Two-minute Time Lord

Chip on Television Zombies 133

That Chip Guy — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:04:02 +0000

Chris, Jeff, Tina and Chuck (the Zombies themselves), Ross and James from Creeping with Armstrong, and a suddenly longwinded me talked about Series 5 of Doctor Who on Television Zombies 133. Hope you like it!

2MTL 151: Saluting Tracie Simpson

That Chip Guy — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 02:35:42 +0000

Buried in RTD and Benjamin Cook's The Writer's Tale (confession: I've only read the pre-specials hardback) is a salute to an unsung hero who left only to return as a full producer for the specials and Series 5: Gallifrey One 22 guest Tracie Simpson.

2MTL 150: The Doctor's Top Ten Kisses, Part Two

That Chip Guy — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:15:49 +0000

Concluding our countdown from 2MTL #149, we look at the more substantial, more meaningful story moments that involved the Doctor getting a little closer to the people he encountered — with a guest appearance from someone whose shoes fit particularly well.

2MTL 149: The Doctor's Top Ten Kisses, Part One

That Chip Guy — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 11:00:27 +0000

We don't know that EVERY classic incarnation of The Doctor was averse to being physical with his companions, but we've seen that ever since Survival went off the air he's become a LOT more touchy-feely while the cameras are rolling. Herewith, ranked on the bases of consistent characterization, plot advancement, dramatic effect and significance to the Doctor Who story, is part one of our rundown of the Doctor's osculatory adventures.

2MTL 148: Plan B for Watching Doctor Who Internationally

That Chip Guy — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 02:23:57 +0000

For about as long as I've been podcasting, I've been on the warpath seeking the international release of Doctor Who episodes as close to the BBC One airdate as possible. I'm forced to admit that may not be practical most of the time for smaller networks such as BBC America.

So here's my Modest Proposal for Plan B: more-expensive premium downloads of the episodes as soon as they've aired on BBC One, before they hit the international networks. Give a listen for the details, and let me know what you think.

2MTL 147: Revisiting "Vincent and the Doctor"

That Chip Guy — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 04:01:30 +0000

While the U.K. suffers the beginning of the Long Night Without Doctor Who, the U.S. and Canada have only gotten around to "Vincent and the Doctor," very much an outlier among the whole of Series 5. Thoughts about character development, starry nights and Fandom Wars (TM) within!

2MTL 146: Uncle Erik Explains "The Big Bang"

That Chip Guy — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:45:36 +0000

An aggrieved Erik from Bridging the Rift joins me for a lightning round of answers to supposedly unanswered questions that were answered in "The Big Bang."

Did you get that?

Bridging the Rift is a podcast dedicated to Doctor Who fandom, fan culture and creative pursuits.

2MTL 145: Comedian Toby Hadoke Reviews "The Big Bang"

That Chip Guy — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 19:53:50 +0000

Comedian and Friend of 2MTL Toby Hadoke hopped on Skype with me thirty minutes after "The Big Bang" and reviewed it!

Toby's the creator of "Moths Ate My Doctor Who Scarf," and the upcoming "Now I Know My BBC." He's also writing with Rob Shearman "Running Through Corridors," a memoir of reviewing every Doctor Who episode within a year.

2MTL 144: Series 5 Was Made for the Box Set

That Chip Guy — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 02:57:15 +0000

I'm seeing a parallel between Babylon 5 and the current series of Doctor Who, in the driving, defining nature of the story arc being carried through the thirteen episodes. Is this a good thing?

2MTL 143: SPOILERS – Tony Lee Reviews "The Pandorica Opens"

That Chip Guy — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 19:01:35 +0000

Doctor Who comics writer and FRIEND OF 2MTL* Tony Lee reviews "The Pandorica Opens"!

* "Friend of…" is a registered trademark of Radio Free Skaro, used without permission. So there.

2MTL 142: SPOILERS – James from Creeping With Armstrong Reviews "The Lodger"

That Chip Guy — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 19:31:52 +0000

Pop culture/bromance podcast Creeping with Armstrong's co-host James takes a spin on 2MTL to review "The Lodger." Programming note: this is the LAST weekly U.K. guest review to feature a podcaster. The next two guest reviewers will be — different.

2MTL 141: Torchwood, Y'all! (Redux)

That Chip Guy — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 02:44:06 +0000

Thoughts about Torchwood's new international flavor (spelled without a "u") and a spoiler-free note about the BBC's press synopsis for this year's finale round out today's podcast!

2MTL 140: Character Development and "Amy's Choice"

That Chip Guy — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 03:42:51 +0000

"Amy's Choice" was a powerful piece of storytelling, offering a fundamental insight into the Doctor's character, and a significant turning point for Amy. The character development was welcome after a first half of the series that seemed overly efficient in its characterization.

2MTL 139: Luke from TMDWP Reviews "Vincent and the Doctor"

That Chip Guy — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 00:02:03 +0000

Luke from the ever-visual TMDWP — The Minute (MY-newt) Doctor Who Podcast — takes his turn in the guest chair with two minutes on "Vincent and the Doctor."

2MTL 138: The Doctor Chooses a Personality

That Chip Guy — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 03:58:44 +0000

In 2MTL 136 we noted this new Doctor's increased alienness and, more importantly, his decreased ability to relate to the people around him. In today's podcast, we look within the fiction for a reason why.

Two Minutes About Radio Free Skaro

That Chip Guy — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 01:28:32 +0000

Buried somewhere there in the back of their TWO-HOUR EPIC are my good wishes for the Radio Free Skaro crew, who just released their 200th "official" podcast. Let me share them here as well, in exactly two minutes. Helpful advance info: Chris is the guy who's talked about having a T-shirt made: "My Doctor is Asexual."

2MTL 137: SPOILERS – James from The Doctor Who Podcast Reviews "Cold Blood"

That Chip Guy — Sun, 30 May 2010 02:39:25 +0000

James from THE* and the Dad's Army Podcast takes his turn in the chair for his review of "Cold Blood."

* (I'm starting a campaign here and now — just as 2MTL is short for Two-minute Time Lord, I think the short form for The Doctor Who Podcast should simply be "THE.")

2MTL 136: An Unearthly Doctor

That Chip Guy — Fri, 28 May 2010 03:58:43 +0000

So what's up with this Eleventh Doctor guy, anyway? It's not just that he's "alien" — it's that his emotional wires are SERIOUSLY crossed….

UPDATE: Where you hear the word "peanut butter" think "marmalade."

2MTL 135: SPOILERS – The Ood Cast Reviews "The Hungry Earth"

That Chip Guy — Sat, 22 May 2010 21:25:16 +0000

It's an all-singing, all-dancing, review of the Silurians' return in "The Hungry Earth" thanks to Laura and Chris Sigma of The Ood Cast! (@theoodcast on Twitter)

2MTL 134: TIME DILATION – Paul Cornell on His BBC3 Pilot "Pulse" and Loving Series 5

That Chip Guy — Thu, 20 May 2010 03:48:19 +0000

Memorize this Twitter hashtag: #pulsebbc3. 'Cos like Being Human before it, Paul Cornell's new pilot project — the science fiction/medical horror show Pulse (Facebook link) — has a chance to be picked up as a full series if the online reaction is strong enough. Paul talks with me about the show he scripted, and also takes me up on my invitation to gush about Doctor Who Series 5 for a bit.

(Time Dilation episodes of 2MTL put aside the two-minute format temporarily for longer interviews and such. And now you know…the rest of the story.)

2MTL 133: SPOILERS – Damon Querry Reviews "Amy's Choice"

That Chip Guy — Sat, 15 May 2010 21:35:24 +0000

Damon "Tachyon TV" Querry rounds out the triumvirate's series of guest reviews with a look at "Amy's Choice."

2MTL 132: "The Time of Angels" and the Perils of High Expectations

That Chip Guy — Wed, 12 May 2010 04:36:26 +0000

Could "The Time of Angels" live up to the relentless fan adulation, or was I doomed to disappointment because my expectations were just too inflated? Well…at least there was one big development in the Doctor's character that made the episode worthwhile.

2MTL 131: SPOILER – Nat from Bridging the Rift Reviews "Vampires of Venice"

That Chip Guy — Sat, 08 May 2010 21:11:35 +0000

Nat from the excellent Bridging the Rift podcast looks at "Vampires of Venice," comparing it to the other standard-length single episodes we've had thus far in Series 5.

Help Luke Run 10K for Charity in a Tom Baker Scarf

That Chip Guy — Fri, 07 May 2010 02:07:17 +0000

Help Luke Harrison raise funds for worthy charities by supporting him in his 10K run. You can MAKE him do it in a Tom Baker scarf if you act quickly!

2MTL 130: "Victory of the Daleks" Revisited

That Chip Guy — Wed, 05 May 2010 01:31:03 +0000

In a time of GREATEST EPISODES EVAR, "Victory of the Daleks" meekly peeks its eyestalk out and asks the rest of the world, "Remember me? I wasn't that bad!"

(Big thanks to Mark Goodacre for posting Ross's review in 2MTL #129 while I was away.)

2MTL 129: SPOILERS – Creeping with Armstrong's Ross Reviews "Flesh and Stone"

That Chip Guy — Sat, 01 May 2010 19:56:59 +0000

Ross from Creeping with Armstrong reviews "Flesh and Stone", episode 5 in the 2010 series of Doctor Who. Guest introduction by Mark Goodacre.

2MTL 128: The Secret to Doctor Who's Success

That Chip Guy — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 03:46:38 +0000

An easy answer to the success of Doctor Who is that it's not limited by genre — and no doubt that's a big part. But even more important is the mystery of the elevenfold man, the Doctor himself. How does that help hold longtime fans who must inevitably say goodbye to "their" Doctor?

2MTL 127: Is There Such a Thing as an Eleventh Doctor?

That Chip Guy — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 02:24:40 +0000

So how many Doctors have there been: eleven or one? Steven Moffat's been pushing the second answer, although there's plenty of evidence to the contrary — not only in Doctor Who's near-50-year history, but in Moffat's own "The Beast Below."

2MTL 126: SPOILERS – Tachyon TV's Neil Perryman Reviews "The Time of Angels"

That Chip Guy — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 20:08:54 +0000

Neil Perryman of Tachyon TV and Behind the Sofa takes on "The Time of Angels" and rails against the seasons.

2MTL 125: Hurricane Who's Uncertain Future

That Chip Guy — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:24:02 +0000

The last few weeks have revealed some important developments for the Orlando-based Doctor Who convention, and it's important that — for now — tickets are not purchased.

Full text of the podcast is below the fold.

May 12 UPDATE: Jarrod Cooper has posted an update to Hurricane Who's website. In part:

Though I hope the event will go ahead as planned, there is work to do and it is not yet certain.

To anyone who has booked for HW2, I’d suggest that if you haven’t already booked non-refundable airfares or other non-refundable items, that you consider holding off for the moment. If you have already booked something non-refundable, let us know and we’ll take that into account in our restructuring plans going forwards (operations@hurricanewho.com).

More information is at the Gallifrey Base "Argolis" forum.

The Gallifrey Base forums (registration required).

Tony Lee's withdrawal from the convention unless better news develops.

April 22 UPDATE: Two people have noted on Gallifrey Base that they have recently been in contact with Jarrod; it's good to know that he's all right. I'm adding a note to the beginning of the podcast pointing listeners to these show notes for further updates as concrete information emerges.

April 22 UPDATE: Tickets are no longer available from the Hurricane Who website:

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:
Hurricane Who sales are currently suspended while a possible re-organization occurs that will determine the future of the event. Please watch this space for additional updates.

Sorry for any inconvenience, and we appreciate your patience, while these issues are worked through.

–

I had a fantastic time at the Hurricane Who convention in Orlando, Florida, last Halloween. By all appearances it was well run, despite a less-than-great hotel, and I was looking forward to returning. But now there’s a question of whether it will return, and it’s important you know this if you’re making plans to go in 2010 — and especially if you have already bought a ticket and booked a room and flight.

On April 15, a representative of classic Who actress Louise Jameson posted a message from her to the forums at gallifreybase.com. Ms. Jameson claimed that convention organizer Jarrod Cooper, quote, “has several unpaid debts from last year (my fee included) and it is seriously jeopardizing the next event,” end quote. Ms. Jameson also said that Jarrod Cooper had become impossible to contact during the previous two weeks.

What’s followed has been an extended conversation at the Gallifrey Base forums — you can read them for yourself in the North American conventions thread — in which a number of people have corroborated Ms. Jameson’s account. Many people have quite rightly expressed concern for Jarrod, concern for any guests or others owed money by Hurricane Who, and concern over the fate of the con. And I have to say I’m really impressed by the tone of the conversation because these are people who know and care for Jarrod Cooper and wish that he would surface, while clearly recognizing that there are responsibilities that must be upheld, and the sooner the better.

Prior to Louise Jameson’s April 15 statement, some Hurricane Who staff members had already left the organization. Multiple sources confirm that Hurricane Who is a sole proprietorship owned by Jarrod Cooper – which means he’s the only one who can correct a serious ongoing problem: the convention website is still accepting ticket purchases for a convention that may not happen. And he’s nowhere to be found.

There’s a potential bright side. According to Barnaby Edwards of Doctor Who New York, and several others on the Gallifrey Base forums, there is a, quote, “small and experienced team,” end quote, that within the next couple of weeks will have explored whether a restructured Hurricane Who is possible and may attempt to negotiate something with Jarrod Cooper if they can contact him. I hope that’s possible, as long as the convention’s existing liabilities, including fees to Louise Jameson and anyone else owed money, are settled first. And of course, if that develops you’ll hear more about it on this podcast. My only vested interest in Hurricane Who is that I had a terrific time and would like to return.

But those are my hopes. The reality now is, if you were thinking of attending Hurricane Who this year, DO NOT purchase a ticket yet, and don’t book anything that isn’t refundable. If you have already bought a ticket or otherwise have money wrapped up in Hurricane Who, following the news on Gallifrey Base is probably your best bet – though I’d advise spending most of your time listening unless the information you want to share is vital.

And Jarrod, if you’re listening, you have a heavy load to carry. It’s important that you pick it up and carry it to its conclusion. There are people out there who are offering help carrying it and moral support as well.

2MTL 124: The Boy and I Evaluate "The Eleventh Hour"

That Chip Guy — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 03:11:50 +0000

We reveal the experiment's outcome, as the Two-minute Time Lad sat with his Dad to watch "The Eleventh Hour." Meanwhile, I examine Steven Moffat's palette. Spoilers for "The Eleventh Hour" and an announcement for a Nicholas Briggs event in the U.K. lie within!

2MTL 123: Tom from The Doctor Who Podcast Reviews "Victory of the Daleks"

That Chip Guy — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 22:56:09 +0000

Tom from The Doctor Who Podcast shares his thoughts about Series 5, Episode 3, "Victory of the Daleks."

Join Tom and his fellow former WhoCasters Trevor and James at their new digs, thedoctorwhopodcast.com, where they deliver cracking and sometime conflicting commentary on the new series.

2MTL 122: A Spoiler-free Discussion of Doctor Who Spoilers

That Chip Guy — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 03:57:57 +0000

Have you ever heard the one about the theatrical trailer that was so detailed that you didn't need to see the movie? Some fans are feeling the same way about Doctor Who leaks and promotional information. But I'm not sure those are "spoilers." Pedantry ho!

2MTL 121: Will Doctor Who Break Big in America?

That Chip Guy — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 03:17:44 +0000

The prospects for Doctor Who in the United States have never been greater, despite David Tennant and Russell T. Davies' accomplishments. Moffat and Smith are taking the reins at the most advantageous time possible, thanks to BBC America.

2MTL 120: SPOILERS — Tachyon TV's John Williams Reviews "The Beast Below"

That Chip Guy — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 19:49:44 +0000

SPOILERS for EPISODE TWO of Series 5! John Williams, of the very funny Tachyon TV podcast and the very insightful Behind the Sofa collaborative blog, sallies forth for precisely two minutes on "The Beast Below." Warning: The spectre of Dick van Dyke is invoked.

2MTL 119: Questioning My Kid's Readiness for Series 5

That Chip Guy — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 04:08:23 +0000

Although there were notable exceptions — many written by Steven Moffat — the baseline atmosphere for the last five years of Doctor Who wasn't overwhelmingly creepy. I'm expecting Series 5 to be a little creepier, and I wonder if my eight-year-old is ready for it.

2MTL 118: Notes on the New Doctor Who Theme

That Chip Guy — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 02:30:34 +0000

A couple of news bits, and then we get into the most violent controversy of "The Eleventh Hour": the new opening titles.

(A good, thunderclap-free version of the theme, with the "middle eight," is on YouTube.)

2MTL 117: The North American Premiere of "The Eleventh Hour"

That Chip Guy — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 04:00:45 +0000

No spoilers this time! On the phone with me from Wondercon in San Francisco, Nancy, a/k/a @twillian on Twitter, was in the audience for the BBC America-hosted North American premiere of "The Eleventh Hour." How'd it go over…?

2MTL 116: SPOILERS — Box Room's Marty Reviews "The Eleventh Hour"

That Chip Guy — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 20:55:11 +0000

SPOILERS FOR "THE ELEVENTH HOUR"

Yes, it's a cliché, but I'll say it anyway: GERONIMO! U.K. podcaster Marty Perrett (from The Box Room Podcast and formerly of the DWO WhoCast) rushed from the telly to provide this (ahem, a little longer than two minutes!) review of Matt Smith's first adventure.

The Box Room Podcast

Box Room Forum

Box Room cohorts at The Legion of Tangent podcasting syndicate

2MTL 115: A 2MTL Series 5 Announcement and 2MTL 114 in English This Time!

That Chip Guy — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 02:21:40 +0000

Soooo, thank you for your patience with our little April Fool. My wife's Spanish-language commentary was actual, honest-to-God content; in today's podcast she repeats her plea for a change in the approach to Doctor Who companions — in English this time.

But, first, some announcements about a big change in The Two-minute Time Lord Podcast: regular episodes will continue on Mondays and Thursday nights (EDT), and then on the weekends top U.K. podcasters take over the mic with two-minute reviews of each new Doctor Who episode. First up, Marty from the Box Room Podcast and DWO WhoCast fame!

And stay tuned for news from Wondercon. It's going to be a busy weekend.

2MTL 114: Thinking Ahead to the Next Companion

That Chip Guy — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 03:55:39 +0000

In which mi esposa makes a return appearance, and — nothing against Amy Pond! — makes known her preferences for the Doctor's future companions.

(So, um, this was my April Fool episode — her commentary's entirely in Spanish. But the English translation's in 2MTL #115….)

2MTL 113: Placing My Bets on Series 5's Reception

That Chip Guy — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 02:56:23 +0000

Prognostication and pontification are the order of the day, as I try to make a prediction — based on the few scenes we've seen and all the clues so far — about the trajectory of Matt Smith's debut among the general public. With the obvious handicap of me not actually being part of the rank-and-file of the British general public, which means I am likely 100 percent wrong about Doctor Who's immediate future.

2MTL 112: Surveying the Sixth Doctor

That Chip Guy — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 03:47:45 +0000

As a Johnny-come-lately to so many aspects of classic Doctor Who, I've come to really appreciate the Sixth Doctor. He was the most impractical, cartoonish one of the lot — on the surface…

Trevor and I reviewed the Big Finish Lost Stories, including my current fave Leviathan, on DWO WhoCast 168. Steven from Radio Free Skaro is slaving away on his classic series reviews, currently in the Sixth Doctor era, at The Chronic Hysteresis.

2MTL 111: Remembering Remembrance of the Daleks

That Chip Guy — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:11:36 +0000

We interrupt my normal stream of thought to bring you this message: I have a deep and abiding love of "Remembrance of the Daleks."

PLUS: A message from THE Tony Gallichan about a signing event for THE Colin Baker at Waterstone's Lakeside in the U.K. Podcasters will be present, with a sample DVD from the Doctor Who Podcaster's Alliance (including some 2MTL contributions).

2MTL 110: Big Finish, Overcoming Obstacles

That Chip Guy — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 03:39:20 +0000

Despite some massive challenges in the marketplace, Big Finish continues to expand the Doctor Who universe by playing to the medium's strengths and giving classic characters new life.

Recommended listening: Blood of the Daleks, Leviathan, The Council of Nicaea.

I talked to Big Finish exec Jason Haigh-Ellery at Hurricane Who in October.

2MTL 109: New Series Almost Here — Screenings and Bus Tours

That Chip Guy — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 06:20:57 +0000

Some quick notes about some interesting promotions the Beeb and BBC America have cooking for Matt Smith's first series.

2MTL 108: Why I Dig "Chicks Dig Time Lords"

That Chip Guy — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:55:20 +0000

This'll be my last word on "Chicks Dig Time Lords" for a while, but I wanted to take two minutes to explain why I've paid so much attention to this great book and its contributors: it's personal.

Past interviews include 2MTL 69 (Johanna Mead), 2MTL 72 (Tammy Garrison and Katy Shuttleworth), 2MTL 78 (Tara O'Shea), and 2MTL 105 (Lynne Thomas).

2MTL 107: A Twilighty, Pottery Doctor Who?

That Chip Guy — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 04:12:47 +0000

In which I defend the production team against accusations of Twilight-hood, and admit to a rather sillier hot-button issue of my own.

2MTL 106: Gallifrey One Wrap-up with Shaun Lyon (TIME DILATION)

That Chip Guy — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 03:07:32 +0000

A tired but happy Shaun Lyon, program director and vice-chairman of the 2010 Gallifrey One convention, reflects on the con and plans for 2011…

(The Two-minute Time Lord Podcast returns to actual two-minute episodes next time!)

2MTL 105: Lynne Thomas on "Chicks Dig Time Lords"

That Chip Guy — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 01:55:54 +0000

Co-editor Lynne Thomas stops by to celebrate the official launch of Chicks Dig Time Lords at the Gallifrey One convention.

2MTL 104: Paul Cornell on Doctor Who's Past and Present (TIME DILATION)

That Chip Guy — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 17:20:14 +0000

I have a chat with "Father's Day" and "Human Nature" writer Paul Cornell about the New Adventures novels and the way their DNA can be found in 2005-2010 Doctor Who.

2MTL 103: Gallifrey One: The Con Before the Con (TIME DILATION)

That Chip Guy — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 07:19:16 +0000

Many guests arrived very early to Gallifrey One in Los Angeles, myself included. Today's Time Dilation episode of 2MTL is a series of short interviews showing off the diversity of Doctor Who fandom, and exploring why Gallifrey One has become such a popular destination. Guests include TARDIS-builder Tara, Nat from Bridging the Rift, MJ from the LiveJournal Doctor Who roleplaying group, costumer Johanna Mead, comics writer Tony Lee, and a lobby ukelele.

2MTL 102: The 3D Trailer Tempest

That Chip Guy — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 04:12:12 +0000

Reaction to the latest BBC trailer for the 2010 series of Doctor Who has been somewhat mixed among adult fans — but the trailer wasn't targeted at them.

2MTL 101: Neil Gaiman Writes Doctor Who

That Chip Guy — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 04:39:45 +0000

After months of rumors and coy non-denials, Neil Gaiman finally confirmed at the SFX Weekender that he would have a script in the 2011 season of Doctor Who.

(Ahem.)

Squee.

2MTL 100: Retcons, Authorial Intent, and "Getting Together"

That Chip Guy — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:15:57 +0000

POSITED: If there's nothing in the show to contradict it, it's not a "retcon." (RETroactive CONtinuity, a term that entered SF fandom from the comics world.) ALSO POSITED: If there IS something in the show…then it IS. WARNING: The words "Doctor" and "Rose" are used.

2MTL #99: Would an American Doctor Who Work?

That Chip Guy — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 03:22:23 +0000

Following up on 2MTL #97, we look at the mention-in-passing of Jane Tranter possibly maybe hypothetically exploring an American Doctor Who remake. EVERYBODY PANIC?

2MTL #98: Last of the Last Great Time War

That Chip Guy — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 03:27:50 +0000

Thanks to The End of Time, Part Two, the door can be closed forever on the Last Great Time War — but not before a solution to some continuity conflicts was offered.

2MTL #97: TORCHWOOD, Y'ALL!!!

That Chip Guy — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:10:57 +0000

What would it take to make an American take on Torchwood work?

2MTL #96: Four for the Road

That Chip Guy — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 22:13:28 +0000

Amy Pond's supposed vocation, courtesy The Sun (spoilers if true); Television Zombies 112 with Chip and The End of Time; moonlighting with Trevor at the DWO WhoCast; recent automotive misadventures.

Television Zombies at the End of Time

That Chip Guy — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:36:46 +0000

You'd think they'd have learned better, but no, Jeff, Chris, Tina and Chuck invited me back to talk about "The End of Time" on the upcoming Television Zombies podcast (#112, coming soon). (More sensibly, they asked Ross and James from Creeping With Armstrong back as well.) Here's a taste: plot summary a la Chip.

2MTL 95: On Tennant "Fangirls" and Boys' Clubs

That Chip Guy — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 06:13:00 +0000

"The End of Time" was long on Tennant, and very short on Smith. This didn't give Smith much time to make an impression on those viewers who followed Doctor Who less than they followed Tennant himself. The Kasterborous website had a message for them.

2MTL 94: "Triumph of a Time Lord" TIME DILATION Interview with Dr. Matt Hills

That Chip Guy — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 16:01:59 +0000

We feature an extended, "Time Dilation" interview with Dr. Matt Hills of Cardiff University, whose book "Triumph of a Time Lord: Regenerating 'Doctor Who' in the Twenty-first Century" brings the worlds of academia and fandom together.

1:00 What kind of book is Triumph of a Time Lord?
3:10 The relationship between fans and producers
5:30 Fan antagonism?
7:54 Reformatting the show for the 2000s; will Moffat change it?
10:27 Does the new series lend itself to academic study more than the classic?
11:45 Is Doctor Who "mainstream," "cult," or both?
14:05 A fandom obsessed with ratings and AI numbers
15:33 Academically studying the things you love as a fan
18:13 Should fans give media studies a whirl?

"Fan" me on Facebook, or send me a message on Twitter with the #iwantthebook hashtag, and you'll be entered into a drawing for a free copy of the book!

2MTL 93: An Academic Fan in Cardiff

That Chip Guy — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 04:59:33 +0000

Meet Dr. Matt Hills, senior lecturer in media and cultural studies at Cardiff University, whose book Triumph of a Time Lord: Regenerating "Doctor Who" in the Twenty-first Century is hot off the presses. We talk about what it's like to be a fan and academic when the subject of both is filming right down the street — and then we'll come back next time for an extended Time Dilation interview about the relationship between fans and producers, the reinvented format of the show, and what it means to be "cult" and "mainstream" at the same time. You could even win your own copy!

2MTL 92: "I Don't Want to Go" – The End of Time, Part Two

That Chip Guy — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 02:23:57 +0000

The end of an era, considered.

Works cited:

Paul Cornell's "The Last Doctor," a wonderful short story.
2MTL #87, which was on RTD's wavelength about the Doctor's fear of death and regeneration.
2MTL #4, in which I expressed my druthers about how the regeneration should go.
The definition of pompous, in honor of not only creating a "works cited" list but populating it mainly with my own stuff.

2MTL 91: Make Someone Mad, Mr. Moffat!

That Chip Guy — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 04:02:20 +0000

I genuinely believe that it will be a good sign for Doctor Who if Steven Moffat's reign is wildly popular AND manages to really upset some folks. Just like Russell T. Davies's reign.

(Not that I want to be upset, nor do I want you to be upset! Oh, just give a listen….)

2MTL 90: (SPOILERS) "The End of Time, Part One" Reviewed

That Chip Guy — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 05:46:52 +0000

And lo, the universe spake, and it said, "I loved it," "I hated it," and "I have no idea what just happened." And the host of the Two-minute Time Lord Podcast beheld "The End of Time, Part One," and chose two of the three.

2MTL 89: EVERY RTD-era Episode Reviewed!

That Chip Guy — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 23:17:57 +0000

So. Um. This one's slightly longer than usual. Couldn't fit it all in two minutes, no matter how hard I tried. FOUR minutes, however, was just enough for me to review every — single — episode — since 2005. "It's the end, but the moment has been prepared for, by reciting very quickly." Merry Christmas!

(By request, below the fold, the lyrical portion of our program.)

Within Partners in Crime we get
Our very best companion yet
And then sad Fires of Pompeii
Fixed-in-time Volcano Day
Planet of the Ood contains
A really goofy giant brain
Sontarans' Raynor is redeemed
With Doctor's Daughter I just screamed
Then Unicorn and Wasp was made
If Christie Fan Club dues were paid
Silent Lib'ry Forest Dead
Soapy, scary talking heads
In Midnight Doctor lost his smirk
It's Russell Davies' finest work
Next to shine was Cath'rine Tate
Turn Left was just simply great

STOL'N EARTH, Journey's End
Ev'rything but kitchen sink
Brilliant fan wank
Punch the air and take a drink!

AND NOW, THE FINAL SPECIALS…

God, no, a GIANT ROBOT?
Yes, a rubbish giant robot
(Fourth Doc fought a giant robot)
Well-I-guess-it's-not-so-bad-then

Oh, a flying bus again
At least it's not the Bannermen
It's fair except for these three words then
Houseflies in gray suits

2MTL 88: Ready for the End of Time

That Chip Guy — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 03:42:30 +0000

After months of expectation, hype, and anxiety among fans of David Tennant's Doctor, "the song" is only days away from ending. I think I'm ready. Finally ready.

2MTL 87: Fleeing from Regeneration

That Chip Guy — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 04:27:04 +0000

Why should an immortal Time Lord fear death the way the Tenth Doctor seems to? Haven't his other incarnations taken it relatively in stride? (Except for that Second Doctor business, of course….)

2MTL 86: Foreshadowing The Waters of Mars

That Chip Guy — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 03:41:29 +0000

Continuing a theme from 2MTL 85, we take a look at just a few hints from Series 1-4 that indicated a direction for the Doctor's new journey begun in "The Waters of Mars." (Spoiler-free, for the benefit of international viewers.)

2MTL 85: Chekhov's Sonic Screwdriver

That Chip Guy — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:00:37 +0000

Russell T. Davies took a lesson from Anton Chekhov, methinks. It's a great one, indeed, leading to a surprising track record of playing fair with the audience. And yet, maybe we saw this lesson in action too much?

2MTL 84: The Wilderness Anniversary

That Chip Guy — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 04:43:20 +0000

On December 6, 1989, "Survival, Part Three" aired: the last premiere of a classic-series Doctor Who episode. For many fans, it was the beginning of long years in the wilderness. It was a different experience for me.

2MTL 83: Responding to io9, Defending RTD

That Chip Guy — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 04:20:08 +0000

Alasdair Wilkins, a contributor to SF blog io9, recently offered 5 Lessons We Hope RTD's Learned From His Past Doctor Who Epics. I disagree with a few of those lessons; what do you think? BONUS FEATURE: Bullet points!

2MTL 82: Two-minute Thanks

That Chip Guy — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:23:46 +0000

If you'll forgive the indulgence, today's Thanksgiving edition of the Two-minute Time Lord podcast offers my personal thanks to a certain group of podcasters; a certain group of television cast, crew and production staff; and a certain group of YOU.

2MTL 81: Great News from BBC America

That Chip Guy — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:37:06 +0000

Never have expectations, only hopes. Here's a very fervent hope, though, that the good news about Part One of "The End of Time" airing on BBC America just one day after its U.K. premiere begins a new trend in Doctor Who's international presence.

2MTL 80: Spoilers and Trailers and Tweets, Oh My

That Chip Guy — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:20:56 +0000

Maybe it's because there were so many months between specials, but the run-up to "The Waters of Mars" seemed to include a fair bit of angst over spoilers in the set reports and promotional material. How much do we care about having a story "spoiled," and what constitutes it anyway?

2MTL 79: How Much TARDIS Is Too Much TARDIS?

That Chip Guy — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:56:23 +0000

We return to normal programming with a look at the TARDIS interior. Will we see more than just the control room in 2010, and do we really want to? (According to my Twitter feed, yes, we do.)

2MTL 78: Tara O'Shea on "Chicks Dig Time Lords"

That Chip Guy — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:44:15 +0000

In the last of my interviews from Hurricane Who, Tara O'Shea and I have a wide-ranging conversation about female Doctor Who fandom on two different continents.

2MTL 77: Jason Haigh-Ellery Talks Big Finish (TIME DILATION)

That Chip Guy — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:34:03 +0000

Big Finish founder Jason Haigh-Ellery talks about the upcoming "missing season" of Colin Baker stories and other upcoming releases, and asks for your help.

2MTL 76: Toby Hadoke, Among Friends

That Chip Guy — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:33:03 +0000

More than any other reason, this is why I came to Hurricane Who. The day after his penultimate performance of "Moths Ate My Doctor Who Scarf," I caught up with Toby Hadoke. (Our prior interview: the two-minute cut, unedited.)

2MTL 75: How Did You Do, Hurricane Who?

That Chip Guy — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:54:37 +0000

Janet Gatsby, website administrator, TARDIS transporter and person-of-all-trades, talks on Sunday afternoon about how the first Hurricane Who went as well as the plans for Category Two next year. (More Hurricane Who interviews to come!)

2MTL 74: Rob Shearman Teases 2010 Doctor Who (TIME DILATION)

That Chip Guy — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 01:00:06 +0000

World Fantasy Award winner Rob Shearman knows Doctor Who. The longtime contributor to Big Finish's audio range was alongside his friend, current executive producer Steven Moffat, as part of the team that launched Russell T. Davies's series in 2005. What does he know about Matt Smith, Moffat's style, and what kind of Doctor Who we're likely to see?

2MTL 73: The Tony Lee Comic Update (TIME DILATION)

That Chip Guy — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:44:41 +0000

How have things been going for IDW's ongoing Doctor Who comic series since we last talked to Tony Lee? Let's find out!

2MTL 72: Torchwood Babiez (TIME DILATION)

That Chip Guy — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 04:47:09 +0000

From Hurricane Who: Presenting Tammy and Katy, the geniuses behind the webcomic that takes the very adult Torchwood world and gives it a massive dose of childhood cuteness, Torchwood Babiez.

2MTL 71: Jarrod Cooper from Hurricane Who

That Chip Guy — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 03:21:50 +0000

"Live" from the first pool party of the first Friday night of the first Hurricane Who convention, here's organizer and chairman Jarrod Cooper. More than 300 attendees came today — a great number for a first-time convention.

2MTL 70: The Brilliant Donna Noble

That Chip Guy — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:38:20 +0000

A celebration of Donna Noble, who is — despite my appreciation of Rose Tyler — my favorite Doctor Who companion.

Next stop: Hurricane Who, hopefully with a few reports along the way this weekend!

2MTL 69: Chicks Dig Time Lords!

That Chip Guy — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:08:34 +0000

Chicks Dig Time Lords from Mad Norwegian Press explores the resurgent female fandom of Doctor Who. Johanna Mead, Gallifrey One costumer extraordinare and recent Bridging the Rift guest, talks about the book and her contribution to it.

2MTL 68: A Time Lady's Take on Rose Tyler

That Chip Guy — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:41:32 +0000

(cough)

(cough wheeze)

Your host is indisposed, so he turns the mike over to his patient spouse, who entered Doctor Who fandom as one of the "not we" (as non-fans or mainstream TV viewers are called on DW fora) thanks to a certain plucky shopgirl.

2MTL 67: The World vs. Rose Tyler?

That Chip Guy — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:24:40 +0000

Listener Katie Stuart asked in the comments for 2MTL #65 why online fandom seems to revile a character she loves, Rose Tyler. While I think the good folks at Bridging the Rift might have a better finger on the pulse of this subject, I'm happy to give it the old college try….

2MTL 66: Animating Classic Doctors

That Chip Guy — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 13:54:04 +0000

There have been original video spinoffs in Doctor Who's history. American comics publishers have had some success in original animated videos. Put these two great tastes together and you get something I'd like to see: new animated stories featuring the First, Second and Third Doctors. But can we get past the deceased actor problem? PLUS: Barry Letts.

2MTL 65: Two-minute Miscellany

That Chip Guy — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 06:07:35 +0000

Gosh, what a lot of news we've recently had in the Doctor Who world! I'm breathless. Or perhaps I'm exhausted from my attempt to ape Yahtzee Croshaw in this week's quick survey of three topics:

A quick follow-up on last episode's questions about Doctor Who's future on the TV of Tomorrow!!! thanks to Smart Money magazine. (The web page will try to talk to you. Scroll down and stop the annoying video.)
Mr. Tony Lee has a new original graphic novel coming out — the Dracula sequel Harker. You should get it. And we should see some long-form Doctor Who OGNs while we're at it.
"I sense danger, Mistress!" "Oh, K-9, they're not after you. They're after the people who made that new trailer."

2MTL 64: Doctor Who's Unpredictable TV Future

That Chip Guy — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 03:05:01 +0000

We can't predict what Doctor Who will be like fifteen, ten, or maybe even five years from now. The rate of change in the way we communicate and obtain our entertainment has gone past "crazy" in the last few years and is inching toward "scary." Speaking of scary, while I can't predict the show's future, I can imagine a couple of dire scenarios!

I got the idea for this podcast thanks to the new Did You Know 4.0 video, embedded above. Find out more about the educators and futurists who put it together at the Fischbowl. As influential as their "Shift Happens" message has been in education and commerce, I'm almost ashamed to have spun their work into a commentary about a TV show. Almost.

2MTL 63: Solving the "Dalek" Dating Controversy

That Chip Guy — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 02:49:52 +0000

So the Series 1 episode "Dalek" is set in 2012. But "Doomsday" and "Journey's End" happened before them. HOW CAN WE RECONCILE THIS CONTRADICTION???

Very easily.

(Also check out my early thoughts about the Time War and continuity in 2MTLs 8, 9 and 10.)

2MTL 62: God and "Gridlock"

That Chip Guy — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 03:34:48 +0000

Who ever expected to see thousands of people singing "The Old Rugged Cross" in a planet-wide flying traffic jam? What impact did that moment have in a story that's all about the limitations of faith? And where does your humble host wish the lesson of "Gridlock" would be learned?

2MTL 61: Why Warren's (Mostly) Right About Romance

That Chip Guy — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 04:21:01 +0000

Warren Frey — that shill for SPACE* — had some interesting recent thoughts about why a non-platonic Doctor worked in Series 1-4, along with a request that Moffat not go there in Series 5. While I agree we don't need a big honking love story subplot again, some level of affection between the Eleventh Doctor and Amy Pond may have to be explored….

* Yeah, yeah, Warren does this other thing, too.

2MTL 60 – TIME DILATION: Toby Hadoke Interview

That Chip Guy — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 03:44:20 +0000

At last, here's the full version of my interview with Toby Hadoke about the future of "Moths Ate My Doctor Who Scarf" and the use of Doctor Who as a child-rearing tool. Enjoy!

2MTL 59: Bringing Back More Old Companions

That Chip Guy — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 04:14:17 +0000

There's enough separation between the 1.0 and 2.0 versions of Doctor Who to make a classic series companion's return a risky venture. For a mass audience, the "companion's return" story has simply been done, already. And even for a hardcore fan audience, nostalgia can only carry you so far. But under certain circumstances, it just might work….

2MTL 58: If Torrents Become a Trickle, Will Doctor Who Be Delayed?

That Chip Guy — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 04:24:33 +0000

Unauthorized downloads of TV shows are a fact of life today, as are efforts to curb them. If a chilling effect sets in, how might that affect how quickly international Doctor Who networks release the show? If the pressure to compete with file-sharers lessens, would that mean a longer lag time between the U.K. and other nations?

2MTL 57: Toby Hadoke and the Future of "Moths"

That Chip Guy — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 03:44:17 +0000

Toby Hadoke generously spent some time on Skype with me to talk about the last few (apparently, for now…but "never say never…") performances of his fantastic one-man show, Moths Ate My Doctor Who Scarf. We talked about how it feels to wrap up the show, and what it's like to perform it in front of an audience of convention-going fans who can fact-check him trivia point for trivia point.

As usual, there will be a "Time Dilation" edition of the 2MTL podcast several days from now with the full, roughly 15-minute version of the interview — probably 2MTL #60.

(I'm looking forward to seeing "Moths" live for my first (and last?) time at Hurricane Who in Orlando, Florida, this October.)

2MTL 56: Format, Formula and Torchwood Series 4

That Chip Guy — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:48:57 +0000

I thought this was a played-out subject, but RTD's recent comments about his ideas for a fourth series (in brief: he has some) got me thinking about the difference between format and formula.

2MTL 55: Why I'm a Bad Doctor Who Fan

That Chip Guy — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:43:33 +0000

Let's get this out of the way first: I haven't seen many classic Doctor Who episodes, but I do remember liking "Caves of Androzani" when I was a kid, and "Remembrance of the Daleks" was just as good on the DVD I got last year as when I saw it on a bootleg VHS tape in college. The other episodes I've dabbled in, however…

…well, I guess I need some help. So I can more properly appreciate my "roots."

2MTL 54: The iTunes Connection

That Chip Guy — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 04:47:50 +0000

While things are still looking up for Doctor Who on BBC America, the longer the delay between U.K. and U.S. airings, the greater the impact of spoilers (and the resulting temptation to obtain the BBC One airings through "other means"). BBC America can solve this by airing the episodes as close to day-and-date as humanly possible. But what about folks who can't get BBC America, or don't watch enough TV to justify the expense? If BBC America does this, the U.S. iTunes Store is suddenly viable for Doctor Who….

Contact BBC America.

2MTL 53: Final Thoughts on Torchwood, Fandom and Choices

That Chip Guy — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 02:31:02 +0000

Title says it all. See you in a few days!

2MTL 52: Why I Follow Doctor Who

That Chip Guy — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:49:22 +0000

A while back in 2MTL #37, I questioned whether Doctor Who could ever grow beyond a cult phenomenon in the U.S. Now, the show's reception at SDCC was phenomenal, so that's a hopeful sign. (On the other hand, SDCC loved Serenity as well.) I promised at the end of #37 that I'd share my reasons for bucking the trend as an American fan. Here, just a little late thanks to this tiny little thing called Torchwood, is my 120-second response — and a request.

So why do you follow Doctor Who? Send me a link to an audio file with your one-sentence answer — "I follow Doctor Who because…" — at webmaster AT twominutetimelord DOT com and I'll edit my favorites together into a future 2MTL podcast! Agree with me, disagree with me, it's all good; different sorts of Doctor Who fans will blend together in this podcast as well as Colin Baker's coat!

Wait.

2MTL 51: Doctor Who's Third "Series One"

That Chip Guy — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 04:14:51 +0000

I know some folks who are going to be unhappy about the BBC's plans to renumber Team Moffat's first year as "Series One" (per DWM #411). But I don't think that's just a marketing decision. It says something about what's going to happen in 2010….

2MTL 50: The Doctor's New Clothes

That Chip Guy — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:34:24 +0000

The BBC and just about all the fan sites have the press photos of Matt Smith in costume, and it confirms an interesting choice Steven Moffat made in casting the relatively unknown twentysomething actor….

Don't forget tonight's liveblog!

Liveblogging Torchwood: Children of Earth Monday, 8:45 PM EDT

That Chip Guy — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 02:24:28 +0000

You're invited to join me right here at twominutetimelord.com for a liveblog discussion of BBC America's presentation of Torchwood: Children of Earth, Day One.

I'll be posting my reactions and your comments in real time thanks to CoveritLive. It'll be moderated to be a spoiler-free zone, so folks who haven't seen TCoE yet (and have somehow managed to avoid spoilers, even that one) can participate without fear — but people who have seen it are welcome as well!

Join me, won't you? I'll be here at 8:45 Eastern Daylight Time, Monday night, July 20, for the U.S. premiere of Torchwood: Children of Earth — and I'll stick around after the show is over. I hope to see you here!

2MTL 49 – TIME DILATION: Extended Tony Lee Interview

That Chip Guy — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 23:53:38 +0000

As promised, here's the complete, unedited interview with Tony Lee, writer of the upcoming Doctor Who ongoing comics series by IDW Publishing…

…in an (American) comic book store near you this Wednesday!

2MTL 48: Mr. Tony Lee's New Doctor Who Comic

That Chip Guy — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 19:52:44 +0000

Tony Lee's no stranger to writing Doctor Who comics — case in point — but now he's writing IDW's new ongoing title. I spoke to Tony about the new series, why it's about the Tenth Doctor rather than the Eleventh, and what we can look forward to.

The new comic goes on sale in the U.S. this Wednesday; here's a preview! Also, look for the complete, unedited interview in a special "Time Dilation" edition on that day.

2MTL 47: Torchwood Wrap-up with Mark

That Chip Guy — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:13:12 +0000

Mark Goodacre returns with one last look at Torchwood: Children of Earth. 2MTL returns to a normal pace and schedule next week featuring an interview with Tony Lee, writer of IDW's new ongoing monthly Doctor Who comic series.

2MTL 46: James's Spoilery, "Most Bleak Yet" Review of Torchwood 5

That Chip Guy — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 22:55:24 +0000

James's e-mail to me said, "The most bleak review I've recorded yet. Spoilers are present." And as I'm still — still! — avoiding spoilers, I leave him in your hands….

2MTL 45: Mark's Spoiler-free Review of Torchwood Episode 4

That Chip Guy — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:51:57 +0000

Aaaand here's Mark…

2MTL 44: WITH SPOILERS, James reviews Torchwood Episode 4

That Chip Guy — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:31:41 +0000

OK, so anyone outside the U.K. or Australia who's on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube or any other social networking site with any immediacy has already been spoiled for the penultimate chapter of "Torchwood: Children of Earth." If you're one of the few remaining who hasn't seen it, doesn't know, and doesn't want to know, this is not for you; check out Mark's reaction in the next post.

Here's James! (Chip puts his fingers in his ears.) "La la la la la la…."

2MTL 43: Mark Praises Torchwood Ep. 3

That Chip Guy — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:37:39 +0000

The Resident Alien is back, and he continues to find Torchwood: Children of Earth satisfying.

2MTL 42: It's Torchwood's Third, and James is Concerned

That Chip Guy — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:41:31 +0000

We're now past the midpoint of Torchwood: Children of Earth, and while I'm still seeing positive reactions in my Twitter feed, DWO WhoCast's James is seeking a little more…

2MTL 41: James on Torchwood Ep. 2 (spoilers)

That Chip Guy — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:03:09 +0000

James from the DWO WhoCast returns with a slightly more critical, slightly more spoilery review of Torchwood: Children of Earth's second episode.

2MTL 40: A Last Take From Trevor on Torchwood Ep. 1

That Chip Guy — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 23:40:16 +0000

While I await word from my scouts in the U.K. (did they make it? did they make it?) about Episode 2, let's take one last look at Episode 1 from that notorious Torchwood skeptic, DWO Whocaster and Fantragedian Trevor.

2MTL 39: James from DWO WhoCast's Take on Torchwood Ep. 1

That Chip Guy — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:51:27 +0000

Another (just a hair over) two-minute review of the first episode of Torchwood: Children of Earth is brought to you by James from the DWO WhoCast!

2MTL 38: NO SPOILERS – Torchwood CoE1 Reviewed

That Chip Guy — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:37:36 +0000

Thanks to Mark Goodacre, here's a review of the first episode of Torchwood: Children of Earth direct from the U.K.!

2MTL 37: Doctor Who vs. American Culture?

That Chip Guy — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 21:37:35 +0000

Doctor Who might be a tough sell to a mainstream American audience even if it had the marketing and access resources big home-grown TV shows have. I've got no basis for evaluating the show's place in British culture, but there are things about the show's format and leading character that a U.S. producer wouldn't go with these days…

(Note: Yes, in the podcast I omitted the fact that the McGann movie aired on the Fox network, but that was a one-shot deal that for various reasons went essentially unnoticed in the States.)

2MTL 36: "Torchwood: The Dead Line" Reviewed

That Chip Guy — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 02:38:51 +0000

Now we get to the character-driven episode of the three audio plays. Phil Ford knows these characters and it shows, especially with the meatiest audio role yet for Gareth David-Lloyd — and that helps lift this episode above its standard plot.

2MTL 35: "Torchwood: Golden Age" Reviewed

That Chip Guy — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:50:38 +0000

When is a return to form also a return to well-traveled territory? When it's the second of this week's Torchwood audio plays. "Torchwood: Golden Age" is energetic and entertaining, but follows the TV show's formula a little too closely after the previous audio play's experiment.

2MTL 34: "Torchwood: Asylum" Reviewed

That Chip Guy — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:09:10 +0000

Here's my spoiler-free review of the first of the prequel audio plays to "Children of Earth." "Torchwood: Asylum" is a departure from the show's format in more ways than one, and for the most part it works — especially for supporting actor Tom Price and guest star Erin Richards.

2MTL 33: Fans Rate Doctor Who Episodes; Journey's End vs. Transformers 2

That Chip Guy — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 02:59:50 +0000

I recently posted a link to my collection of the "Rate This Episode" poll results from the former Outpost Gallifrey/Doctor Who Forum's episode-by-episode threads. In tonight's ~~Two-minute~~ Four-minute Time Lord (er, ah, sorry about that longwinded bit) podcast, I take a look at some of the interesting things I found within these fans' reactions to the episodes. And then I look at the controversial — in some quarters — "Journey's End."

Thanks to Shaun Lyon for permission to capture the poll data.

2MTL 32: Everything's So Political

That Chip Guy — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:12:07 +0000

There are examples all over the Internet of academics and fans deconstructing Doctor Who for its politics. As long as it doesn't interfere with the running and jumping, that's fine with me. And it helps that RTD's run of Doctor Who has been fairly politically aware.

2MTL 31: The Polyamorous Doctor?

That Chip Guy — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 05:04:38 +0000

Yes, I know what the title says. Part two of my trip down the list of taboo subjects: religion, sex and politics.

2MTL 30: Is it Time for a Religious Companion?

That Chip Guy — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 02:37:37 +0000

They say there are three taboo subjects you should never bring up at a party: religion, sex, and politics.

Well, I'm a little out of the partying habit, so I'm going to blunder forward with all three in this and the next two 2MTL podcasts. First up: my observation that none of The Doctor's "modern Earth" companions to this point seemed to have a religious affiliation, which defies probability. Could it be done today? Should it be done?

2MTL 29: Torchwood Series 4? Matt Smith's First Enemy?

That Chip Guy — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 06:14:26 +0000

Today's Two-minute Time Lord Podcast reacts to the not-so-spoilery news that Russell T. Davies is up for a fourth series of Torchwood, and the slightly more spoilery rumors of who the bad guy(s) will be in Matt Smith's first episode of Doctor Who.

2MTL #28: Giving Kids a Voice

That Chip Guy — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 04:51:36 +0000

Posited: Doctor Who is a family show, aimed in large part at the younger set.

Observed: Doctor Who podcasters, such as your humble correspondent, are in no way the younger set.

Proposed: Why should the old guys have all the fun? Let's find ways to get younger viewers involved with podcasting or writing about a show made for them….

2MTL #27: Outpost Gallifrey's Final Departure

That Chip Guy — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 03:44:26 +0000

Tonight Shaun Lyon announced that he would be shutting down the largest Doctor Who online forum and massive news site on July 31. The gallifreyone.com URL will now exclusively point to information about the ongoing series of conventions in Los Angeles. Forums are hard enough to maintain with small communities! Here are a few thoughts about a community that was too big for me to grasp, but was (is, for two more months) a home away from home for many more.

2MTL #26 – TIME DILATION: Extended "The Ten Doctors" Interview

That Chip Guy — Sun, 31 May 2009 01:32:33 +0000

Those few times I want to leave the "two-minute" format behind, you'll find them flagged as "Time Dilation" podcasts. Here's the first one: the full interview with Rich Morris and Hilary Doda, the team behind "The Ten Doctors," which we teased in 2MTL 25. Rich and Hilary were great fun to talk to; this was a great conversation.

2MTL #25: Meet the Team Behind "The Ten Doctors" Webcomic

That Chip Guy — Fri, 29 May 2009 04:02:40 +0000

It's done — all 247 pages of it.

Rich Morris has completed his webcomic epic, The Ten Doctors. More than 6,000 unique hits a day and angry e-mails from a former hosting company attest to the fact that Rich's free comic struck a chord with Doctor Who fans.

Meet Rich and his partner in crime, web administration and matrimony Hilary Doda on today's Two-minute Time Lord Podcast. Then if you like what you hear and want more, come back on Sunday for the complete 20-minute interview with Rich and Hilary. It's a lot of fun; don't miss it!

2MTL #24: Doctor Who Moves to BBC America

That Chip Guy — Thu, 28 May 2009 05:29:07 +0000

Well, this is so totally not the podcast I was working on to release tonight. Variety reports, and Radio Free Skaro noticed that BBC America is bringing The Doctor home from the Sci Fi Channel. Brief thoughts attached….

Check back soon — hopefully tomorrow! — for a great feature on Rich Morris, the brilliant webcomic artist who just finished The Ten Doctors (reviewed in 2MTL #15).

2MTL #23: Thank You, David Tennant

That Chip Guy — Fri, 22 May 2009 03:37:51 +0000

When Benjamin Cook sent the tweet heard 'round the world from the set in Cardiff, we knew that David Tennant had completed his last day in principal photography as the Tenth Doctor. Even though we're still months away from his last episode's airing, as he walks away from the stage it's a good time to thank him.

2MTL #22: The Highwayfan Challenges Mr. Moffat

That Chip Guy — Wed, 20 May 2009 01:47:23 +0000

So I've got this idea for an Eleventh Doctor story — one that I don't think has been done before…

2MTL #21: About That Casting Spoiler…

That Chip Guy — Mon, 18 May 2009 04:56:04 +0000

I can hear the screaming now, in the distance. The words are carried on the wind: "What, again?" But as long as the story's executed well, I'm looking forward to the return of (SPOILER), as foretold by the set reporters and tabloids…

The Two-minute Time Lord Podcast: Now and forever, a safe haven for those who liked "Journey's End."

2MTL #20: Inaccurately Named (by Length and Trekkishness)

That Chip Guy — Fri, 15 May 2009 04:29:55 +0000

This is in no way a two-minute podcast this week. I apologize. Instead, it's a bit of a catch-up episode as I talk about my recent Secret Project adventure (the now-released multi-podcaster extravaganza that is DWO WhoCast #118 and #119) and draw some similarities between the Star Trek and Doctor Who relaunches. Normal programming will resume soon. All is well. How are you?

2MTL #19: Is There Enough "Space" in Doctor Who?

That Chip Guy — Tue, 05 May 2009 03:29:20 +0000

After losing a few days to illness, busy-ness and Secret Project-ness (more later), the Two-minute Time Lord podcast returns to tackle a nagging argument over the state of the revived series. Has it been neglecting space and science-fictiony settings in favor of contemporary and historical stories? I confess: I got a little actuarial.

2MTL #18: Steven Moffat and Online Fandom

That Chip Guy — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 01:25:08 +0000

Hm, er, where was I again…?

We're fast approaching the one-year anniversary of Steven Moffat's departure from the Doctor Who Forum at the former Outpost Gallifrey. As an old-school Babylon 5 fan who hung on J. Michael Straczynski's every word about the series, part of me regrets that he quietly left before his promotion was announced. The more sensible part of me has to admit it's for the best — for the show, and his own sanity.

2MTL #17: We Interrupt This Podcast

That Chip Guy — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:05:55 +0000

We're fast approaching the one-year anniversary of Steven Moffat's departure from the Doctor Who Forum at the former Outpost–

The Rani? No, no NO, no no!!

(We regret to inform you that the Management is having a "conniption fit." Normal podcasts will resume presently, when the medication takes effect.)

2MTL #16: Planet of the Delayed

That Chip Guy — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 03:02:15 +0000

American Doctor Who fans may now commence their grinding of teeth, as they wait for not one but two Doctor Who specials to make their way across the Atlantic. The official word from NBC Universal's publicity department for the SCI FI channel: "No news yet on SCI FI's scheduling of Doctor Who." In the absence of news must come speculation — so here's why I think that those of us in the states still have a long wait ahead.

2MTL #15: "The Ten Doctors" Reviewed

That Chip Guy — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 04:25:56 +0000

Back when the webcomic User Friendly was at its peak, there were lots of jokes about the User Friendly Productivity Virus: once people in your company discovered the strip, work would grind to a halt as everyone caught up through the archives.

If you value your productivity and you're a Doctor Who fan, do yourself a favor. Wait until the weekend before you start reading Rich's excellent webcomic, The Ten Doctors. It really is that good, and you'll devour its 255 (and still counting) pages in huge gulps at a time. What would be too fannish to work on television works beautifully well here: No Companion Left Behind.

2MTL #14: K-9 Revisited

That Chip Guy — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 05:34:11 +0000

I performed a little experiment this evening. I sat my seven year-old son in front of YouTube and showed him a clip of K-9 playing chess with the Fourth Doctor and Leela and the new teaser trailer for the upcoming K-9 kids' series. His reaction: the old K-9 was amusing but the new one is "cooooooooooooool"! Keep that in mind as you listen to my reaction to the trailer that seemed to vex so many fans….

(P.S. I do add myself to the chorus calling for John Leeson to perform the voice.)

2MTL #13: Davies vs. Moffat vs. the 2009 Hugo

That Chip Guy — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 02:50:41 +0000

Who shall stand? Who shall fall?! The 2009 Hugo Award nominees include two 2008 Doctor Who episodes: "Silence in the Library/Forest of the Dead" written by Steven Moffat, and "Turn Left" written by Russell T. Davies. Should Moffat pick up his fourth in a row? Is it time for another feather in Davies's cap? My wife Shannon and I reveal all!

2MTL #12: You Owe Murray Gold a Pint

That Chip Guy — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 05:01:49 +0000

A huge reason the Doctor Who revival is on its way to a fifth series is the man who apparently won't be back after Series One through Four. And that's a shame, because composer Murray Gold made a statement to skeptical audiences right from the opening credits of 2005's "Rose." Raise a glass to an unsung hero.

2MTL #11: Meeting Up (RE-FEED)

That Chip Guy — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 03:00:11 +0000

I had no idea that there was a meetup group right under my nose in North Carolina until I heard about it from a British podcast. Go figure. But I'm glad that prompted me to meet them.

Even if I was the only one to show up for a St. Patrick's-themed episode viewing without a hint of green on my person.

NOTE: This podcast has been republished due to a server move.

2MTL #10: The Highwayfan Considers "Higher Species"

That Chip Guy — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 05:12:49 +0000

According to RTD, both in the Doctor Who Annual 2006 and occasional references in the show, the Time Lords cannot possibly exist since the Time War. They're myths and legends, with only certain "higher species" having any inkling that such a civilization existed.

Of course, you've got not a few humans such as Sarah Jane Smith, the Brigadier, and official U.N.I.T. who not only remember The Doctor, but his references to Gallifrey as well. (For example, Sarah Jane remembers being left behind by the Fourth Doctor because humans weren't allowed.)

Does this mean that humans — "stupid apes" as the Ninth Doctor called us in a fit of pique — are in fact a "higher species"? Come with me; let's take a little drive, have a chat….

2MTL #9: The Highwayfan Considers the Time War

That Chip Guy — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 02:12:33 +0000

I understand the reasons for arguing that we recently completed the 30th series of Doctor Who (or 31st if you count the 1996 movie as one), but I have to admit that I don't see it the same way. There's a universal reboot in between the program launched in 1963 and the 2005 version.

That reboot, of course, is the Last Great Time War, which erased two great civilizations including the linchpin of time travel itself. Herewith, my on-the-road musing about the Time War, and why it was not only a cool idea, but also an important ingredient in the success of RTD's Who.

(The audio improves after the first few seconds of in-car recording. The Two-minute Time Lord Podcast needs gear.)

By the way — please follow me on Twitter!

2MTL #8: The Highwayfan Considers Kasterborous

That Chip Guy — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 03:42:09 +0000

"Highwayfan" episodes of the Two-minute Time Lord podcast are my chance to ramble about more fannish, geeky, or just plain fun topics about the mythology of Doctor Who. After all, what else can you do in the middle of a commute? And speaking of mythology….

The "Constellation of Kasterborous" — the spatial location of The Doctor's homeworld Gallifrey — has always struck me as one of those kitschy aspects of classic Doctor Who that reminds one that there are hazards to taking it too seriously. As Paul Cornell put it in the Discontinuity Guide, "constellations are arbitrary divisions of stars in a planet's sky." He then goes on to provide a simple, clear explanation of why The Doctor uses that name.

But I'm not much for simple. Let's go for an odder explanation of what Kasterborous is. Something dimensionally transcendent.

Note: Because I'm driving down I-40 as I record this, my IQ's down about 20 points. When I say "geographic" replace that with "astrometry", when I say "Neil Gaimany" I mean "mythological," and when I say "follow 2minutetimelord on Twitter" I mean "visit twominutetimelord.com to leave comments".

2MTL #7: "Shipping" Doctor Who

That Chip Guy — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 05:09:48 +0000

"No hanky-panky in the TARDIS." Well, sure, this is family television after all. But in sharp contrast to the old series, since 2005 the relationships between the characters have been just as important to the show as the Monster of the Week. This has introduced a new subculture to Doctor Who fandom: "Shipping."

(Of note: There's a fantastic interchange between new series producer Phil Collinson and Eighth Doctor companion Daphne Ashbrook on the subject toward the end of Doctor Who: Podshock 141 [live at Gallifrey 20].)