, and ... yeah. Besides the infamous dodgy CSO effects in this story, this one's got a lot of odd head-scratching moments. Still, there's plenty to discuss, even if some of the behind-the-scenes tales of the making of Underworld are more interesting at times than the story itself!
4/27/22 • 51:15
Praise the Company! This month, Mike & Ken take a look at "The Sun Makers", and ... well, they are indeed gratified! Among other things, they discuss Leela's turn as being in charge with companions of her, the magnificent splendificity of Gather Hade, and Robert Holmes' prescient accuracy in naming Pluto as the ninth planet. Because, you know, it IS a planet. Help yourself to a raspberry leaf, keep your feet off the mahogany desk, and have a listen!
4/8/22 • 62:16
Put kettle on! Because this month, Ken and Mike take a look at "Image of the Fendahl", one of the few Doctor Who stories involving cosmic horror ... and boy, do they have a lot to talk about! Among other things, they discuss whether or not Colby is the most annoying character in Classic Who, baby Fendahline plushies, and the plausibility of the Fendahl's plan to take over humanity. It's a good one this month, folks, so get yourself a piece of fruitcake, sit back, relax, and listen!
2/28/22 • 64:35
"Contact has been made!" With THAT catchphrase, you know Ken & Mike must be discussing "The Invisible Enemy", and, well ... contact hasn't exactly been made with a Doctor Who masterpiece. Still, our hosts have much to discuss, including the debut of K-9, the dubious use of giant blast shields as a disguise, and why three-foot-tall silver prawns aren't exactly terrifying. It's a weird (and often dull) story, but Mike & Ken do their best with it!
12/29/21 • 56:26
