Production 6G: "Terminus" (February 15-23, 1983) - Classic Doctor Who Season 20 Review

The TARDIS crew faces heartbreak as beloved companion Nyssa of Traken makes her emotional departure from the Doctor's travels. After narrowly escaping the Black Guardian's schemes in the previous adventure, the Fifth Doctor, Tegan, and newly-arrived Turlough find themselves trapped aboard Terminus - a massive deteriorating space station serving as a quarantine facility and leper colony for victims of the incurable and dreaded Lazar's disease (also known as Lazars' Syndrome). This plague causes horrific decay and degeneration, with sufferers banished to Terminus where the mysterious robotic Vanir administer inadequate treatment using controlled doses of radiation from the station's unstable engines.

As the Doctor investigates Terminus's terrible secret - that the station sits at the exact center of the known universe and may have caused the Big Bang itself - compassionate Nyssa witnesses the suffering of countless Lazar victims denied proper care. In a stunning character-defining moment, Sarah Sutton's Nyssa chooses to leave the TARDIS forever, dedicating her scientific knowledge and Trakenite healing abilities to finding a genuine cure for Lazar's disease and providing humane treatment to the abandoned plague victims. Her selfless sacrifice represents one of Classic Doctor Who's most noble companion exits.

Join podcaster John S. Drew and acclaimed writer/editor Jim Beard as they master time and space, delivering comprehensive reviews of every Classic Doctor Who serial. In this bittersweet Season 20 analysis, they discuss the poignant farewell to Nyssa after two and a half seasons of adventures, critique how writer Stephen Gallagher and script editor Eric Saward frustratingly sideline both Turlough and Tegan throughout the serial (reducing them to passive observers despite being featured cast), and highlight the desperate need for stronger script editing to tighten Steve Gallagher's ambitious but unfocused and meandering narrative that struggles to balance cosmic mythology with human drama.

Jim candidly admits he will genuinely miss Nyssa's presence and Sarah Sutton's consistently excellent performances, but acknowledges her departure feels appropriately timed - her character role had been significantly diminished throughout Season 20 as the crowded TARDIS team left insufficient story material for her scientific expertise and compassionate nature to shine. The Black Guardian Trilogy continues with cosmic stakes and emotional consequences.

Subscribe to The Doctor's Beard Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and all major podcast platforms. Connect with our passionate Whovian community by emailing us at [email protected] or joining our active Facebook and BlueSky discussions for exclusive Doctor Who content, character analysis, and fan theories.

Check out Jim Beard's latest creative release - a beautiful blank journal book featuring an original sketch from Jim himself, perfect for Whovians and creative writers! Available now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Snowball-Strums-Story-Thinkin-Journal/dp/B0FTVDVD45

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Production 6F: "Mawdryn Undead" (February 1-9, 1983) - Classic Doctor Who Season 20 Review

The Fifth Doctor experiences a bittersweet reunion with his dear friend Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart - but something is terribly wrong. The retired UNIT commander has completely lost all memory of the Time Lord and their adventures together defending Earth from alien threats. Investigating this troubling amnesia, the Doctor discovers the Brigadier's memory loss stems from a catastrophic temporal paradox involving two different versions of the Brigadier meeting simultaneously in 1977 and 1983. At the center of this crisis is the tragic Mawdryn, leader of a group of exiled scientists who attempted to steal the secret of Time Lord regeneration but instead became hideously mutated, unable to die yet condemned to an eternity of agonizing transformations. As the Doctor navigates this complex temporal puzzle, he must confront the limitations of his own regenerative abilities and the sacred twelve-regeneration cycle that governs all Time Lords.

Join podcaster John S. Drew and acclaimed writer/editor Jim Beard as they master time and space, delivering comprehensive reviews of every Classic Doctor Who serial. In this pivotal Season 20 episode analysis, they welcome special guest Felicity Kusinitz from The Flopcast podcast for an engaging three-way discussion. The trio celebrates the triumphant return of Nicholas Courtney as Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart after a five-year absence, analyze the mysterious introduction of new companion Vislor Turlough (Mark Strickson) - whose true allegiance remains hidden, and explore writer Peter Grimwade's expansion of Time Lord mythology cementing the canonical twelve-regeneration limit that would define Doctor Who lore for decades.

In a delightful segment, Felicity and John attempt to convert the skeptical Jim - who remains unconvinced about the Fifth Doctor - by passionately defending Peter Davison's vulnerable, compassionate portrayal and explaining why this incarnation resonates so deeply with longtime fans despite his more understated heroism.

"Mawdryn Undead" launches producer John Nathan-Turner's ambitious Black Guardian Trilogy, a season-spanning story arc featuring the return of Valentine Dyall's cosmic villain seeking revenge against the Doctor. This trilogy format represented innovative serialized storytelling in Classic Doctor Who's traditionally episodic structure.

Subscribe to The Doctor's Beard Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and all major podcast platforms. Connect with our passionate Whovian community by emailing us at [email protected] or joining our active Facebook and BlueSky discussions for exclusive Doctor Who content, character analysis, and fan theories.

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Production 6D: "Snakedance" (January 18-26, 1983) - Classic Doctor Who Season 20 Review

The Fifth Doctor discovers that Tegan Jovanka has been involuntarily manipulating the TARDIS coordinates, steering them toward the peaceful planet Manusa - homeworld of the Sumaran Empire Federation and the historical site where the malevolent Mara was supposedly destroyed centuries ago. But the snake-like entity was never truly vanquished, and it once again seizes control of Tegan's mind in a terrifying possession, threatening to plunge the unsuspecting civilization of Manusa into chaos and darkness as it prepares for its prophesied return during the ceremony celebrating its ancient defeat.

Join podcaster John S. Drew and acclaimed writer/editor Jim Beard as they master time and space, delivering comprehensive reviews of every Classic Doctor Who serial. In this chilling sequel to Season 19's "Kinda," they analyze the Fifth Doctor's deepening concern and protectiveness for the traumatized Tegan following her previous Mara possession, celebrate Nyssa's stunning new costume that finally gives Sarah Sutton a more practical outfit, spotlight the television debut of British comedy legend Martin Clunes in his very first professional acting role as the spoiled Lon, and explore the fascinating thematic parallels between "Snakedance" and earlier Doctor Who stories involving mind control and ancient evil. Writer Christopher Bailey returns to expand his Buddhist-influenced mythology with director Fiona Cumming bringing psychological horror to life.

The countdown to Doctor Who's monumental 20th anniversary continues as Season 20 follows producer John Nathan-Turner's mandate to bring back classic monsters and villains from the show's illustrious history. The Mara returns as part of the nostalgic callbacks celebrating two decades of time travel adventures!

Subscribe to The Doctor's Beard Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and all major podcast platforms. Connect with our passionate Whovian community by emailing us at [email protected] or joining our active Facebook and BlueSky discussions for exclusive Doctor Who content, character analysis, and fan theories.

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Production 6E: "Arc of Infinity" (January 3-12, 1983) - Classic Doctor Who Season 20 Premiere Review

Omega, the legendary renegade Time Lord and architect of Gallifreyan time travel, makes his shocking return with a desperate plan to escape his antimatter prison and re-enter the positive matter universe. Using the Arc of Infinity as his gateway, Omega hijacks the Fifth Doctor's biodata pattern to create a physical duplicate body - but his scheme becomes entangled with companion Tegan Jovanka's search for her missing cousin Colin Frazer in the picturesque streets of Amsterdam, leading to an explosive confrontation in the heart of the Dutch capital.

Join podcaster John S. Drew and acclaimed writer/editor Jim Beard as they master time and space, delivering comprehensive reviews of every Classic Doctor Who serial. In this Season 20 premiere analysis, they celebrate Nyssa's remarkable character development and maturation beyond her sheltered Trakenite origins, explore how the Fifth Doctor finally demonstrates genuine agency and authority compared to his earlier passive characterization, and Jim shares his candid disappointment with Tegan's controversial new costume design that replaced her beloved air stewardess uniform. The hosts also examine writer Johnny Byrne's ambitious return to Doctor Who mythology, producer John Nathan-Turner's bold decision to film on location in Amsterdam, and the return of Michael Gough to Doctor Who.

This episode marks an exciting new chapter as Season 20 begins the countdown to Doctor Who's monumental 20th anniversary celebration later in the year!

Subscribe to The Doctor's Beard Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and all major podcast platforms. Connect with our passionate Whovian community by emailing us at [email protected] or joining our active Facebook and BlueSky discussions for exclusive Doctor Who content, character analysis, and fan theories.

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John and Jim wrap up their year long look at the Tom Baker era with a retrospective shaped with a framing letter from Patreon listener, Jamieson. We discuss Tom's three eras, his companions, and why he is considered one of the greats among the Doctors.

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Production 6C: "Time-Flight" (March 22-30, 1982) - Classic Doctor Who Season 19 Finale Review

The Fifth Doctor's planned visit to London's Great Exhibition takes a dramatic detour when the TARDIS becomes trapped in a mysterious time corridor alongside missing Concorde supersonic aircraft, leading to an unexpected encounter with prehistoric Earth and ancient mysteries.

Join podcaster John S. Drew and acclaimed writer/editor Jim Beard as they master time and space, delivering in-depth reviews of every Classic Doctor Who serial. In this compelling season finale analysis, they welcome special guest Alan J. Porter (renowned author and podcaster) to explore the emotional aftermath of Adric's shocking death, celebrate the triumphant return of the Master, and dissect the devastating season-ending cliffhanger that leaves companion Tegan Jovanka stranded at Heathrow Airport.

Subscribe to The Doctor's Beard Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and all major podcast platforms. Connect with our passionate Whovian community by emailing us at [email protected] or joining our active Facebook and BlueSky discussions for exclusive Doctor Who content and fan theories.

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Production 6B: "Earthshock" (March 8-16, 1982) - Classic Doctor Who Review

The Doctor's TARDIS materializes on a future Earth where the Cybermen orchestrate their most devastating plan yet - bombing a galactic conference to destroy world leaders and reshape the universe's destiny.

Join podcaster John S. Drew and acclaimed writer/editor Jim Beard as they become masters of time and space, delivering comprehensive reviews of every Classic Doctor Who serial. In this emotional episode analysis, they dive deep into Eric Saward's masterful scriptwriting, examine the shocking departure of beloved companion Adric, and explore how this serial revolutionized the Cybermen's deadly new tactics in the Whoniverse.

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Production 6A March 1-2 1982

The TARDIS lands in 1922 where Cranleigh Hall is being haunted by a mysterious figure and dead servants that only the Doctor apparently sees.

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they are joined by artist Jerry Lange. Together, they discuss the stopping of the bickering among the crew, the obvious mystery, and the humor of the story. In addition, we have additional commentary from our Patreon subscribers who joined us to hear the podcast recorded live.

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Production 5X February 15-23, 1982

The TARDIS lands near London in 1666, where the Doctor manages to stop an alien invasion, but burns down London in the process.

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss the argumentative nature of the companions, the lack of essential Doctor in Davison's portrayal, and the wonder of Richard Mace.

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Production 5Y February 1-9, 1982

As Nyssa recuperates in the TARDIS, the Doctor, Tegan and Adric explore the world of Deva Loka where an Earth exhibition have uncovered the Kinda, but do not know the deadly secret these peaceful people hide.

Podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard join forces once again to become the masters of time and space as they watch and review every single episode of the Classic Doctor Who series. In this episode, they discuss the sidelining of Nyssa, the performance of Janet Fielding and Jim's pinning who this Doctor is.

Please make sure you are subscribed to our podcast via any of the major popular podcasting apps. You can write and comment or ask questions of us via email at [email protected] or by joining our Facebook community.

Join our Patreon community where your sponsorship earns you early access to new episodes as well as exclusive content. Click on the link here to take you to the Patreon page.