Tidal Wave

"So much for a peaceful resolution..."

Writer: Matt Fitton

Format: Audio

Released: May 2017

Series: UNIT: Assembled 02

Featuring: Kate, Osgood, Jo

Synopsis

When an experimental tidal power generator needs its eco-friendly credentials checked, Kate Stewart calls in an expert.

Soon, Jo Jones is bound for 'Project Charybdis' in the South Atlantic, along with an awestruck Osgood. But out at sea, a treacherous plan is set in motion to awake an ancient race.

Beneath the seabed an army is sleeping - an army of Sea Devils!

Verdict

Tidal Wave was a great continuation of the Assembled fourth series of UNIT adventures! This story saw Kate and Osgood unite with Classic companion Jo and it was absolutely delightful. I loved hearing her alongside both Kate and Osgood and it was brilliant how she shared a brilliantly different relationship with each. She obviously had a connection to Kate through the Brigadier and she was so apologetic when she failed to realise that Kate was his daughter. The way she initially acted towards Osgood was actually a little surprising as she wasn't too excited by Osgood's excitement at recalling the events of Day of the Daleks, The Three Doctors and The Green Death. But she soon realised that she was once the excitable and ebullient person that Osgood was now and she no longer dismissed her. They got on very nicely once they were locked in a room on the Charybdis by the passed Burmaster. I was really impressed with the continuation of this adventure from Call to Arms whilst also being distinctly different. It didn't quite feel like an immediate follow on and that was very refreshing. Burmaster made a very good villain as the puppet master for Jastrok who continued to be an excellent enemy from afar. The way he ensured that his plan was carried out was marvellous and the ruthlessness with which he saw that Laura died was just evil. His plan to attack the Sea Devils was very intriguing and I initially thought he was hoping to provoke a war and put the attack's blame on humanity. However, the Sea Devil base that he attacked was a weapon storage centre and he wanted what was within. Krellix, the Sea Devil doctor, knew him which showed just how far his reputation stretched. The doctor though shared a lovely relationship with Jo after she was able to go down and negotiate and her attempts to follow through on the Doctor's wish for peace from The Sea Devils was fantastic. I really enjoyed Jo's comments about the Doctor and she distinctly missed the Third Doctor. The reference to Death of the Doctor was wonderful and I liked hearing her difficulty with accepting differing incarnations as being the same man. The story's conclusion was very good and I loved how quickly Jo gained the trust of Krellix as she persuaded him to get the Sea Devils to go back into hibernation. She would tell UNIT that they were destroyed though to leave them in safety which was a lovely touch. Her role as an environmental activist was realised wonderfully well and I love the prospect of her joining up with Benton and Yates after so long apart. I look forward to Jastrok's plan continuing and things are far from finished here. Overall, another very good audio adventure!

The Three Doctors, The Green Death, Day of the Daleks, Death of the Doctor, The Sea Devils

Rating: 8/10