Brief Summary
This episode of The Sirens of Audio features Ian Kubiak and Gary Russell discussing the 40th-anniversary specials of Doctor Who, specifically the Villain Trilogy. The trilogy consists of three stories: Omega, Davos, and Master, each focusing on a different classic villain and Doctor.
- Ian Kubiak shares his experiences with Spearhead events and his history as a Doctor Who fan.
- The hosts and guests discuss what makes a perfect anniversary story, highlighting multi-Doctor stories and nostalgic elements.
- Each story in the Villain Trilogy is examined in detail, with insights into the writing, casting, and sound design.
Introduction
The episode starts with Jeffrey Beavers and some lighthearted banter, setting the stage for a discussion about Doctor Who in the audio medium. The hosts, Dwayne and Phillip, introduce their guest, Ian Kubiak, who expresses his admiration for their podcast.
Spearhead Events and Fandom Origins
Ian Kubiak discusses Spearhead, an organization he started during lockdown to host Zoom chats with actors from Doctor Who and other shows. He shares how he persuaded Tom Baker and Peter Davison to participate in these events. Ian also mentions upcoming events, including one at the school used for Remembrance of the Daleks, featuring Sophie Aldred and Sylvester McCoy in their original costumes. He recounts his early experiences as a Doctor Who fan, sparked by seeing Terror of the Zygons and Trial of a Time Lord.
Anniversary Specials: Key Elements
The hosts transition into a discussion about anniversary-themed episodes, focusing on what makes a perfect Doctor Who anniversary story. Phillip expresses his love for multi-Doctor stories, particularly The Five Doctors. Dwayne shares his fondness for the 25th-anniversary stories, Silver Nemesis and Remembrance of the Daleks, highlighting their throwback elements. Ian expresses disappointment that there won't be another version of The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot for the anniversary.
Omega: The First of the Trilogy
The discussion moves to the Villain Trilogy, starting with Omega, written by Nev Fountain. The story involves a telepathic message that leads the Doctor to the sector of Forgotten Souls, where Omega's ship vanished. Ian praises the clever twist in the story, where the Doctor is not who he seems to be. Phillip notes the Fight Club-esque element of one character not being real. The sound design by Gareth Jenkins is also highlighted.
Gary Russell on Omega
Gary Russell shares his recollections of creating the Villain Trilogy, explaining that it was designed to lead up to the Zzus story. He reveals that the original plan involved the Celestial Toymaker but that it fell through, leading to the selection of Omega. Russell praises Nev Fountain's script and the clever twist of the Doctor not being present until the final episode.
Davos: A Villain Without Daleks
The panel discusses Davos, written by Lance Parkin, which explores Davos without the Daleks. Ian praises the dynamic between Colin Baker's Doctor and Terry Molloy's Davos. Phillip highlights the flashbacks to Davos's early life and the story's exploration of economics as a means of destruction. The performances of Molloy and Baker are lauded as the best in the trilogy.
Gary Russell on Davos
Gary Russell shares that the idea for Davos came about during a discussion in Florida. He wanted a Davos story without Daleks and commissioned Lance Parkin to write it. Russell also reveals that Michael Gough turned down the opportunity to reprise his role as the Celestial Toymaker, leading to the decision to focus on Davos. He praises Lance's script and the decision to make economics the driving force of the story.
Master: A Dark and Intricate Tale
The final story in the trilogy, Master, written by Joseph Lidster, is discussed. The story involves a dinner party where the Master, with amnesia, is trying to save everyone. Ian praises the theatrical nature of the story and Sylvester McCoy's performance. Phillip highlights Jeffrey Beevers' portrayal of the Master and the Agatha Christie-esque feel of the story.
Gary Russell on Master
Gary Russell shares that Joe Lidster pitched the idea for Master, wanting to explore death and its impact. The original pitch involved the Master with amnesia, trying to save people while the Doctor suspects him. Russell praises Lidster's script and the intense, character-driven nature of the story. He also credits David Bickerstaff for bringing Philip Madoc and Bernard Horsfall to the production.
Recommendations and Farewell
The episode concludes with recommendations from the hosts and guest. Phillip recommends The Newsreader, an Australian TV series set in a 1980s newsroom. Dwayne recommends listening to Zzus, highlighting its unique and divisive nature. Ian recommends the Robin of Sherwood audios produced by Barnaby Eaton-Jones. The hosts thank Ian for joining them, and the episode ends with farewells.
