I loved Ghost Light as a kid. It was one of the stories that made me a fan in an outstanding final classic season. It was intelligent and bonkers, and crucially, didn’t talk down to its audience. As we enter Halloween season, it is only fitting that we explore the spooky Victorian era on our way. And yes, there will be the annual Halloween crossword coming your way soon! In the crossword below, you will Read more…
It has been argued that the Victorian era is Doctor Who’s natural home, and that is true to a certain extent. That era is now characterised by tumultuous change and social inequalities which speak to Doctor Who’s core ethos – especially our modern idea of its dark, dangerous alleyways and ruthless men intent on exploiting the innocent and helpless. Josiah Samuel Smith, Magnus Greel, and Dr Simeon could all easily fit into this category. In Read more…
“I’m a conman!” admitted Captain Jack once his “self-cleaning con” blew up in his face on his very own Volcano Day. It is surprising how many criminals the Doctor does befriend – Glitz, Dibber, and Drax among this number. Of course, plucky young rebels could also be considered to be criminals to the despots they’re overthrowing too. This week, we are heading to the shady part of town to see a man about a dog. Read more…
“I don’t think you have my best interests at heart, Dibber…” said Glitz as he prepared to pull another fast one. Aside from megalomaniacs and invaders in Doctor Who, there are also the criminals – the con artists, the gun-runners, the grifters, and the swindlers ready to part your cash from your wallet. There are a surprising number of them in Doctor Who. Some of them are redeemable, and some most definitely are not. These Read more…
Doctor Who is one of the most British TV series ever produced, so it is natural that the British capital, London, should feature heavily. However, it is hazardous being a Londoner in that universe. London has been invaded many times by the Daleks, Cybermen, Autons, and even by dinosaurs! A proper rigmarole. I shudder to think about the insurance premiums alone. This week, we’re heading to the Big Smoke to test your Knowledge. Good luck! Read more…
It could be argued that London is the Doctor’s spiritual home… or perhaps where the TARDIS is happiest. With all of time and space to explore, it is to London they always return, be it in an East End junkyard, by the Thames, or transported to Trafalgar Square by UNIT helicopter. Over the decades, many London landmarks have featured in Doctor Who from the Post Office Tower in The War Machines up to Big Ben Read more…
