Blood and Steel is hands down the best box set of the New Adventures of Bernice Summerfield, while technically told over four different episodes, the fact they all revolve around the same setting and the Cybermen basically makes this a single story. Willkommen opens the set with the Doctor and Benny in 1930s Berlin investigating an anomaly, obviously this is the last place either of them wish to spend time in considering what is on the rise, but something else is exploiting this philosophy and the foreknowledge of events to come in order to build the perfect army. The first half of the story deals more with the grim and ugly setting that was 1930s Berlin and the awful reality of those of less fortunate status which ties in beautifully with how the Cybermen see this as the perfect opportunity to swell their numbers. There's some brutally horrifying moments where the Cybermen process whole groups of people through their conversion machines and how Benny is almost turned into a Cybermen until literally the last second. David Warner gets another highlight moment as the Doctor where he practically terrifies a Cyberman into letting him rescue Benny. Something that does take me out of it through no fault of anyone and not the story itself, this was the first posthumous release following David Warner's death and you'll notice very quickly that his voice has drastically changed since the previous box set, there's even a few moments where I wouldn't even know it was David Warner's voice if I heard them in isolation. I remember hearing the trailer for Once and Future's Time Lord Immemorial and I'd have sworn it was a completely different actor. It's by no means a knock on the story but hearing that gravelly voice and knowing this was so close to the end for him just makes this already difficult story even harder to listen to. But in honour of the man, this like the rest of the episodes in this set is well worth the listen, it's a fantastic opener.

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

“Willkommen: Cybermen, Conformity, and a Dark Historical Setting”

Willkommen, the opening story of The New Adventures of Bernice Summerfield: Volume 7, sets the tone for a grim yet fascinating exploration of history, conformity, and terror. Placing Benny and the Unbound Doctor in Nazi Germany during the 1930s, it cleverly weaves a tale of intrigue, danger, and moral conflict against the backdrop of a rising authoritarian regime.

A Masterclass in Setting and Atmosphere

The story excels in its depiction of Berlin in the 1930s, capturing the eerie juxtaposition of a city on the brink of monumental change. From the swastikas appearing everywhere to the hedonistic partying of Berlin’s citizens unaware of the looming horrors, the setting is meticulously crafted. This is a dark and uneasy historical moment that feels palpably real, drawing the listener into the grim inevitability of the era.

The Mondasian Cybermen are an inspired choice for this setting. Their unnerving promise to "help" the starving and desperate population aligns disturbingly well with the Nazi ideal of conformity and perfection. The slow build-up to their reveal is masterful, with ominous music and unsettling hints about the Conformity Institute adding to the tension.

Benny and the Unbound Doctor: A Strong Dynamic

Lisa Bowerman’s Benny and David Warner’s Unbound Doctor shine in this story, each taking on complementary roles. Benny’s alliance with the brave and curious Wulf brings emotional stakes to the narrative, especially as they uncover the horrifying truth about the Cybermen. Meanwhile, the Doctor’s verbal sparring with the Director of the Conformity Institute and his interrogation of the Cyber-Planner provide sharp commentary on the Nazi ideology. Warner’s fiery disdain for such ideals is a highlight, giving the character real moral weight.

A Promising Idea with Some Missed Opportunities

While the setting and atmosphere are richly developed, the Cybermen’s plan—a standard conversion scheme—feels underwhelming. Despite their thematic alignment with the story’s focus on conformity, the Cybermen’s actions lack the menace and originality to fully capitalise on the potential of this premise. The Cyber-Planner, voiced distractingly like Nicholas Briggs, is also dispatched before it can become a truly significant threat.

The Conformity Institute, central to the narrative’s concept, is underutilised. Its potential as a chilling exploration of Nazi conformity and Cyberman assimilation is hinted at but never fully realised, leaving an unsatisfying gap in the story’s otherwise compelling structure.

Moments of Horror and Triumph

The conversion chamber sequence is a standout moment. The description of Benny and Wulf’s slow transformation into Cybermen is horrifying and evocative, drawing unsettling parallels to real historical atrocities. The Doctor’s last-minute rescue of Benny, partially converted, adds a tragic weight to her character and promises an intriguing dynamic moving forward.

The climactic sleigh entrance by the Doctor is a gleefully unexpected moment of triumph, balancing the dark tone with a touch of audacious fun. It leads to a bittersweet conclusion as the Doctor faces the fallout of his near failure to save Benny.

Verdict: 86/100

Willkommen is a strong introduction to an anthology that dares to tackle heavy themes within a historical framework. Its vivid setting, well-drawn characters, and thematic ambition outweigh its occasional narrative shortcomings. While the Cyberman threat doesn’t fully deliver, the story’s exploration of conformity, moral resistance, and personal sacrifice makes it a compelling listen.

very strong start to this interconnected set, really hoped we had more of these in this range but oh well! very dark and gruesome in parts. really intrigued as to where this goes next!