As you know, we don’t really go for themes here at Spectrum, but whilst I was putting together this instalment, I noticed that one was emerging.
No, it’s not Peter Davison (although it is strange how many times his name does get mentioned in this issue!), but writing, specifically fiction writing. As well as a new piece of fiction, this issue contains an interview with a writer, an article recommending another, and a Robin’s Recall about characters making up stories.
My initial concerns about possibly alienating a wide section of the readership quickly dissipated when I realised that writing stories (fiction or otherwise) is the reason why this very newsletter exists and why you’re reading it. As a society, with live on stories, we consume stories, whether it’s in a book or a newspaper or on a screen, on headphones or even through word of mouth. It’s universal.
To quote a certain Time Lord that was once played by Peter Davison (I swear, I’m not obsessed!), “We’re all stories in the end, just make it a good one.”
So, until the next issue, remember to keep reading and sharing those stories!
Oliver Dallas
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The editor wishes to thank Shannon Bladon, David K Barnes, Susannah Moorefinch, Pat Reed, Robin Richardson and other Altogether Autistic Members for their assistance and contributions to this issue.
DISCLAIMER
This newsletter is published independently and free of charge. The images used in this publication are copyrighted by their respective owners but no infringement is intended.
Article texts remain the copyright of their contributions, and the views expressed are those of the individual concerned and not necessarily of Advocacy For All.
A MESSAGE FROM BUFFY
Sarah Michelle Gellar has officially confirmed that a continuation of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is in the works. In a post on Instagram, Gellar (pictured above) explained that she had been having discussions with acclaimed Chinese director Chloe Zhao since 2022 about a potential revival of the cult fantasy series.
“These conversations did, in fact, continue over the next few years and eventually we added the incredible (screenwriters) Nora and Lilla Zuckerman to our little tribe until ultimately, one day, we landed on an idea.”
Gellar was also quick to reassure fans that they “will only make this show if we know we can do it right. And I will tell you that we are on the path there.”
According to Variety, this new series will focus on a new character and feature Gellar as Buffy in a mentor supporting role. The Zuckerman’s are attached to write, showrun and executive produce it, while Zhao is attached to direct and executive produce.
Series creator, Joss Whedon is reportedly not a part of the reboot following previous allegations of him creating a toxic working environment on the set of the original series.
FUTURE ECHOES
According to Craig Charles, a Red Dwarf come back is looking even more unlikely this year. Speaking to the Radio Times in January, Charles (pictured above with his co stars Robert Llewellyn, Danny John-Jules and Chris Barrie) explained that although three new episodes have been written, budgetary restraints are preventing them from being made.
"It's not that we don't want to do it,” he clarified, “it's a case of we're trying to get it done... (It's) happening in television all the time at the moment, there doesn't seem to be that much money around."
"I really wanted to make it," he continued. "It's an absolutely stunning script, and the bits that we've seen in mock-ups just look stunning."
Charles also hinted that the new episodes might involve his character Dave Lister encountering his younger self through the use of digital de-aging.
"I don't know if this is giving anything away, but if you think that it's me at the age of 60 acting against me at the age of 23... you're like, 'F**king hell, how did they do that?!'“
"But can we afford to make it? That's the big thing."
MORE FAB FINDS!
BAD OMENS
Following our coverage in December’s issue, Century 21 Films have recovered even more missing material from the works of Gerry Anderson. Notable finds include alternative edits of episodes of Supercar (pictured above), unedited dialogue recordings for programmes such as Four Feather Falls and tapes containing various sound effects that were used in Thunderbirds and other A.P. productions. Follow Century 21 Films on facebook.com/ thunderbirds65/ for more details and updates.
COMIC CON CANCELLED
Showmasters have announced the cancellation of London Comic Con Spring. This decision has been made in response to the affects that the Los Angeles fires are having on many of their celebrity guests. “We’re now in talks with the guests to reschedule their appearance to London Film & Comic Con this July.” Said a spokesman for Showmasters, “It really saddens us to have to do this, but our guests are the heart of Comic Con and we totally understand the situation many of them are in.” Any tickets that were purchased for Spring will be either transferred to July’s event or refunded.
Following even more allegations that have been made against Neil Gaiman, Amazon Prime Video have confirmed that the third and final season of Good Omens will be condensed into a single 90-minute episode without the writer’s involvement. Disney have paused production on their film adaptation of The Graveyard Book and Netflix have cancelled The Sandman, as well as their TV series adaptation of Dead Boy Detectives. Because they were both already filmed, the second season of The Sandman is still expected to release this year on Netflix, as well as Amazon Prime’s adaptation of Anansi Boys.
WATCH DOOMWATCH!
Doomwatch returns to TV after 55 years. Originally broadcast between 1970 - 72, the series revolved around a team of government scientists who investigate and combat various environmental and technological dangers. The 23 surviving episodes will be broadcast on Talking Pictures TV every Friday from 9:00pm and then made available to view for free on their catch up service Encore. For more information on the series, please read our retrospective in Spectrum: Issue 2.
A LOBBY FOR LOBO
A GEEK CHORUS
Jason Mamoa (pictured above) confirmed on his Instagram that he will be starring in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow as Lobo, a villainous alien bounty hunter. Mamoawho has been lobbying for the part for years - previously portrayed Aquaman in the DC Cinematic Universe, setting a precedent for more former DCCU actors to return in new roles. Production on the film has already begun and it is currently slated for a June 2026 release.
BATMAN (TAKING) FOREVER
Warner Bros. have confirmed that The Batman: Part II has been delayed by a year. The much anticipated sequel was originally supposed to release on the 2nd October 2026, but will now be released on the 1st October 2027 instead. Head of DC studios, James Gunn defended the decision on Threads, claiming that a lengthy gap between sequels is “fairly common” within the industry.
Gunn was also quick to reassure fans that writer and director Matt Reeves was “committed to making the best film he possibly can.” “Once there is a finished script, there is around two years for pre-production, shooting and post-production.”
Universal Pictures have officially confirmed that Christopher Nolan’s next film will be an adaptation of Homer’s Odessey. The list of confirmed actors so far include Matt Damon (pictured above as Odysseus), Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron and Elliott Page. The film will be “shot across the world using brand new Imax film technology” and is aiming for a July 2026 release.
DUEL OF THE FATES
Disney co-chairman Alan Bergman has revealed the real reason for the cancellation of The Acolyte. “We were happy with (it’s) performance,” he told Vulture in December 2024, “but it wasn’t where we needed it to be, given the cost structure of that title, to go and make a season two.” The Star Wars spin-off was reported to have gone over budget, with costs going well over $230 million dollars whilst it was still in production. And despite the first episode being viewed by over 4 million people upon it’s release on Disney+ in June 2024, viewership gradually declined by over 50%, making it one of the least viewed Star Wars series to date.
NEARBY EVENTS
MARCH
Fantom Events Signing Spectacular
Date: Saturday 29th
Location: St Michael’s Centre, Elmwood Road, Chiswick, London W4 3DZ
Details: A Doctor Who themed signing event. Visit fantomevents.co.uk for information and updates regarding guests.
The Who Shop: Signing Event
Date: Saturday 29th
Location: The Who Shop, 39-41 Barking Rd, London E6 1PY
Details: A Doctor Who themed signing. Confirmed guests so far include Jo Martin (The Fugitive Doctor), Susan Twist (Susan Triad), Genesis Lynea (Harriet Harbinger) and Steph de Whalley (Anita Benn).
*
London Comic Mart
Date: Sunday 30th
Location: The Royal National Hotel, 38-51 Bedford Way, London WC1H 0DG
APRIL
Ashford Comic Con & Toy Fair
Date: Saturday 5th
Location: Stour Centre, Station Approach, Ashford TN23 1ET
*
Sci-Spy Comic Con - Herne Bay
Date: Saturday 5th
Location: Herne Bay High School, Bullockstone Rd, Herne Bay CT6 7NS
Details: Celebrity guests in attendance include Peter Davison (Doctor Who), Christopher Ryan (The Young Ones), and Caroline Munro (Captain Kronos).
*
Captiol Cutaway
Date: Sunday 6th
Location: POSK, 238-246 King Street Hammersmith, London W6 0RF
Details: Peter Davison and Jo Martin headline a one day Doctor Who event organised by the Appreciation Society.
*
London Film Fair
Date: Sunday 6th
Location: The Royal National Hotel
Details: Confirmed guests so far include Roger Sloman (Blackadder) and Julie Dawn Cole (Willy Wonka).
*
Fantom Events’ Signing Spectacular
Date: Saturday 26th
Location: St. Michael’s Centre
Details: See March’s listing.
Maidstone Comic Con
Date: Sunday 4th
Location: Maidstone Leisure Centre, Mote Park, Maidstone ME15 7RN
Details: Celebrity guests in attendance include Colin Baker (Doctor Who), Chris Ryan and Ronnie Le Drew (Labyrinth).
London Comic Mart
Date: Sunday 11th
Location: The Royal National Hotel
Hawkinge Comic Con
Date: Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th
Location: Hawkinge Community Centre, Heron Forstal Ave, Hawkinge, Folkestone CT18 7FP
Tonbridge Comic Con & Toy Fair
Date: Sunday 18th
Location: The Angel Centre, Angel Ln, Tonbridge TN9 1SF
MCM Comic Con
Date: Friday 23rd Sunday 25th
Location: ExCel, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London E16 1XL
Fantom Events’ Signing Spectacular
Date: Saturday 31st
Location: St Michael’s Centre
Details: See March’s listing.
MAY
The Peter Cushing Celebration Weekend
Date: Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th
Location: The Horsebridge, 11 Horsebridge Road, Whitstable CT5 1AF
Details: A whole weekend devoted to the life and career of the legendary British actor.
• Screenings and talks with people who loved and worked with Peter.
• A guided walk around Whitstable, led by film and TV historian, Andre Vincent.
• A Cushing-themed afternoon tea box with the choice of tea or coffee.
• A specially curated trip at The Peter Cushing Exhibition, with exclusive access to unseen treasures.
• A Peter Cushing quiz.
Tickets cost £65 and are in extremely limited availability, so book from renownfilms.co.uk soon to avoid disappointment.
FEATURES
INTERVIEW: DAVID K BARNES
In 1975, Doctor Who fans witnessed The Genesis of the Daleks. This March, fans will finally get to hear the genesis of the Doctor’s second greatest enemy, the Cybermen in an audio adaptation of a storyline which was devised by their co-creator Gerry Davis back in the early nineteen-eighties but never produced.
David K Barnes - the writer tasked with bringing Davis's vision to life - very kindly took time out of his busy schedule to grant me this exclusive interview.
David, as a fellow fan, you will know that the origins of the Cybermen is a concept which has been explored in many other stories (most notably in the 2017 episode World Enough and Time), what makes Genesis so different to all of those other origin stories?
As well as being based upon an idea and storyline from their co-creator, the setting is a fusion of sci-fi and medieval, almost like a fairytale: a dying King inside his castle, with two rival princes for the throne... The world outside is hotting up, and the people can't upgrade quickly enough to cope.
Art and culture plays an important role in the story too. It's very modern, really: art vs AI. Yet Gerry was writing about this way back in the 1980s!
As well as being prophetic, Gerry Davis was a very eccentric writer who didn’t really care much for scientific accuracy. Did you try to emulate his style and tone in your own writing?
I wanted to explore how the Cybermen came to be, and why they developed in this particular way. What's the rationale for removing their emotions? Gerry's outline skipped over most of that, so I teased out details from his other Cyber-works - TV scripts, books - to build something that felt appropriate to the story, but could also speak to a 21st century listener.
Structurally, though, the story follows his outline quite closely, including a short hop in the TARDIS which puts the heroes in dreadful trouble. And there's some deeply questionable planetary science in Gerry's outline which I kept because, well, it made for a more enjoyable story! Ultimately, I wanted Genesis to be as thoughtful and entertaining as I could make it, while still honouring Gerry Davis's work.
And what is it about the Cybermen that makes them such a popular and iconic monster?
Like computers and telephones, they're always changing! Vocally, physically, even the role they play in stories. The robotic Cybermen of the late 1960s lurk in the shadows. In the 1980s, they're bombastic soldiers with a macho streak. Today's Cybermen are always branded, as if Apple had made a range of homicidal death machines. So long as they represent the same existential threat - the fear of technology supplanting people - you can do a lot of interesting things with them to reflect whatever's going on right now. And they always have those jug handles on their heads, which are rather fun.
This adaptation stars Peter Davison (pictured above with David Banks’ Cyber Leader) as the Doctor, what is it about him with the Cybermen that makes them such a fan favourite pairing?
I suppose it's because Peter’s portrayal of the Doctor is so based in nuance. He's one of the least demonstrative Doctors - but you also get a sense that he feels a lot, under the surface. You don't need to be loud to be passionate.
The Cybermen aren't merely a threat to the world, they're a threat to all the little things that make life worth living ("smelling a flower, watching a sunset, eating a well-prepared meal..."). The quietly earnest Fifth Doctor is the perfect champion for those "little things." He's a nice man who travels in hope, through a deeply disappointing universe. I think there's something deeply heroic about that.
And are there any scenes between Peter and the Cybermen in Genesis that rival or even better the ones from his TV era?
Ha! I personally can't attest to whether my scenes rival or better another writer's work - but the Doctor does get to confront the new ruler of Mondas, and the ethics of Cyber-technology are explored.
The benefit of having an expanded TARDIS team is that it gave me several angles to explore the story's themes. The Doctor, Tegan, Nyssa and Adric each have a different story thread to explore.
Actually, I'm happy to say one way in which Genesis trumps Earthshock is that Nyssa has a lot more to do in it!
Now that you've told their origins, where would you like to take Cybermen next? What do you think is the next stage in their evolution?
I think there's a potentially coercive element of the Cybermen that could be explored. When you look at the millionaire “tech bros” in Silicon Valley right now, you can bet that a lot of them would like the idea of becoming a powerful cyborg. A situation where the Cybermen didn't need to win through the force of their armies, but because they were able to persuade a population to become Cybermen... I think that would feel distressingly timely.
Doctor Who: Genesis of the Cybermen will be available to purchase on CD and download from March.
Words: Oliver Dallas
ROBIN’S RECALL #2
Because I too am fond of mischief, and want to push the limits of my sci-fi and fantasy-only remit here at Robin's Recall, I want to continue my campaign with the 2001 Sooty episode Sci-Fi Sooty, written by David Savage (It's got the word sci-fi in it, so it counts!).
Sooty, the magical teddy bear puppet beloved by millions (and a perennial autistic hyperfocus for more than me, I bet,) is still here, still acting like a five year old (despite being over seventy), and still on the revamped set of hotel sitcom predecessor Sooty Heights, except now it looks as though some form of psychedelic decoration bomb has gone off in it.
Literally - the whole place is littered with multicoloured polka dots, Warhol-esque art prints of the toys, bizarre cartoon cupcake decals in the kitchen, and other brightly coloured horrors!
At Reception, tomboyish Brazilian cat Miki and prim panda Soo admonish each other for the contents of their preferred comics - ponies and other girly/femme stuff for Soo, and science fiction comics for Miki, which Soo considers "so far fetched" and only for the “daft.”
Meanwhile, Richard Cadell (who still desperately tries to pretend that he paid half a million pounds for the Sooty franchise and not a ridiculous hotel), finds a whole smegging burger - with cob, heel, lettuce and all - in a bin whilst he's putting it out (I hope it’s plant-based!). However, before he has time to process this, an ominous black shadow passes overhead, signalling the arrival of either a Vogon Constructer Fleet or his bank statement.
Even worse, Richard's declarations of having seen an alien ship corresponds with an article that Soo is reading in the newspaper about local sightings of an unidentified flying object. Finding out that the paper is offering a prize for any evidence, Richard grabs his camera and telescope and sets off to confirm his own biases and gain renown.
Whilst everyone’s favourite absent-minded dog Sweep is inexplicably (and not to mention, conveniently) building his own rocket ship out of detergent boxes, Miki puts paw to typewriter and begins to write a story about Richard's "space monsters." She prefaces it with the immortal line: "A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away..."
Sooty, Sweep and Soo each don Logan's Run-esque silver suits with bizarre Zig And Zag-like pompom antennas and pretend to be aliens in order to extort chocolate and sweets out of credulous Richard. They also use microKORG synthesisers to produce Dalek-like speech, a piece of equipment which they not only shouldn’t have access to, but would’ve greatly benefited the Red Dwarf crew when they pretended to be aliens in the episode Gunmen of the Apocalypse
Obviously, Miki's tales are inspiring Soo's imaginative pranks on Richard, as well as her own daydreams. These daydreams consist of Miki flying around space in a gold-trimmed Star Trek-esque outfit to the tune of some Kraftwerk inspired piece of electro pop, complete with Raygun Gothic flying saucers and little green Sweeps (Whoa, maaan…!)
Butch, the Cockney-accented bulldog ruffian is loudly (and obnoxiously) advertising his local...er, enterprise, Butch's Burger Bar (bellowing “BUTCHUSBURGUBAAH” is apparently his alien-speak, like Nanu Nanu or Borag Thungg) This ends up jump-scaring the poor and similarly credulous reporter who's assessing Richard's claims of extraterrestrial life in the garden.
Luckily, said reporter, Marc - who is played by Marc Small (how original(!)) - has brought his off-branded Super-Soaker with him in case of trouble! It’s nowhere near as iconic as Deckard's handgun or Han Solo’s blaster, but it does the trick, and is totally in keeping with the show’s tacky seaside gift shop aesthetic.
Soo then fakes a picture of a UFO for Richard to take back to the aliens in return for a trip to their home planet. The Soaker-toting, Marc however is not fazed, and sees through this "evidence" as the watercolour-based trickery that it obviously is.
Because this is a children’ Sooty realise that they've done bad, and apologise to Richard for making him feel silly. As a way of apology, Sweep gets out his big rocket (not an innuendo, honest!), complete with washing up liquid bottle thrusters and a straw and plastic jug for a nosecone. It looks dreadful, but is still more progress than Mars One.
Butch's prediction of a no launch is proven right and poor Sweep is left crying on the launchpad. But with the help of Sooty’s massive wand (again, not an innuendo!), he then manages to fly his silly rocket. We have lift-off!
But in a shocking turn of events that even Mission Control could have predicted, the rocket crashes back to down to Earth and through the roof of the hotel, taking out the “alien spaceship” in the process. The UFO however turns out to be an even sillier looking balloon belonging to Butch (Or should that be Bready Ruxpin?).
Now this episode is a cautionary tale for anyone who resorts to doing a Rimmer and screaming “ALIENS!” whenever something unexplained happens. The Drake equation will not help you when puppets dressed in Zig and Zag pompoms try to trick you into giving them sweets, and calling Fraud Squad will not get your money back from burger pushing bulldogs!
And that's exactly the sort of advice you can expect from this column in future.
Stay sceptical, and watch the skies, y'all!
Sci-Fi Sooty and other Sooty episodes can be found on YouTube.
Words: Robin Richardson
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE WORKS OF JACK CAMPBELL
I would like to introduce you to a writer called Jack Campbell (pictured above). This is a pen name for John G. Hemry, a former US Navy Officer. When he retired from active service, Hemry decided to use his experiences from the military to write a series of science fiction novels.
His first series was a trilogy of books called Starks War. The basis of this series was a what if. ‘What if current trends in the military continued unchecked’. The disconnect between military life and civilian life. A disconnect between officers and the lower ranks who carry out those orders, and what happens when technology gives officers at the top the ability to micro manage right down to a specific soldier.
His second series was a quad trilogy of books called the Paul Sinclair series. These books focus on an aspect of the military that gets very little attention paid to it, and that is law within the armed forces, and what happens when things proceed to a court marshal. If you have ever watched A Few Good Men or the TV series JAG, then you will find many similarities between them and the Paul Sinclair series. Each of the four books follows a different case, making it easily accessible for new readers.
In 2006, Hemry started his most ambitious series to date, The Lost Fleet, a space opera set a hundred plus years into a interstellar war between two human cultures. At the time of writing, there are a total of fourteen books in the main series, with two spin-off series called The Lost Stars (four books) and The Genesis Fleet (three books).
This series has a few themes and ideas behind it that I would like to discuss about without going into spoiler territory.
1st theme – In the UK, we have a legend that King Arthur will return in our darkest hour. This is one of the main themes of The Lost Fleet series. In the books, you follow a character called Black Jack, a captain who was thought lost at the beginning of the war because he stayed behind and made a “heroic last stand” in order to let the fleet escape. Presumed dead, his government make him into a hero, not just for the military forces, but for the civilians also. A hundred years into the war, his hibernation pod is found, and he is revived and revered as this legendary hero.
2nd theme – It looks at the changes that can happen to forces that have been at war for over a hundred years. How would the tactics change, how could it change people and what would happen if someone from hundred years ago experienced those changes.
3rd theme – Can a long retreat work in a space setting? At the beginning of the first book, the alliance fleet is trapped behind enemy lines. The heads of the alliance fleet go to negotiate the surrender but are executed upon arrival, leaving a power vacuum. Because of his seniority, Black Jack is automatically made the new leader of the alliance.
As well as having the responsibility of getting his fleet safely home (à la Battlestar Galactica), Black Jack also has a problem with duality and living up to his legendary status. He is surrounded by both people who don’t see him as this legendary hero and people who will follow him blindly because they believe in the legend. Therefore, any difficult decision that he has to make will be met with either severe criticism or blind acceptance. There’s no middle ground.
4th theme – Realism. In these books, there is quite a bit of realism when it comes to how the ships work and move. Hemry pulls on his Navy career experience of moving multi ton warships into these books. There are no warp drives like in Star Trek or magical sensors that show where everything is at that time. Instead, It works with the speed of light limitation.
In every solar system, there is a star and light travels out from that star at light speed. In own solar system, it takes eight minutes for the light from the sun to reach us on Earth. When we look at the sun in the sky, we are not seeing it where it is but where it was eight minutes ago.
In every solar system, there is a star and light travels out from that star at light speed. In own solar system, it takes eight minutes for the light from the sun to reach us on Earth. When we look at the sun in the sky, we are not seeing it where it is but where it was eight minutes ago.
Also, in our solar system, it takes over six hours for light to reach Pluto. If you were to stand on Pluto and look at the sun, you would be looking at where the sun was over six hours ago.
Because the spaceships in The Lost Fleet have sensors based on that limitation, when one enters a solar system, they cannot see where everything is at that exact time. Instead, the further away an enemy ship is, the more you are seeing it where it was a period of time ago. And the further away a ship is, the less likely you’re going to know where it is in present time.
All of the battles have to use tactics that take this limitation into account. The targeting systems for the weapons are also restricted by this rule. If an enemy ship flies into contact then it needs to be under at a certain speed limit for the weaponry systems to target it.
Although each of the fourteen books are written from Black Jack’s perspective, they are not written from a traditional first person perspective. Instead, they are written in a third person perspective, which is unusual, but a common way in which Hemry writes. You will only know what Black Jack knows, but with just enough detail in the writing to lead you to question on what is unfolding and going to happen.
As well as Black Jack, the series focuses on a tight group of people who are all very well written and given the space and time to develop. But, because this series is set during wartime, you can never be sure if any (or indeed, all) of the supporting cast will live to survive the next book.
Hemry also does a great job of explaining the rules of the world that he is exploring. Because the main character has missed over a hundred years of changes and technological advancement, Hemry uses Black Jack in order to achieve this without it feeling like blatant exposition. We learn of these changes and advancements with him.
Because I have experienced this series as audiobooks, there is one last thing that I would like to talk about, and that is the narrator, Christian Rummel. He can do a range of accents in both male and female voices with emotion, making it very easy to follow who is talking in dialog heavy scenes. He neither speaks too fast or too slowly.
This has created an interesting situation for me when I’m searching for new writers to follow. I will get audiobooks that I would never normally listen to, simply because Christian Rummel is the narrator of them.
Overall, if you want a well written and well thought out space epic that has an interesting story told over a series of books, then you can’t go wrong with The Lost Fleet
The first fourteen books in the main Lost Fleet series are available to purchase individually in paperback, eBook and audiobook format now.
Words: Pat Reed
FICTION
BATHING IN DEATH
By Shannon Bladon
Chapter 1: Existence
Monsters are real.
But that’s not what scares you. It’s the fact that they look exactly like you and me. They can blend in so effortlessly that you don’t know that they’re even out there. You might even know them. They could be your mother, father, brother, best friend, even your neighbour. You just don’t know.
Monsters are real, and they look just like you and me.
Chapter 2: Monster
I love it when they scream. I love it when they beg. Their piercing blue eyes wide with fear, wet with tears and full of desperation. Their bodies slim, fit and healthy. Curves in all the right places. Their muscles tight and their wrists and ankles perfect.
Her hands sit on the edge of the bath tub, the nails are painted in a vibrant blue. They match her eyes, those lovely blue eyes… They’re long, natural and sharp, and I should know, because my face is still stinging from the scratches. If anything, she should be thanking me for rescuing her from her routine. Her oh, so predictable routine.
The gun is loaded, her pleas are getting louder. I like watching the cylinder spin, who knows where the bullet will end.
My finger is on the trigger. I take in her beauty for the last time and squeeze.
BANG!
The echo went on forever. It was so loud that my ears are still ringing.
My first. So easy. I can’t wait for the next. But for now, I will immortalise this moment... This erotic moment.
SNAP!
To be continued...
REVIEWS
TV: SILO: SEASON TWO (2024/25)
Deep underground, thousands of people live inside a massive, self believing the outside world is deadly. No one knows who built it, why they’re there, or if it will ever be safe to leave. But one thing is clear: questioning the rules is dangerous. When residents start mysteriously dying, engineer Juliette (Rebecca Ferguson) is determined to uncover the shocking truth about the silo - no matter the cost.
Season One of Silo completely blew me away. It was one of those rare, refreshing shows that felt immersive, well-crafted, and full of intrigue. Every detail felt purposeful, and the mystery hooked me right from the start. Naturally, I went into Season Two with high hopes. Sadly, it didn’t quite live up to expectations.
Whilst Season One was tightly plotted, Season Two dragged. Entire episodes passed with little meaningful progress, making the weekly release format feel like a test of patience rather than anticipation. I often found myself hoping that the next episode would finally pick up the momentum - only to be disappointed when it didn’t.
The core mystery is still gripping, but this season buried it under too many side plots. Whilst they didn’t completely ruin the show, they did make it harder to stay fully invested.
But despite its flaws, I can’t quit this show. The silo itself is such a brilliant setting. It’s a circular, self-contained structure that feels both claustrophobic and vast, and with enough level of detail in its society, rules, and survival systems to make it feel incredibly real.
And whilst I had some gripes with certain characters, others truly shone this year. Solo (Steve Zahn) was a fantastic additionwho’s quirky, endearing personality brought some much-needed warmth to the storyand Tim Robbins was both unsettling and unexpectedly hilarious as Bernard.
Another great thing about Silo is how it plays with deep, unsettling ideas about humanity, control, and hope. The psychological tricks used in the silo - like manipulating people into ‘cleaning’ - even after being exiled - are both chilling and cunning. Even when I was frustrated, I appreciated how much the story made me think.
If you loved Season One, then there is still plenty to enjoy in Season Two, but you’ll need patience. I’d recommend bingewatching it as the slow burn might feel more tolerable when watched all at once.
I’m cautiously optimistic about Season Three. If it can recapture the pacing and tension of Season One and deliver on the big mysteries set up in Two, then it could still cement Silo as one of the greatest science fiction shows of this era.
The first two seasons of Silo are available to stream on Apple TV+ now.
Words: An Altogether Autistic Member
VIDEO GAME: INDIANA JONES AND THE GREAT CIRCLE (2024)
When thinking about the Indiana Jones character, I normally sum him up as ‘The wrong guy in the right place.’ A highly intelligent and knowledgeable character, that most the time, we see reacting to a situation that he’s in, instead of thinking and planning things out before hand. He goes with his ‘gut,’ and somehow, always comes out on top, with luck sometimes helping or hindering him.
As well as films and TV, the character has featured in 27 video game adaptations. The first was Raiders of the Lost Ark on the Atari 2600 back in 1982 and the latest is this one on the PC and console.
Set in-between the events of the films Raiders and The Last Crusade, The Great Circle sees Indy travel the world in order to prevent various Axis powers from harnessing a power connected to the Great Circle. On his journey, he will visit places like Vatican City, Cairo and Sukhothai and meet a wide range of characters, some helpful and some not so much - in order to hunt for clues that will lead him to The Great Circle.
When I first heard that this game was going to be from id Tech - the creative minds that gave us the Doom and Wolfenstein - I was worried that they would stick to the first-person shooter concept. I imagined a game where there was going to be a lot of shooting and not a lot else. I am happy to report that this isn’t the case here.
Your three most used weapons are your fists, whip and brains. There are guns that you can pick up and use, but they will always have a limited amount of ammunition. When it runs out, you can then only use it as a tool to hit people with.
This restriction also adds a stealth element to the game, which I found very refreshing. A lot of times, you will find yourself in a situation where there are too many enemies around to shoot or whip, so the best tactic is to try and creep up on them and knock them out. And because the game is centred around the mystery of what and where the Great Circle is, there are a wide range of puzzles to solve, from opening up safes to using your surroundings to your advantage.
The game is a beauty to behold. The environments are very well detailed and really capture the time period that the game is supposed to be set in. Indiana Jones himself looks just like Harrison Ford from Raiders (right down to the scar on his chin!), and voice actor Troy Baker delivers a pitch perfect reproduction of Ford’s iconic performance. It was so well done, that at times, I thought that I was watching scenes from an unreleased Indiana Jones film.
Overall, if you have a PC or games console and are a fan of the Indiana Jones series, then this is a fine addition to your collection. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is available to purchase for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S now.
TV AND FILM GUIDE
MARCH
TV
Daredevil: Born Again: Charlie Cox returns as the blind vigilante in a reboot/ continuation of the 2015 Netflix series. Available to watch on Disney+ from Wednesday 5th.
The Wheel of Time: Season 3: Rosamund Pike returns as Moiraine Damodred, a member of a powerful organisation who can channel magic. Available to watch on Amazon Prime from Thursday 13th.
Gannibal: Season 2: Japanese folk horror based on the horror magna of the same name. Available to watch on Disney+ from Wednesday 19th.
Wolf King: Season 1: Animated series set in a world which is ruled over by Were Lords, a long ancestral line of Werewolves. Available to watch on Netflix from Thursday 20th.
FILM
Giants of La Mancha (Storm Crashers): Animated adventure about a young boy’s attempts to save his village from a huge storm. Opens Friday 7th.
In the Lost Lands: Milla Jovovich and Dave Bautista star as a witch and witch hunter, who are sent on a quest to retrieve an alien artifact. Opens Friday 7th.
The Legend of Ochi: Helena Zengel plays a shy farm girl who befriends a reclusive forest creature. Opens Friday 7th.
Mickey 17: Robert Pattinson stars as Mickey, a disposable employee who’s body is duplicated after death. When “Mickey 17” is incorrectly assumed dead and replaced with “Mickey 18,” the pair find themselves having to work together in order to avoid being destroyed by the regime that created them. Opens Friday 7th.
The Electric State: Millie Bobbie Brown plays an orphaned teenager who embarks on a perilous journey in order to find her younger brother. Available to watch on Netflix from Friday 14th.
Snow White: Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot star in a live action adaptation of the Disney classic. Opens Friday 21st.
The End: Post apocalyptic musical starring Tilda Swinton and Michael Shannon as the parents of a wealthy family who have isolated themselves inside a luxury bunker. Opens Friday 28th.
The Woman in the Yard: Danielle Deadwyler stars as a mother who must protect her family from a lone, spectral woman that won’t leave them alone. Opens Friday 28th.
TV
The Bondsman: Kevin Bacon plays a bounty hunter who is resurrected by the Devil to catch demons. Available to watch on Amazon Prime from Thursday 3rd.
Doctor Who: Season 2: Varada Sethu joins Ncuti Gatwa in the TARDIS as his new companion Belinda Chandra. Available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from Saturday 12th.
The Last of Us: Season 2: Post apocalyptic drama starring Pedro Pascall and Bella Ramsey. Available to watch on NOW TV from Monday 14th.
Andor: Season 2: Cover star Diego Luna returns as the titular rebel in the much anticipated second series of the popular Star Wars spin-off. Available to watch on Disney+ from Tuesday 22nd.
The Eternaut: Season 1: An Argentinean series about a group of survivors who are battling an alien race that is capable of generating toxic snowstorms. Available to watch on Netflix from Wednesday 30th.
FILM
A Minecraft Movie: Jack Black plays Steve in a live action adaptation of the popular video game. Opens Friday 4th.
Sinners: Michael B. Jordan stars in a duel role as twin brothers who return to confront a new evil that is brewing in their hometown. Opens Friday 18th.
Until Dawn: A group of friends find themselves reliving the same night over and over again in a live action adaptation of the popular horror video game. Opens Friday 25th.
TV
Murderbot: Season 1: Alexander Skarsgård plays a security android who is struggling with it’s newfound emotions and free will. Available to watch on Apple TV+ from Friday 16th.
FILM
Parthenope: Celeste Dalla Porta and Gary Oldman star in a coming of age drama about the reincarnation of a mythical siren. Opens Friday 2nd.
Thunderbolts*: Marvel film starring Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, Wyatt Russell and Olga Kurylenko as a group of reformed supervillains. Opens Friday 2nd.
Final Destination: Bloodlines: Tony Todd and Brec Bassinger star in the sixth instalment of the Final Destination franchise. Opens Friday 16th.
