In Review: Big Finish: Doctor Who: The New Adventures of Bernice Summerfield Volume 09: The Dalek Eternity 3

Synopsis: A new Dalek masterplan threatens the galaxy. A deadly alliance is building. Can Bernice Summerfield save us?

Review: Doctor Who: The New Adventures of Bernice Summerfield Volume 09: The Dalek Eternity 3 set the stage for next month’s final showdown. Along the way, Benny’s understanding of missions and motivations evolved.

Story

The two tales in this release offered dark triumph and light defeat. Writers Sophia McDougall and Tim Foley balanced their storytelling on a razor’s edge in the penultimate installment of this arc.

“Quisling” by Sophia McDougall was a powerful meditation on the purposes of both resistance and capitulation. It was also about how both resistance and capitulation required commitment and decisive action.

Most important for Benny, though, the story continued to be about loss. The Daleks remained deadly. Yet, she carried on.

“We Don’t Talk About Mavic Chen” by Tim Foley was a darkly comedic sequel to “The Daleks’ Master Plan.” I loved how effortlessly Foley mined the ridiculousness without lessening the menace.

As the story unfolded, Foley treated listeners to an amazing character study. Sidney Chen offered commentary on the paradoxes of fandom and memorabilia.

Sidney also inadvertently clued Benny into a fundamentally flawed assumption. As a result, our heroine got the proverbial rug pulled out from under her,

The cliffhanger ending pulled together plot elements left in the background of The Eternity Club series. Listeners patience will finally be rewarded.

Acting

The entire cast cast was excellent. That said, I must give kudos to three performers.

For her part, Luyanda Unati Lewis-Nyawo was absolutely wonderful as Grizella. Her performance grounded and illuminated Sophia McDougall’s story.

For his part, Alistair Toovey had marvelous comic timing as Sidney Chen. His performance ensured the success of Tim Foley’s delicate tonal balance.

Throughout, leading lady Lisa Bowerman highlighted all of Benny’s edges and curves. Her commitment to and joy in the role came through in every syllable.

Overall

Doctor Who: The New Adventures of Bernice Summerfield Volume 09: The Dalek Eternity 3 ended on a great cliffhanger. I can’t wait for the finale next month.

You can purchase Doctor Who: The New Adventures of Bernice Summerfield Volume 09: The Dalek Eternity 3 here.