Worth Watching artwork

Worth Watching

168 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 3 ratings

We watch classic Doctor Who, The Prisoner, and other old TV shows and movies to determine if they're still worth watching for a modern audience.

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Episodes

Doctor Who 40: The Enemy of the World

February 23, 2024 19:59 - 2 hours - 102 MB

Lost for over 40 years, found a decade ago in war-torn Nigeria…what can I say, we both love this story! It’s now an official Worth Watching favorite. Listen in to find out why! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Doctor Who 39: The Ice Warriors

February 11, 2024 15:15 - 1 hour - 74.2 MB

The definition of a “base under siege” story, this one introduces the enduring enemy The Ice Warriors (technically should be known as “The Martians”!). Does it hold up for a modern audience? We shall see! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Doctor Who 38: The Abominable Snowmen

January 27, 2024 13:46 - 1 hour - 61.2 MB

Yet another lost Troughton story revived with surprisingly good animation. How well does six episodes of Yetis and Tibetan monks chasing each other around hold up for a modern audience? We shall see! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Doctor Who 37: The Tomb of the Cybermen

January 19, 2024 14:04 - 1 hour - 75.2 MB

Finally, a fully live-action Troughton story! Does this classic Cybermen story hold up today? How did fascination with Egyptian tombs influence this story? Why do Doctor Who villains never learn that you can’t make a deal with the devil? Find out all this and more! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Influencer: High Noon

January 13, 2024 18:03 - 1 hour - 66.5 MB

High Noon influenced Outland, so we decided to go back and watch it in this context. We discuss the controversies, the qualities of the filmmaking, how it contrasts with Outland, and how to hold a gun so you can actually hit something! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Host's Choice: Outland

January 07, 2024 02:04 - 1 hour - 76 MB

Inspired by High Noon, with a stellar cast (Sean Connery! Peter Boyle!), coming on the heels of 2001 and Star Wars and directed by the guy who did a fine job on Capricorn One, how does this space western hold up? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Host's Choice: Halloween III

December 30, 2023 14:19 - 1 hour - 74.9 MB

With the third Halloween movie, John Carpenter — a favorite director of the podcast — wanted to take the franchise in a different direction, in which every year a new entry would be released that told a stand-alone story rather than just repeating the Michael Meyers thing. Turned out the public wasn’t interested in Halloween without Michael, so the film wasn’t a success. But as always happens with Carpenter, it gained a cult following over time, and we dive into to see if it turns out to be...

Host's Choice: The Fugitive

December 24, 2023 00:13 - 1 hour - 75.5 MB

Ron contends this movie has the most perfect 25 minute opening of any movie ever. Prove him wrong. Also, Harrison Ford with a beard. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Troughton Special 1: Jason and the Argonauts

December 16, 2023 01:50 - 1 hour - 63.6 MB

At the end of a season of Doctor Who, we like to celebrate the actor by watching one of his non-Doctor films. In this case we’re watching Jason and the Argonauts, a Ray Harryhausen stop motion film that has had an incredible impact on one of your hosts, actually changing his life. To see what that’s about, listen in! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Doctor Who 36: The Evil of the Daleks

December 08, 2023 23:16 - 2 hours - 106 MB

Wow, we were surprised by this one—the last story of Troughton’s first season, and seemingly the last Dalek story ever—is packed full of surprises, Daleks high on acid, and for once a pretty compelling Dalek plot to force the Doctor to mess with all of human history. Check it out! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Doctor Who 35: The Faceless Ones

December 04, 2023 18:42 - 2 hours - 102 MB

An intriguing mystery filmed at Gatwick airport, this is Ben & Polly’s swan song…does it live up to the promise? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Doctor Who 34: The Macra Terror

November 27, 2023 21:21 - 1 hour - 51.5 MB

One of the weirder stories ever, managing to combine 1984 and Brave New World with giant intelligent crabs, this story surprised and delighted us. Check it out! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Doctor Who 50: The Moonbase

November 19, 2023 23:23 - 1 hour - 73.8 MB

We both came into this discussion with our own conclusion, and each of us changed our mind a bit by the end. We make a lot of fun of parts of this story, but ultimately we found a number of things to like, and we had really enjoyed our discussion. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Doctor Who 33: The Moonbase

November 19, 2023 23:23 - 1 hour - 73.8 MB

We both came into this discussion with our own conclusion, and each of us changed our mind a bit by the end. We make a lot of fun of parts of this story, but ultimately we found a number of things to like, and we had really enjoyed our discussion. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Doctor Who 32: The Underwater Menace

November 13, 2023 21:20 - 1 hour - 68.1 MB

Is this half-missing story the big one that got away? Was a 1960s children’s show ready to compete with the effects of Avatar? We give you all the answers! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Doctor Who 49: The Underwater Menace

November 13, 2023 21:20 - 1 hour - 68.1 MB

Is this half-missing story the big one that got away? Was a 1960s children’s show ready to compete with the effects of Avatar? We give you all the answers! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Doctor Who 31: The Highlanders

November 08, 2023 01:34 - 1 hour - 57.3 MB

This totally lost story introduces one of the most important companions in the history of Doctor Who…does that mean you should watch it? Or is it really just best to listen to this podcast? Once you’ve listened you’ll know the answer, and it will be too late to change your mind! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Doctor Who 48: The Highlanders

November 08, 2023 01:34 - 1 hour - 57.3 MB

This totally lost story introduces one of the most important companions in the history of Doctor Who…does that mean you should watch it? Or is it really just best to listen to this podcast? Once you’ve listened you’ll know the answer, and it will be too late to change your mind! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Doctor Who 30: The Power of the Daleks

October 30, 2023 20:52 - 2 hours - 98.3 MB

We were pleasantly surprised by this Dalek story, which introduces Patrick Troughton as the Doctor and is one of the more interesting Dalek stories so far. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Doctor Who 47: The Power of the Daleks

October 30, 2023 20:52 - 2 hours - 98.3 MB

We were pleasantly surprised by this Dalek story, which introduces Patrick Troughton as the Doctor and is one of the more interesting Dalek stories so far. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Troughton Special 1: HG Wells' The Invisible Man

October 14, 2023 17:48 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MB

We use this small appearance in a forgotten but clever British TV show to get our first sense of Patrick Troughton, our next Doctor. Along with a discussion of his life and career and our trademark digressions! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Host's Choice: Capricorn One

October 08, 2023 09:32 - 1 hour - 74.8 MB

Both of us last saw this as kids in the theatre when it first released. Neither of us knew what to expect now…so we were surprised and delighted to find a tightly plotted thriller with some great action sequences. Worth Watching! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Host's Choice: Invaders from Mars

October 01, 2023 20:43 - 1 hour - 56.4 MB

The first “aliens are taking over our bodies” film, and one of the childhood classics for Ron. It’s new to Guy, let’s see whether it’s still Worth Watching! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Inspired by Kurosawa 12: Bounty Hunters (Clone Wars)

September 25, 2023 15:05 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MB

For our last entry of things inspired by Seven Samurai, we turn to the animated series The Clone Wars (S2E17) for an amazingly faithful rendition of the story. Somehow in 20 minutes they manage to fit in probably more of the original story than anything else we’ve covered! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Inspired by Kurosawa 11: A Bug's Life

September 18, 2023 21:45 - 55 minutes - 38.1 MB

A Bug’s Life, Pixar’s second film, is a faithful retelling of Seven Samurai with some amusing original twists, with a dollop of Three Amigos. Come for the discussion of the film, stay for Ron’s extended discussion of what it was like to work with Steve Jobs and Pixar back in the day! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Inspired by Kurosawa 10: The Three Amigos

September 11, 2023 02:09 - 48 minutes - 33.5 MB

One of Guy’s favorite films — we explore this rather clever and delightful take on Seven Samurai, by director John Landis and the all-star cast of Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Chevy Chase. There’s not much to say but “Did you see the little balls?” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Inspired by Kurosawa 9: Battle Beyond the Stars

September 04, 2023 22:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MB

In response to Star Wars, legendary cheap-ass creator of ultra-low budget films Roger Corman put together this film, using the Seven Samurai template. We went in skeptical and were pleasantly surprised — John Boy, George Peppard, Robert Vaughn (of Magnificent Seven!), surprisingly good special effects! Does it overshadow Seven Samurai? Only one way to find out! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betteran...

Inspired by Kurosawa 8: Magnificent Seven

August 28, 2023 01:22 - 48 minutes - 33.4 MB

We start comparing Seven Samurai-inspired films with the very first, the Western classic Magnificent Seven. What does it copy and what new ideas does it introduce? Does it stand up to the original? Well it sure has an amazing cast with Yul Brynner, James Coburn, Steve McQueen, Robert Vaughn and more. And an amazing soundtrack by Elmer Bernstein which we guarantee you know even if you’ve never seen the movie. Check this out to see if it’s officially Worth Watching! This is a public episode...

Inspired by Kurosawa 7: Seven Samurai

August 22, 2023 23:46 - 1 hour - 47.7 MB

We started by looking at Rashomon and the films it inspired, and now we’re doing Kurosawa’s absolute masterpiece, Seven Samurai. We’re joined by friend of the podcast, Andrew Heaton, host of Alienating the Audience, to determine whether this classic holds up for a modern audience! (Hint: It does.) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Host's Choice: Scrooged

August 15, 2023 01:16 - 1 hour - 63.4 MB

And now Guy presents one of his favorite films… Hoo boy, this one is dark! Can Bill Murray pull off being a complete dick without going over the top? Why is the hard as nails drink you under the table chick from Indiana Jones a saint who is helping poor people? Does this thing hold up? Only one way to find out! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Host's Choice: The Night of the Hunter

August 07, 2023 23:30 - 1 hour - 73.9 MB

One of Ron’s favorite films of all time, we have a great discussion about this classic film with one of the scariest bad guys of all time. Directed by immensely talented and famous actor Charles Laughton who put his heart and soul into his first directorial effort, the initial negative reception crushed him and he never directed another film, no doubt depriving us of much great work that could have been.But at least we have this, and it’s now universally recognized as a masterpiece.Listen i...

Brother's Choice: Gladiator

July 30, 2023 23:20 - 37 minutes - 25.5 MB

Ron’s brother was in town so we decided to let him choose the movie… Gladiator is a surprisingly historically accurate Roman romp directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe.We spend a lot of time delving into what was and wasn’t historically accurate, and how well they pulled off an early CGI film… Listen in and find out what we thought of my brother’s choice! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit b...

Hartnell special 3: This Sporting Life

July 22, 2023 22:19 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MB

We’ve covered two silly Hartnell outings (Carry On Sergeant and The Mouse that Roared), so what will we think of an officially serious and socially responsible film? It seemed appropriate to end Hartnell with the kind of “legitimate” film that he considered his legacy. We love ya, Hartnell. Sorry to see you go. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Doctor Who 29: The Tenth Planet

July 08, 2023 23:52 - 2 hours - 84.9 MB

It’s the last William Hartnell episode, the introduction of a classic villain, and the first regeneration, which would allow the series to continue for decades. A true Doctor Who landmark, but is it Worth Watching?Only we can say! (Listen to the end to hear a short post-Who interview with Hartnell that you won’t find on the web!) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Doctor Who 46: The Tenth Planet

July 08, 2023 23:52 - 2 hours - 84.9 MB

It’s the last William Hartnell episode, the introduction of a classic villain, and the first regeneration, which would allow the series to continue for decades. A true Doctor Who landmark, but is it Worth Watching?Only we can say! (Listen to the end to hear a short post-Who interview with Hartnell that you won’t find on the web!) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Doctor Who 28: The Smugglers

June 24, 2023 23:17 - 39 minutes - 26.9 MB

No one ever remembers or talks about this early Doctor Who story. Is that because it’s actually bad, or just because it’s a lost story? Join us as we work to figure it out! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Doctor Who 45: The Smugglers

June 24, 2023 23:17 - 39 minutes - 26.9 MB

No one ever remembers or talks about this early Doctor Who story. Is that because it’s actually bad, or just because it’s a lost story? Join us as we work to figure it out! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Doctor Who 44: The War Machines

June 20, 2023 01:00 - 1 hour - 62.6 MB

While there are two more stories in the Hartnell era, in many ways this is the last true Hartnell story. It’s the final one where we have all the video and Hartnell is in fine form and plays a significant role throughout. Also a good very valid science fiction concept, coupled with dorky ham-fisted robots. Then there’s the truly awful way that Dodo is issued off the stage, perhaps the worst companion departure in Who history. The jaded Dr Who guy has nostalgic love for this story—listen i...

Doctor Who 27: The War Machines

June 20, 2023 01:00 - 1 hour - 62.6 MB

While there are two more stories in the Hartnell era, in many ways this is the last true Hartnell story. It’s the final one where we have all the video and Hartnell is in fine form and plays a significant role throughout. Also a good very valid science fiction concept, coupled with dorky ham-fisted robots. Then there’s the truly awful way that Dodo is issued off the stage, perhaps the worst companion departure in Who history. The jaded Dr Who guy has nostalgic love for this story—listen i...

Doctor Who 43: The Savages

June 11, 2023 16:07 - 1 hour - 62.6 MB

Ever feel a bit low in energy? Tired even after a full night’s sleep? Forget the C-Pap machine, Doctor Who has the real answer — aliens are draining your life energy! Listen in to see what we think of this lost story, and discover One Weird Trick for rejuvenating your life force! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Doctor Who 26: The Savages

June 11, 2023 16:07 - 1 hour - 62.6 MB

Ever feel a bit low in energy? Tired even after a full night’s sleep? Forget the C-Pap machine, Doctor Who has the real answer — aliens are draining your life energy! Listen in to see what we think of this lost story, and discover One Weird Trick for rejuvenating your life force! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Doctor Who 42: The Gunfighters

June 03, 2023 20:22 - 1 hour - 42.8 MB

The first Doctor Who story that takes place in the United States, this is an amusing jumble of jokes, history, and a theme song that’s played over and over and may have led to multiple suicides. Listen in and decide if this one is worth watching! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Doctor Who 25: The Gunfighters

June 03, 2023 20:22 - 1 hour - 42.8 MB

The first Doctor Who story that takes place in the United States, this is an amusing jumble of jokes, history, and a theme song that’s played over and over and may have led to multiple suicides. Listen in and decide if this one is worth watching! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Doctor Who 41: The Celestial Toymaker

May 27, 2023 21:48 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MB

This is our shortest episode ever — is that a reflection on the story we’re talking about? We shall see! We answer questions like “Is this yellow face?” and “Is this really tedious and not worth watching?” It’s an almost completely missing story so the answers don’t matter too much, but check it out to see what you’re not missing! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Doctor Who 24: The Celestial Toymaker

May 27, 2023 21:48 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MB

This is our shortest episode ever — is that a reflection on the story we’re talking about? We shall see! We answer questions like “Is this yellow face?” and “Is this really tedious and not worth watching?” It’s an almost completely missing story so the answers don’t matter too much, but check it out to see what you’re not missing! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Doctor Who 23: The Ark

May 21, 2023 02:06 - 1 hour - 67.9 MB

This episode is exactly what this podcast is about: Two best friends discussing a well-meaning treatise filled with great science fiction ideas, dorky aliens with silly suits, and, well, lots of stuff for us to both appreciate and make fun of. Also we discuss the impact of Spock’s death on us as kids, Mentos commercials, and whatever else comes up along the way. Check it out! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes...

Doctor Who 40: The Ark

May 21, 2023 02:06 - 1 hour - 67.9 MB

This episode is exactly what this podcast is about: Two best friends discussing a well-meaning treatise filled with great science fiction ideas, dorky aliens with silly suits, and, well, lots of stuff for us to both appreciate and make fun of. Also we discuss the impact of Spock’s death on us as kids, Mentos commercials, and whatever else comes up along the way. Check it out! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes...

Doctor Who 22: The Massacre

May 13, 2023 23:56 - 1 hour - 64.7 MB

An entirely missing story based on a true and very disturbing event. Listen to our coverage to understand exactly what happened, how the Dr always claims to never change history while actually changing it, and whether you should hate the Protestants or the Catholics! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Doctor Who 39: The Massacre

May 13, 2023 23:56 - 1 hour - 64.7 MB

An entirely missing story based on a true and very disturbing event. Listen to our coverage to understand exactly what happened, how the Dr always claims to never change history while actually changing it, and whether you should hate the Protestants or the Catholics! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com

Daleks Invasion Earth 2150

May 08, 2023 19:34 - 2 hours - 85.5 MB

There was absolutely nothing good about the first Doctor Who movie…but this one is definitely a step up! A couple of good special effects (such as a pretty amazing Dalek spaceship) and some plot improvements are definitely a help…but then there’s the weird disappearance of Barbara and Ian and juggling too many plot lines for a movie. Tune in to find out whether this is Worth Watching! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus...

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