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"Übermensch: Cybermen, Nazis, and the Perils of Discovery"

Übermensch sees Benny and the Unbound Doctor plunged into another perilous adventure in 1930s Germany, this time centred on an archaeological mystery. A peculiar space rock discovered in Sweden leads them to join German archaeologist Professor Lotte Bergmann on a mission to uncover the secrets of an ancient civilisation. What begins as a straightforward exploration quickly unravels into a tense, layered narrative.

From the outset, the story captures the wonder of scientific discovery. The Doctor's enthusiasm for the expedition contrasts sharply with Benny’s growing unease, a lingering effect of the cyber nanites introduced in Willkommen. This subplot gives us one of the story's emotional highlights: a poignant exchange where the Doctor reveals his hope that this adventure might help Benny rediscover her old self.

Traps, Tombs, and Tension

The first half of the story is a classic archaeological escapade, filled with traps, puzzles, and gradual revelations. The Unbound Doctor takes the lead here, deftly navigating ancient mechanisms and deciphering clues. These moments hark back to Tomb of the Cybermen, offering a nostalgic thrill while keeping the narrative fresh.

However, Benny’s unease serves as an undercurrent of tension, culminating in her discovery of the teardrop motif—a chilling revelation that turns the entire story on its head. The ruins are not the remnants of an ancient civilisation but a carefully laid Cyberman trap. This twist is as logical as it is devastating, and it underscores the dangers of preconceived notions in scientific research—a clever commentary that adds thematic depth.

The Shadow of the Reich

The story also delves into the era’s political atmosphere, exploring the dangerous ambitions of Nazi archaeologists. Professor Bergmann is a complex figure, her genuine love of discovery tainted by an obsessive desire for recognition. Her assistant, Herman, embodies a more overt fanaticism, driven by greed and power. Together, they represent the careless hunger for fame and influence that characterised Nazi occultism, and their recklessness brings danger in the story’s second half.

Bergmann’s eventual conversion into a Cyberman is both tragic and horrifying, a stark reminder of the costs of blind ambition. Her transformation escalates the stakes, turning the expedition into a fight for survival as Benny and the Doctor are left trapped in the tomb.

Atmosphere and Escalation

Once the Cyberman twist is revealed, the tone shifts dramatically. The awe and wonder of discovery give way to dread as the tomb’s true purpose becomes clear. The parallels to Tomb of the Cybermen are unmistakable, but this story adds a fresh layer by weaving in the Doctor’s oversight and Benny’s unique perspective.

The Cybermen are depicted with chilling effectiveness, their calculated trap reinforcing their menace. The rising tension, coupled with the moral failings of the Nazi archaeologists, ensures that the story’s climax feels both earned and impactful.

The Verdict: A Clever Blend of Adventure and Horror

Übermensch is a gripping addition to the Benny and Unbound saga, balancing the thrill of archaeological discovery with the terror of a Cyberman resurgence. The slow-burn pacing allows the story to build tension organically, while the well-executed twist injects new energy into the narrative.

📝98/100

Benny’s unease and her ultimate moment of clarity add emotional depth, and the exploration of Nazi-era fanaticism lends Übermensch a grim historical resonance. Though it draws heavily from Tomb of the Cybermen, it stands on its own as a compelling tale of ambition, oversight, and survival.

another really strong story in this set, what a cliffhanger! lots of really good discussions in this episode, really done well too. can't believe there's just one left!!