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“GENESIS OF THE CYBERMEN; A DARKLY TRAGIC ORIGIN STORY”

Genesis of the Cybermen kicks off Big Finish’s ninth series of Lost Stories in spectacular fashion, adapting Gerry Davis’s original vision for the Cybermen’s origins. While the concept was eventually vetoed in favour of Earthshock, its influence can be seen in Spare Parts and World Enough and Time. Now, finally realised as an audio drama, this story offers a bleak, Shakespearean tragedy that makes the Cybermen more horrifyingly human than ever before.

A WORLD ON THE BRINK

David K. Barnes’ adaptation takes an unusual approach, initially setting the story in a kingdom where medieval aesthetics are juxtaposed with advanced technology. A dying king clings to life through artificial means, while his two sons—one devoted to art, the other to science—vie for control. It’s an intriguing setup that echoes The Androids of Tara but soon takes a far darker turn.

Hints of the planet’s inevitable downfall are woven in from the start. The people are suffering from declining lifespans, and their world is slowly spiralling into its sun. The reveal that this is Mondas—home of the Cybermen—shifts the story into high gear, and from that moment, the horror steadily escalates.

When the Doctor, his companions, and Prince Sylvan are transported to Mondas’ future, they witness a crumbling society on the edge of desperation. The new ruler, Dega, has embraced cybernetic augmentation, and the population is being driven towards a horrifying “solution.” The creeping inevitability of the Cybermen’s creation makes for a tense and foreboding atmosphere.

A FUTURE THAT CANNOT BE CHANGED

The story cleverly plays with the knowledge that the Doctor and his companions are powerless to stop history from unfolding. This is particularly heartbreaking for Nyssa, who desperately tries to change Mondas’ fate but only succeeds in accelerating its downfall. Her belief that technology can be used for good is brutally twisted, as her well-intentioned actions inadvertently inspire the very thing she hoped to prevent. Her realisation—that she, not the Doctor, may be responsible for the Cybermen’s creation—is a devastating moment.

Adric’s arc follows a similar trajectory, as he is forced to use his mathematical skills to help the Cybermen escape Mondas, sacrificing his ideals to protect his friends. Tegan, though slightly sidelined, adds emotional weight to the courtly intrigue, while the Fifth Doctor remains an unwavering presence, watching helplessly as events unfold.

A CYBERMEN ORIGIN LIKE NO OTHER

Unlike the emotionless Cybermen of later eras, these early versions still retain some semblance of humanity, making them all the more unsettling. The script vividly conveys the trauma of conversion—both physical and psychological—adding a tragic weight to their existence. The moment Dega willingly transforms himself into the first Cyber Controller, stripping away his emotions, is one of the most chilling moments in Big Finish history.

There’s an almost operatic grandeur to the conflict between Sylvan and Dega, two brothers torn apart by their ideologies. Their fractured relationship is the heart of the story, with Sylvan fighting to save what little remains of his people while Dega embraces cold logic and power. Meanwhile, Queen Meta’s arc—from seeming madness to tragic heroism—adds another layer of depth.

TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE AND ATMOSPHERIC POWER

Big Finish delivers a masterclass in sound design here. The synthesised 80s-style music sets a distinct tone, different from their usual offerings, and the eerie soundscape of Mondas enhances the story’s oppressive atmosphere. The decision to have the Cybermen speak in their 80s voices rather than The Tenth Planet style is a curious choice but doesn’t detract from their presence.

The Part 2 cliffhanger, in which the Doctor is prepared for conversion to force Sylvan’s hand, is a standout moment—one of the most harrowing in Big Finish’s catalogue.

📝VERDICT: 9/10

Genesis of the Cybermen is a dark, tragic masterpiece that stands alongside Spare Parts as one of the most compelling Cybermen origin stories. With its Shakespearean family conflict, gripping emotional stakes, and a suffocating sense of inevitability, it’s an unforgettable tale that leaves a lasting impact.

A hauntingly brilliant exploration of the Cybermen’s birth, this lost story would have been an instant classic had it made it to screen.