You can mark exact timestamps in your life that could be described as “where I was when” moments. The birth of children, superlatives like first kisses or last goodbyes, the instant when meeting a personal hero. These are carved within our memories like sculptures that adorn our mind palaces, capable of transporting us instantaneously back to wherever and whenever we were on first experience.

For a few of us at Gallifrey Public Radio, one of those “statues of memory” is the remarkable likeness of Elisabeth Sladen, grinning with eagerness and spark, adorned in a roughspun woolen tunic.

With barely contained enthusiasm, we charge the proverbial castle walls in our rewatch of the opener for Doctor Who‘s Season 11, “The Time Warrior”, joined by Deb Stanish of the Verity! Podcast. We discuss the merits of the story, the pros and cons of “Monty Python” elements of humour, the early representations of Sontarans, updates to effects (and title sequences), and of course, the arrival of our patron saint, Sarah Jane Smith. Bringing wide-eyed energy, love for adventure, quick wit, an inquiring intellect, and feminist strength to the role from her first scenes, we all agree that the pedestal upon which this companion stands is both tall and revered — even if we may connect her in our minds more often with another (slightly more eccentric) Doctor.

EXTRA: What is there to do with a first-time guest, than play a little “Five Rounds Rapid”? Deb’s a great sport with our fast-paced line of questioning.

NEWS:

• The Original Concept for Clara’s Appearance in Twice Upon a Time
• Wait…How Much Series 11 Airtime Will There Be?
• The Possibility of an Earthbound First Episode
• RegenerationWho Adds a Last Minute “Capaldi” Guy to the Roster

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