Series 2, Episode 6 - “My Sky Striker! My glory!”

Hold on to your time rings, faithful podcast fans, because this week we’re heading back into the Cyber-review fold on a course for Nerva Beacon and the fabled planet of gold, Voga, for a main-episode review of the… “divisive” Tom Baker serial Revenge of the Cybermen. Host Mike and co-host Companion D.K welcome back returning guests Cliff Chapman and Joshua Merkley to help untangle a messy web of intrigue, espionage, viruses, missile strikes, crash landings, and some rather uncharacteristic cyborgs. But first, we warm up with a chat about our favourite Tom Baker stories and the best seasons of classic Who. Then it’s the section as familiar as a reused set: Hit or Miss. This week we debate a somewhat maligned Matt Smith Cyber-encounter, Doctor Who’s own superhero, a classic Hartnell serial, and a very recent companion. Then things get intense as we confront mishandled viruses, civil war, fighting over gold, oddly behaved AI, and people with questionable loyalties. And no, that’s not just us reading the news from any random day over the last seven years. Camps begin to form between those who despise the story, those who passionately defend it, and those who let nostalgia triumph over logic. Along the way we explore how the script changed from genesis to final form, the spooky behind-the-scenes tales of the Wookey Hole curse, the location and studio filming, the electronic music, and how the story ultimately left each of us feeling. We round things off with critic and audience reactions, our favourite moments, and our final scores. So try not to cause any rock slides or detonate explosives, and definitely avoid any crash landings while you join us for another opinionated and entertaining episode. HARRY SULLIVAN IS AN IMBECILE — but you’re not. So press play now, and don’t disappoint the Doctor.

Links:

Cliff:

• facebook.com/cliff.chapman

• cliffchapman.bsky.social • https://ko-fi.com/clif...​

Josh:

• https://www.facebook.com/share/18EBd6kFwa/

• https://youtube.com/@infinitestudiosfl?si=xjlQUmgnhDVrOF0k

Check out the trailer for Josh's upcoming show "Solis":

https://youtu.be/tm3mMcFaMVs?is=cmSazvwU3Ustckbq

Follow Mike and the podcasts all over the internet via linktr.ee/mikespods

Follow Mike on Discord: MikeOfSteel#2913

Hosted and written by Michael Wilson

Co-hosted and additional material by D.K

Editor/Producer - Michael K. Wilson

Created by Michael K. Wilson

Based on a format by Will Templar "

Cybermen, that's right. Terribly bad on names."

Series 2, Episode 5 – “There was a dog pissing up against our tent, hold me Ianto.”

We’re back for the next in our Hit or Miss: Doctor Who Cyber Season, and we're heading to 2000s Cardiff and into our first Whoniverse spin-off review. Yes, we're tackling the infamous “Cyberwoman” from Torchwood — the episode that asks, “What if body horror… but make it awkward?” Host Michael is joined by returning favourites: Pasty Sheep maestro and semi-pro Matt Berry impressionist George White, plus Who mega-fan, voice actor and self-declared No.1 fan (with heavy sarcasm) of Chris Chibnall, Cliff Chapman. We kick off with a big-picture Torchwood chat — the highs, the lows, the why did they think that was a good idea? — plus favourite Cybermen stories from across all Doctor Who media. Then it’s time for “Hit or Miss,” where quick critiques fly at another Who spin-off, a Cyber sidekick, a controversial modern Doctor and a Third Doctor romp. And then… the main event. If you’ve ever accused Mike of being too generous — or too quick to defend Chibnall — this may shock you. What starts as critique slides rapidly into venting, then mutates into something resembling group therapy. We break down the episode’s wasted potential, the rare moments that shine, and a genuinely strong performance from Gareth David-Lloyd… but there’s no escaping the frustrations. From infamous costuming choices to clunky “adult” dialogue, muddled character motivations, dated direction, sloppy scripting and an astonishingly misguided climax — nothing is spared. We round out with critic and audience reactions (apologies to the fans), pick out our favourite scraps of goodness (we try), and deliver final scores. Could this be the lowest rating we’ve ever given? Don’t slather yourself in barbecue sauce and fight a pterodactyl. Tune in and find out. If you dare.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode's main review contains strong language, adult themes, and discussions of horror and sexuality. Like Torchwood, it is not intended for children. Listener discretion advised.

Links:

Cliff:

• facebook.com/cliff.chapman

• cliffchapman.bsky.social

• https://ko-fi.com/clif...​

George:

• instagram.com/georgewhite96

• instagram.com/pastysheep

• linktr.ee/pastysheep

Follow Mike and the podcasts all over the internet via linktr.ee/mikespods

Follow Mike on Discord: MikeOfSteel#2913

Hosted and written by Michael Wilson

Editor/Producer - Michael K. Wilson

Created by Michael K. Wilson

Based on a format by Will Templar

“Show some fucking mercy!”

Cinema Classics Number 25 - "The total potential here must be nothing less than astronomical!"

Prepare yourself, listener, for a new scale of science-fiction cinematic value. Dare you come with us and visit the Forbidden Planet? Skipper Mike & First Lieutenant D.K are joined on this amazing voyage by returning interplanetary specialist Justin Avery Smith as we head to Altair IV and arguably the birth of the sci-fi genre as we know it. Celebrating 70 years since it's initial release our intrepid trio dive deep into the genesis of this cinematic landmark, explore the groundbreaking ideas, effects, and Shakespeare-inspired plot. There's a lot of praise for the visuals, the acting (mostly) and the sheer imagination and directorial vision. There's also fair critique of the elements that don't hold up so well, from dated sexism to creepy crewmen and a view of humanity’s guardrails that feels retroactively naive. But ultimately, perhaps unsurprisingly, things devolve into a Robby the Robot love-fest, as we attempt to explain just how this mechanical marvel has charmed audiences and captured imaginations for seven decades. We conclude with the usual critical response, along with an extended look at this film's unique and lasting legacy, finishing with our highlights, critical conclusions and scores out of five interstellar stars. So have your own Robby whip you up a drink (maybe not 60 gallons of bourbon), press play and enjoy this imaginative space odyssey.

Links:

• Follow Justin on Facebook, Instagram & Threads; @Justinaverysmith

• Follow Justin on BlueSky @Justaverysmith

Get tickets for "Revenge of the Soy Boy" in person or live streaming:

• www.eventbrite.com/e/revenge-of-the-soy-boy-tickets

• https://therockwell.org/boston-fringe/

• https://tickets.frigid.nyc/event/

Find Mike and the podcast all over the internet via https://linktr.ee/mikespods

Follow Mike on Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/g479

Follow the podcast on Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/3xH6

Join the Silver Screen Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/329752622011042/?ref=share

E-mail us at mwilsonba1982@gmail.com

Created & Hosted by Michael Wilson.

Co-hosted by D.K

Written by Michael Wilson

Additional Material by D.K

Edited by Michael Wilson.

Produced by Mike Wilson.

"Monsters, John. Monsters from the id."

D.K's Cult Classics Episode 49 -

"Hydrolyzed vegetable protein, soybean meal, niacin, dextrose, and sodium nitrate flavoring."

"Yup, that's what we call "meat" back home."

Many copycat movies were produced in the wake of 1977's Star Wars. But perhaps none are as legendary as Roger Corman's Battle Beyond the Stars AKA The Magnificent 7 in space. Join DK and Nigel the Kaiju Whisperer as they take a deep dive into the movie with more alien species than you can shake a stick at, a sublime James Horner soundtrack, and arguably the most erotic ship in fiction.

Find the podcast all over the internet via https://linktr.ee/mikespods

Follow DK on Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/4upxV

Follow the podcast on Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/3xH61

Join the Silver Screen Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/329752622011042/?ref=share

E-mail us at mwilsonba1982@gmail.com

Created, written & hosted by DK.

Produced by DK

Edited by Michael Wilson

Executively Produced by Mike Wilson

"30 seconds and counting, Zed. 29, 28, 27, 24, 15, 22... did I... did I say 15?"

Series 2, Episode 4 - "My name was Ashad. I did spare your son...because he's a useless runt, sickly and weak. And I did have children. I slit their throats when they joined the resistance."

Clouds are gathering, lightning strikes, and a familiar mechanical clank is moving in from Lake Geneva. Welcome to a spine-tingling episode of the Hit or Miss: Doctor Who Cyberman season, as this week we're investigating The Haunting of Villa Diodati. Host Michael is joined by a group of returning guests whose intellect and wit could rival any gathering of literary geniuses... or at least three Whovians and podcasters who turned up. It's regular contributor Tobi and newer recruits Stephen and Lynn. Our frightful foursome begin by discussing the highs (and lows) of the Whittaker era, then blast straight into the Hit or Miss section. This week the debates involve our famous time traveller's wife, a NuWho spaceship, a gender-swapped arch nemesis and a recent controversial cyber innovation. Then it’s off to Switzerland, 1816. Against the storm-lashed backdrop of Villa Diodati, our ghost hunters explore Frankenstein’s genesis, deliciously chilling atmosphere, and the seismic impact of Ashad — the Lone Cyberman. There’s praise (and some criticism) for the writing and performances, deep dives into the historical and thematic context, and an exploration of the Doctor’s seemingly unwinnable moral dilemma. So put the ghost story contest on the back burner, ignore the dreadful weather, grab a sandwich, and settle in for a mechanically macabre episode.

Links:

Follow Tobi on Bluesky: Darksonic@bsky.social

Links for Stephen & Lynn:

Adventures in Time and Space: A Doctor Who Podcast: https://open.spotify.c...​

Gene Genie Reviews: A Life on Mars/Ashes to Ashes Podcast: https://open.spotify.c...​

You Can't Handle The Review! - A Film Review Podcast: https://open.spotify.c...​

Email: thistlepodcasts@outlook.com.

Thistle Podcasts Facebook page: https://www.facebook.c...​

ThistlePodcasts Instagram Page: https://www.instagram....​

Dr Who Pod Facebook: https://m.facebook.com...​

Dr Who Pod Instagram: / adventuresintimeandspa... ​

Follow Mike and the podcasts all over the internet via linktr.ee/mikespods

Follow Mike on Discord: MikeOfSteel#2913

Hosted and written by Michael Wilson

Editor/Producer - Michael K. Wilson

Created by Michael K. Wilson

Based on a format by Will Templar

"Sometimes this team structure isn't flat. It's mountainous, with me at the summit in the stratosphere, alone, left to choose. Save the poet, save the universe. Watch people burn now or tomorrow. Sometimes, even I can't win."

Series 2, Episode 3 – "Another artist replaced by A.I!"

Hello again Whovians and Cyberfans, and welcome to another episode of Hit or Miss: Doctor Who. This week our Cyberman explorations take us back to classic black-and-white Who, as we try not to trip any traps or wake any frozen armies during our deep dive into Second Doctor classic The Tomb of the Cybermen. Host Mike and co-host D.K. are joined by two returning guests for this expedition to Telos: regular fixture Tobi, and Lynn, back again following our The Tenth Planet review. Proceedings begin with an analysis of Tobi and D.K.’s choices for favourite Cyberman storylines, before heading straight into our regular Hit or Miss segment. This week’s mini-debates take in a Key to Time adventure, the most recent Master, a particularly relevant classic companion, and the Seventh Doctor’s sole clash with our featured silver nemesis. Then it’s on to the main event. Our tomb-raiding crew dig deep into the story’s growing reputation as a once-missing adventure, the evolution of the Cybermen, Victoria’s first trip in the TARDIS, the contrast between human and Cyber villains, and the sheer brilliance of Patrick Troughton and Frazer Hines. It’s not all praise, though — we also confront the story’s unfortunate racist tropes, over-ambitious effects, studio limitations, and a slightly flimsy world-conquering plot. Audience thoughts, final conclusions, and scores close things out as ever. So don’t touch any suspicious doors, don’t stand between obvious weapons and training dummies, never make a deal with the Cybermen — and press play to navigate your way out of the catacombs with us.

Links:

Follow Tobi on Bluesky: Darksonic@bsky.social

Links for Lynn:

Adventures in Time and Space: A Doctor Who Podcast: https://open.spotify.c...​

Gene Genie Reviews: A Life on Mars/Ashes to Ashes Podcast: https://open.spotify.c...​

You Can't Handle The Review! - A Film Review Podcast: https://open.spotify.c...​

Email: thistlepodcasts@outlook.com.

Thistle Podcasts Facebook page: https://www.facebook.c...​

ThistlePodcasts Instagram Page: https://www.instagram....​

Dr Who Pod Facebook: https://m.facebook.com...​

Dr Who Pod Instagram: / adventuresintimeandspa... ​

Follow Mike and the podcasts all over the internet via linktr.ee/mikespods

Follow Mike on Discord: MikeOfSteel#2913

Hosted and written by Michael Wilson

Co-host - D.K

Editor/Producer - Michael K. Wilson

Created by Michael K. Wilson

Based on a format by Will Templar

"To struggle is futile."

D.K's Cult Classics Episode 48 - "I'll buy that for a dollar!"

Paul Verhoeven's 1987 sci-fi satire Robocop comes under the spotlight on this episode of Cult Classics. This time around DK is joined once again by Mike Wilson as they discuss the 80s unexpected smash hit. Does it go too far? How much did DK fanboy while in Dallas? And just what the hell is with Dick Jones' arms anyway?

Find the podcast all over the internet via https://linktr.ee/mikespods

Follow DK on Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/4upxV

Follow the podcast on Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/3xH61

Join the Silver Screen Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/329752622011042/?ref=share

E-mail us at mwilsonba1982@gmail.com

Created, written & hosted by DK.

Produced by DK

Edited by Michael Wilson

Executively Produced by Mike Wilson

"Can you fly, Bobby?"

Series 2, Episode 2 – “Extreme Makeover: Human Edition”

Welcome back, Cyber-converts, to the second episode of our new podcast series exploring Cybermen stories old & new. This week we shift focus to NuWho. So watch out for zeppelins, and hope your doppelgänger isn’t a dog as we step into a world that’s familiar… but just a little bit different. That’s right: we’re diving into the alternate-reality two-parter “Rise of the Cybermen/The Age of Steel”. Host Mike is broadcasting this week alongside our very own makeshift Preachers; returning guests Michael Whaley and Stephen Rogerson, plus first-timer Joshua Merkley. We kick things off by grilling Josh on his Doctor Who origins and favourites, share our own standout Cyber stories, then head into the ever-reliable Hit or Miss segment. This week’s debates include a semi-lost Cyberman adventure, a bang-up-to-date design, a true Who icon, and a group of Dalek fighters. Our main review covers everything from emotional performances (and occasional scenery-chewing) to the effectiveness of the Cybermen’s reintroduction, the alternate-world concept, character arcs, and deeper thematic meanings. Along the way we explore early script ideas, BTS facts, audience reactions, and — as always — wrap up with individual scores & combined podcast rating. So keep an eye on your earpods, put your phone down for a bit, and enjoy the episode. Shares and ratings are always far preferable to deletion.

Links:

- Follow Josh on Facebook: @JoshuaMerkley

- Follow Michael Whaley on Instagram & TikTok: @alwaysmichaelwhaley

- Follow Michael Whaley on Facebook: @CMWhaley

Links for Stephen:

- Adventures in Time and Space: A Doctor Who Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bkCCRXbsVW49KPbxGxqk1?si=7WaPaoWPRI6Pgtcbq9CfNQ

- Gene Genie Reviews: A Life on Mars/Ashes to Ashes Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5lEW1vt9ecec9750K33WcL?si=KaO1edAjRTaboklXx1KWDw

- You Can't Handle The Review! - A Film Review Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/06f9YZPfQG4A4L8dKZRkVM?si=QbV4V8rIQMmpJ2i3Uw3Xnw - Email: thistlepodcasts@outlook.com.

- Thistle Podcasts Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570997583479

- ThistlePodcasts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thistlepodcasts?igsh=bGU2dmluY3BiOW56

- Dr Who Pod Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=61551445527108

- Dr Who Pod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventuresintimeandspace63/

Follow Mike and the podcasts all over the internet via linktr.ee/mikespods

Hosted and written by Michael Wilson

Editor/Producer - Michael K. Wilson

Created by Michael K. Wilson

Based on a format by Will Templar

"You're just making this up as you go along!"

"Yup. But I do it brilliantly."