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A Hamster With a Blunt Penknife - a Doctor Who Commentary podcast

A Hamster With a Blunt Penknife - a Doctor Who Commentary podcast

By Joe Ford

Join Joe Ford as he waltzes all around the world (via whatever means the internet allows) and undertakes Doctor Who commentaries with a wide range of wonderful contributors. Fans, podcasters, online reviewers, writers, actors...the USP of this podcast is it's variety of guests and the fact that they all bring their own unique perspective to the podcast. The guest chooses the story, be it one they love, hate or are completely indifferent, and amongst the gossip is trivia, critique and personal experience.
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Talks to Steven Alexander about his choice of Death in Heaven (2/2)

A Hamster With a Blunt Penknife - a Doctor Who Commentary podcastAug 12, 2021

00:00
01:10:30
Talks to Simon Moore about his choice of Terror of the Zygons (3/4)

Talks to Simon Moore about his choice of Terror of the Zygons (3/4)

Joe & Simon; 'God Lord...and we left Miss Smith at the castle!' We are beguiled by the atmosphere conjured up by Geoffrey Burgeon in this story, but also the delightful Sarah/Harry chemistry, and our brooding, hilarious lead.

Mar 29, 202429:07
Talks to Daniel Rawnsley about his choice of Rose

Talks to Daniel Rawnsley about his choice of Rose

Joe & Daniel; ‘D’you wanna come with me?’ Back to the beginning. Not the beginning beginning, but the second beginning. RTD brings Doctor Who to a new generation of children. How does it fare 19 years later?
Mar 27, 202401:16:27
Hamster Book Club - The Eight Doctors (with Michael Mills)

Hamster Book Club - The Eight Doctors (with Michael Mills)

Join Joe & Michael as they go right back to the beginning - where the eighth Doctor scored his own range of novels but not without jerking off the past first. And we meet new companion Sam Jones! Come with us as we unpick this masterpiece.
Mar 24, 202402:07:48
Talks to Simon Moore about his choice of Terror of the Zygons (2/4)

Talks to Simon Moore about his choice of Terror of the Zygons (2/4)

Joe & Simon; ‘I think we’re being bugged’ Superlatives abound for the sequence with Harry & Sarah in the barn, the design of the Zygons and even the puppetry at the climax!
Mar 23, 202426:49
Talks to the awesome Simon Moore about his choice of Terror of the Zygons (1/4)

Talks to the awesome Simon Moore about his choice of Terror of the Zygons (1/4)

Joe & Simon; ‘It may be calm…but it’s never empty’ Simon has always loved this one and we begin to unpick why; stunning direction, an atmospheric score and brilliant, brilliant monsters.
Mar 21, 202430:18
Omnibus! The Talons of Weng Chiang (featuring Luke Molloy & Mark Rawlins)

Omnibus! The Talons of Weng Chiang (featuring Luke Molloy & Mark Rawlins)

It's time for another omnibus edition of Hamster as we tread the Victorian cobbles and face murderous puppets, join forces with impresarios and pathologists and give me your answer do!

Mar 20, 202403:32:27
Hamster Book Club - Warriors' Gate & Beyond

Hamster Book Club - Warriors' Gate & Beyond

Join Joe, Luke & Andrew as we traverse E-Space and find ourselves dicing with slave traders and ex slavers in a fight for contracting space and no exits. Reading by Ken Moss.

Mar 19, 202401:49:31
Strictly Come Hamster - Season Six (featuring Gary Russell & Daniel Rawnsley)

Strictly Come Hamster - Season Six (featuring Gary Russell & Daniel Rawnsley)

Joe, Rod, Gary & Daniel face Quarks, White Robots, Cybermen, Krotons, Ice Warriors, Pirates & The Time Lords! Laugh and cry as we debate this wonderful 60s season!
Mar 17, 202402:54:44
Talks to Jason Thompson about his choice of The Sea Devils (6/6)

Talks to Jason Thompson about his choice of The Sea Devils (6/6)

Joe & Jason; ‘You’ve just made them angry. Very, very angry!’ This epic story ends with huge action set pieces as The Sea Devils go the way of their underground cousins. Explosive!
Mar 16, 202451:04
Talks to Jason Thompson about his choice of The Sea Devils (5/6)

Talks to Jason Thompson about his choice of The Sea Devils (5/6)

Joe & Jason; ‘we’re not going to the planet over to a lot of lizards, you know!’ Enter Walker the Peacmaker! The action ramps up, peace is almost secured and then everything goes to shit. Is there any way of preventing genocide?
Mar 15, 202436:09
Talks to Jason Thompson about his choice of The Sea Devils (4/6)

Talks to Jason Thompson about his choice of The Sea Devils (4/6)

Joe & Jason; We’ve got plenty of time for Trenchard this episode, a vastly undervalued character and the sort that Hulke gives real depth to. His ending is but pathetic and very moving.
Mar 14, 202430:04
Talks to Jason Thompson about his choice of The Sea Devils (3/6)

Talks to Jason Thompson about his choice of The Sea Devils (3/6)

Joe & Jason; ‘the whole thing’s getting out of hand!’ Time to talk length, novels and iconic moments with some time for quality footwork, abseiling and homing devices!
Mar 13, 202429:23
Talks to Jason Thompson about his choice of The Sea Devils (2/6)

Talks to Jason Thompson about his choice of The Sea Devils (2/6)

Joe & Jason; ‘Just puppets, you know, for children…’ We’re beguiled by the atmosphere on the sea fort under siege, Pertwee’s comedy business & all the impressive character actors doing their stuff.
Mar 11, 202433:53
Talks to the glorious Jason Thompson (in person!) about his choice of The Sea Devils (1/6)

Talks to the glorious Jason Thompson (in person!) about his choice of The Sea Devils (1/6)

Joe & Jason; ‘Horatio Nelson happens to be a close personal friend of mine!’ An epic six parter full of action, twists, brilliant acting & buckets of business. Time to snuggle up and press play.
Mar 10, 202437:01
Hamster Book Club - The Gallifrey Chronicles

Hamster Book Club - The Gallifrey Chronicles

Joe & his guest Ken Moss take the deepest of dives into the final book of the Eighth Doctor Adventures, The Gallifrey Chronicles. Is this a celebration or a critique? Will they understand every reference? And are you prepared to lose Gallifrey?
Mar 08, 202401:44:41
Talks to Dylan Rees & Luke Molloy about their choice of Hell Bent

Talks to Dylan Rees & Luke Molloy about their choice of Hell Bent

Joe, Dylan & Luke; 'I had a duty of care.' Joe used to hate this, and he's turning a corner. Luke used to hate this and now he likes it a great deal, except the first fifteen minutes. Dylan has always loved this and that's why he is the best of us.
Mar 07, 202401:26:19
Talks to Luke Molloy & Dylan Rees about their choice of Heaven Sent

Talks to Luke Molloy & Dylan Rees about their choice of Heaven Sent

Joe, Luke & Dylan; 'BIRD' A huge episode; loved by two, hated by one but with lots of laughter in between, time for some intimate stories and a huge spoiler about another TV show. A gorgeous conversation.
Mar 05, 202401:10:25
Strictly Come Hamster - Series 2 (starring Si Hart & Mark Rawlins)

Strictly Come Hamster - Series 2 (starring Si Hart & Mark Rawlins)

Rod, Joe, Si & Mark and taking a deep dive into smugness (ding!), innovation, nostalgia and populism. A divisive second album but with huge highs…but are they the ones you think?
Mar 03, 202403:22:09
Talks to the delightful Jack Rees about his choice of Kill the Moon

Talks to the delightful Jack Rees about his choice of Kill the Moon

Joe & Jack; ‘ABORT’ A contentious episode that we both happen to adore in a contentious season that we both happen to adore. Big spiders, toxic relationships, her from Cold Feet and an unforgettable final scene.
Mar 01, 202401:04:60
Talks to James Lark about his choice of Delta & the Bannermen (3/3)

Talks to James Lark about his choice of Delta & the Bannermen (3/3)

Joe & James; 'Here's to the Future...Love is the answer!' We're blissfully in love with this story at this point - where bees and rock and roll combine to bring down a genocidal war fleet. Let's have space buns and tea on Mars.

Feb 29, 202452:33
Talks to James Lark about his choice of Delta & the Bannermen (2/3)

Talks to James Lark about his choice of Delta & the Bannermen (2/3)

Joe & James; 'Actually, I think I may have gone a little too far...' We're basking in the Welsh sunshine (and countryside), taking in the beauty spots, riding cycles, hanging out with charming (and wise) locals and gathering a ragtag collection of heroes to defeat the villainous Bannermen!

Feb 27, 202433:35
Talks to Si Hart & Frazer Gregory about their choice of Planet of the Spiders (6/6)

Talks to Si Hart & Frazer Gregory about their choice of Planet of the Spiders (6/6)

Joe, Si & Frazer; ‘The All Powerful Meeeeeeee!’ The culmination of an entire era, the ultimate showdown, the biggest bugs and the Doctor facing up to his greatest foe - himself. Bring it on.
Feb 25, 202459:22
Talks to James Lark about his choice of Delta & the Bannermen (1/3)

Talks to James Lark about his choice of Delta & the Bannermen (1/3)

Joe & James; 'We're having our get to know you dance!' We're off to the 1950s - the Rock and Roll Years! Romance, genocide, dancing, firefights, Ken Dodd - it's all in here! Can Doctor Who survive a dive into romantic comedy (with an edge)?

Feb 24, 202455:25
Talks to Luke Molloy about his choice of The Waters of Mars

Talks to Luke Molloy about his choice of The Waters of Mars

Joe & Luke (Victorious); ‘A Time Lord Victorious is wrong!’ This is the big one! Perfectly written and executed, top drama, scares and character work. How can we contain our excitement?
Feb 22, 202401:50:34
Hamster Book Club - The Sands of Time

Hamster Book Club - The Sands of Time

Join Joe, Luke & Andrew as we head to Ancient Egypt and discover the curse of the mummified Nyssa! We discuss Justin Richards' timey wimey plot, atmospheric prose and excellent characterisation. Reading by Ken Moss.

Feb 21, 202401:28:30
Omnibus! Earthshock - featuring Pete Lambert

Omnibus! Earthshock - featuring Pete Lambert

Another dip into the archives with my first conversation with Pete Lambert. We discuss lithe androids, Beryl’s walkway, happy maths geeks and shooty Tegans!
Feb 20, 202401:55:37
Omnibus! The Dominators - celebrated by Frazer Gregory

Omnibus! The Dominators - celebrated by Frazer Gregory

Welcome to Hamster Omnibus! Extended episodes bringing together all the instalments into one mammoth listen. Let's head to the planet Dulkis with Frazer Gregory (& Quickie the Quark) where I hear they are under threat from some dastardly Dominators...

Feb 19, 202403:08:18
Strictly Come Hamster - Season 22 (featuring Steven B & Jo Short)

Strictly Come Hamster - Season 22 (featuring Steven B & Jo Short)

Join Rod, Joe, Steven & Jo as we traverse Titan 3, Jaconda, Telos, Varos, Killingworth, Seville, Karfel & Necros and take in the sights of acid baths, stabbings & beheadings and even have time to slide down the Timelash to some rock and roll.
Feb 18, 202402:59:27
Talks to Frazer Gregory & Si Hart about their choice of Planet of the Spiders (5/6)

Talks to Frazer Gregory & Si Hart about their choice of Planet of the Spiders (5/6)

Joe, Frazer & Si; ‘Lupton in the cellar!’ Will Joe & Si succeed at Frazer’s terrifying quiz? Will this story rouse to an exciting climax? Will 3s penultimate episode end with him in danger?
Feb 16, 202440:16
Talks to Si Hart & Frazer Gregory about their choice of Planet of the Spiders (4/6)

Talks to Si Hart & Frazer Gregory about their choice of Planet of the Spiders (4/6)

Joe, Si & Frazer; ‘you have sheep on Metebelis?’ The trickiest epsidoe of the story? An unconscious Doctor, a solid guest cast wasted, and effects that are hit or miss. Can we still enjoy this?
Feb 16, 202436:06
Talks to Frazer Gregory & Si Hart about their choice of Planet of the Spiders (3/6)

Talks to Frazer Gregory & Si Hart about their choice of Planet of the Spiders (3/6)

Joe, Frazer & Si; 'I shan't let you take him! I shan't! I shan't!' Enter the most spectacular guest actor to ever appear in a Doctor Who. Neska remains a fan favourite, a woman of rare guile and integrity. We discuss her impact on the Whoniverse here.

Feb 15, 202433:14
Talks to Si Hart & Frazer Gregory about their choice of Planet of the Spiders (2/4)

Talks to Si Hart & Frazer Gregory about their choice of Planet of the Spiders (2/4)

Joe, Si & Frazer; 'He's turned off to the right, Brigadier!' It's a ruddy great one episode chase over land, sea and air. Is this a self indulgent non episode to appease the departing star? Or a dynamic, suspenseful race against time set piece?

Feb 13, 202435:37
Talks to Frazer Gregory & Si Hart about their choice of Planet of the Spiders (1/6)

Talks to Frazer Gregory & Si Hart about their choice of Planet of the Spiders (1/6)

Joe, Frazer & Si; 'Concentrate!' A biggie...the end of the Jon Pertwee's time on Doctor Who, the culmination of the work of Barry Letts & Terrance Dicks and bloody great spiders too! What will the intrepid trio think of this meditative opening episode?

Feb 12, 202448:18
Hamster Book Club - The Giggle

Hamster Book Club - The Giggle

Join Joe & Michael Mills as they enter the twisted, brilliant and hilarious world of The Toymaker and find out the true meaning of playing games...

Feb 10, 202401:57:17
Talks to the gorgeous Luke Molloy & Dylan Rees about their choice of Mindwarp (4/4)

Talks to the gorgeous Luke Molloy & Dylan Rees about their choice of Mindwarp (4/4)

Joe, Luke & Dyan; ‘you…killed Peri…’ This is the big one. It’s either a complete betrayal of Doctor Who or the most exciting, horrific and edgy bit of storytelling the show has ever delivered. Or both. Let’s talk about Peri’s death.
Feb 09, 202449:26
Talks to Luke Molloy & Dylan Rees about their choice of Mindwarp (3/4)

Talks to Luke Molloy & Dylan Rees about their choice of Mindwarp (3/4)

Joe, Luke & Dylan; ‘lalalalalalalalala…’ (Mentor laugh) - It’s time to get very serious as the darkness weaves around Peri, the rebels are murdered and the Doctor is irredeemably condemned…
Feb 08, 202432:59
Talks to Dylan Rees & Luke Molloy about their choice of Mindwarp (2/4)

Talks to Dylan Rees & Luke Molloy about their choice of Mindwarp (2/4)

Joe, Dylan & Luke; off to the Sea of Sorrows… Is the Doctor mad? Influenced? A turncoat? What could possibly prompt this violent insanity?
Feb 07, 202429:37
Talks to Luke Molloy & Dylan Rees about their choice of Mindwarp (1/4)

Talks to Luke Molloy & Dylan Rees about their choice of Mindwarp (1/4)

Joe, Luke & Dylan; ‘would you prepare to apply the skidaddle test?’ Huge love for season 23, the Trial and this story as the boys pull apart the many rights and the dramatic wrongs of this story.
Feb 06, 202433:11
Hamster - On Tour in Aldbourne & Didcot

Hamster - On Tour in Aldbourne & Didcot

Lads on Tour! I joined those gorgeous podcasters Mark Raw XXX, Dylan Rees & Luke Molloy for a tour of the locations of The Daemons, Planet of the Spiders & The Android Invasion. Best pub? Best meal? Best haunting? Best location?
Feb 05, 202421:23
Strictly Come Hamster - Series 12

Strictly Come Hamster - Series 12

Join Joe, Rod, Dylan & David as we skip (in some cases warily) into the 13th Doctor's second season. Will Rod defend anything Chibnall? Will Dylan criticise anything Chibnall? And where does David's heart lie with this season?

Feb 04, 202403:00:55
Talks to David Gillespie-Pratt about his choice of Underworld (4/4)

Talks to David Gillespie-Pratt about his choice of Underworld (4/4)

Joe & David; and another mad computer of Death? More wandering around the fake caves, more searching for a plot or original ideas, more lack of wit and wonder? Does this story deserve it's dreadful reputation?

Feb 02, 202458:46
Talks to David Gillespie-Pratt about his choice of Underworld (3/4)

Talks to David Gillespie-Pratt about his choice of Underworld (3/4)

Joe & David; descending down the shaft together gracefully. Is it possible that there are no talking points whatsoever in this particular episode of Doctor Who? Let’s find out…
Feb 01, 202429:26
Talks to David Gillespie-Pratt about his choice of Underworld (2/4)

Talks to David Gillespie-Pratt about his choice of Underworld (2/4)

Joe & David; how many times will we see that security camera shot? A discussion on humour in Doctor Who, how trains and Underworld face familiar nightmares, and should a heroic failure be commended?
Jan 31, 202434:01
Talks to David Gillespie-Pratt about his choice of Underworld (1/4)

Talks to David Gillespie-Pratt about his choice of Underworld (1/4)

Joe & David; 'Made in Minyos' Is this the worst Doctor Who story of repute? Can we delve into the troubled production and find a story worth telling? Is the first episode a genuinely good scene setter?

Jan 30, 202432:57
Talks to Luke Molloy about his choice of Asylum of the Daleks

Talks to Luke Molloy about his choice of Asylum of the Daleks

Joe & Luke; remembering the fatleks! Picking apart series seven from two angles, and this episode is dissected by a lover and a hater. Let the laughter commence.
Jan 28, 202401:39:51
Hamster Book Club - Transit

Hamster Book Club - Transit

Joe, James, Jason & Ian have a feisty discussion about trains, semen, companion could have beens, a drunk Doctor and some substantial worldbuilding. Can a consensus be reached on the most controversial of Doctor Who novels?
Jan 27, 202402:42:30
Hamster Book Club - Lance Parkin Interview Part Two

Hamster Book Club - Lance Parkin Interview Part Two

Lance talks about how different it was working with BBC Books, and regales us with stories of the writing of The Infinity Doctors and Father Time and also a valuable insight into writing for television and what books make money, and what books don't.

Jan 25, 202401:22:41
Talks to Frazer Gregory & Dylan Rees about their choice of The Battle of Ranskoor Av Kolos

Talks to Frazer Gregory & Dylan Rees about their choice of The Battle of Ranskoor Av Kolos

Joe, Frazer & Dylan; 'Travel hopefully...' It's the climax of the 13th Doctor's first season and surely I'm not going to find anybody bold enough to celebrate the least loved episode of Doctor Who? Let alone stack up 9 reasons to watch this at the conclusion? Press play and find out!

Jan 23, 202401:48:29
Strictly Come Hamster - Season 18 (featuring Lucy McCaul & Jim Allenby)

Strictly Come Hamster - Season 18 (featuring Lucy McCaul & Jim Allenby)

Join Rod, Joe, Lucy & Jim as we waltz out way through Argolins, Deons, Alzarians, Tharils, Trakens & Logopolitans! A fiesty, fun, laughter packed conversation with two great Hamster friends. Who will be victorious?
Jan 21, 202402:43:02
Hamster Book Club - Lance Parkin Interview (Part One)

Hamster Book Club - Lance Parkin Interview (Part One)

Michael Mills joins me as we speak to one of our favourite Doctor Who authors, Lance Parkin. In part one we discuss Just War, Cold Fusion & The Dying Days and the collaborative atmosphere in the Virgin office. Part Two coming tomorrow.

Jan 19, 202401:28:47