All Episodes - Retrospection
Two friends discuss, and occasionally argue, about an old TV show or film that we remember being great from our younger years. But do they still hold up today?
View Podcast Details40 Episodes
165. Stunning Chopper
This time, James and Paul zip up their catsuits with the Avengers, but not the one you’re thinking. This time it’s the British TV series, The Avengers (1961-1969), and the episode, “The Cybernauts”. Along the way James, is astonished by 1960s commercials, Paul wonders how easily he could avoid a cybernaut, and they both wrangle with complicated revenge plots.
164. Gluttons for Punishment
In this episode James takes over co-hosting with Paul as they tackle The Punisher (1989). Along the way James brings knowledge without the facts, Paul wonders what a Punishment therapy session would look like and both play “how to spot a bad guy”.
163. Crikey It’s Christmas
In this 2025 Christmas edition we’re taking a look at three old British Christmas specials. Carry on Christmas (1969), Christmas With Rutland Weekend Television (1975), and “Rentaghost” RentaSanta (1979). Along the way will Paul find the true meaning of Christmas? Will Colin get the presents he deserves? Or will they end up with the Boxing Day Blues?
162. Let’s Trance
Ding Dong merrily on high, Deth’s making all the Trancers die. We join Jack Deth and his crusade in an unlikely Christmas movie, Trancers (1984). Along the way Paul Reveals his “method”, Colin shares titles for alternative Trancer films, and we both get confused by this movie’s lore.
161. Halo There
In this episode we banish our devilish behaviour and embrace our Saintly ways, as we take on Roger Moore's appearance as The Saint (1962-1969. Along the way Paul's morals fall under intense scrutiny, Colin reluctantly learns about Paul's potty, and we both wish our dinner ladies looked like Shirley Eaton.
160. Happy Halloween
In this episode James and Paul run through their five favorite Halloween spooky entertainment treats.
159. Misanthropic Lycanthrope
It's that time year again where we get ghastly and embrace the spooky side. This time we're scaring ourselves with, The Wolfman (1941). Along the way Paul attempts to give us all a history lesson, Colin gets confused by accents, and they both want to cash in on that scary 1940s exchange rate.
158. Sky Diving Stunt Scientist
In this sizzling episode we’re strapping on our parachutes and diving on to another ITC classic, The Protectors (1972-74). Let’s hope we packed our safety cute! Along the way Paul has issues with the music, Colin’s research skills reach an all time high, and we both splash on the Brut.
157. Stark Raving Bad
We’re taking the plunge with the cult underwater, scifi series, Seaquest DSV (1993-96). Along the way Paul reveals that he hoovers salt like a Star Trek monster, Colin is impressed by a plastic dolphin, and we both reveal our fear of being trapped in a tin can with a load of seamen.
156. It’s Slobberin’ Time
In a shameless tie-in with the summer blockbusters of 2025, we’re doing a second superhero episode. This time, we’re joining the Fantastic Four in their 1994 outing (well almost out). Along the way James joins us again as carer and comic book fact checker, Paul deals with some questionable age differences, and Colin finds his perfect role.
155. Flights and Tights!
We’re swooping down on the TV series, Lois and Clark (1993-1997), along the way Paul works on a joke (finally), Colin flunks Superman school, and we both wrangle with the complexities of being a superhero.
154. Time to Thunderize
It’s a countdown to action as we launch our way into the live-action cinematic outing for Thunderbirds (2004). Along the way Paul reveals his dream job, Colin is distracted by ham, and they both get Busted.
153. Pipes in Boots
Everything’s gone psychedelic at Retrosepection, as we get groovy with the ITC show, Jason King (1971-1972). Along the way Paul becomes distracted by fashion, Colin wonders about 1970s plastic surgery, and we both comment on the tough lives of 70s actors.
152. Quinn for the Win
In this episode we’re battling with the cult sci-fi movie, Arena from 1989. Along the way Colin is forced to hear about Paul’s “chicken” skills, Paul experiences some vibes and we both get nostalgic for cheap Casio keyboards.
151. Up the Workers
This time we’re spending a penny with one of our favorite franchises with Carry on at Your Convenience from 1971. Will we want to sit for a while, or just flush it away? Along the way Paul reveals how much it would cost for him not to work, Colin recounts his first bidet, and we sense something smells funny in the world of the Carry On.
150. KITT Bashing
It’s our 150th episode and we’re celebrating by returning to the show we did in our very first episode, Knight Rider (1982-86). This time we’re looking at the second season two-parter, Goliath. Along the way, Paul reveals what he keeps under his car seat, Colin tries some mental mind reading and we both remember our brass instrument fingering.
149. Ant Musings
In this episode we’re whipping out our swords and fencing with a defrosted Victorian hero in, Adam Adamant Lives! (1966-67). Along the way Paul gets sartorial with his love of capes, Colin gets down with some serious breakfast noshing and we both get illuminated by 80s Blackpool.
148. SuperCALIfragilistic!
In this episode we face the challenge of The Dungeonmaster (1984). Along the way Paul reveals his werewolf needs, Colin purposefully mishears some lyrics, and we both ponder when a dungeon is not a dungeon.
147. Fulvia La Vida
In this episode we’re on the run from the Star Maidens (1976). Along the way Paul finds his perfect world, Colin demands an inflatable ball, and both want to live in a 70’s scifi future.
146. Brain Juice
It’s time for another episode of Retrospection even if you want it or not. And this time we’re getting pulpy with Dark Angel (1990). Along the way Paul unwittingly reveals his subscription to Flex magazine, Colin gets his Dark Angels mixed up, and we both get wistful about bathtime bubbles with Mr. Matey.
145. A Pain in the Nexus
In this episode we’re beaming back to one of our favorite franchises with, Star Trek: Generations (1994). On the journey Paul uncovers his love for a codpiece, Colin talks early internet and both reveal their personal nexus……
144. Maxed Out
In this episode we’re glitching out to the eighties stylings of, Max Headroom: 20 Minutes into the Future (1985). Along the way Paul reveals a dislike for a certain 80s game show, Colin reveals how Paul snaffles his pies, and they both face the end of the world; the eighties way.
143. Naughty but Noyce!
It’s the original fruit ninja time as we fumble in the dark with the cult classic, Blind Fury (1989). Along the way Paul gets his measurements confused, Colin attempts to inject some culture into the show, and we both come up with ideas that we will never use.
142. Absolute Warlocks
In this episode we’re playing with our Halloweenies as we embrace all that is dark and sultry with Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (1988). Along the way Colin has an idea for a new podcast, Paul is dismayed by the treatment of comic book heroes, and they both get lost in an innuendo maze of their own making.
141. Banner Time
James tries to keep the peace as Colin’s puns turn Paul angry, and they smash their way through The Incredible Hulk Returns (1988).Along the way Paul struggles with names, James gets annoyed by gun toting vampires, and Colin plans a Hulk based game show. At some point all three manage to discuss the show.
140. Bionic Ballcock!
It’s the bionic battle we’ve all been waiting for as Colin and Paul take on the Bionic Showdown: The Six Million Dollar Man and the Bionic Woman (1989). Along the way Paul gives us his Bullock approval rating, Colin “treats” us to memories of Britpop, and they both hold an eulogy for the demise Steve Austin’s cool sense of fashion.
139. A Bad Case of THRUSH
Not even Paul changing the locks at Retrospection Towers can stop Colin from getting back in. For this episode we’re taking a look at the reunion TV movie for The Man From UNCLE: The Fifteen Years Later Affair (1983). Along the way Paul talks chins and crumpets, Colin has a question about uniforms, and we both admit to talking into our pens.
138. No Harm, No Cowl
James takes the hot seat as Colin finishes up oiling Optimus Prime’s Squeaky bits. In this episode Jay and Paul do battle with chapter one of the Columbia series, Batman (1943) Along the way Paul receives bad news that Colin is on his way back to the show, James demands a raise, And they both marvel at the lack of health and safety in classic serials.
137. Clean AND Dirty
While Colin is stuck in 1974 putting wrong what once was right, but loving the fashion, Adam takes the punishment of Paul’s jokes as they tackle the plumbing of Super Mario Bros. from 1993. Along the way Adam schools a clueless Paul in the way of Mario, Paul reveals the art of laying a good egg, and both miss using a good old phone booth.
136. Double Damme!
While Colin is still trying to find the right Stargate home, Dave backflips into the fray. He joins Paul as they Jean Claude Van Damme it all to hell with Double Impact (1991). Along the way Dave reveals who he has always wanted to be, Paul goes high brow, both rank their classic action heroes while getting nostalgic about old video stores.
135. Prime Time Evil
While Colin is temporarily away as the acting Fire Chief in Trumpton, brave, Eleanor, steps into the fray to tackle a Jurassic dinosaur… but enough about Paul. They’ll be talking about ITV’s answer to a time traveling Time Lord, Primeval (2007-2011) Along the way, Paul talks about his chance encounter with an Ex S-Club member, Eleanor hates a cliffhanger, and they both discover the best way to examine a prehistoric creature.
134. The Plot Thinens
There’ll be arguments, slamming doors, insults and shouting, but this time it’s not us. It’s the TV show, Moonlighting, that redefined the detective genre in the mid-eighties. Along the way we reveal that Paul dislikes rhyme (and that’s a crime), Colin questions Paul’s invulnerability belief, and we both discuss how we consumed shows without the internet telling us they even existed.
133. The Purple People Beater
It's spandex onesie wearing time again as we take a look at The Phantom (1996). Billy Zane battles against a criminal mastermind who is intent on obtaining the power from three magic skulls. Along the way Colin tries to convince Paul that a certain Batman film is the best outing for the caped crusader, Paul reveals his jukebox musical and we chat about eye mutilation.
132. The Phantom Flan Singer
The Phaaaantom of the opera is here, but not that Phantom because of legal reasons. It's a different creature that stalks Brian De Palma's, Phantom of the Paradise (1974). Join us as we tackle the plight of a disfigured man filled with revenge (but enough about Paul). Along the way Paul admits he'd sell out in a heartbeat, Colin wonders just what he'd sell his soul for, and we both talk about our love of a nifty split screen.
131. Side by Side
In this episode we're taking a look at the Bruce Willis comedy, Hudson Hawk, from 1991. Along the way Paul talks about his love of the Vatican, Colin laments the Tri-Star logo, and we manage to resurrect our "catchphrase". "Oh, the Pope warned me never to trust the CIA!"
130. Northern Terrors!
In this episode Paul is joined by guest host Chelsea Moss as they take a look at Crucible of Terror (1971). Along the way they discuss how northern is northern, 70's man, and question the logistics of smuggling art.
129. Doctor in Need!
In this episode we're being propelled though time and space (but mostly the set of Eastenders) as we point our sonic screwdrivers at Doctor Who: Dimensions in Time (1993). A two-part special that was created to celebrate the show's 30th Anniversary and to raise money for Children in Need. Along the way Colin calls on Paul's extensive Dr Who knowledge, Paul needlessly wonders what time travel does to your hair, and they both reminisce about Saturday nights.
128. Merry Quizmas 2023
Colin & Paul attempt to out Christmas each other with a seasonal themed quiz on movies, TV and music. As Jay tries to retain control as the host who will reign supreme? Will Colin even remember his name, will Paul have spent weeks feverishly researching the answers, and will it all end in one big bun fight? Merry Christmas and a Happy New to our listener(s), our Patreon supporters and all the people who have stepped in to co-host this year when one of us couldn't be bothered (cough - Colin).
127. Bionic Fingers
We're using our bionic eyes, but not our barely bionic brains as we take a look at the popular American TV series, The Six Million Dollar Man. Along the way, Colin marvels at Steve Austin's clothing, Paul worries about aging into Sasquatch, and we choose our own Bionic bits and pieces.
126. Oh, You Beast!
It's time to unleash our animal instincts, but luckily Paul's finally been house trained, so we can take a look at the short-lived, fantasy, crime show, Manimal from 1983. Along the way Colin wonders how police consultants actually work, Paul wonders why he had the annual to a show he didn't see, and we both try to work out the logistics of Manimal's powers, (spoiler, we fail). Enjoy!