Following Wondercon 2011, we are launching not one, but TWO episodes of TARDISblend this week! The promotions and publicity for Doctor Who Series 6 is moving full speed ahead, with many revelations, news items, rumors, spoilers, and other stuff abound. Co-host Tom Cheredar was on assignment for Geeks of Doom at WonderCon this year and got to catch up with both Toby Haynes and Neil Gaiman.

For episode 20 of the TARDISblend, we focus on the interview with Toby Haynes and on the two-part launching episode for Series 6 of Doctor Who: The Impossible Astronaut and Day of the Moon. Taking a look at the confirmed information, the spoilers, and the rumors, Tom and Greg speculate what the two opening shows may hold for the Doctor and his companions — in a season which (by some indications) may redefine how you view the show.

In addition to some of the news and rumors, we pay tribute to two Doctor Who legends who have since passed away: Nicholas Courtney aka The Brigadier, and Michael Gough aka The Celestial Toymaker. We reflect on their contributions to the show and to entertainment in general, and mourn these big losses.

Sad news across the world for geeks today, as word has reached us that the wonderful actor, Michael Gough, has passed away. He was 94 years old. To most people, Michael Gough was well known for his role as Alfred Pennyworth in the 1990’s Batman movie series, beginning with Tim Burton’s Batman in 1989 and right through Joel Schumacher’s Batman & Robin in 1997.

However, this wasn’t Michael Gough’s first involvement in a franchise loved by geeks internationally. A very young Gough appeared as The Celestial Toymaker in Doctor Who back in 1965. The episode, The Celestial Toymaker, saw Gough act with the First Doctor William Hartnell. He would later appear with Fifth Doctor Peter Davison, playing a different role, in the episode Arc of Infinity.