We’re joined by author, editor and zombie mathematician Robert Smith? as we discuss the Second Doctor’s place in the canon. Plus: Peter Capaldi’s surprise post-tenure appearance at an upcoming East Coast con, (Re)Generation Who 4!

Analyzing the Second Doctor

Chip Sudderth and Alyssa Franke with Robert Smith?

Doctor Who: The Writers’ Room co-host Erik Stadnik was the perfect guest this week. Not only does he adore the First Doctor, making him a great pick to kick off our weekly survey of the Doctors, but he was also on hand to review the career of Fourth Doctor scripter David Fisher who passed away this month.

The First Doctor revisited; David Fisher remembered

Chip Sudderth and Alyssa Franke with Erik Stadnik

New year, new Doctor, new themes for the year ahead for This Week in Time Travel! This week’s Doctor Who Magazine sets the tone with its official “Jodie Whittaker is The Doctor” cover. We squee about that, dissect the ratings of Twice Upon a Time, and go over our 2018 Masterplan as we head toward Whittaker’s fall debut.

13th Doctor anticipation; "Twice Upon a Time" Wrap-up; 2018 preview

Chip Sudderth and Alyssa Franke

…including the complete score to “Heaven Sent” on a separate disc!

It’s almost the beginning of the Jodie Whittaker era, and the moment has been prepared for. Alyssa and Chip talk about how the Capaldi Finale also sets the stage for Whittaker and Chris Chibnall to relaunch Doctor Who. It’s a splendid final performance for Capaldi, but how did the rest of it hold together…?

"Twice Upon a Time" reviewed

Chip Sudderth and Alyssa Franke

Before “World Enough and Time” and “The Doctor Falls”—WAY before—there was “The Tenth Planet.” We take a look all the way back at the introduction of the Cybermen and the First Doctor’s regeneration in anticipation of some connections to next week’s Christmas special.

"The Tenth Planet" revisited before "Twice Upon a Time"

Chip Sudderth and Alyssa Franke

Everything ends, and it’s always sad. But everything begins again too, and that’s always happy. Chip, Alyssa and Rachel are joined by Joy Piedmont as our Christmas Masterplan draws to a close with “The Husbands of River Song” and “The Return of Doctor Mysterio.” Plus, in the news, Alyssa takes some time to reflect on a recent Radio Times interview with Steven Moffat about whether Doctor Who could have moved faster in bringing a woman to the role.

"The Husbands of River Song" and "The Return of Doctor Mysterio" reviewed

Chip Sudderth and Alyssa Franke with Rachel Donner and Joy Piedmont

Warren Frey from Radio Free Skaro helps us resume our Christmas Masterplan as we look at Matt Smith’s swan song and Santa Claus vs. the Facehuggers.

"The Time of the Doctor" and "Last Christmas" reviewed

Chip Sudderth and Alyssa Franke with Warren Frey

…but you’ve heard of these guys, right?

The Third Doctor may have had several friends and companions, but there was only one Jo Grant. And neither Three nor Jo would have ever made it onto our television screens if it wasn’t for the talents of Doctor Who’s first director. Alyssa Franke talks to actress Katy Manning and director Waris Hussein.

Waris Hussein and Katy Manning interviewed

Chip Sudderth and Alyssa Franke with Waris Hussein and Katy Manning

Connecting with friends, seeing the cast and diving deep into geekery: that’s what a Doctor Who convention is all about! Chip, Alyssa and Rachel compare notes about their Long Island Who experiences, and then bound into the news of Jodie Whittaker’s costume and the first look at “Twice Upon a Time.”

A report from Long Island Who, the Thirteenth Doctor's costume and a "Twice Upon a Time" preview

Chip Sudderth and Alyssa Franke with Rachel Donner

Alyssa has (supposedly) abandoned Chip. Just like Matt Smith in “The Doctor, The Widow, and The Wardrobe” and “The Snowmen,” Chip brings in some special help to fulfill the Christmas Masterplan: Deb Stanish, moderator of Verity! Plus, Toby Hadoke remembers groundbreaking classic director Paddy Russell.

Paddy Russell Remembered; 2011 and 2012 Christmas Specials

Chip Sudderth and Alyssa Franke with Toby Hadoke and Deborah Stanish