Boom, 73 Yards, Dot and Bubble

Martyn, Chris and Abi discuss Doctor Who.

Join us as we explore this new era of Doctor Who and provide our insights on the latest adventures of The Fifteenth Doctor.

“Boom” is the highly anticipated third episode of the fourteenth season of the iconic British science fiction series, Doctor Who. Written by acclaimed writer Steven Moffat, former showrunner from 2010 to 2017, and directed by the talented Julie Anne Robinson, this episode was broadcast on BBC One in the United Kingdom on May 18, 2024, and made its debut on Disney+ in the United States on May 17, 2024.

In this gripping episode, the Fifteenth Doctor, portrayed by Ncuti Gatwa, and his companion, Ruby Sunday, played by Millie Gibson, find themselves on an alien planet embroiled in a massive war. The Doctor accidentally steps on a landmine, creating a tense and thrilling scenario where he must devise a way to disarm it without moving. Adding to the excitement, the episode features a surprise guest appearance by Varada Sethu as Mundy Flynn, ahead of her expected debut in the following series.

“Boom” has been widely praised, attracting an impressive 3.57 million viewers and receiving positive critical acclaim for its intense storyline and standout performances.

“73 Yards” is the riveting fourth episode of the fourteenth season of the beloved science fiction series, Doctor Who. This episode, penned by the renowned Russell T Davies and directed by Dylan Holmes Williams, first aired on BBC One in the United Kingdom on May 25, 2024, and was released on Disney+ in the United States on May 24, 2024.

The storyline takes a dramatic turn as the Fifteenth Doctor, played by Ncuti Gatwa, vanishes off a cliffside in Wales after disturbing a fairy circle. His companion, Ruby Sunday, portrayed by Millie Gibson, embarks on a desperate search for him while being trailed by a mysterious woman who maintains a constant distance of 73 yards. Russell T Davies describes this episode as a venture into folk horror, adding a chilling layer to the Doctor’s adventures. Notably, “73 Yards” was the first episode of the fourteenth series to be filmed, with production occurring in various picturesque locations across Wales in late 2022 and early 2023.

“73 Yards” captivated an audience of 4.058 million viewers and garnered positive reviews from critics. Millie Gibson’s performance, in particular, received widespread acclaim.

“Dot and Bubble” is the fifth episode of the fourteenth season of the acclaimed British science fiction series, Doctor Who. Written by Russell T Davies, who originally conceived the idea for the sixth series, and directed by Dylan Holmes Williams, this episode first aired on BBC One in the United Kingdom on June 1, 2024, and premiered on Disney+ in the United States on May 31, 2024.

In this thrilling episode, the Fifteenth Doctor, portrayed by Ncuti Gatwa, and his companion, Ruby Sunday, played by Millie Gibson, face the daunting task of saving the city of Finetime from a horde of human-eating slugs. They primarily communicate with Lindy Pepper-Bean, depicted by Callie Cooke, through social media to coordinate their efforts and assist the beleaguered residents of Finetime.

“Dot and Bubble” delves into profound themes such as the impact of social media on society, racism, and elitism. Both Russell T Davies and critics have drawn comparisons between this episode and the thought-provoking anthology series Black Mirror. The episode was met with positive reviews, praised for its insightful commentary and engaging narrative.

Check out Abi’s production company ⁠⁠⁠TT Productions 23⁠⁠⁠. Toverton Podcast is ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

Check out Chris’s ⁠⁠⁠Second Doctor audios.⁠⁠⁠

Check out ⁠⁠Bite Me: A Buffy Podcast.⁠⁠

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Film review-The Beekeeper

In the cinematic wasteland of January, “The Beekeeper,” under the direction of David Ayer and starring Jason Statham, emerges as a beacon of light. Despite being an unapologetic off-brand John Wick, Ayer’s direction breathes life into a thin script, offering a refreshing escape from the usual awards-bait.

Statham fully embodies the character of Adam Clay, a beekeeper and retired assassin, on a mission to foil online scammers preying on the vulnerable.

The narrative revels in its unsubtle, unexplained quirks, injecting a layer of amusement for the audience. As Adam sets out on his vendetta, the film skillfully traces the money trail, revealing a satirical crypto bro, Derek Danforth (Josh Hutcherson).

Ayer successfully saturates the film with colour, crafting an entertaining atmosphere, but the central character retains an air of mystery. The lore may be shallow, but there’s potential for sequels. This whimsically, absurd and over the top action flick is the ideal choice for a popcorn-filled movie night.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Running Down Corridors-Torchwood: Ghost Machine

We’re back from our summer break and with Chris on paternity leave, Martyn and Abi are joined by YouTuber Jimi Wolfe.

Check out Abi’s production company ⁠TT Productions 23⁠. Toverton Podcast is ⁠here⁠.

Check out Chris’s ⁠Second Doctor audios.⁠

Check out Bite Me: A Buffy Podcast.

Check out Jimi’s YouTube channel.

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Big Finish Review-Doctor Who: Short Trips Volume 12

Doctor Who is a beloved British science fiction television show that has captivated audiences for over 50 years. The show follows the adventures of the Doctor, a time-travelling alien who travels through time and space in a TARDIS, a spaceship that looks like a 1960s British police box. The show has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring books, comics, audio dramas, and more. In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at Doctor Who Short Trips Volume 12, an audiobook featuring six short stories set during the era of the Twelfth Doctor, played by Peter Capaldi.

Doctor Who Short Trips Volume 12 is a collection of six short stories, each written by a different author. The stories are all set during the time of the Twelfth Doctor and are narrated by Jacob Dudman, a voice actor who specialises in Doctor Who related media. The stories are all relatively short, ranging from around 20 to 40 minutes in length. The audiobook was produced by Big Finish Productions, a company that produces Doctor Who audio dramas and other science fiction and fantasy content.

Story Summaries

  1. “The Charge of the Night Brigade” by David Llewellyn In this story, the Doctor and his companion Clara arrive on a planet that is at war. The Doctor decides to intervene and help the people of the planet, but things don’t go as planned. The story is a retelling of the famous poem “The Charge of the Light Brigade” by Alfred Lord Tennyson, with the Doctor and Clara taking the place of the soldiers.
  2. “War Wounds” by Mark Wright The Doctor and his companion Bill arrive at a hospital during World War I. They discover that the hospital is using a new experimental drug to treat wounded soldiers, but the drug has some unexpected side effects. The story explores themes of trauma and healing, as well as the horrors of war.
  3. “Distant Voices” by Lizbeth Myles The Doctor and his companion Nardole arrive on a planet where the inhabitants communicate through singing. The planet is under threat from an external force, and the Doctor must find a way to save the day. The story explores the power of music and communication, as well as the importance of empathy and understanding.
  4. “Field Trip” by Una McCormack The Doctor and his companions arrive on a planet where a group of scientists are studying a mysterious energy field. However, when the energy field starts to behave erratically, the Doctor must intervene to prevent a catastrophe. The story explores themes of scientific exploration and discovery, as well as the potential dangers of uncontrolled experimentation.
  5. “Dead Media” by John Richards The Doctor and his companion Peri arrive at a museum where they discover a mysterious exhibit of obsolete media formats. However, when the exhibits start to come to life, the Doctor must find a way to stop them before they wreak havoc. The story is a fun and lighthearted exploration of the ways in which technology can take on a life of its own.
  6. “The Revisionists” by Andy Frankham-Allen In this story, the Doctor and his companion Ace arrive in a world where time travel is commonplace. However, when they discover that someone is altering history, they must race against time to restore the timeline before it’s too late. The story explores the dangers of altering history, as well as the importance of preserving the past.

Doctor Who Short Trips Volume 12 is an excellent addition to the Doctor Who universe. The stories are all well-written and engaging, with each author bringing their own unique style to the table. The voice acting by Jacob Dudman is top-notch, capturing the essence of each character and bringing the stories to life.

One of the strengths of this audiobook is its variety. Each story explores a different theme or genre, from war to music to time travel. This keeps the book fresh and exciting and ensures that there is something for everyone.

Another strength of the book is its focus on character. Each story delves into the psychology and motivations of the characters, both old and new. This helps to deepen our understanding of these beloved characters and makes us feel more invested in their adventures.

Overall, I highly recommend Doctor Who Short Trips Volume 12 to any fan of the show. It’s a well-crafted and entertaining audiobook that captures the spirit of Doctor Who and will leave you wanting more, this is a must-listen for any fan of the show. With its engaging stories, excellent voice acting, and wide range of themes and genres, it’s a great addition to the Doctor Who universe. We highly recommend it and believe that it deserves a top spot in any Doctor Who fan’s audiobook collection.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Film review-Cocaine Bear

“Cocaine Bear” is a riotous horror-comedy that delivers on its promise of a big bear on cocaine wreaking havoc in the woods. Directed by Elizabeth Banks, the film is set in 1985, when the actual events that inspired the movie took place. Banks and screenwriter Jimmy Warden infuse the characters with identifiable quirks and needs, making them more likable and relatable. Even the film’s villain, drug dealer Syd, played by the legendary Ray Liotta in one of his final roles, has recognisable resentments and fears.

Banks keeps the proceedings light and entertaining, balancing the gore and violence with humor and heart. The script sets several groups in motion, sometimes at cross-purposes, all heading towards the bear. Once the threat is established, we get to know the threatened. The performances are uniformly solid, with Keri Russell, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Alden Ehrenreich, Margo Martindale, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson all delivering strong turns.

Banks’ affection for the bear is evident throughout the film, even as it wreaks havoc on the hapless humans. The tension-filled sequences that have little to do with the bear add to the film’s overall sense of fun and unpredictability. The film has the structure of a slasher movie from the ’80s, but it owes a lot to the animals-attack subgenre of the ’70s. “Cocaine Bear” is a winning mix of heart and gore, skillfully threaded by Banks, who proves herself to be a deft hand at comedy and horror. The film’s success at the box office is a testament to its word-of-mouth appeal, as audiences flock to see the film again and again. With “Cocaine Bear,” Banks has earned her place as a director to watch, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Running Down Corridors-The RTD Christmas specials

As we approach RTD2, your dynamic trio take a look at the RTD Christmas specials.

The Christmas specials of Doctor Who written by Russell T Davies (2005-2009) explored humanity and the human cost of war and showed some of the Doctor’s greatest moments of heroism.

In The Christmas Invasion (2005) viewers were introduced to David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor and saw his successful thwarting of the Sycorax invasion of Earth.

In The Runaway Bride (2006) the Doctor reunited with old flame Donna Noble and had to rescue her from the Empress of the Racnoss.

In Voyage of the Damned (2007) the Doctor teamed up with Astrid to defend the Titanic in Space against the hostile alien force known as the Host.

In The Next Doctor (2008) the Doctor encountered his future self and fought off a robotic infestation. In The End of Time (2009), viewers saw the Doctor’s final farewell to his human companions before his regeneration into the Eleventh Doctor.

The specials explored themes of family, love, heroism, and faith while showcasing why Russell T Davies and David Tennant were both so popular with the general public.

Happy Christmas, to all of you at home. Thanks for listening. We’ll be back in the New Year. Albeit with a slightly different line-up. For personal reasons, Sam has decided to step down from the podcast. All is still well with The Bad Wilf family and there will always be a seat at the table for him, should he choose to return.

This podcast is part of The Bad Wilf Network. Check out www.badwilf.com, for information on all our other shows.

Artwork by Penny Smallshire.

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Big Finish review-Torchwood: The Lincolnshire Poacher

Mysterious signals lead the Torchwood team to investigate the Moil, where they encounter a series of numbers that seem to hold a secret. The story follows the team as they try to unravel the mystery, with Greg, an antagonist played by David Shaw-Parker, at the center of the intrigue. Greg’s routine, which involves recording audio while working in the Moil and setting traps, adds to the eerie atmosphere created by the use of real-life number stations.

Meanwhile, Ianto is trapped in a boiler room, and the reality around the team appears to be collapsing. As the story unfolds, the tension builds, and the Lincolnshire Poacher waits in the wings, adding to the creepy atmosphere.

Gareth David-Lloyd gives a stirring performance as Ianto, and the direction by Lisa Bowerman and sound designs by Toby Hrycek-Robinson create an immersive experience. The use of atmospheric music adds to the overall effect.

The Moil, an archaic word for “to work hard, often in the mud,” creates a sense of mystery and ambiguity, and the writing partnership of Lauren Mooney and Stuart Pringle shines through in the unique story and experimental themes.

Overall, The Lincolnshire Poacher is a strong addition to the Torchwood monthly range, with its strange, dark, and mysterious story keeping listeners guessing throughout. It’s a must-listen for fans of the show and anyone who enjoys immersive audio experiences.

Please note that Torchwood contains adult material and may not be suitable for younger listeners.

Torchwood: The Lincolnshire Poacher is available to buy from Big Finish.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Running Down Corridors Episode 1 series 2

Welcome to Running Down Corridors, where we explore the fascinating world of the Doctor and their adventures through time and space.

In this episode, we’ll be discussing the latest Doctor Who special, “Legend of the Sea Devils”. The Sea Devils are a classic Doctor Who monster that first appeared in the Jon Pertwee era, and have since become a fan-favorite. In this special, the Doctor and her companions find themselves in the middle of an underwater battle between the Sea Devils and a group of humans.

We’ll be discussing the themes and messages of the episode, as well as the performances of the actors and the special effects. We’ll also be exploring the history of the Sea Devils in Doctor Who, and how they’ve evolved over the years. Additionally, we’ll be delving into some of the behind-the-scenes details.

So join us for an exciting discussion of “Legend of the Sea Devils”.

This podcast is part of The Bad Wilf Network. Check out www.badwilf.com, for information on all our other shows.

Artwork by Penny Smallshire.

Check out BeeblePete’s review of Doctor Who am I?

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Review-Ben Reilly issue 1

It’s weird being a Spider-Man fan, I’m old enough to remember the original reaction to ‘The clone saga’. People hated it, they hated there was a Spider-Man that wasn’t Peter Parker. Nowdays, the appeal of the character seems to be that there are thousands of variations.

Written by J.M. DeMatteis, Ben Reilly: Spider-Man #1, picks up shortly after Ben Reilly took over the mantle of Spider-Man from Peter Parker (before to the Beyond Saga), and he’s having identity issues.
The resurrection of Carrion, a living virus, as well as other villains from Peter’s past, doesn’t help matters.

DeMatteis transports the reader to the aftermath of the clone saga and tells a compelling story about a conflicted hero attempting to figure out who and what he truly is.

I adored the story’s complexities and Ben’s internal battle. His personality is intriguing, and the darkness within him makes the reader interested in his decisions. I’m really looking forward to seeing where this tale leads, and the conclusion of this issue has piqued my interest even more.

With its amazing attention to detail and unique, engaging style, David Baldeon’s art continues to excite and impress. His work manages to convey character feelings, as well as fantastic action and catches the 90s vibe.

Ben Reilly: Spider-Man #1 is a solid issue. It’s almost as if Ben Reilly has come full circle, since his first appearance so many decades ago, and this is a great example of how successfully the character can be handled.

There’s a lot to be explored, and this series feels like it might be the ultimate piece of proof that his long-ago creation was, in fact, a great idea.

Listen to our review of Spider-Man: No way home here.

⭐⭐⭐

Comic review-Spider-Man: Life Story

Spider-Man: Life Story, penned by Chip Zdarsky and illustrated by Mark Bagley, is a masterpiece that should grace the bookshelves of any Spidey aficionado. The new hardcover edition, released in August 2021, collects the entire six-issue series along with Spider-Man: Life Story Annual #1.

The series is a realistic portrayal of Peter Parker’s life, exploring how he ages in real-time and how he experiences historical events such as the Vietnam War. Starting in 1966, a few years after Parker was bitten by the radioactive spider, the story progresses through the decades, offering a fresh take on classic Spider-Man tales.

The second issue, set in 1977, stands out as it introduces new revelations and twists on familiar characters. Peter Parker enjoys a happy life, working alongside another superhero under his real identity, and sharing a significant role with Gwen Stacy. However, Zdarsky’s masterful storytelling culminates in a devastating turn of events, leading to a gripping and emotional tale.

As the story unfolds, new characters like Miles Morales are introduced, and the Symbiote costume is explored in-depth, offering a unique take on the Spider-Man mythos. Bagley’s artwork, with inkers John Dell and Andrew Hennessy and color artist Frank D’Armata (and Matt Milla on the Annual), captures the classic look of Spider-Man comics, while adding a fresh touch to the story.

The Annual issue, focusing on J. Jonah Jameson, is a standout story that ties into Spider-Man’s narrative, creating a nuanced and layered narrative that elevates the main series. Zdarsky’s writing showcases Jameson’s journey of redemption and hope, resulting in a story that will resonate with readers on a deeper level.

Spider-Man: Life Story is a remarkable tale that celebrates Spider-Man in a new and inventive way. Zdarsky and Bagley have created a timeless work that will be remembered as one of the greatest Spider-Man stories of all time. While the extras in the hardcover, including variant covers and Zdarsky’s cover art process, are nice additions, the main series remains the heart of the book. In summary, Spider-Man: Life Story is a must-read for any fan of the friendly neighborhood web-slinger.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐