The finale of Blood and Steel ends the set on such a high note, not just for the set but for the iteration of the series in general pairing Benny with the Unbound Doctor. After the year hiatus the series took, Benny would once more go solo in The Eternity Club saga, which I have enjoyed but it just doesn't feel the same anymore without the dynamic of Lisa Bowerman and David Warner. Even though Warner would have further posthumous releases following Blood and Steel, this feels like the definitive ending for him as the Unbound Doctor. The finale wraps things up in a very sombre, heavy hitting episode where the Cybermen have successfully taken control of 1930s Berlin and are holding the Doctor hostage along with most of the population. And they play a very sadistic game to try and coerce the Doctor into joining their ranks (which admittedly is contradicting the cliffhanger ending of the last episode cos I though he was already under their control), and they make him watch as one hostage at a time is taken away for conversion. This is the Cybermen at their most ruthless and it's brilliantly carried by their enslaved puppet the Compere. We come to find out later that the Doctor was in fact playing a long game in order to defeat the Cybermen, but at the cost of so many lives it feels on par with the Seventh Doctor. His ace up his sleeve being Benny who goes through her own harrowing ordeal having to traverse the Cyber occupied Berlin and encountering those of a particular mindset who actually wish to join the Cybermen which goes to highlight the theme of the entire set about how Cybermen and Nazi philosophy horrifyingly align with each other.

Even the ending itself, despite having defeated the Cybermen, the Doctor and Benny remind themselves that doing so has saved 1930s Berlin and it goes without saying what comes next, how so many innocent people died and meanwhile those who will go on to spread a dark shadow over the world still live. It's such a bittersweet ending to cap off the best volume of the New Adventures of Bernice Summerfield and to me is the perfect finale to Benny and the Unbound Doctor's adventures together

Thworping through time and space, one adventure at a time!

“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.

well, i'm officially caught up! what a final story in this range for the warner doctor. utterly heartbreaking, and so very dark. i love a good, dark cyberman story and this definitely was nothing short of that. phenomenal range.