What About the Thals? - "Remembrance of the Daleks"

Jim experiences a breakthrough moment that surprises everyone—after struggling through Season 24, "Remembrance of the Daleks" finally answers the question: who is the Seventh Doctor? Special guest Alan J. Porter joins to celebrate this landmark story as the 25th Anniversary season begins with what may be one of the finest Dalek stories ever produced.

What Changed?

Everything came together—writing, acting, production values, and most critically, McCoy's characterization. The switch has been thrown. Jim identifies the Seventh Doctor as something unexpected: the anti-human Doctor, more realistic and pointed about humanity's flaws than previous incarnations. The umbrella becomes his signature prop. The chemistry with Ace finally clicks.

Ace Equals Ripley

Sophie Aldred's companion proves to be exactly what this TARDIS team needed. The hosts discuss how the show has shifted from Star Wars obsession to Alien inspiration, and why Ace works when so many companions before her didn't. Alan reveals this is his favorite Doctor/companion pairing across all of Who.

Behind the Scenes Revelations

Ben Aaronovitch was 24 years old when he wrote this—his first TV script ever. The dinner between McCoy, Aldred, Cartmel and the writers that changed the creative dynamic. The full-size Dalek shuttle that required a crane. McCoy's script page system in his coat pockets. Mark Ayers' rejected score that would have ruined everything. The IRA bomb scare during filming.

Production Details & Cast Connections

The only time Keff McCullough's music works. Michael Sheard's final Doctor Who appearance. George Sewell from UFO. Pamela Salem's James Bond connection. Dursley McLinden's tragic story. How Sophie Aldred still has Ace's jacket. The misspelled junkyard sign. John Leeson's voice work.

1963 Setting Perfection

Alan praises the period-accurate set dressing that transported him back to his childhood. The TV detector van reference. Why Ace was confused by pre-decimal money. Elvis and Beatles music dating the story. Returning to Coal Hill School and Totter's Lane without requiring viewers to remember "An Unearthly Child."

The Special Weapons Dalek

Instant fan-favorite design that demonstrates Dalek civil war escalation. Why it works as a one-story deployment. Its weathered appearance compared to pristine white Imperial Daleks. Confirmation it returns in the Matt Smith era.

Davros and Mythology

The Emperor Dalek reveal subverts expectations. Imperial versus Renegade factions fighting for supremacy. The Hand of Omega as stellar manipulator. Century 21 comic design influence. Terry Molloy's final televised appearance as Davros (though Big Finish continues). Terry Nation's reluctant approval.

The Skaro Problem

Jim identifies the massive continuity issue everyone must discuss: the Doctor destroyed Skaro—but what about the Thals? How does this work with the Eighth Doctor movie? Why does Skaro appear in New Who? The paradox of destroying Skaro before first encountering Daleks. Alan's response: fandom generally brushes it under the carpet, but it doesn't stop this being a great story.

Social Commentary

The "no colours" sign that McCoy and Aldred fought to keep. How the story addresses 1960s racial tension without being heavy-handed. Ratcliffe's fascist group mirroring Dalek ideology. Whether this approach works better than New Who's handling of similar themes.

Defining Moments

The ripples speech in the café. The uncertainty around the Doctor's actions. Ace asking if they did good and the Doctor's ambiguous response. Why this exchange defines the entire season for Alan. The somber ending at Mike's funeral.

Big Finish Spinoffs

Group Captain Gilmore, Professor Rachel Jensen, and Dr. Allison Williams become the core of the "Countermeasures" series—following proto-UNIT adventures in spy/mystery format.

The Anniversary Balance

Why this feels more like a 25th anniversary story than "Silver Nemesis" (the designated anniversary episode). Callbacks and nods that reward longtime fans without requiring homework. How the story works as both standalone adventure and mythology expansion.

Jim's Transformation

The moment Jim admits he almost quit the podcast because he couldn't imagine McCoy getting better than this. His enthusiasm is genuine—this justifies the journey through rough patches. The question: can the show maintain this quality through the remaining seasons?

This is the Final Dalek Story

Confirmation that classic Who never returns to the Daleks after this. What a way to go out—not as chumps, but with one of their finest stories.

Alan J. Porter Updates

Casino Royale book complete and off to publishers (spring 2027 target). Second expanded Star Trek comics history in progress. "Saloons, Jungles and City Streets" Victorian adventure collection available now. Pulp Fest appearance coming in Pittsburgh where Jim and Alan will finally meet in person after years of online collaboration.

Coming Up Next:

Monday Patreon Exclusive 172: Music, Memory TARDIS, and comics—"Planet of the Dead" and "Echoes of the Mogor," plus the looming "Emperor of the Daleks" epic.

Wednesday Main Feed: "The Happiness Patrol" - Jim handles narration for what he calls "the weirdest Doctor Who story title ever."

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