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“Auf Wiedersehen: The Last Waltz of the Warner Doctor”

Auf Wiedersehen, the final chapter in Blood and Steel, delivers a fittingly sombre conclusion to the saga. Bernice Summerfield is thrust into the spotlight, navigating a Nazi Germany overrun by Cybermen while the Doctor lies in captivity. The story’s atmosphere is nothing short of chilling, with a sense of dread permeating every scene.

This is a tale of survival, resistance, and sacrifice, with Benny at its heart. Her journey through the desolate, treacherous landscapes of Cyber-occupied Germany highlights her resilience and resourcefulness. Meanwhile, the Doctor faces a far more insidious challenge, as the Nazis attempt to coerce him into becoming a Cyber-Planner to weaponise the Cybermen for their own ends.

Benny in Action

Benny’s role is front and centre here, and it’s a testament to her character that she carries the bulk of the narrative so effectively. Her race against time to locate the Doctor is fraught with peril, but it also underscores her determination and unwavering loyalty. As she navigates the dangers of a Cyberman-controlled Germany, we’re reminded of her intelligence and grit—qualities that make her such a compelling protagonist.

The story’s pacing allows for moments of reflection amidst the tension, and these quieter scenes are just as impactful as the action. Benny’s confrontation with her own fears, coupled with her unwavering resolve to save the Doctor, creates an emotional core that resonates deeply.

A Doctor in Chains

David Warner’s portrayal of the Unbound Doctor is as masterful as ever, though his role here is more subdued. Trapped and at the mercy of the Nazi Cybermen, the Doctor finds himself playing a dangerous game of patience and strategy. His decision to "do nothing" initially appears passive, but it’s revealed as part of a larger, carefully calculated plan.

This plan hinges on Benny’s intervention, and the tension comes from the uncertainty of whether she can succeed. The Doctor’s quiet determination contrasts beautifully with the Cybermen’s growing desperation, and Warner’s understated performance elevates the material.

The Cabaret Returns

In a brilliant callback to Willkommen, the story’s climax takes us back to the cabaret club, where the Compère remains as unnervingly charismatic as ever. Andrew Pepper’s performance here is chilling, as he extols the virtues of a new era dominated by Cybermen. His words are laced with both menace and awe, making him a standout presence in the final act.

The juxtaposition of the cabaret’s glitzy façade with the grim reality of Cyberman domination is a powerful visual metaphor, and it serves as the perfect backdrop for the story’s resolution.

A Bittersweet Farewell

The title Auf Wiedersehen carries a poignant double meaning, serving as both a farewell to the story and to David Warner’s tenure as the Unbound Doctor. The final moments are steeped in emotion, as the Doctor and Benny share a quiet, reflective scene that brings their journey full circle.

This is not a grand, triumphant ending but a quiet, bittersweet one—fitting for a story that has always been more about character and atmosphere than spectacle.

The Verdict: A Haunting Finale

Auf Wiedersehen is a deeply affecting conclusion to Blood and Steel. It balances tension and introspection, offering a story that is as much about the characters’ internal struggles as it is about their external challenges.

Benny shines as the protagonist, proving once again why she is one of Doctor Who’s most enduring and beloved characters. David Warner delivers a performance that is understated yet powerful, making his final outing as the Unbound Doctor all the more poignant.

📝91/100

With its haunting atmosphere, strong performances, and emotional depth, Auf Wiedersehen stands as a fitting farewell to this chapter of The New Adventures of Bernice Summerfield—and to jer travels with David Warner’s unforgettable Doctor.