After an introduction by The Doctor himself Peter Davison, the PodCulture: TARDIS Interruptus team continue their series of Doctor Who Anniversary specials with a discussion of the Fifth Doctor’s time in the TARDIS.
Nick has assigned us the homework of The Caves of Androzani, which was recently re-released with new extras. He and Richard give us the rundown of the advent of Peter Davison’s tenure, and how he came to inhabit the TARDIS. He explains the overlap in companions, this time being Tegan and Adric. The pair discuss the device of having multiple companions and plot entanglements with props. The gang muses on what makes Peter Davison special as a Doctor. Christina’s theory is his screen versus theatrical method of acting.
Back from the break, Nick gives us a synopsis of Caves of Androzani. The Doctor sacrifices himself for the life of Perri, and they take a moment to list of regeneration causes thus far. The professors speak to the solid Davison stories, having very few complaints. Each takes a moment to talk about the 180 turnaround between Five and Six and how they treat companions. The 5th Doctor had his share of varied sets and monsters and the guys mention some of their favorites. Christina really enjoyed Black Orchid because of the use of the earthbound time travel story about human monsters. Going from the good to the bad, they touch on the villains that Davison’s Doctor has faced.
Brad and Christina sit down with Peter Davison and talk to him about Doctor Who’s enduring quality, the fact that it has become a family business, and even answers a question or two about Law and Order UK.
Musical guests for this episode are: The Ken Spivey Band with “Time for a New Companion (Tardis My Home)” and Devo Spice with “Companion Application”
Thanks to the TARDIS, Nick picks up right where he left off, discussing The Key To Time series of Tom Baker’s Doctor. He explains about the overall arc of the series, the character of Romana as his companion, and his disappointment in Douglas Adams. Taking a moment to talk about the effervescent Mary Tamm, Nick mentions what makes her special. It leads him to compare Mary Tamm to Lala Ward, lending sympathy to Lala’s less luminous portrayal and the tragic rotating regenerations. Shada was supposed to close out the year, but Richard and Nick explain why it wasn’t to be. The next year begins with changes both minor and matrimonial, all of which spark more evolution of the 4Th Doctor’s run. He bids goodbye to K-9 and Romana, and Nissa is introduced, but has yet to earn her TARDIS key. Nick takes time to comment on Adric playing opposite the 4th Doctor. Geoffrey Beavers (Mr. Caroline John) is back as the Master before regenerating into Anthony Ainley’s incarnation. Tom Baker went through the usual phases of trying to get outside the shadow of the scarf after leaving the show, but has come to love giving back to the fans.
