Wulf is the heart of Blood and Steel, it's not so big on plot and action but more centres on the after effects from the opener and dealing with the consequences. The titular character Wulf was not so lucky as Benny was and ended up being partially converted, I say partially cos from the dialogue in the opening there's no way his parents would recognise their fully converted son based on looks. Abandoned and no longer the man he used to be, Wulf wanders back to his village and his parents house where they react in horror to what's become of their son. And as the story progresses we see how the rest of the village reacts to Wulf's appearance and how slowly his parents try to find ways of accepting Wulf situation. We surprisingly get moments of levity as Wulf is gradually accepted among most of the villagers and helps them with their heavy lifting work, all while Wulf remains completely impassive yet clinging on to whatever humanity he has remaining. That is until the arrival of Benny who tries to convince Wulf and his parents of the harsh reality that their son no longer exists.

After the intense and heart stopping action of the last episode, Wulf is a much quieter and slower paced story that deals with the tragedy of losing a loved one to the Cybermen but there is that small glimmer of hope that something of who they used to be still remains. It even reflects some of the overlooked elements of Germany in the 30s with the village being more accepting of Wulf and by the end regarding him as a hero showing that even in history darkest periods there were still good people. And it also challenges Benny and her own prejudice as she sees Wulf as a monster who's a ticking time bomb based on her own previous experience. Wulf is an excellent character piece and in some ways a quiet break from the heavy going story arc.

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“Wulf: A Heartbreaking Tale of Humanity and Prejudice”

Wulf picks up where Willkommen left off, delving deeply into the consequences of Wulf’s partial cyber conversion and the ripples it causes in an alternate 1930s Germany. The chapter paints a harrowing portrait of a society fractured—some citizens transformed into mechanical hybrids, others hiding in fear behind closed doors. At the heart of it all is Wulf’s return to his family, an act laden with emotional complexity and tragedy.

Wulf’s parents’ decision to take him in despite his altered state sets the stage for one of the story’s most heartbreaking dynamics. Their love and attempts to comfort him are met with a chilling stillness. Wulf, unwilling to confront the reality of his transformation, clings to the illusion of his former humanity. Benny, meanwhile, steps into the uncomfortable role of forcing him—and his family—to face the truth.

This reversal of roles, with Benny wrestling with her own prejudices while the so-called “villain” quietly defies them, lends the narrative a refreshing and thought-provoking depth.

A Small-Scale, Deeply Personal Story

Unlike the action-driven tales often associated with Doctor Who, Wulf opts for a smaller, more intimate approach. The story’s power lies in its focus on the personal and emotional consequences of cyber conversion. Rarely has the franchise explored the aftermath of such transformations with this level of depth and sensitivity.

Wulf himself is a captivating character. Though his mechanical body suppresses his emotions, moments of humanity still shine through—compassion, resilience, and suppressed feelings for his former love interest. These glimpses of his humanity make his struggle to adapt to his new existence all the more compelling.

A World on the Brink

Set against the backdrop of rising Nazi influence, the story skilfully juxtaposes Wulf’s internal struggle with the external turmoil of a society spiralling toward darkness. Wulf’s decision to intervene in his former love’s life—now entangled with a Nazi boyfriend—highlights the tension between his lingering humanity and his altered state.

The story also masterfully weaves its thematic exploration into this historical setting, amplifying its emotional and narrative stakes. The cyber conversion becomes a powerful metaphor for dehumanisation, mirroring the societal shifts occurring in Germany during this time.

Thematic Depth Over Action

Notably absent from this chapter is the Doctor, and Benny takes on a more peripheral role, allowing Wulf and his family to remain the focal point. This decision underscores the story’s priorities: this is not an action-packed romp but a deeply human (and inhuman) drama.

The character-driven narrative, bolstered by its thematic weight, ensures that the story remains engaging despite its quieter tone. The absence of spectacle only strengthens its emotional impact, keeping the focus squarely on the characters and their struggles.

The Verdict: A Haunting, Thoughtful Drama

Wulf is a beautifully written, deeply affecting chapter that pushes the boundaries of what a Doctor Who story can be. Its exploration of cyber conversion, prejudice, and humanity is unflinchingly honest and heartbreakingly poignant. By centring the narrative on Wulf’s personal journey and its effect on those around him, the story achieves a level of emotional resonance rarely seen in the franchise.

📝99/100

Though it eschews action for introspection, its thematic richness and compelling characters make Wulf an unforgettable entry in the Benny and Unbound Doctor saga.

absolutely heartbreaking listen, cybermen stories like this are just incredible and really hit hard. i'm really intrigued as to where we go from here, but i hope wulf can get out of this somehow.