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Brief Summary
In this final full podcast episode of the year, The Sirens of Audio reflect on their guests and favorite moments from the past year, including interviews with Michael Troughton, Jeffrey Beevers, Kate Orman, and more. They also discuss the Big Finish "Once and Future" series, providing a brief recap and their thoughts on each of the seven released episodes.
- Reflecting on the past year's podcast highlights, including memorable guest interviews.
- Reviewing the "Once and Future" series, discussing plot, characters, and overall impressions.
- Thanking listeners and teasing a bonus episode.
Intro
Morin O'Brian introduces The Sirens of Audio, encouraging listeners to leave reviews on Apple Podcasts and engage with their YouTube content through likes, shares, subscriptions, and comments.
Podcast Introduction
Dwayne and Philip introduce the show, mentioning the warm weather in Sydney and greeting listeners from Western Australia. They announce this is the final full podcast episode for the year, with a bonus episode to follow discussing "The Church on Ruby Road." They also mention Wendy Padbury's upcoming visit to Australia in February for conventions in Sydney and Melbourne, with potential for a Brisbane appearance. Her daughter, Charlie Hayes, will also be attending.
Looking Back at 2023
Dwayne and Philip reflect on the past year of the podcast, highlighting standout moments and guests. In January, they had Michael Troughton, Jeffrey Beevers, and G Russell. Philip recalls Jeffrey Beevers as a highlight due to his fascinating life and gentle demeanor. Dwayne enjoyed talking to Michael Troughton and had predicted he would play the Doctor. February featured Kate Orman, a Steven Grie memorial, Jan Chapel, Sally Nette, Michael Stevens, and Simon Gria. Kate Orman's interview and Michael Stevens' appearance generated significant interest. March included Dan Starkey, John Levene, Christopher Benjamin, and John Dorney. John Levene's interview was particularly interesting, and both enjoyed speaking with Dan Starkey and Christopher Benjamin. April was quieter due to events with Janet Fielding in Sydney, Hobart, and Brisbane, but they released their 150th episode with Ro McManis. May featured footage from the Brisbane event, an interview with Helen Goldwin, and Max Kashvi. Helen Goldwin's talent was praised. June included Elizabeth Morton and Tim Bentinck. July featured Beth Charmers, Glenn McCre, and Lizzy Hopley, with Lizzy Hopley standing out for her thoughtful insights. August included Paul Vovan, Johnny Morris, and Hugh Ross, along with Janet Fielding live in Sydney. September marked the beginning of the 60th anniversary season, featuring John Dorney, Lise Jameson, Sarah from Type 40, Martin Havl, and a retrospective of "The Pirates." October included Brian Croucher, Conrad Westmaas, and Gary Russell, with Conrad Westmaas's openness being a highlight. November focused on the anniversary season, with episodes on the Toymaker, Companion Chronicle Solitaire, the Star Beast adaptation, the 1963 Trilogy, and Nick Briggs discussing "The Light at the End." December featured episodes on Bernice Summerfield and India Fisher.
Once and Future: Past Lives
The first episode of the "Once and Future" series, "Past Lives," is recapped. The Doctor is injured in the Time War and begins degenerating, flitting between past incarnations. Settling as the Fourth Doctor, he seeks the Monk, who has involved Sarah Jane Smith in stealing a device for an alien race. The episode stars Tom Baker, Sadie Miller, Jenna Redgrave, and Rufus Hound. Sadie Miller's performance as Sarah Jane Smith is highlighted. The degeneration concept allows for every Doctor to appear. The Monk warns the Doctor to find someone with the same genetic makeup, leading into the next story.
Once and Future: The Artist at the End of Time
The second episode, "The Artist at the End of Time," is summarized. The Doctor, in his Fifth form, seeks answers at the end of the universe and finds his daughter Jenny and an artist whose works mark the end of worlds. It stars Peter Davison, Georgia Tennant, and Colin Baker. This episode was written to bring Peter Davison and Georgia Tennant together. The story has a James Goss style twist. There are similarities to the Bernice Summerfield story "Extinction Event." The scenes on Orion are reminiscent of "The Five Doctors."
Once and Future: A Genius for War
The third episode, "A Genius for War," is discussed. The Time Lords receive a communication from Davos, who offers to help them win the Time War if the Doctor rescues him. It stars Sylvester McCoy, Ken Bones, Nicholas Briggs, and Terry Molloy. This is Dwayne's favorite episode. The opening music is similar to "Trial of a Time Lord." The episode is set on the moon of Scaro, with references to the Genesis of the Daleks. There are references to the hybrid.
Once and Future: Two's Company
The fourth episode, "Two's Company," is summarized. The Sixth Doctor meets Jackie Tyler and Lady Christina de Souza while searching for the origins of the degeneration weapon. It stars Colin Baker, Camille Coduri, and Michelle Ryan. The Renegade is revealed to be the Two. The pairing of Camille Coduri and Michelle Ryan is praised. Christopher Naylor's performance as Harry Sullivan is highlighted.
Once and Future: The Martian Invasion of Planetoid 50
The fifth episode, "The Martian Invasion of Planetoid 50," is discussed. The First Doctor arrives in Victorian London amid a Martian invasion but discovers Missy is involved. The Tenth Doctor, the Paternoster Gang, and Jenny Flint assist. It stars David Tennant, Michelle Gomez, Neve McIntosh, Dan Starkey, and Catrin Stewart. This was the earliest episode recorded. Michelle Gomez's performance as Missy is praised.
Once and Future: Time Lord Immemorial
The sixth episode, "Time Lord Immemorial," is summarized. The Ninth Doctor finds his TARDIS caught between universes and joins forces with a Doctor from another reality, Liv Chenka, and the Lumat. It stars Christopher Eccleston, David Warner, and Nicola Walker. This is Dwayne's least favorite episode. The story is difficult to follow, and Robert Powell's role is minor.
Once and Future: The Union
The seventh episode, "The Union," is discussed. The Doctor responds to a distress call from Susan, taking him to the Diamond Array. River Song has made a deadly alliance. The truth about the Doctor's degeneration is revealed. It stars Paul McGann, Tom Baker, Caroline Ford, and Alex Kingston. The Union is a future incarnation of the Doctor. The performances of Caroline Ford and Morven O'Brien are praised.
Final Thoughts and Farewells
Dwayne and Philip reflect on the year and thank their guests and audience. They mention a bonus episode discussing "The Church on Ruby Road." They express gratitude for the listeners from around the world. They announce they will be taking a break and will return next year.
