Pledge Break - Episode 1

It's a historical episode, and that means dress-up!

As I mentioned earlier today, my buddy James 'Gonzo History' Holloway is doing a podcast about Doctor Who with his childhood Who-pal Jesse Merlin. Once I'd got over my hump about the fact that he didn't ask me*, I figured I ought to review the podcast.

Holloway and Martin, who sound a little like a music hall review act, are intelligent and engaging presenters. Pledge Break - the title refers to the public broadcasting funding drives that were a defining feature of my own early Doctor Who viewing** - transcends simple episode recaps or wiki research with the depth of the presenters knowledge and experience.

Martin, self-described actor and bass-baritone - knows the production history and notable production staff, and understands the filming methods. Holloway has a deep grasp of the historical period (the earliest Gonzo History productions were a series of zines about the Crusades and the comically despicable thugs wot fought them) and their discussions combine these two areas of expertise well. The easy camaraderie and engaging, informal style make for easy listening. Definitely one to watch***.

* I'm good. I'm cool. I'm totally angling for a guest appearance; maybe Pyramids of Mars?
** I first watched Doctor Who on public broadcasting on the opposite coast to Martin and Holloway, which is why my Doctor is Tom and not Peter.
*** Well... listen to.

Pledge Break

My homie James Holloway (of Gonzo History fame) has produced a new podcast in which he looks at classic Doctor Who episodes from his perspective as a historian and historical storyteller and from that of his buddy Jesse Merlin as an actor.

It's called Pledge Break and episode one looks at partial William Hartnell story The Crusade. You can click on the pic to go to the episode, or visit the podcast blog at https://pledgebreakpodcast.wordpress.com/

Where those hands go next could have dire implications for the future of
Doctor Who as family broadcasting.

I have not had a chance to listen myself, but James is always good value on historical topics and I've never known him to half-arse anything, so I feel confident in recommending the show. I will also add a short review once I have listened.