Jun 21, 2018
Tread Perilously's examination of Doctor Who's 23rd season, "The Trial of a Time Lord," continues with parts 9-12: "Terror of the Vervoids" by Pip & Jane Baker.
The Doctor finally mounts his defense by introducing into evidence an adventure from his not-too-distant future. He and Mel land on the starliner Hyperion III. On board are a number of interesting persons, such as thremmatologist Professor Sarah Lasky (guest star Honor Blackman), aliens who wears translator necklaces, Security Chief Rudge, and a very ill person in the Isolation Room. Soon, all hell breaks loose as the communications officer ends up electrocuted in the hydroponics section and releases ravenous, mobile plantlife known as the Vervoids. They have a vendetta, but does it have anything to do with the body the murder committed as the Hyperion III started its journey?
Erik keeps mentioning a fan named Chris Chibnall, much to Justin's bafflement. After many listener requests, Justin finally comes face-to-face with the Vervoids. He suggests Rudy Guliani may have been The Doctor's legal advisor. Erik rants about a terrible rumor in a terrible British tabloid. In a surprise upset, the pair praise Bonnie Langford's work in this particular story. Erik introduces the "Michael MacDonald Rule" and Justin suggests Boris Johnson was born of sewer blockages under London.