Shows
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismStrawberries and Male GazeIn this revamped pilot episode of Big Damn Shiny Heroes, Shana is joined by regular Oi! Spaceman guest Jessica from The Web of Queer in discussing the first episode of Firefly, "Serenity." Lots of discussion of gender norms, "Captain Tightpants," male gaze, and Kaylee are found within. Enjoy! Main Topic: Serenity. Recasting the Pilot. More affable. Browncoats. Histories. Dragon*Con. Into the episode. Daniel versus Shana. Battle scene opening. PTSD Mal. Masculinity. Male gaze. Interrupted male gaze. Kitchen table. Jayne and the gynecology joke. Asshole actors and asshole characters. Brotherly love. Subject versus object. Interiority through direction. No...
2016-10-1652 min
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismZombie Marxist Things and Body Horror (Frybo and Cat Fingers)In this episode, Shana and Jane are back chatting about all things Steven Universe. Namely, Shana chats a bit about the new Golden Book version of The Answer, and they move on to chatting the wages of capitalism in Frybo and the nature of body horror in Cat Fingers. Also: what does it mean when Steven touches himself? Main Topic: Frybo and Cat Fingers. Taking charge. The Answer book. Metatext. Shana and Rebecca. "Girly." Interiority. More than a collector's item. Fry costumes and naked Steven. Relationships. Body horror. Crystal shards. Hidden backstory. "Something Jack would say." Exploited l...
2016-09-201h 06
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismGhosts of Victorianism (Doctor Who: Ghost Light)In this episode, Shana and Daniel are joined once again by Jack Graham, this time to discuss the very last Classic Who story ever filmed: Ghost Light. As expected, they have a hard time staying on-topic, and even have extended digressions on Steven Moffat and steampunk. It's a fun conversation about all things related to Victorian science, Victorian imperialism, the ghosts of the past, and problematic representations. Enjoy! Main Topic: Ghost Light. The Bible. No one was asking for Daniel's input. Everything changes. Why? Peak cute. Jack catnip. Odd at thirteen. "Very British problems." Island people. Nimrod...
2016-09-102h 02
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismCharles Rimmer Kane (Me2)After a couple of weeks off from podcasting together, Daniel and Shana return to discuss the final episode of Red Dwarf Series One: Me2. Which should really have a superscript but does anyone care in this medium? Maybe it should be transliterated as "Me-Squared" on social media? Grammar pedants speak out on this monumentally important issue. Anyway, Daniel and Shana discuss Gazpacho soup as a sort of Rosebud for understanding Rimmer's life, and question whether it was really as big a deal as Rimmer seems to think it is. Also, classism in food choices, Rimmer vs. Todhunter, un...
2016-08-101h 07
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismMore Than Just Salty Parabolas (Ghostbusters 2016)Shana's still out for this episode, but Daniel is joined by recurring guest Jessica from The Web of Queer to give their hot take on the misandrist masterpiece Ghostbusters (2016). Lots of queer identity politics to mull over here, but for the most part this is a fun movie that made for a fun podcast episode, although possibly not as much fun as listening to sax. Main Topic: Ghostbusters (2016). With special guest Jessica from Web of Queer. No Shana. Filler. Ruining childhoods. Jessica and 1984. Zeitgeist. Exploded. General thoughts. No buttons. Teenage boy. Why people come to Oi! Spaceman. The...
2016-07-241h 17
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismFun with Dan and Jane (A Casual Chat About Steven Moffat)Shana was out of town this week, so Daniel took the opportunity to pull out some bonus casual conversation he recorded back when Jane co-hosted on this podcast for The Time Monster. Despite beginning the conversation proclaiming his dislike of discussing the Moffat era, they ended up chatting about just that for most of the nearly two-hour running time of this podcast. Also you'll hear some of the Oi! Spaceman origin story and some very goofy jokes. Enjoy. Main Topic: A Casual Conversation About Steven Moffat. Krotons. Sleamball. Condescending Wendy. Alcohol. Titties. Punch-Drunk. "Okay, Steven Moffat." Aesthetics. 1992. "...
2016-07-221h 47
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismDoes The Brig Have a Point? (Doctor Who and the Silurians)In this episode, Shana and Daniel chat about the Third Doctor's second story: Doctor Who and the Silurians. Genocide (maybe), laggy pacing, and fucking adorable married couple antics reign supreme. Main Topic: Doctor Who and the Silurians. Nazi Godzillas. Titles. Hate having guests. Daniel was right. Pacing. Black and white. Pigtails. So married. Liz. Fulcrum. A37 and Z13. Squishy-squishy. "White Man Sit Down and Think." IT Crowd reference. Greatness. Lesbian innovation. "More like Twelve Monkeys." Noir Who. Peter Myles. Compression. White guys with clipboards. "Not my kink!" No sonic. Coup. The Upside of Dragging Ass. The Chick a...
2016-07-151h 03
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismHis Name is Django (Django Unchained)In this bonus episode, Shana and Daniel discuss a film they've been rewatching a lot lately, Django Unchained, and the horrifying legacy of slavery. Also folk heroes in fiction, "the father of gynecology," positionality, and the deep satisfaction of seeing slavers brutally murdered. Warning: this episode contains unusually aggressive language and themes, even for Oi! Spaceman. Main Topic: Django Unchained. Nominally a Doctor Who podcast. Identifiers. "I believe in racism." Positionality. The legacy of slavery is still with us. Not black. Holocaust. Werner von Braun. Gypsies versus Romanis. Dripping racism. Knoxville. Linguistics. Rocks and windows. Racially-motivated violence. Ba...
2016-06-1000 min
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismAdorably Eviscerating Edwardian Social Mores (DW: Horror of Fang Rock)In this episode, Shana and Daniel are joined by author extraordinaire Kit Gonzo in discussing the first story of the Graham Williams era, Horror of Fang Rock. At least in theory. Conversation ranges all over, but mostly focuses on the incredibly complicated role that Leela plays in Doctor Who. Racism, sexism, colonialism, classism, spoonerisms, and more. Main Topic: Horror of Fang Rock. With special guest Kit Gonzo. Being not-funny. Richard Dawkins or a Rutan? Writing. Commercialism. Academic writing. Browbeating Shana. Getting back on-topic. Fang Rock as a script. Haiku and cliffhangers. Pertwee's dignity. Upstairs, downstairs. Not o...
2016-06-072h 45
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismClass, Gender, and the Ziggurat (Red Dwarf: Balance of Power)In this episode, Shana and Daniel are (shockingly, I know) joined by their podcast boyfriend Jack Graham to discuss the third episode of Series One: Balance of Power. Capitalism, class, gender, The Fappening, and Craig Charles's acting chops are all at least mentioned. Main Topic: Balance of Power. With special guest Jack Graham. A capitalist joke. Avoiding culture. Shana rises above. Shana's boobs. Teenagerhood. Jack's early Dwarf. Power. "I've been fished to death!" Craig Charles, Actor. Okaaaayyy... Challenging each other. Rimmer the goof-off. Re-ordering episodes. Lister the socialite. Loser's club. Post-apocalyptic. Ghosts. Exactly what a cat would d...
2016-05-251h 54
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismCandy-Colored Totalitarianism, Gender, and Margaret Thatcher (The Happiness Patrol)In this (slightly-delayed) episode, Shana and Daniel are joined by a first-time guest, Josh from The Web of Queer. It's a wide-ranging conversation that doesn't even begin to cover the story completely, but touches on issues of depression and music, enforced frivolity, the horror of the Thatcher years, and the nature of top-down authoritarian rule. Also: the aesthetics of the Kandyman and some discussion of set design. And whether or not Shana ships Ace with Susie Q. The answer may shock you, but probably not. Main Topic: The Happiness Patrol. "Way to make a super-sexist joke, husband."...
2016-05-221h 31
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismClassic Doctors and Companions (Classic Doctor Who)In this episode Daniel and Shana return to Doctor Who and... chat. What was supposed to be a fairly concise look at the experience of looking at all the Classic companions turned into a long and meandering conversation about pretty much everything Who. Shana even says nice things about Steven Moffat! Each Classic Doctor and companion is at least mentioned, although some not for very long.... Main Topic: Classic Doctor and Companion Overview. Ninety. Daniel sucks. Big softie. Looking ahead. Dirty sneaky pirate things. Region coded DVD problems. Positive response. Comprehensive review. Joe. Really cool women. Scrutiny...
2016-05-111h 47
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismForever White Knights (Firefly: Serenity)It's finally happened. Shana has convinced Daniel to start
podcasting Joss Whedon. They start with what is probably his most
interesting series, Firefly, and will be doing all
the episodes of the series plus the theatrical film over the next
few months.
In this episode then, they discuss the two-part pilot
"Serenity," introduce all the major characters, and discuss the use
of gender within the show. Daniel picks a few bones with
worldbuilding, and sets out the general complaint that the series'
Western setting (along with the military background of two of its
main characters) implies a c...
2016-05-021h 23
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismLister's Lost Future (Red Dwarf: The End)Away we go. In this first episode of the long-awaited (by Daniel at least) new podcast "Red Dwarf: Searching For Fuchal" Shana and Daniel discuss the pilot episode of the classic sci-fi comedy series: "The End." Racial and gender politics, existential dread, and what it might mean to "interfere with a woman" are all discussed.
Main Topic: Red Dwarf Series 1, Episode 1: "The End." A bad Doctor Who reference. Don't sully with Moffat. Introducing the podcast. "You're making me read?" How Shana found Red Dwarf. Attracted to Lister. Actors' names. Cat evolution. Minstelry. Gender imbalance. Existential Everyman, but...
2016-04-2051 min
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismThe Dream of 90s Era Gender/Sexual Politics is Alive (Chasing Amy)In this bonus episode, Shana and Daniel discuss Kevin Smith's 1997 film "Chasing Amy" through the lens of its sexual and gender politics. Shana is a cis queer woman, passionate about her identity, and while this film formed a huge portion of both Daniel and Shana's adolescence/young adulthood, it has *serious* problems if approached from a 2016 perspective. They also discuss Lela, a young lesbian woman who was featured in "Chasing Amy Politics" on the first "Evening With Kevin Smith" DVD. This is a heartwrenching look at a film, not for the faint of heart.
Main Topic: Chasing...
2016-04-161h 39
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismAce... and Her Dimples (Dragonfire)In this episode, Shana and Daniel announce a new direction for the podcast (to be starting in about a month) and discuss the Seventh Doctor story "Dragonfire." Was there ever any doubt that Shana was going to fall in love with Ace?
Main Topic: Dragonfire. Glitz as Han Solo. A fuck-you to Robert Holmes. Drinking today. Daniel the dominant male patriarchal figure. Shana the flirt. A podcast announcement. "If you don't like it, let us know." Shana cackles. Jack Graham and Hamilton. Steven Universe. From McGann to David Lister. Moving on to Dragonfire. The least important element...
2016-04-091h 01
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismThankfully He Saved All the Rich White People (Terror of the Vervoids/The Ultimate Foe)In this episode, Shana and Daniel are joined once again by Elliot Chapman to discuss the end of the Sixth Doctor era in Terror of the Vervoids and the Ultimate Foe. History should be your guide here; they don't much discuss the details of the actual storyline, in favor of general conversation about acting and many examples of Shana's Mel impersonation.
Main Topic: Terror of the Vervoids/The Ultimate Foe. With special guest Elliot Chapman. Not as bad as she'd thought. Castrovulva. Brian Blessed. Casting Mindwarp. Feeling bad for Peri. Bonnie Langford's "It Factor?" Shana's Mel impression. M...
2016-04-081h 29
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismFan Sexism Then and Now (Mindwarp)In this episode Shana and Daniel are joined by JB Anderton of the Who37 podcast to discuss "Mindwarp." In theory, that's what they do. In practice the conversation becomes much more wide-ranging, covering issues of sexism in media, the treatment of Peri by the show and Nicola Bryant by the production team, convention misbehavior, and even Donald Trump's candidacy. It's a long but fruitful conversation.
Main Topic: Mindwarp. With special guest JB Anderton of the Who37 podcast. Masturbation. Patreon? C2E2. Artists and geek cons. Convention politics. Shameless plug. Chicago TARDIS and cosplay. Panels at C2E2...
2016-03-311h 50
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismThe Zack Morris Effect (The Mysterious Planet)In this episode, Shana is finally exposed to the many-colored coat as Daniel forces her to endure The Mysterious Planet. For some reason she insisted on watching The Twin Dilemma first, so both stories are covered here.
Main Topic: The Mysterious Planet. Loud animals. The Twin Dilemma. Cosplay. Way more than kind of a dick. Unreliable. Sexist flamboyant gay man. Peri as the lead character. Baker's performance. "Whether you like it or not!" Double the Adric. Clara as a verb. The most 80s set. Mental health in Doctor Who. Delicious peanuts in a pile of shit. Elton J...
2016-03-2354 min
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismJack and Daniel Confront Their Male Privilege (The Caves of Androzani)In what is sure to be the single most controversial episode of Oi! Spaceman to date, Shana doesn't much care for The Caves of Androzani. Basically for predictable gender politics reasons, but it's broader than that. They are joined by their podcast boyfriend Jack Graham once again to discuss the story, Holmes's legacy, Withnail and I, and other off-topic things.
Main Topic: The Caves of Androzani. Mamet. Gender politics. "Super gay and Jack." Podcast boyfriends. One thing about Castrovalva. Frontios and the tractators. Nostalgia. A query to Shana. The greatest? Fourth Doctor as performed by Davison. "You had...
2016-03-151h 54
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismTurlough and His Short Shorts (Planet of Fire)Shana and Daniel take a break from the series of guests and actually chat just between themselves about the Fifth Doctor's penultimate adventure, Planet of Fire. Turlough and Kamelion leave, the Master shows up in miniaturized form, and Peri shows off her acting chops. Also, a response to an email from a regular listener who has a problem with Oi! Spaceman's implicit racism.
Main Topic: Planet of Fire. Johnny Cash. No guest! Shana and Jack. The Oi! Spaceman way. Plugging stuff. River Song's lipstick. Racist Oi! Spaceman. Definitely not cowardly. "I check the email and you don't." ML...
2016-03-081h 08
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismOf Davros and Kitchen SinksIn this episode, Shana and Daniel are joined by Lee Russell of the They Must Be Destroyed on Sight podcast to discuss Resurrection of the Daleks. This was Lee's first exposure to the Fifth Doctor era, so lots of general Davison stuff is discussed in lieu of trying to specifically analyze this mess of a Doctor Who story. Although Shana ships Tegan and Laird pretty hard.
Main Topic: Resurrection of the Daleks. With special guest Lee Russell of They Must Be Destroyed on Sight. Not the premier Davison episode. Davison not ready. Bland. "The Tegan era." Tegan an...
2016-02-251h 07
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismMiddle Class Establishment Values (Series 9 Recap)In this episode, Shana and Daniel are joined by Jessica from The Web of Queer to do a general recap of Doctor Who Series 9. They meander a bit, but basically circle around issues of representation, queerness, and gender, specifically as they relate to Ashildur, the Zygons, and of course the "Schrodinger's Queer," Clara. Also briefly discussed is the announcement that Chris Chibnall will be the next showrunner of Doctor Who.
(CORRECTION: Minor technical problems on first upload, corrected 2016-02-18.)
Main Topic: Series 9 Recap. With Jessica from The Web of Queer. Laryngitis. Chibnall. Broadchurch. No...
2016-02-181h 23
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismNostalgia Vignettes (The King's Demons and The Five Doctors)In this slightly delayed episode, Shana and Daniel discuss The King's Demons and The Five Doctors and basically just giggle. King John as a cartoon lion and a proposed Susan Foreman: PI spinoff are both mentioned.
Main Topic: The Five Doctors and The King's Demons. In the US first. Magna Carta. A ton of face makeup. Tegan's costume. Turlough's missing backstory. Kamelion. Constipated stare fight. Tegan is cold. King John. Robot of Sherwood. A rollicking good time. Sexist First Doctor? Christmas. Grandfather! Kitchen sink syndrome. Nostalgia vignettes. Emo hair and fucking Queen Elizabeth. Sarah Jane and Pertwee...
2016-02-0448 min
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismHipsters of the Universe (Enlightenment)In this episode, Shana and Daniel discuss the final part of the Black Guardian Trilogy: Enlightenment. Believe it or not but gender politics and sexual orientation actually come up once or twice. Also awesome Tegan, the campy Captain Wrack, class structure, and the boredom of the Eternals.
Main Topic: Enlightenment. Shortest ever. No longer about Doctor Who. Disney geek. Argumentative. Teacher voice. Bowie. The art and artist. Moving on to Enlightenment. Men wearing leggings. Bird hats. Maybe Jim Henson saw Enlightenment. Costuming. Tegan's butt and Wrack's Rack? Repressed gay Turlough. X-men. The Black Guardian as a metaphor f...
2016-01-191h 11
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismGenocide and Polyamory (The Husbands of River Song)This week Shana and Daniel discuss "The Husbands of River Song" and have bad flashbacks to the Matt Smith years. Cuddly genocidal monsters and our first canonical polyamorous character in Doctor Who are discussed. Also some general discussion on River Song as written and performed, Daniel's coarse comments on the sexual prowess of several Doctors, and looking forward to 2016. Also: a very brief discussion of why they didn't cover Earthshock last week.
Main Topic: The Husbands of River Song. Flames. Earthshock. No shittier than what we've already done. Character dynamics. Moving on to The Husbands of River S...
2015-12-281h 12
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismCoercive Relationships and Feminist Heroes (Jessica Jones Season One)In this episode Shana and Daniel take a break from Doctor Who (partly because doing an hour on Earthshock made for an incredibly boring coversation) and instead do a bonus episode discussing the first season of the Netflix show Marvel's Jessica Jones. The show, and this this episode, contains significant material about abusive/coercive relationships, mind control, significant violence, and rape, so those triggered or upset by discussions of these topics should stay far away.
Main Topic: Marvel's Jessica Jones, Season One. Shana leads. Why not Doctor Who? Tennant as a villain. Daniel's relationship with television. "Why do...
2015-12-212h 01
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismMoral Clarity Amid Situational Complexity (Planet of the Ood)In this episode, Shana and Daniel are joined by Jack Graham to discuss the Tenth Doctor story "Planet of the Ood." This one doesn't get political *at all* they assure you. Slavery vs wage slavery, the value of simpleminded politics, how to be a good ally to oppressed peoples, and capitalism are all addressed. Also, a brief discussion of what Jack thought of Series 9 and praise for Catherine Tate.
Main Topic: Planet of the Ood. The spectre haunting this podcast. Halves of a single corporate entity. Might get a bit political. If you don't like Planet of...
2015-12-142h 08
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismSisyphean Grief Without Existentialism (Sleep No More through Hell Bent)In this episode, Shana and Daniel do a whirlwind discussion of the last four episodes of Series 9, focusing on the death and resurrection of Clara (spoiler alert!) and Moffat's treatment of grief. Also the return of Ashildr, authoritarianism and collateral damage, and deterministic systems.
Main Topic: Sleep No More, Face the Raven, Heaven Sent, and Hell Bent. Sheep Go to Heaven. Completely irrelevant. Gatiss and whimsy. Bethany Black. Not puzzleboxy. Nancy Kress. Found footage. "That's not how subduction zones work." Face the Raven. The Doctor and young black men. Harry Potter. Non-queer Me. Sexual dimorphism. The weight o...
2015-12-091h 31
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismThe One In Which We Don't Really Talk About Castrovalva (Castrovalva)Daniel and Shana are joined by working actor and the current Ben Jackson for Big Finish Elliot Chapman in what was supposed to be a thorough discussion of Castrovalva. As it happened, very little actual analysis of Peter Davison's first story actually occurred. Instead, the trio discuss Elliot's work for Big Finish, including working with Anneke Wills and Frazer Hines, as well as some of his techniques in capturing the authentic Ben without resorting to caricature. They then move on to discuss the Fifth Doctor era in general, especially the soapier elements and some of the pacing issues in...
2015-12-021h 39
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismIn The Beginning There Was the Number (Logopolis)In this episode Shana and Daniel wave goodbye to Tom Baker (for now) in their discussion of Logopolis. First, though, Daniel rambles on by himself for a few minutes about why you're not getting a discussion of Sleep No More and Face the Raven today. There's some computer science, some mispronouncing of words, some chat about Hitler and even a little bit of conversation about the episode in question. Shana might even prefer Ainley to Delgado!
Main Topic: Logopolis. Sexual fetish out the gate. Out of order recording. "Jack Graham and Hitler." Americans don't get parlaimentary systems. Last...
2015-11-251h 08
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismSystemic Evil (The Keeper of Traken)In this episode, Shana and Daniel take a look at Tom Baker's penultimate story: The Keeper of Traken. First they discuss a bit of the real-world politics surrounding the Paris terrorist attacks from the weekend, in particular the not-particularly-surprising revelation that Gareth Roberts is a right-wing douchebag. After moving on to the titular episode, they discuss Nyssa, Adric, the burnt-up Master, and the limits of political authority.
Main Topic: Keeper of Traken. Irish racist. Terrorist violence. Only white people eating baguettes and wearing berets. Gareth Roberts and Twitter. Killing tens of thousands of people with drones. Representation. Us...
2015-11-1858 min
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismDefending the Status Quo (The Zygon Invasion/Inversion)In this episode Shana and Daniel discuss the two-part Zygon story "The Zygon Invasion/The Zygon Inversion," and discuss false equivalencies regarding oppressed peoples. Also a brief discussion of "Kill the Moon." That's about it really.
Main Topic: The Zygon Invasion/Inversion. Body Image. Truth or Consequences. Kill the Moon. Abortion. Daniel's idea for an abortion short story. Feminism in a box. Metaphor in SF to talk about political ideas. The Oppressed Must Break the Cycle. Questioning Assumptions. Amazing Grace. "Doctor Who is finally doing what the Oi! Spaceman crew wants it to do." Men in Black...
2015-11-131h 20
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismHeinlein, Shakespeare, Math, and Sex (Warrior's Gate)In this episode, Daniel and Shana finish up the E-Space Trilogy with a discussion of Warrior's Gate. And of course a story with the enslavement of an alien race has no particular political significance, right? Also: a discussion of non-determinism and Eastern philosophies, and a bit about the BDSM implications of Romana's torture scene.
Main Topic: Warrior's Gate. Anthropomorphic lions. Correction. Nothing political. Understanding E-space. Shana likes Daniel's notes. Revisiting Tom Baker. Great Romana moments. Shana doesn't like Lalla Ward. Tamm's eyebrows. How Romana leaves. Fucking the Tharil or Andred. Moving on to Adric. The representation of...
2015-11-061h 16
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismDefeating Toxic Masculinity (The Girl Who Died/The Woman Who Lived)In this episode, Shana and Daniel barely even bother to talk about plot and story, so fascinated were they by the gender issues in the most recent two-part story of Series 9: The Girl Who Died/The Woman Who Lived. Is Ashildur genderqueer? Is Clara queer? Are the Mire 'roid-ragers? Is Leando an abusive boyfriend? Also alternative masculinity as portrayed by the Doctor and by the perhaps-appropriately-named Sam Swift the Quick. It's probably more fun than it sounds.
Main Topic: The Girl Who Died/The Woman Who Lived. Daniel shouldn't ruin Queen. Shana took notes. If yo...
2015-10-301h 43
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismMissing 1977 and Reading TwitterIn this episode of Oi! Spaceman, Daniel and Shana get silly, discussing being uncomfortably political, read some Twitter messages on the air, and eventually even chat a bit about the second part of the E-space trilogy: State of Decay. Sparkly vampires, eldritch horrors, and Leela's possible place in this story are all discussed.
Main Topic: State of Decay. Retirement age. Not Wings of Desire. Someone will get that joke. Shana will never listen to any podcasts. An email from JB Anderton. Sexy Romana. Romana and Astra. City of Death score. Political Doctor Who. Tweeting at JB...
2015-10-211h 01
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismBootstraps, Memes, and Subjugation (Under the Lake/Before the Flood)In this episode, Daniel and Shana are highly amused (and at least somewhat impressed by) the second two-part story of Series 9, "Under the Lake/Before the Flood." A base-under-siege with a nifty Golden Age SF time travel twist, this story inspires discussion of subjugated peoples controlled by mental conditioning, the way that that metaphor might reflect modern-day patriarchal structures, and the use of time travel paradoxes in Moffat Who. Also: email about military adventurism in the Western world, discussion of the space opera elements of Blake's 7, and a rough definition of the word miniarchist. All that and a rubber...
2015-10-151h 41Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismRound and Round We Go (Carnival of Monsters)In this episode, Shana and Daniel are joined by Holly B. of the City of the Dead podcast to discuss the Third Doctor story "Carnival of Monsters," and end up wandering over most of the Pertwee era in the process. The miniscope as metaphor for Doctor Who *and* male gaze, the appearance of Ian Marter before Harry Sullivan, and the awesomeness of Shirna are all discussed. Also: a brief discussion of the Capaldi era so far.
Main Topic: Carnival of Monsters. With special guest host Holly B. of City of the Dead. Nothing New Series. R...
2015-10-081h 09
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismEinstein and Mengele (The Magician's Apprentice/The Witch's Familiar)In this episode, which was recorded late and was edited minimally -- forgive the animal noises and the verbal tics please -- Daniel and Shana discuss the first two-parter of Series 9: The Magician's Apprentice and The Witch's Familiar. It's a fairly rambling conversation but Shana and Daniel actually disagree to some degree about the overall merits of the episode, but agree on Michelle Gomez's performance, myriad pacing and structural issues, and the anarchist rock star Doctor. Is Davros the Dark Lord of Skaro? Is the Doctor dying? Is Clara queerbaited and fridged? All that and Shana does a Dalek...
2015-10-011h 18
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismIneffectual Oligarchy (Full Circle)
In this episode, Shana and Daniel are joined by James Murphy of the Pex Lives podcast to discuss the introduction of Adric (and, for this show, 80s Who) in Full Circle. Since James is a bit of a Moffat defender, they also put him on the spot and force him to defend the horrible sexism, racism, and general horribleness of the last few years of Doctor Who. (He survives, barely). It's an overall very fun and discursive conversation that barely even mentions oligarchy at all.
Main Topic: Full Circle. Introducing guest host James from the Pex...
2015-09-231h 30
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismSplit Personalities (City of Death)In this episode, Shana and Daniel are joined by JB Anderton of the Who37 podcast in discussing the Douglas Adams classic: City of Death. First though, lots of discussion of Steven Moffat and the general failures of the last couple of years of Doctor Who. They then discuss some personal history among the three of them, the relationship between Romana II and the Fourth Doctor, and debate the ethics of sexual consent with a maggot spaghetti man. All that and comparisons between Clara Oswald's being split in time with the Scaroth.
Main Topic: City of Dea...
2015-09-171h 40
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismFemale Objectification and Cold War Allegory (The Armageddon Factor)In this episode Daniel and Shana are finishing up the Key to Time with The Armageddon Factor. It's the end of Mary Tamm, the beginning of Lalla Ward, and K-9 gets taken over by an alien menace. Also there's some fairly obvious Cold War stuff going on, a supercomputer that can't be stopped, and some discussion of distant godlike beings.
Main Topic: The Armageddon Factor. Finishing up the Key to Time. The Bristol Boys. The very last six-parter. Not The Odyssey. (Not) ranking the episodes. Baker/Martin and Holmes switching. Predictable plot. Astra the damsel. Black Guardian is...
2015-09-0952 min
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismFalse Equivalence and Antifeminist Holmes (The Power of Kroll)In this episode, Shana and Daniel spend quite a bit of time responding to some listener email, defend their general lack of respect for the Moffat era, discuss the Bechdel test as it relates to Robert Holmes, and find a few minutes somewhere to discuss The Power of Kroll.
Show Notes:
Main Topic: The Power of Kroll. Giant Vagina Cthulhu. Letter from Lee on UNIT and sexual attraction to Daniel. The Knowing Viewer. Letter from WhoBranigan, our very first super-fan. Schpansky. Does there exist a specificically libertarian Doctor Who podcast? Thrift store finds. A more ne...
2015-09-031h 51
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismGame of Clones (The Androids of Tara)In this episode, Shana and Daniel continue with their look at the Key to Time season with a discussion of The Androids of Tara. Along the way, a discussion of doubles in fiction is discussed, as well as a connection to Gone With the Wind. Also: a response to a listener email about capitalism.
Main Topic: The Androids of Tara. Vaudeville. Doubles and comedy. Romana's clothing as a clue to tone. Another letter from Henry: capitalism. Moving on to The Androids of Tara. A Gone With the Wind connection? The Prisoner of Zenda. Proposing a tumb...
2015-08-2549 min
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismThe Companion's Journey (Turn Left)In this episode, Daniel and Shana are joined by Jessica from The Web of Queer in discussing the Donna-centric episode Turn Left. Other than the general aura of Donna squeefulness, the trio discuss Donna as the ordinary person who has the seeds of the extraordinary within, the political nature of the companion during the RTD/Gardner era, and the return of Rose Tyler. Also: the metaphysics of the beetle bubble universe.
Main Topic: Turn Left. With special guest Jessica from The Web of Queer. Huge Donna fangirl. "Donna Donna Donna squee." Political discussions on Web of...
2015-08-191h 08
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismAn Abusive Polyamorous Triad (Series 8)In this episode, Shana and Daniel discuss the relationship dynamics of the now-on-Netflix-streaming Series 8 of Doctor Who, viewing the Danny/Clara/Doctor conflict as a deeply dysfunctional polyamorous triad. The topics discussed, including emotional abuse, toxic masculinity, and systemic misogyny, may be triggering or otherwise uncomfortable for some listeners. Also discussed: Clara as a "bossy control freak," some general impressions of Series 8 on a technical level, and a close reading of a pivotal scene from "The Caretaker."
Main Topic: The Danny/Clara/Doctor Relationship in Series 8. The Moffat-Hate Hour. Polyamory. Poly in Golden Age SF writers. Our p...
2015-08-111h 40
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismVampire Rocks and Secret Lesbians (The Stones of Blood)In this episode, Shana and Daniel discuss a recent bit of nerd culture misogyny/blindness, then move on to the third part of the Key to Time: The Stones of Blood. Discussions revolve around the relationship between Romana and the Fourth Doctor, spreading into Romana's acceptance by the other women in the story, and whether or not the Cessair of Diplos received a punishment that fit the crime. Also: what's the deal with Romana's shoes?
Main Topic: The Stones of Blood. Vincent Price. A moment of numerology. Steven Schpansky and J.B. Anderton. "Kerfluffle." Comfort the powerful a...
2015-08-051h 02
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismPostmodern Who (The Pirate Planet)In this episode, Shana and Daniel explore the first credit on Doctor Who of the late, great Douglas Adams. Does his signature style work well within the Whoniverse? Furthermore, is the Fourth Doctor just turning into kind of a dick? Also: why do people hate Romana I so much? A theory is proposed.
Main Topic: The Pirate Planet. Shana gets the plot. Robot parrot. Talk like a pirate. Neil Gaiman. Bruce Purchase. Moons of Madness! Adams and Moffat. Jelly babies. Named female characters. The awesomeness of the Nurse. Postmodernism and visual indicators. It doesn't look opulent. Formula. No...
2015-07-3058 min
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismOne Day, Even Here.... (The Ribos Operation)In this episode, Daniel and Shana discuss one of the finest Doctor Who stories ever: The Ribos Operation. But first they re-introduce themselves for new listeners, indulge in a bit of fanwankery around some Series 9 pre-release, discuss geek culture for a bit, and respond to Jack Graham's comments about their previous episode discussing The Invasion of Time. Also: Binro as moral authority.
Main Topic: The Ribos Operation. Fred and Whedon. Daniel's favorite. Reintroductions. Fanwankery. The Series 9 trailer, ComicCon, and geek culture. Addressing Jack's criticisms of our Invasion of Time Discussion. Finally getting into the Ribos Operation. K-9 M...
2015-07-231h 42
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismScience Versus Oligarchy (The Ice Warriors)Can you discuss a story called "The Ice Warriors" and barely talk about the Ice Warriors? When there's a fascinating underlying sociopolitical context you can. Also: Jamie likes short skirts and yet another Arnold Rimmer reference.
Main Topic: The Ice Warriors. An abbreviated introduction. Jack didn't like our discussion last week. Bad fan Daniel. A shoutout to Pex Lives. The Ice Warriors not so generic. The Abdominable Snowmen is unlistenable. Season 5. Political Troughton. Brian Hayles. Well-rounded characters in The Ice Warriors. Competent Arnold Rimmer. "Miss Garrett." Unspecified far future. "Snowball Earth." The Day After Tomorrow. The politics o...
2015-07-141h 06
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismTom Baker Gives Zero Shits (The Invasion of Time)This time Daniel and Shana discuss Louise Jameson's last story The Invasion of Time, and speculate as to how little Tom Baker actually cared about the show at this point. Also, our first female Time Lord, neutered Sontarans, Milton Johns being creepy, and much discussion of writing structure.
Main Topic: The Invasion of Time. "Tom Baker throws his weight around, and Leela's nipples are almost exposed." Rockin' it in the Middle Ages. Goading the Sontarans. Doctor Who stories with the word "Time." There are years of this. Hopscotching down the hallway. Williams and Read. Simpleton Lee...
2015-07-071h 02
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismHuman Dog Food (Spare Parts)In this episode, Daniel and Shana are joined by the writer of the Shabogan Graffiti blog and host of the Shabcast, Jack Graham, to talk about the Big Finish audio Spare Parts. If you know Jack's work at all, you won't be surprised that this one gets lefty, political, and ranty pretty quickly. Alas, poor Yvonne.
Show Notes:
Main Topic: Spare Parts, with special guest Jack Graham. An inaccurate summary? Shana's introduction to the Fifth Doctor and Nyssa. "Beige." The Young Davison versus the Old Davison. Everymanish Davison. Headcanon. Why Jack picked "Spare Parts." Mark Pl...
2015-06-301h 31
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismTime Lord's Burden (The Invisible Enemy)This week, Daniel and Shana discuss colonialism, slavery, and the "White Man's Burden" in the context of "The Invisible Enemy." The ethics of a robot dog, the role of the white savior in Doctor Who, and whether it's best to view Leela's treatment through a sexist or a racist lens is all considered. It's not all serious, though, because Louise Jameson looks adorable in Tom Baker's hat.
Main Topic: The Invisible Enemy. Shana gets the plot. Space. More with Finnoula. Interrupting Shana. The Return of Sexism. Starting with fun stuff. K-9. K-9 fandom. The computer geek in A...
2015-06-191h 05Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismSavages, Cargo Cults, and Feminized Violence (The Face of Evil)In this episode, Daniel and Shana confront the air-quote Savage in their discussion of Leela of the Sevateem in her very first story, The Face of Evil. Lots of sexism, racism, classicism, and various other -isms (implicit and explicit) to unpack here, so you might as well have a listen.
Main Topic: The Face of Evil. Pennant Roberts. Apologies to Fionnuala about Dodo. A personal hello. "Doctor Qui." Leela's costume. Cosplayers. A Dandy Pandy Aside. Jelly Babies and cannibalism. "Civilizing" Leela. If Zoe were around this story would be two episodes long. Question reality. Cargo cults. Red Dw...
2015-06-1056 minOi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismPrint the Legend (The Deadly Assassin)In this episode, Daniel and Shana take a break from hiatus to discuss the one, the only, The Deadly Assassin. Max Mad: Fury Road and the riots in Baltimore were very much on their mind during the recording, so this is a bit more politics-heavy than some other episodes, which fits the themes of The Deadly Assassin just fine.
Main Topic: The Deadly Assassin. Zeitgeist. Dogs. Genesis. Fibro-fog. Center. Catch-Up. Masque. Sarah. Web. Travers. Furiosa. Companions. Formula. Masque. Doubt. Exit. Selection. Hinchcliffe. He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named. Politics. Assassin. Issues. Movies. Baker. Exposition. Costumes. Spandrel. Worldbuilding. Panopticon. Vocabulary. Runcible. Monologue. Egotistical. Mak...
2015-06-0357 min
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media Criticism"Robot" Live CommentaryIn this episode, Daniel and Shana attempt to do a live commentary for Tom Baker's very first story "Robot." They previously discussed this story briefly in their very first regular episode, but thought it deserved a second look. They work off of the Region 1 DVD and hit "play all" at 4:25 in the podcast so you can watch along if you're so inclined.
Note: The puppy was chewing on a toy towards the beginning of this podcast and so there's a bit of noise towards the beginning. It's not too bad and goes away as soon as the c...
2015-04-291h 44
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismThe Fascist Boy Genius Turned Hero (The Sontaran Strategem/The Poison Sky)Daniel and Shana take a break from Classic Who to discuss the Tenth Doctor story "The Sontaran Strategem/The Poison Sky," in particular the way that it plays on Third Doctor tropes and the relationship the Doctor has with his two companions, Martha and Donna. In Part Two they discuss "The Stones of Venice" from Big Finish, which has a surprisingly literary bent.
Main Topic: The Sontaran Strategem/The Poison Sky. Bonus: Big Finish "The Stones of Venice." Daniel forgets an episode title. Shana sings like on Bob's Burgers. Some love for Helen Raynor and the writing o...
2015-04-221h 09
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismThe One Where Shana Says "Sontar-Ha" About a Billion Times (The Time Warrior)In this episode, Shana and Daniel discuss Sarah Jane's first adventure ever, "The Time Warrior," and discuss her relationship with Pertwee versus the one she had with Tom Baker. Also: the introduction of the Sontarans, the invention of the word "Gallifrey," and feminism galore. Bonus content at the end of the episode includes Daniel and Shana discussing the Big Finish Eighth Doctor audio "The Sword of Orion."
Show Notes:
Main Topic: The Time Warrior and The Sword of Orion. Exciting weaponry. Last week should have been Douglas Adams. Daniel always messes up the title of t...
2015-04-091h 06
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismA Silly Story Deserves a Silly Podcast Episode (The Three Doctors)In this appropiately menadering and off-topic podcast episode, Daniel and Shana discuss the tenth anniversary story The Three Doctors. Much merriment was had by all, both onscreen and off. Plus: Omega and hagiography.
(Note: Around the thirty-minute mark there is a brief mention of Thomas Jefferson and his relationship with Sally Hemings that may be triggering for some listeners. It's brief but those easily triggered by such topics should be aware it's coming. Thanks.)
Main Topic: The Three Doctors. The Bristol Boys. Answering machine adorableness from married couples. The first of the N Doctors Stories. Jo...
2015-04-0149 min
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismStupid Sexy Warmongers (The Sea Devils)In this episode of Oi! Spaceman, Daniel and Shana are joined by Lee Russell of Hougly Reviews and the They Must Be Destroyed on Sight! podcast (often co-hosted by Daniel, so go check it out). They discuss the Third Doctor romp "The Sea Devils," with mentions of some terrible creature effects, campy overacting from Roger Delgado, and what Mac Hulke's socialism meant for his work on Doctor Who.
Main Topic: The Sea Devils. Introducing Lee. Shana's initial thoughts on The Sea Devils: fashion victims. With a political subtext. "You don't have to pay attention to that shit!" T...
2015-03-2558 min
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismAttack of the Demon Poo Baby (Terror of the Autons)In this installment, Shana and Daniel confront Jo Grant in her first adventure, Terror of the Autons, which has some really horrendous CSO in service of a demonic doll. Also: Mike Yates makes eyes at Jo, The Doctor sort of gets along with the Brig and UNIT, and innovative uses for Bunsen burners are found. Not least, Daniel and Shana coin the term: "Daffodil Bukkake." Oh, and some loser with a funky beard makes his first appearance.
Main Topic: Terror of the Autons. Daffod-evils. Demon poo baby. More with working titles. A random Family Feud reference. "The Gr...
2015-03-1854 min
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismSome Men Just Want to Watch the World Burn (Inferno)Finally Shana and Daniel get around to what is probably the single most-requested Classic Who episode they've gotten to-date: Season 7's Inferno. Drilling, parallel universes, and green zombie werewolves make for an entertaining episode, both for the series itself and the podcast.
Main Topic: Inferno. Not such a bad intro. Slightly more loopy. What if it was called "The Mo-hole Project?" The one with the big drill and the green zombie monster thingies. Drill technobabble. Parallel Universes. Shana's general thoughts on Inferno. What does Shana think fandom thinks of Inferno? Steven Shapansky. All Action by HAVOC. "If th...
2015-03-111h 03
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismTroughton and Jamie and Vaughn and Packer and Zoe and Isobel (The Invasion)This week, Shana and Daniel discuss one of Daniel's all-time favorite stories, one that prefigures the entire Pertwee era, The Invasion. Lots of couples in this one, including a Smithers-Burns relationship between Packer and Vaughn and some real girl power between Isobel and Zoe. Also: the Cybermen.
Main Topic: The Invasion. A discussion of "Sinister Allies." Adorable married couple bullshit. The great Kevin Stoney as Tobias Vaughn. Coffee and paczkis. Sassy "under-Brigs." What if this was a lost episode? Packer... Waylon Smithers and James Bond and Lex Luthor. Shana "icks" the Great Intelligence. Fascist but sympathetic Vaughn. H...
2015-03-021h 05
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismTime Paradox and Class Structure (Chimes of Midnight)Shana and Daniel are joined by Dr. Paul Booth of Depaul University in their discussion of "Chimes of Midnight," an Eighth Doctor audio adventure from Big Finish. Lots of general discussion of Big Finish ensues, along with a discussion of why the Doctor can be such a revolutionary figure on other worlds but must let simmering issues like class oppression alone.
Main Topic: Chimes of Midnight. Introducing Paul Booth. "Pretend it's midnight and you're stoned, and it will make perfect sense." Daniel's claim to fame: Robert Shearman at least briefly followed him on Twitter. Shana's experience in...
2015-02-231h 03
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismMiniskirts, Spy Parodies, and Sociopolitical Commentary (The Enemy of the World)After an unintentional hiatus, Shana and Daniel are back and continuing to discuss Patrick Troughton stories with this: The Enemy of the World, basically just looking through the lens of the massive and amazing cast of characters in the thing. Also: budding feminism and buried sexism, The Amazing Ass of Astrid, and how we decide as societies who has authority and who doesn't.
Main Topic: The Enemy of the World. Volcanoes in Doctor Who. "The Incredibles" in ten years old. Troughton's dual role. Shana does not give a shit about technical specifications of black-and-white Who episodes. Helicopters. S...
2015-02-161h 24
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismHard Science Fiction and Soft Feminism (The Moonbase)In this episode, Shana and Daniel discuss "The Moonbase," the value of a more hard-SF approach to Doctor Who, and the feminist implications of getting coffee. Also, organic solvents as the tools of revolution! First, though, a discussion of "Clara Who" in New Who Series 8.
Main Topic: The Moonbase. "The whole killer virus and Jamie and there's a gravitron...." A new microphone. "War-Doctoring" as a verb. Laughing at "international cast." Talking about "Clara Who," misogyny, and the difference between opinion and criticism. Shana is the first person in Doctor Who podcast history to call The Dominators "really...
2015-01-211h 03
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismFab First Doctor in the Swingin' SixtiesIn this episode, Shana and Daniel discuss "The War Machines," one of the last First Doctor adventures, and one that would have huge effects on the series for years to come. Does this story encourage technophobia? How does Doctor Who's popularity young people influence the way Hartnell interacts with Ben and Polly, and the Sixties subculture? How much of a raw deal did Dodo get? This episode is most certainly required.
Main Topic: The War Machines. Daniel invokes Christ. Would the War Machines ever take over for the Daleks? The running motif of cardboard boxes. Creature design. H...
2015-01-1448 min
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismMissing Episodes and Moral Culpability (Mission to the Unknown/The Daleks' Master Plan)An epic Doctor Who episode deserves an epic celebration of it. Yes, a celebration. Shana and Daniel have a long and lively conversation about the (arguably) longest single story in Doctor Who history: The Daleks' Master Plan, with Mission to the Unknown as prequel. Along the way, we see some excellent (and not-so-excellent) costume design, the gaining of (and loss of) some important companions, some very silly science, a pair of amazing performances from Kevin Stoney as Mavic Chen and of course William Hartnell as the Doctor, the welcome return of the Meddling Monk, and of course Daleks with...
2015-01-071h 46
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismComing to You Live From Raxacoricofallapatorius (Aliens of London/World War Three)In this episode, Shana and Daniel are joined by the wonderful, intelligent, and lovely Jessica from The Web of Queer! The three talk all about the Ninth Doctor story Aliens of London/World War Three, including the tragedy of farting aliens (who are also incredlbly body-positive), the loveliness of Harriet Jones, and the wonder of the Tyler family dynamic. All this and a proposal for a Doctor Who tribute band besides.
Main Topic: Aliens of London/World War Three. Introducing Jessica from The Web of Queer. Podcest. A multi-part-question for Jessica. Shana likes the Slitheen. Jes...
2014-12-3153 min
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismA Turducken of Moffat (Last Christmas)In which Shana and Daniel discuss the 2014 Christmas special, "Last Christmas," which probably should have just been called "Moff-ception." Or "The One With Crabs That Have Mouths in Their Butts." Among the topics discussed: the infantilization of Clara, the kinds of people that look like scientists, and the process of grieving. What a fun Christmas episode this was.
Main Topic: Last Christmas. Shana took a bunch of notes. General Impressions about the Christmas special. Nick Frost/Simon Pegg/Edgar Wright. Praise for (most of) the technical side. "The Moffat Hate Hour." Moffat as the...
2014-12-281h 05
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismCartoony Slavery and Sexual Assault (The Romans)In this episode, Shana and Daniel continue their examination of the companions of Classic Who as they discuss The Romans. How adorable is Vicki? How badass is Barbara? How blockheaded is Ian? And what does the tone of this story, in which broad farce is set alongside slavery and sexual assault, say about the way entertainment was viewed in the 1960s? All that and Sassy Hartnell too.
Main Topic: The Romans. A slow start. Introductions. Who is Vicki? Reading a Facebook comment. Production values in Classic Who. The Beatles on Who. Shana's David Tennant ringtone. WHO37 on Sa...
2014-12-1852 min
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismThere's Nothing More Boring Than Hearing About Someone Else's Vacation (Our Experience at Chicago TARDIS 2014)In this episode, Shana and Daniel bore you with a long conversation about their time at Chicago TARDIS 2014, including an hour-by-hour itinerary of what they did and didn't do. Riveting. To liven things up, they talk about getting to meet both Wendy Padbury and Frazer Hines randomly in the lobby, and share amusing anecdotes about some of the panels, including Noel Clarke's lunch with Sasha Grey and Camille Coduri's clear physical desire for Jon Pertwee.
Main Topic: Chicago TARDIS 2014 Wrap-Up. (Note: On the podcast I call this episode 29, but it's kind of really 29-and-a-half.)
...
2014-12-111h 08
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismOf Pandas and Poetry (The Time Meddler)In this episode, Shana and Daniel discuss the great First Doctor serial The Time Meddler. And struggle to keep the puppy quiet. Along the way, discussions of misconceptions about the First Doctor, the creation of the pseudo-historical in Doctor Who, and the characterizations of Steven and Vicki abound. Also: a change in leadership as Verity Lambert leaves, looking ahead to some missing episodes, and casting a modern version of the Meddling Monk.
Main Topic: The Time Meddler. Funny Hartnell. Deep Hartnell. Stereotypes about Hartnell. Three quotes from The Time Meddler. Shana doesn't listen to podcasts. The panda, t...
2014-12-0638 min
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismThe Quest for Fire (An Unearthly Child/100,000 BC)In this episode (recorded on the day of the 51st anniversary) Daniel and Shana discuss the very first episode of Doctor Who: An Unearthly Child. Are the caveman sequences worth it? Is Barbara really as awesome as fandom thinks? (Yes.) Should the Doctor always be a hero? All this and much more.
Main Topic: An Unearthly Child. Meeting three new companions. The Susan Scream. Parks and Recreation reference. Explaining "received fan wisdom." Going to Chicago TARDIS. Talkin' about Susan Foreman. Doctor Who Hair Trivia. "I Don't Like This Century." Shana Impersonates Susan. Doing Barbara. Coal Hill Schoolteachers...
2014-11-241h 01
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismMeandering, Manpain, and Moffat-Hate (Dark Water/Death in Heaven)In this episode, Daniel and Shana discuss the two-part Series 8 finale, "Dark Water/Death in Heaven." Look forward to discussions of death (both real-life and fictitious), competence in Doctor Who, the spinning of wheels in an attempt to hoodwink the audience, and Danny's manpain being more important than the life of a child.
Main Topic: Dark Water/Death in Heaven. Shana plays with her phone. Lying to Cybermen. Daniel forgets the title of "Revenge of the Cybermen." Previewing future podcast episodes. A social media moment. Going to Chicago TARDIS. On to Dark Water. Pirates! How do Moffat c...
2014-11-131h 13
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismAdventures in Close Reading (In the Forest of the Night)In what is probably the most literary-discussion episode of our Doctor Who podcast ever, Shana and Daniel discuss "In the Forest of Night." Is Danny an irresponsible teacher? How should we treat mental illness in fiction? What is Clara's role in this story? Plus an extended discussion of poetry, all in this latest podcast episode. Also: Series 8 finale discussion.
Main Topic: In the Forest of the Night. Not awake just yet. Millions. Annoying kids are a good thing? First female director of Doctor Who in four years. Moffat's checklist. Shana goes full-on writing instructor. Minor directorial complaints. Ti...
2014-10-3047 min
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismThis Podcast Does Not Support Orson Scott Card's Homophobia and General Wingnuttery (Flatline)Another episode, another recording style. And another Doctor Who episode (Flatline) we both really liked. Score another point for Jamie Mathieson. Here we discuss what we want the Doctor to be, how the simple matter of the show being remarkably less sexist and problemmatic affects our enjoyment, and the ethics of dealing with alien species with whom one can have little hope of clear communication. Enjoy!
Main Topic: Flatline. Interfering audio. Jamie Mathieson for showrunner! Additional thoughts on Mummy of the Orient Express. Moving past the sexism. Scientist Capaldi. Turning a corner. What traits do the companions...
2014-10-2245 min
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismA Scientist Not a General (Mummy of the Orient Express)We had some technical problems and life pressures, so this one is a bit shorter than usual. Let us know if you like the shorter format. In this episode, Shana and Daniel discuss Doctor Who Series 8, Episode 8: "Mummy on the Orient Express."
Main Topic: Mummy on the Orient Express. An all-too brief synopsis. A slightly longer synopsis. Guest stars. A completely different Doctor. A completely different Clara. Felt like David Tennant. Not a general but a scientist. Not misogynistically weak. Jamie Mathieson. Paternalistic Twelve. Glitchy smiles. Caring Capaldi. Heroic Twelve. Not wanting to burst the bubble. Addiction t...
2014-10-1535 min
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismMoon Abortion and You Fail Physics and Biology Forever (Kill the Moon)This one's going up much later than we wanted, but better late than never? Hopefully. This time, Shana and Daniel discuss "Kill the Moon," in particular some horrifying science content and the inherent sexism of certain elements of fandom. Also: the abortion of the moon.
Main Topic: "Kill the Moon." Bad Astronomy. Question: sexism on Doctor Who versus other similar shows? If you're on Tumblr.... We expect better from Doctor Who. "You cis-het white dude." The science of "Kill the Moon." Not ranting about numbers. Summarization. Laughing Shana. If Martha was in this episode. You F...
2014-10-091h 08
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismPregnable Fortresses and Authoritarianism (Time Heist)In which Shana leads the discussion on the latest episode in Doctor Who Series 8, "Time Heist." Discussion of heist movie tropes, the ethics of large institutions, and puppy growling are to be found within. (Also Shana leads discussion for the first time, and it's awesome.)
Show Notes
Main Topic: "Time Heist." An auspicious start. Beards. Titles. Poetry. Puppy. Beer. Plot. The history of the exterior phone. Co-writers. Worms. Puppy growls. X-men. Hosting duties. Heist movies. Clara's outfit. Puppy barks. Titles before scripts. Boredom. Corridors. The Architect. Potential. Logic. Beer. Female villains. The Teller. Laziness. Verity! H...
2014-09-2555 min
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismMoffat Does the Ontological Principle (Listen)Was the Matt Smith era just one big mistake? Series 8 has been quite good, and finally we get a very Moffaty episode that Daniel and Shana both quite like. Still lots of problems, though, and a thorough discussion of time travel tropes can be found within.
Main Topic: "Listen." An illustrious introduction. Beyonce's "Listen." Shana actually does work for the podcast. The story and nuance of "Listen" make Shana overlook some of the Moffat tropeyness. How many Claras? Clara's agency and skepticism. Upending the "rule monster." Crazy theories. Picking on Clara's looks. Cockblocking. Good teachers. M...
2014-09-1853 min
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismErrol Flynn's Big Dick and Metafictional Narrative (Robot of Sherwood)In which Daniel and Shana discuss "Robot of Sherwood," in particular the metafictional nature of mythic heroes meeting discussing mythic heroes, and the place of moral ambiguity in fiction. Also, dick jokes.
Show Notes:
Main Topic: Robot of Sherwood. Shana is not snuggling with a kitty. Saving the bitching for the end. A comment from Lee. The Moffat Hate tag. The job of a television showrunner. One-liners in Moffat Who. Responding to responses to Daniel's live-Tumblring of Robot of Sherwood. Daniel appreciates a good dick joke. Jack Harkness does not make dick jokes. Fairy tale C...
2014-09-1055 min
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismFangirling Over Capaldi and Low ExpectationsIn this episode, Shana and Daniel actually find a Moffat-era episode they quite like, although that seems to be partly through fulfillment of low expectations. Danny Pink is introduced through crying, Clara gets called a boy, and Peter Capaldi puts a shiver down Shana's spine. Also, some silliness about a Dalek.
Show Notes:
Main Topic: Into the Dalek. If you were cast as the Doctor what characteristics would you want your Doctor to have? "Into the Dalek" actually gives us hope for Series 8. Low standards. Daniel uses the word "sperminate." The story arc of Journey B...
2014-09-0255 min
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismThe Angry Eyebrows of Peter Capaldi and Lecherous Lesbian LizardsIn which Shana and Daniel discuss Peter Capaldi's first full run as The Doctor: Deep Breath. Heteronormative treatment of a lesbian couple, a truly ridiculous cameo, and the mesmerizing performance of Peter Capaldi.
Main Topic: Deep Breath. Ca-pahl-di or Ca-PAL-di? Doctor Who porn. Capaldi's performance among the best things about Deep Breath. Vastra and Jenny have vastly different personalities than in previous episodes. Heteronormativity. Lis Sladen's ex-husband. The Moffaty awfulness goes on around Capaldi, not through him. Capaldi's regeneration crazies. Vastra and Jenny's relationship: "Look, Jenny's tits!" Men are Monkeys. Why are we continually watching the Vastra...
2014-08-2950 min
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismStupid Moffat TricksWinding up the discussion of the previous year of Doctor Who, Daniel and Shana discuss the 50th Anniversary special Day of the Doctor, the Christmas Special Time of the Doctor, and in addition the online special Night of the Doctor. Despite making an active intent to stay positive, much discussion of plot holes, silly family jokes, and the sexual activity of the Doctor ensue.
Main Topic: The Night, Day, and Time of the Doctor. Excited about Series 8. The announcement that Jenna Coleman will be leaving the show. Trying to be more positive in this episode. Our favorites a...
2014-08-201h 07
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismThe Dickishness of the DoctorIn which Shana and Daniel discuss the end of Series 7, with much misogynist writing, some shoddy stories, and some overall entertaining acting. Also comparisons between the Eleventh Doctor and Gregory House. And philosophizing.
Main Topic: The last four episodes of Series 7: Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS, The Crimson Horror, Nightmare in Silver, and The Name of the Doctor. We Don't Do Social Media Very Well. Looking Ahead to Series 8. Shana calls Capaldi "The Thirteenth Doctor." A quote from Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS. The Eleventh Doctor Reboots the Universe. The Doctor is overbearing a...
2014-08-151h 18
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismCreepster Eleven and Pretty Girls Don't Drink WhiskeyIn which Shana and Daniel discuss the first four episodes of Series 7B: The Bells of Saint John, the Rings of Akhaten, Cold War, and Hide. These are four quite good episodes, but the Mystery Girl arc, the increasing sexism, gender essentialism, and heteronormativity, and the overall schmaltziness of "love conquers all" in every episode continue to vex us.
Main Topic: Series 7b, Part One. The Bells of Saint John, The Rings of Akhaten, Cold War, and Hide. Shana Summarizes the Plot of The Bells of Saint John. Briefly. Burger King. The Mystery of Clara arc. Introduced to...
2014-08-061h 21
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismI've Traveled Far and Wide and Come Back With Really Cool Band-AidsIn which Shana and Daniel discuss the second set of three episodes in Series 7: The Power of Three, The Angels Take Manhattan, and The Snowmen. Amy and Rory leave, Clara shows up for real, and lots of silly sexist jokes.
Show Notes: Main Topic: The Power of Three, The Angels Take Manhattan, and the Snowmen. Catching up with a bit from last episode. Comparing Brian to Wilf. The Second Doctor only *feinged* being incompetent. Capaldi's comments about the upcoming Series 8. The most famous quote from Power of Three. Amy's relationship with the Doctor. The Eighth Doctor has Wil...
2014-07-301h 00
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismDon't Shoot Your Dinosaur, Kids!In which Shana and Daniel begin our re-watch of Series 7 in preparation for the new Series in August. Lots of Moffat-hate goodness below. (In this episode we take a brief look at Asylum of the Daleks, Dinosaurs on a Spaceship, and A Town Called Mercy.)
Main Topic: Series 7 Rewatch Part One: General thoughts about what we'd like to see in Series 8. Series 7 episodes as mini-movies. Breakneck pacing. Discussing "Asylum of the Daleks." Amy's character feels random for Shana. Oswin is a wonderful character... if this was her only episode. "Ood on the loo." A marriage br...
2014-07-2453 min
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismQueerness and Bye Bye Donkeyface!Shana was a bit tired at the beginning of this one, but once we started talking about sexy Tom Baker and Lis Sladen she perked right up. Where we've been the last couple of months, a new direction for the podcast, imperialist racism, and The Pyramids of Mars.
Main Topic: Pyramids of Mars. A long absence. Turning 30. Queerness. Interrupted by one of our cats. Queerness and Doctor Who. Leaked Series 8 scripts. Moffaty goodness (if you're into that sort of thing). Doctor Who costumes. The Donkey Head of Doom. Shana's attraction to the Fourth Doctor. Shana summarizes Pyramids...
2014-07-151h 00
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismAn Abusive Father is the Most Terrifying Thing in the UniverseIn which Shana and Daniel discuss one of the most maligned episodes in Doctor Who History: Fear Her. Spoiler Alert: they love this episode. Listen to find out why.
Main Topic: Fear Her. Shana doesn't hate Fear Her, and doesn't read up on fan consensus the way Daniel does. Shana thinks Fear Her has a very direct line to a child audience. Shana does a brief summary of Fear Her. Rose is the really clever one. "In the name of the Shadow Proclamation!" Daniel summarizes some of the things people claim not to like about this episode...
2014-05-0546 min
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismA Tim Gunn for the CybermenIn which Daniel and Shana discuss William Hartnell's last episode, The Tenth Planet. Also covered: two listener emails, dealing with the Autons as Body Snatchers and the unlikeability of the Moffat-era protagonists. Along the way, we imagine the First Doctor giving fashion advice, reflect on the bellicosity of Americans in world media, and fall in love with Polly. Email us at oispacemanpodcast@gmail.com
Main Topic: The Tenth Planet. The history of regeneration. Lee's email about Spearhead from Space and the Pertwee Era. Scary Autons. Awesome Liz Shaw. Jo Grant was a joke, but not. We'd love...
2014-04-2849 min
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismEpisode 7: Fish Fingers and Custard BullshitIn which Shana and Daniel get their Moffate Hate on and do a full hour talking about Matt Smith's first episode, The Eleventh Hour, and the Steven Moffat Era of Doctor Who in general. Sexism, feminism, puzzle-box storytelling, lack of respect for others... all are discussed herein. Lovers of Steven Moffat be forewarned.
Main Topic: The Eleventh Hour. Shana's annoyed at Doctor Who Legacy. But she's having a good time looking at cool Doctor Who cosplay online. Daniel's been showing Shana dirty Ten/Rose fanarts. Daniel's been hanging out in the Moffat Hate tag on tumblr. What...
2014-04-161h 09
Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismEpisode 6: Thunderballs and the Dirty Old BoxIn this episode, Shana and Daniel talk about the first episode of Jon Pertwee's tenure: Spearhead From Space. Or, as Shana refers to it, Thunderballs and the Dirty Old Box. We talk about Pertwee as the Doctor, the awesomeness of Liz Shaw, and the beauty of old grifters in Doctor Who.
Main Topic: Spearhead From Space. Doctor Who title structure. Shana's experience at Horrorhound in Cincinnati. Daniel doesn't listen when Shana talks. Editorial note: referring to the "RTD Era" more accurately as the "RTD/Gardner Era." A change in format. This podcast at least as academic as S...
2014-04-0958 minOi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismEpisode 5: Mind ScreweryWe missed a week there. Sorry! Having some difficulties with podcast scheduling and editing.
In any case, this week Shana and Daniel talk about two mindfuck episodes, The Mind Robber from the Second Doctor's run, and the God Complex from Series 6 of the new series. Also: Is Shana Daniel's spunky female companion? Tune in to find out.
Show Notes
Main Topic: The Mind Robber and The God Complex. Mind-fuckery. Is Shana Daniel's "spunky female companion?" Shana jumps into the gutter very early in the episode. The length of episodes in The Mind Robber. D...
2014-04-021h 14Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismEpisode 4: New Who Companions and Doctor SurrogatesIn this episode, Daniel and Shana discuss all of the New Who Companions, starting with the six "main companions" and moving on to a discussion of the more minor characters. We should have split this into two parts, but figured what the hell? Consider it a bonus-sized episode of Oi! Spaceman. Daniel: Twitter Tumblr Shana: Twitter Tumblr Show Notes: Main Topic: New Who Companions. Introducing ourselves with Twitter and Tumblr. A multilingual podcast. Shana ruins the surprise. Does Shana think there should be a female Doctor? Ignoring Moffat's writing. A thank-you to t...
2014-03-191h 32Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismEpisode 3: Erotic Tension in Doctor Who and Daleks Daleks Daleks!In which Daniel and Shana talk about Doctor/Rose Shipping, the nature of the Space Nazi as a villain, similarities between the Daleks and the Doctor, and erotic tension as a Ganatus/Ian/Barbara love triangle forms in "The Daleks." Also: a hypothetical 90s "grunge Doctor" and a (mostly) sincere request for fanfiction.
Show Notes:
Main topic: Hartnell's "The Daleks" and Eccleston's "Dalek." Is Shana a Doctor/Rose shipper? Eccleston as Shana's favorite Doctor? Hanky-panky in the Tardis? Nine playing the musical instrument in "Dalek." Sexual tension in Series 1 of New Who. Shana plays with...
2014-03-1257 minOi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismEpisode 2: Hating Harry Sullivan and Being Somewhat Sympathetic to DavrosRecorded all of two hours after Episode One, we were perhaps a bit too sleepy to really grapple with "Revenge of the Cybermen" and "Genesis of the Daleks," but no doubt we'll come back to these themes again and again. Lots of random douchiness from Harry Sullivan for those amused by such.
Show Notes:
Main topic: Genesis of the Daleks and Revenge of the Cybermen. Daniel plays a joke on Shana, because he's a dork. Recording a couple of hours after recording Episode 1. Talkin' about Harry Sullivan. Forgetting about Harry Sullivan. "Old Girl" and the sn...
2014-03-051h 11Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismEpisode 1: Loving the Fourth Doctor and Sarah JaneIn this first official episode of Oi! Spaceman: A Doctor Who Love Story, Shana and Daniel discuss Tom Baker's first three stories: Robot, The Ark in Space, and The Sontaran Experiment. Also discussed: Doctor Who: Legacy, Colin Baker's dickishness, the feminism of Sarah Jane, and much, much more. Show notes:Main topic: Robot, the Ark in Space, and The Sontaran Experiment. Doctor Who: Legacy. A bit on Colin Baker. Extra-legally-obtained episodes? Another little bit on William Hartnell's antepenultimate episode The Smugglers. Shana's physical attraction to the iconic Tom Baker. Everyone's love for Sarah Jane Smith. The Third...
2014-03-031h 18Oi! Spaceman: Adventures in Media CriticismOi! Spaceman: A Doctor Who Love StoryWelcome one and all to a brand-new Doctor Who podcast, hosted by a husband-and-wife team who just love to talk about all things geeky, specifically Doctor Who.
In this preview episode, we start off a little slow, but talk about our history with the show, including our backgrounds with science fiction/fantasy in general, and end up chatting about our plans for what we hope Oi! Spaceman will become.
Daniel's Tumblr
Shana's Tumblr
We'll start including more information maybe as we get better organized, until now feel free to leave comments at...
2014-02-2727 min