Facebook Q&A with Sue Malden

Over on Facebook, the Doctor Who Missing Episodes Discussion Group are currently inviting questions for another of their popular and successful Q&A series. This has already featured Philip Morris (the man who returned Enemy of the World and Web of Fear in 2013), Richard Molesworth (author of the popular book Wiped!) and Paul Vanezis (documentary producer and member of the Restoration Team) and next up to answer fan questions will be archivist Sue Malden.

Film and TV Archivist Sue Malden.
Film and TV Archivist Sue Malden.

For those whose memory is hazy at best on the saga of the missing episodes of Doctor Who, it was Sue Malden who was instrumental in the discovery and return of many thought lost episodes in the late 70s and early 80s, having been alerted to the junking of archive TV by Who fan Ian Levine. She also put together the first paper trail of episode sales, building on the work of Pamela Nash who had established a stock of 16mm prints to be sent to foreign TV stations. These along with the episodes held by the BBC were brought under one roof in the new BBC Film and Videotape Library, aka BBC Archives. Sue Malden became its first ‘archive selector’, responsible for deciding which programmes were worthy of storing there.

The film can for the existing second episode of The Evil of the Daleks
The film can for the existing second episode of The Evil of the Daleks

So, if anybody is interested in asking Sue a question about Doctor Who missing episodes in particular or Film and TV archiving in general, follow the link above to the group and add your question to the pinned thread. All questions to be received by 9pm BST (UK time) on Wednesday July 1st please.

TIMD Featured on Gallifrey Stands Podcast

Last Friday I rushed home from work, shovelled some food into my mouth and then ran to the computer. Why? So I could participate in the Gallifrey Stands podcast. When you add in the time difference between Canada and the UK, it made for a late night session for host Doctor Squee! We talked about Patrick Troughton (of course), AM Audio Media’s Dark Journey, missing episodes, missing episode discussion groups and of course Troughtonismydoctor.com! Take a few minutes and check it out!

Dark Journey Age Of Banishment Review

Doctor Who Dark Journey Episode 3, “The Age Of Banishment”

So far this series we have been privy to some shocking revelations from the Doctor’s past. We learned how his most loved companion and his most bitter enemies were involved with the Noble project and in this episode that project’s true intent is laid bare. On Gallifrey the Doctor tries to extinguish evil, but his pure motivations go astray and lead to his exile from his home planet.

The first two episodes of this season have been full of action and revelations in equal measure and they keep ramping things up! Our heroes destroy a British landmark during the pre-title sequence, have just 18 minutes to save the day, see ghosts from Holmes past and tinker with reality all during this episode.

There is also a special guest voice. AM Audio Media donated a super amazing prize to the Doctor Who Missing Episodes Discussion Group On Facebook back in November when they were holding a contest to celebrate DW’s 51st birthday. That prize was a small role in this series and we get to hear the winner in this episode during the Noble project flashback scene.

This week’s episode was released on the Who Wars Podcast which features an interview with the Cool Beans Doc himself afterward! Check it out!

 

Dark Journey Review- Case of the Poisoned Sky

Episode number two of AM Audio Media’s Doctor Who Dark Journey was released today on The Geeko and what can I say? Only this… HOLY COW. This will be a short review as I can barely say a word without spoiling major developments. Over the past year they have been building up toward this episode, we finally learn just what the Noble Project is and why the ‘Cool Beans’ Doctor is so dark. There was a surprise cameo from one of his companions last week and we get to see more about them and how their fate ties in with the Noble project and the Doctor’s most hated enemy.

So without going into spoilers, let’s talk about the performances. Once again the music was fantastic, hitting all the highs and lows of the drama. It perfectly accompanied Andrew Chalmers’ emotional and passionate performance as the ‘Cool Beans’ Doctor is forced to go further into the murky depths of his soul than ever before.

If you haven’t listened to this one yet, do yourself a favour and get on it man! And then listen to it second time. I know I will be.

 

Reviewing the Beast! Dark Journey Series 2, Episode 1

When I woke up today I thought it was just another day. Sure it was Saturday (always a good thing) and gorgeous outside, but beyond that? Ordinary day. Then I checked Facebook and saw that my news feed was full of posts about Doctor Who Dark Journey. In the early morning fog, it had slipped my mind that today was the premiere of Series 2 of the drama from AM Audio Media! This was going to be a good day! And then I saw something that made it even better.

In a heartfelt post, AM Audio Media dedicated Series 2 of Dark Journey to me. My hands were trembling as I scrolled further down and read the wonderful things they had to say about this website and how much of a difference my support had made to them. Modesty prevents me from quoting the dedication and tooting my own horn here, but you can see the dedication for yourself.  I can honestly say that it was one of the most touching things I have read and I am truly honoured by it. It feels like Mike, Andrew and I have all come a long way since my first interview with them way back in April 2014!

I won’t try to come up with some poignant quote about the passage of time. No instead what I will do is get straight into the heart of things. Dark Journey Series 2, episode one: “Legend Of The Beast

The pre-credits sequence on this episode has to be one of the most amazing things I’ve heard in any Doctor Who show. It was so great that when the theme music started up I thought the episode might already be over. The best part is that I would have been satisfied with just those few moments if that was all there was. With its marrying of the new and the old, it weaves a fresh narrative that is uplifting and maybe a little troubling. Luckily I kept listening and realized that the episode had really just begun! After the music we were back to the world’s greatest detective, Sherlock Holmes, and the Doctor as he lies on his death bed from an injury suffered at the end of last season. The Watchers are all around and they are chanting. “Death is a bridge.” As he is dying the Doctor just wants one man, but who is Fred?

Sequels always try to be bigger and better than the original. In Hollywood it invariably fails as ambition outstrips talent. But not here. No way. In this first episode of Series 2 I heard everything that I knew and loved from last season. There is the trademark ‘Cool Beans’ humour that I enjoyed so much, the darkness that envelops the Doctor and the in jokes and references that build up the narrative and make it something believable and true to the TV series.

So what’s new this series? One thing that really stood out to me was the music. I have always been a fan of music in TV shows and how music can make or break a scene. AM Audio Media hit every note right with episode one. The music here is so strong that I had goose bumps for half of the episode.

So how was your Saturday? Mine was awesome and much of that credit goes to AM Audio Media and Doctor Who Dark Journey. Series 2 is off to a great start and I can’t wait for next week. If you haven’t had a chance to listen to the episode yet, do yourself a favour and do it now!

Dark Journey Series 2 Premieres

The wait between seasons is always my least favourite part of fandom. It seems like it has been forever and a day since we last saw, I mean heard, the Cool Beans Doctor getting himself into a lot of trouble. Well, the wait is over, AM Audio Media premiered episode 1 of Series 2 today! Listen and enjoy. After the episode MA and Andrew chat with the Gallifrey Stands folks!

Companion Trifecta Announced for Fan Expo

Canadian Doctor Who fans are in for a treat this summer as Fan Expo Canada has just revealed that the three most popular new series companions are ALL going to be at the event taking place in Toronto from September 3-6. Billie Piper, Karen Gillan and Jenna Coleman were just announced as featured guests. Now that they have the most popular recent companions locked up, will they get a Doctor? They have had some over the years including Matt Smith and Colin Baker. Stay tuned to TIMD for more Fan Expo Doctor Who details as they are announced!