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Doctor Who Target Books (Numerical Order) #173
Doctor Who: Kerblam! (Target Collection)
Ding Dong!
The TARDIS is invaded. A plea for help delivered by robot summons the Doctor and her friends Yaz, Graham and Ryan to Kerblam - the biggest retailer in the galaxy. Posing as new recruits among the thousands of human workers, the TARDIS crew uncover a deadly plot that threatens the life of every person in the warehouse - and beyond.
Who has sent for the Doctor? What is the dark secret at the heart of Kerblam's operations? And who will escape the merciless Postmen...?
The TARDIS is invaded. A plea for help delivered by robot summons the Doctor and her friends Yaz, Graham and Ryan to Kerblam - the biggest retailer in the galaxy. Posing as new recruits among the thousands of human workers, the TARDIS crew uncover a deadly plot that threatens the life of every person in the warehouse - and beyond.
Who has sent for the Doctor? What is the dark secret at the heart of Kerblam's operations? And who will escape the merciless Postmen...?
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 13, 2023
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116 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 10, 2023
A politically minded set of Targets concludes with a story which perhaps, like it’s antagonist, muddled its message in the delivery. McTighe takes the opportunity to clear up the politics of the story: the fanatical activist is counterpointed by Judy’s method of working against a deeply flawed institution, and it’s clear that we were supposed to take the idea that it’s better to work from within than to threaten lives (which surely isn’t *that* controversial a point). There’s also a pleasing depth to the regulars, particularly Yaz, that didn’t always come across onscreen. There’s also a quick nod to the Thasmin reading of this era, exactly the kind of post facto detail that these modern Targets should integrate.
Other than that: stay for the end credits for another gag that continues the pleasing willingness to play with form.
Other than that: stay for the end credits for another gag that continues the pleasing willingness to play with form.
July 14, 2023
Amazon take the micky, all the missing items and in jokes this different from the series but that is what you want.
July 19, 2023
Out of the most recent batch of New Series novelizations, "Kerblam!" was the one I was most interested in. Would it be just as tone-deaf in its weird messaging or would McTighe actually attempt to fix the story's baffling "It's not the system that is the problem, YOU are the problem!"-ending? As it turned out, yes, he did. In the TV version Judy's imagination only went as far as improving Kerblam by 10% (or whatever the number was), whereas in the book Well, at least the conclusion is roughly 10% less irritating now, I suppose.
Also, it's always kinda cute in a way how to see how the novels about/from the Chibnall era are dealing with the underwritten main characters. For instance, McTighe is trying his hardest to attribute Yaz' several actions to her "police sense" and her training and whatnot, when they're all in fact things that anyone in that very moment would do because they're common sense.
Overall, "Kerblam! - The Book" just about works. However, even here you can see through its cracks how thoughtlessly the era was put together and how it always had these weird mixed messages on its heels, making you wonder what exactly they were even supposed to convey.
Also, it's always kinda cute in a way how to see how the novels about/from the Chibnall era are dealing with the underwritten main characters. For instance, McTighe is trying his hardest to attribute Yaz' several actions to her "police sense" and her training and whatnot, when they're all in fact things that anyone in that very moment would do because they're common sense.
Overall, "Kerblam! - The Book" just about works. However, even here you can see through its cracks how thoughtlessly the era was put together and how it always had these weird mixed messages on its heels, making you wonder what exactly they were even supposed to convey.
July 23, 2023
Peter McTighe adapts his 13th Doctor story in classic Target style: keeping the integrity of the TV episode, with nips and tucks and condensed scenes, mixed in with new material that adds extra explanatory layers, especially to the Kerblam AI operating system. The surprise inclusion of a guest star is very take-it-or-leave-it, but the overall novelization is a solid piece of work.
March 20, 2024
pretty solid novelisation. again lots of good side character backstory and they actually like....... i don't want to say 'fix' the ending but its a lot more clear they Actually Fix The Problem. also I love thirteen forever and ever I don't care what anyone says about her being badly written that's why there are books to make her more well written
July 13, 2023
When a message saying is found in a Kerblam parcel for the Doctor, she diverts the TARDIS to the company's headquarters to investigate.
McTighe's adaptation of his own script keeps fairly close to the original. This short novel would be ideal to encourage reluctant young readers.
McTighe's adaptation of his own script keeps fairly close to the original. This short novel would be ideal to encourage reluctant young readers.
January 31, 2025
A good novelization of a decent episode. I liked the throwback to the Eleventh Doctor with the fez, and loved the bonus bits with the Seventh Doctor and Ace.
July 19, 2025
My favourite kind of Target novel! The author took the original script and made it their own.
February 16, 2024
Season 11 of Doctor Who was Jodie Whittaker’s first foray into the world of the Time Lord who travels time and space. While general consensus argues the season had little memorability due to the lack of a clear long-term narrative, I find myself a consistent defender of the season. Reflecting on its strengths, the main reason I enjoyed Season 11 of Doctor Who was its open approach to telling different stories in each episode. The lack of a consistent plot thread to tie the season together isn’t nearly as big a flaw when you consider a lot of classics Who seasons stood tall with the need for one either. It’s the memorability of the episodes which I’d probably be more inclined to agree with when it comes to the criticisms. Out of the 10 episodes, I can only list a few stories which really stick out to me even now. One of the key episodes I tout praises of when Season 11 comes up in discussion is Pete McTighe’s bright-eyed dystopian story; Keblam! It’s fitting then, that out of the few of Jodie’s episodes to get its own Target novelization treatment, that it was Keblam! which got the deserving pick.
The plot of Keblam! follows the Doctor and her companions Yazmin Khan, Ryan Sinclair and Graham O’Brian as they receive a surprise delivery on the TARDIS from a robotic postman working for the intergalactic distribution company Keblam. Within the package, The Doctor and crew find a mysterious note with the message “Help Me” cryptically written on it. Never one to turn down a plea for help, The Doctor takes the TARDIS crew to the orbiting moon off the planet of Kandoka, where the Keblam central distribution facility works to issue packages all across the universe. The Doctor and crew figure out the best way to solve the mystery behind the mysterious plea for help is to go undercover in the facility and pose as workers to navigate the numerous departments. As the crew get to work infiltrating the many levels of the facility, it becomes all too clear that things are not what they seem at Keblam. Sporadic power outages, workers going missing and Postal TeamMate units stalking the facility, all paint a larger picture towards a darker conspiracy taking place at the heart of the business.
The narrative structure of this book serves as a fundamental re-telling of the original episode with all of its clever writing and appeal that made it so well-remembered. McTighe’s ability to construct a story which is equal parts light and equal parts thrilling is a testament to his ability as a writer. I love the whole idea of a conspiracy story which is embedded with multiple layers and doesn’t play to any typical conventions or formula. The biggest strength in this story though comes in the form of its characters. The Doctor and crew are all given great opportunities in this narrative to showcase their characteristics and talents from an individual basis and as a team. The way they work along with the supporting cast too helps keep the episodes narrative intriguing to follow along with. The only gripe I take with the narrative is it’s messaging. The idea that a system is neutral to the systemic oppression and stripping back of worker’s rights is a very delicate line to tow and it’s all too easy to have that message taken the wrong way. I get the intent behind McTighe’s idea of showing that it’s the people who misuse these systems who are behind the deterioration of the welfare in society, but it’s not showcased in a clear enough way in the story for me to really agree that message was properly projected. I think there’s a clear attempt here to add a bit more definition behind the weight of the message with some of the additional perspectives, but it’s still a bit out of scope to be reciprocated properly.
What helps the story leave a memorable impression is its tone. I feel Pete McTighe’s got a good ability to add levity and humor on top of the grounded story in a way that doesn’t detract from the seriousness of it. McTighe feels like a perfect fit to write for the energetic and bright whims of the 13th Doctor, he manages to capture her ability to be both positive in the face of all adversity while also keeping the reader informed on all key exposition that the story needs. Her and all the other supporting cast feel wonderfully realized in the depth of the story. I take special note of his devotion to flesh out Judy Maddox as a key anchor to the story attempt to tackle the message from an external perspective.
On the whole Keblam! is a good story both on the screen and on paper. I think the opportunity to novelize the story allowed McTighe to give the story a lot more breathing room with regards to it’s messaging. The writing is tight and well-constructed and does a great job in delivering the key themes and concepts that feel quintessential to a good Doctor Who story. I think it’s message still serves as a it’s key fundamental weakness, while I appreciate McTighe’s effort to expand on it a bit more in the book; it doesn’t feel like a flaw that can be scrubbed out without a comprehensive re-write. Despite that however, I still feel Keblam! is a key standout of the stories from Season 11 and one of the best stories of Jodie’s era of the show.
The plot of Keblam! follows the Doctor and her companions Yazmin Khan, Ryan Sinclair and Graham O’Brian as they receive a surprise delivery on the TARDIS from a robotic postman working for the intergalactic distribution company Keblam. Within the package, The Doctor and crew find a mysterious note with the message “Help Me” cryptically written on it. Never one to turn down a plea for help, The Doctor takes the TARDIS crew to the orbiting moon off the planet of Kandoka, where the Keblam central distribution facility works to issue packages all across the universe. The Doctor and crew figure out the best way to solve the mystery behind the mysterious plea for help is to go undercover in the facility and pose as workers to navigate the numerous departments. As the crew get to work infiltrating the many levels of the facility, it becomes all too clear that things are not what they seem at Keblam. Sporadic power outages, workers going missing and Postal TeamMate units stalking the facility, all paint a larger picture towards a darker conspiracy taking place at the heart of the business.
The narrative structure of this book serves as a fundamental re-telling of the original episode with all of its clever writing and appeal that made it so well-remembered. McTighe’s ability to construct a story which is equal parts light and equal parts thrilling is a testament to his ability as a writer. I love the whole idea of a conspiracy story which is embedded with multiple layers and doesn’t play to any typical conventions or formula. The biggest strength in this story though comes in the form of its characters. The Doctor and crew are all given great opportunities in this narrative to showcase their characteristics and talents from an individual basis and as a team. The way they work along with the supporting cast too helps keep the episodes narrative intriguing to follow along with. The only gripe I take with the narrative is it’s messaging. The idea that a system is neutral to the systemic oppression and stripping back of worker’s rights is a very delicate line to tow and it’s all too easy to have that message taken the wrong way. I get the intent behind McTighe’s idea of showing that it’s the people who misuse these systems who are behind the deterioration of the welfare in society, but it’s not showcased in a clear enough way in the story for me to really agree that message was properly projected. I think there’s a clear attempt here to add a bit more definition behind the weight of the message with some of the additional perspectives, but it’s still a bit out of scope to be reciprocated properly.
What helps the story leave a memorable impression is its tone. I feel Pete McTighe’s got a good ability to add levity and humor on top of the grounded story in a way that doesn’t detract from the seriousness of it. McTighe feels like a perfect fit to write for the energetic and bright whims of the 13th Doctor, he manages to capture her ability to be both positive in the face of all adversity while also keeping the reader informed on all key exposition that the story needs. Her and all the other supporting cast feel wonderfully realized in the depth of the story. I take special note of his devotion to flesh out Judy Maddox as a key anchor to the story attempt to tackle the message from an external perspective.
On the whole Keblam! is a good story both on the screen and on paper. I think the opportunity to novelize the story allowed McTighe to give the story a lot more breathing room with regards to it’s messaging. The writing is tight and well-constructed and does a great job in delivering the key themes and concepts that feel quintessential to a good Doctor Who story. I think it’s message still serves as a it’s key fundamental weakness, while I appreciate McTighe’s effort to expand on it a bit more in the book; it doesn’t feel like a flaw that can be scrubbed out without a comprehensive re-write. Despite that however, I still feel Keblam! is a key standout of the stories from Season 11 and one of the best stories of Jodie’s era of the show.
February 4, 2025
Kerblam! is a strange one. In many ways the episode feels the least like the rest of the series its in, and closer to the earlier years of Doctor Who's revival (and that's fitting, considering Pete McTighe's upcoming involvement in the series now Russell T Davies is at the helm again). But it's got a bit of a reputation, as a TV episode, for having pretty muddled politics at the end. And they're definitely muddled, but you can't help but feel that they weren't *meant* to be as muddled as they are.
The book is very conscious of the muddling. It redistributes a couple of lines, shifts focus, and obviously has a lot of opportunity to give more depth to its characters. The computer system is humanised more, if quickly - we're meant to sympathise more with it, see it less as Space-Amazon and more as a system being taken advantage of - and the antagonist is demonised a lot more - characters become suspicious of them earlier, and their negative actions are compared to positive actions. These positive actions taken against computers and robots and people losing their jobs are demonstrated in a couple of really nicely done chapters about protests. There's a really simple, emotional, human element to those moments, captured really nicely by making Head of People Judy the main character of this. Her conversation with the Doctor at the end is much more nuanced, slow, understanding, and it really makes a difference. The message, this time, is mostly clear, aside from one or two moments where I think some lines maybe should've just been scrapped.
What is most odd about this is that it's quite... short? It feels like there was more opportunity to dive in and branch out with these characters, and the world. Dan (Lee Mack's character in the episode) is in it even less, even though we're meant to connect to him, and it's almost as if now he doesn't have a cameo, the book is less interested in him? It feels like there's more to do with this world, and the extra stuff is so lovely it's a shame there isn't more of it. It feels like maybe time was a factor, so we get Kerblam! on TV, but with some things gone, some things expanded, and things a little more paced and clear. But it's not really the novel I expected McTighe to write, strangely, for such a massive Who and Target novel fan.
There's an interesting cameo from another Doctor and companion, though, which *is* very on-brand, and because of the Doctor that's chosen, feels like another step forward to trying to clear up what this story is saying. I just wish there was a little more to this - although, going through this as a novelisation does make some of the darker moments - like, surprisingly dark moments - really hit home. It's quite an optimistic story, I guess, but there's an edge to it that is really not optimistic at all, and I wonder if diving deeper into that would've been a mistake, or something it needed?
The book is very conscious of the muddling. It redistributes a couple of lines, shifts focus, and obviously has a lot of opportunity to give more depth to its characters. The computer system is humanised more, if quickly - we're meant to sympathise more with it, see it less as Space-Amazon and more as a system being taken advantage of - and the antagonist is demonised a lot more - characters become suspicious of them earlier, and their negative actions are compared to positive actions. These positive actions taken against computers and robots and people losing their jobs are demonstrated in a couple of really nicely done chapters about protests. There's a really simple, emotional, human element to those moments, captured really nicely by making Head of People Judy the main character of this. Her conversation with the Doctor at the end is much more nuanced, slow, understanding, and it really makes a difference. The message, this time, is mostly clear, aside from one or two moments where I think some lines maybe should've just been scrapped.
What is most odd about this is that it's quite... short? It feels like there was more opportunity to dive in and branch out with these characters, and the world. Dan (Lee Mack's character in the episode) is in it even less, even though we're meant to connect to him, and it's almost as if now he doesn't have a cameo, the book is less interested in him? It feels like there's more to do with this world, and the extra stuff is so lovely it's a shame there isn't more of it. It feels like maybe time was a factor, so we get Kerblam! on TV, but with some things gone, some things expanded, and things a little more paced and clear. But it's not really the novel I expected McTighe to write, strangely, for such a massive Who and Target novel fan.
There's an interesting cameo from another Doctor and companion, though, which *is* very on-brand, and because of the Doctor that's chosen, feels like another step forward to trying to clear up what this story is saying. I just wish there was a little more to this - although, going through this as a novelisation does make some of the darker moments - like, surprisingly dark moments - really hit home. It's quite an optimistic story, I guess, but there's an edge to it that is really not optimistic at all, and I wonder if diving deeper into that would've been a mistake, or something it needed?
July 19, 2023
The original TV version of “Kerblam” is one of those Doctor Who stories that mostly works, but always feels like it’s missing one key ingredient to make it wholly come together. And Pete McTighe’s novelization of his original script manages to bring the story much closer to fully coalescing - but it still feels like it misses the goal just a bit.
In Kerblam, a mysterious message hidden in a Kerblam delivery box draws the Doctor and her friends to one of Kandoka’s moons - the home of Kerblam’s warehouse. There, the group uncovers a conspiracy involving missing workers, malfunctioning robots, and deadly deliveries. But who’s behind it, and why?
On the surface, Kerblam is quite enjoyable. It’s a very classic Doctor Who romp, crammed with investigations, action sequences, at plenty of fun quips. The story, itself, is quite interesting too. But where the TV version fell apart was in its messaging. “Kerblam” felt like it wanted to be a critique of the practices of companies like Amazon. But instead, it ended up siding alongside the faceless company taking advantage of its workers. A stance that always felt quite weird.
McTighe’s novelization doesn’t entirely fix this problem, but it delivers a much more nuanced take. Here, all of the key characters get backstories that fully flesh out who they are, why they’re doing, and how the history of Kandoka’s gradual robot uprising led to this specific moment. The novel comes much closer towards raging against the system, too. Here, it feels less like McTighe is giving “space Amazon” a pass for its problematic behavior, and more that he’s condemning both the system and the proposed solution. And while that’s not a perfect fix for the episode, it works well enough. At least Judy and Charlie feel like properly-fleshed out characters this time around. And that makes a world of difference.
On the whole, Pete McTighe’s “Kerblam” novelization is an enjoyable read. Sure, many of the episode’s problems can still be found here. But honestly, there’s only so much you can do without wholly rewriting the plot. But as far as Target novelizations go, this one’s a great one. It’s paved excellently. The added backstories enrich the original story, adding a much-needed layer of complexity that genuinely makes for a much better story. And, best of all, it’s just a whole lot of fun. If you really disliked the original episode when it aired, the novelization’s probably not gonna change your mind. But for everyone else, it’s a very lovely expansion on an enjoyable Doctor Who romp.
In Kerblam, a mysterious message hidden in a Kerblam delivery box draws the Doctor and her friends to one of Kandoka’s moons - the home of Kerblam’s warehouse. There, the group uncovers a conspiracy involving missing workers, malfunctioning robots, and deadly deliveries. But who’s behind it, and why?
On the surface, Kerblam is quite enjoyable. It’s a very classic Doctor Who romp, crammed with investigations, action sequences, at plenty of fun quips. The story, itself, is quite interesting too. But where the TV version fell apart was in its messaging. “Kerblam” felt like it wanted to be a critique of the practices of companies like Amazon. But instead, it ended up siding alongside the faceless company taking advantage of its workers. A stance that always felt quite weird.
McTighe’s novelization doesn’t entirely fix this problem, but it delivers a much more nuanced take. Here, all of the key characters get backstories that fully flesh out who they are, why they’re doing, and how the history of Kandoka’s gradual robot uprising led to this specific moment. The novel comes much closer towards raging against the system, too. Here, it feels less like McTighe is giving “space Amazon” a pass for its problematic behavior, and more that he’s condemning both the system and the proposed solution. And while that’s not a perfect fix for the episode, it works well enough. At least Judy and Charlie feel like properly-fleshed out characters this time around. And that makes a world of difference.
On the whole, Pete McTighe’s “Kerblam” novelization is an enjoyable read. Sure, many of the episode’s problems can still be found here. But honestly, there’s only so much you can do without wholly rewriting the plot. But as far as Target novelizations go, this one’s a great one. It’s paved excellently. The added backstories enrich the original story, adding a much-needed layer of complexity that genuinely makes for a much better story. And, best of all, it’s just a whole lot of fun. If you really disliked the original episode when it aired, the novelization’s probably not gonna change your mind. But for everyone else, it’s a very lovely expansion on an enjoyable Doctor Who romp.
November 25, 2023
The novelisation of McTighe's own script for an episode of Series 11 featuring the Thirteenth Doctor (Jodie Whittaker) and her companions Graham, Ryan and Yaz.
The Doctor receives a parcel from the intergalactic delivery company Kerblam which contains the plea 'Help me' and immediately diverts the TARDIS to the Kerblam headquarters. There she and her friends discover a vast warehouse operation where 10% of the work force is human but the other 90% are robots. When it becomes clear that human workers are disappearing, the Doctor, Graham, Ryan and Yaz go undercover to unravel the mystery.
I've always liked the design of the friendly/creepy robots in the televised version of this story, in fact they're probably the best designed alien/monster of the Chibnall/Whittaker era. Unfortunately, it also had some very problematic messaging, intentionally or otherwise.
*SPOILERS to follow, so be warned*
In it, we discover that the villain of the piece is a human worker trying to take a stand in support of human workers and the true hero turns out to be Amazon... sorry, 'Kerblam'... itself. Given Amazon... sorry, 'Kerblam's... record of exploitative practices in regard to workers, it felt a really weird thing for Doctor Who to be in favour of.
I was therefore interested to see whether the novelisation addressed this weird messaging.
And the truth is, it does. We get to see a bit more of the labour disputes on Kandoka and the reason Charlie's moral compass ends up so skewed. But despite all that, the core plot element of the faceless product-dispatching corporation is the hero all along remains intact. It's better, but it's not fixed. And I've always had a problem with the system choosing to murder an innocent worker as an example of the heartache Charlie might cause being something the Doctor tacitly approves of. That was in the episode and it's in the novelisation and it remains a weird twisting of Doctor Who's usual morality.
The book itself is perfectly fine overall but without much flair or genuinely engaging characters, but that skewed moral compass pervades it and largely spoils it.
Nice to see a surprising cameo by one of the classic era Doctors, though.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.page *
The Doctor receives a parcel from the intergalactic delivery company Kerblam which contains the plea 'Help me' and immediately diverts the TARDIS to the Kerblam headquarters. There she and her friends discover a vast warehouse operation where 10% of the work force is human but the other 90% are robots. When it becomes clear that human workers are disappearing, the Doctor, Graham, Ryan and Yaz go undercover to unravel the mystery.
I've always liked the design of the friendly/creepy robots in the televised version of this story, in fact they're probably the best designed alien/monster of the Chibnall/Whittaker era. Unfortunately, it also had some very problematic messaging, intentionally or otherwise.
*SPOILERS to follow, so be warned*
In it, we discover that the villain of the piece is a human worker trying to take a stand in support of human workers and the true hero turns out to be Amazon... sorry, 'Kerblam'... itself. Given Amazon... sorry, 'Kerblam's... record of exploitative practices in regard to workers, it felt a really weird thing for Doctor Who to be in favour of.
I was therefore interested to see whether the novelisation addressed this weird messaging.
And the truth is, it does. We get to see a bit more of the labour disputes on Kandoka and the reason Charlie's moral compass ends up so skewed. But despite all that, the core plot element of the faceless product-dispatching corporation is the hero all along remains intact. It's better, but it's not fixed. And I've always had a problem with the system choosing to murder an innocent worker as an example of the heartache Charlie might cause being something the Doctor tacitly approves of. That was in the episode and it's in the novelisation and it remains a weird twisting of Doctor Who's usual morality.
The book itself is perfectly fine overall but without much flair or genuinely engaging characters, but that skewed moral compass pervades it and largely spoils it.
Nice to see a surprising cameo by one of the classic era Doctors, though.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.page *
June 8, 2024
Pete McTighe, in these pages, does the best job of recapturing the feel of a classic Target novelisation that I’ve ever seen out of the new range. It could have been Terrence Dicks novelising a story he cared about, which is a delight.
It’s been a while since I’ve seen the episode in question, but the book did a great job of evoking the best of the era and punching up the guest characters by giving them additional back story and motivation - exactly what you want from this range.
The first two thirds of Kerblam! are very strong but it does start tripping itself up somewhat when the sympathetic antagonist (made even more sympathetic in the novelisation) starts his terrorist / freedom fighter activity against the giant Amazon-esque corporation. The book goes to some lengths to reaffirm that Kerblam! (Amazon) should have better working practices as it wrap ups and it makes all the right political points but it isn’t as elegant as the rest of the story. Perhaps while the antagonist was actually carrying out his scheme would have been the time to look at both sides of the argument in more detail, rather than in the closing pages.
It’s a lovely quick read though. One of the essential target books which earns its place independently of the programme itself.
It’s been a while since I’ve seen the episode in question, but the book did a great job of evoking the best of the era and punching up the guest characters by giving them additional back story and motivation - exactly what you want from this range.
The first two thirds of Kerblam! are very strong but it does start tripping itself up somewhat when the sympathetic antagonist (made even more sympathetic in the novelisation) starts his terrorist / freedom fighter activity against the giant Amazon-esque corporation. The book goes to some lengths to reaffirm that Kerblam! (Amazon) should have better working practices as it wrap ups and it makes all the right political points but it isn’t as elegant as the rest of the story. Perhaps while the antagonist was actually carrying out his scheme would have been the time to look at both sides of the argument in more detail, rather than in the closing pages.
It’s a lovely quick read though. One of the essential target books which earns its place independently of the programme itself.
July 1, 2024
Pete McTighe's novelization of his Doctor Who episode Kerblam is much stronger than the TV version. It dives in deeper into Judy's backstory and her motivations; we learn about how robots made her Dad redundant, and how she saw her Dad be arrested in the riots led by humans against their robot replacements.
There's also a lovely cameo from the Seventh Doctor and Ace, who inspire young Judy to take over Kerblam, and prioritise the people over the machines. It ends with Judy hiring considerably more human workers, and having the robots packing the boxes whilst the humans supervise, which I think fixes some people's issues with Kerblam. It places the focus more squarely on people power triumphing over automated machines.
There's also a lovely cameo from the Seventh Doctor and Ace, who inspire young Judy to take over Kerblam, and prioritise the people over the machines. It ends with Judy hiring considerably more human workers, and having the robots packing the boxes whilst the humans supervise, which I think fixes some people's issues with Kerblam. It places the focus more squarely on people power triumphing over automated machines.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2025
This wasn't really a good book. It had its moments, but it lost me a couple of times.
It had so much potential, but it goes with the old "minority goes too far getting revenge for systemic oppression" trope, which is bizarre.
Kerblam! is decades late. It treats AI and automation like the first sci-fi stories about robots making our lives easier, but tries to apply a modern spin, which doesn't work. We know what automation and AI do, and we know the ludites were right to break the machines — it gaves us labour laws that employers still try to find ways to undermine...
It'sprobably a 3, but I had my fun with it. The plot isn't 100% awful, it's just too naïve for what it's trying to do... I originally gave it a 4, but I'm a bit too disappointed.
It had so much potential, but it goes with the old "minority goes too far getting revenge for systemic oppression" trope, which is bizarre.
Kerblam! is decades late. It treats AI and automation like the first sci-fi stories about robots making our lives easier, but tries to apply a modern spin, which doesn't work. We know what automation and AI do, and we know the ludites were right to break the machines — it gaves us labour laws that employers still try to find ways to undermine...
It's
May 19, 2024
This was one of my favourite episodes from Jodie’s era and I really enjoyed it translated from TV to book form.
The audiobook (which is fab) is greatly narrated by Julie Hesmondhalgh who plays Judy in the episode. I loved her narration and the accompanying background sound effects added to the listening experience which made it even more enjoyable.
Robot postmen, dangerous deliveries and the Doctor and companions donning their work gear to mix amongst the staff, they take up roles within the work force to see if they can get to the bottom of the mysterious ‘help me’ note. Seriously loved this story.
The audiobook (which is fab) is greatly narrated by Julie Hesmondhalgh who plays Judy in the episode. I loved her narration and the accompanying background sound effects added to the listening experience which made it even more enjoyable.
Robot postmen, dangerous deliveries and the Doctor and companions donning their work gear to mix amongst the staff, they take up roles within the work force to see if they can get to the bottom of the mysterious ‘help me’ note. Seriously loved this story.
November 30, 2024
Starting off by saying I enjoyed this more than I remember enjoying the episode it is adapting though that could be because I had forgotten enough of the story to be surprised by some aspects of the plot.
I feel like reading this as prose can prove how Jodie’s Doctor can work when not bogged down by (possibly) questionable directors as the minds eye can make the characters do whatever feels right for this version of The Doctor (and another incarnation that pops up briefly near the end who feels like what I know of their version).
Is the big weapon still silly? Sure. But it’s Doctor Who, you have to expect some silly things.
I feel like reading this as prose can prove how Jodie’s Doctor can work when not bogged down by (possibly) questionable directors as the minds eye can make the characters do whatever feels right for this version of The Doctor (and another incarnation that pops up briefly near the end who feels like what I know of their version).
Is the big weapon still silly? Sure. But it’s Doctor Who, you have to expect some silly things.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2023
A fun story warning of the results of greedy consumerism, this book takes the 13th Doctor and her friends to the human-unfriendly moon of Kandoka that is occupied by Kerblam! - the biggest shipping corporation in the Galaxy. But something is going very wrong there, as workers are vanishing. The Doctor has had a message begging for help, and that's not something she can refuse.
A fast-paced tale that's an enjoyable read.
A fast-paced tale that's an enjoyable read.
December 16, 2023
Enjoyable adaptation of one of the Thirteenth Doctor's televised adventures. My favorite part of this book is the chapters giving the background for the character Judy Maddox. There are some added background details on her past, including her parents and their struggles to fight against automated labor. There's also an implied appearance by the Seventh Doctor and Ace, I loved spotting that detail.
November 11, 2023
I enjoyed the tv programme but the book was even better with more character detail. There's a fun little cameo for the seventh Doctor, and more about the system that has developed sentience and given itself a name. Lots of great touches in this book. I liked the inversion of the killer machine trope and Max's fate is so sad, but at least Twirly gets to bleep another day (possibly).
October 12, 2025
Amazon isn't treating its workers like shit, it is the activists who want Amazon workers to have rights that are treating the workers like shit. Amazon has a conscience! Fuck that shit forever and ever. The worst offical Doctor Who story ever.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2023
better than the underwhelming TV episode. PM has added some character background, managing to make you care a little for these characters
July 29, 2023
This was fine - a fairly simple telling of an episode with enough material to distance it from the pro-exploitation critics
August 14, 2023
I always liked the TV version of this story. A cautionary tale of automation.
As always Target add extra story elements that add to back story and even all for cameos.
As always Target add extra story elements that add to back story and even all for cameos.
March 29, 2024
Not a bad novelisation as novelisations go, with some nice fleshing out.
July 24, 2024
3.5 really
July 13, 2025
pretty good adaptation
July 20, 2023
Kerblam!
Loved every minute of this book. Way better than the episode, which was also awesome. Pete McTighe is a great written 👍.
Loved every minute of this book. Way better than the episode, which was also awesome. Pete McTighe is a great written 👍.
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