Still Running: Altered Status

"You do not contribute to the cause."

Writers: Christian Brassington & Matt Fitton

Format: Audio

Released: November 2021

Series: Jenny: The Doctor's Daughter 2.02

Featuring: Jenny, Noah

Synopsis

On a utopian world, the perfect society tolls towards its worthy 'Cause'. But the hard-working Suits are more than they seem, and the Department Head is something else altogether. And when Jenny and Noah scratch the surface, they find silver underneath. The Cybermen are coming...

Verdict

Altered Status was an outstanding audio to continue the Still Running second series of Jenny! This was definitely the best adventure from the spinoff range so far and I loved the idea of pairing Jenny against a very familiar and fearsome foe in the form of the Cybermen. Well, it was just one Cyberman here for the most part with his efforts to rebuild from limited resources being a big highlight and something I was impressed by. I enjoyed the continuity from Inside the Maldovarium with Sogo making reference to the blue man and why Jenny was sent to New Damson. It was far from a coincidence which was fun and I like the idea of Dorium enlisting Jenny without her full cooperation and even knowledge in some instances. The New Damson setting was fantastic and the concept of it becoming a New Mondas was fantastic. I really enjoyed the pace of this one and it just had quite an upbeat feel. Even though it's the longest episode in the set, it flew by and that's a sign that you're enjoying what you listen to. Jenny having a knowledge of the Cybermen was good and I loved that she was designated Gallifreyan whilst Noah was designated an Unknown. The respective scores of 127 and 999 was an amusing element with Jenny less than pleased that hers was so low compared to that of her companion! Noah being taken to the nicest quarters whilst Jenny was sent to the doldrums to work with rocks reminiscent of the mines in The Dalek Invasion of Earth was a fun dynamic and I liked the idea of the Suits, semi-augmented Cybermen, giving Noah all he needed was great. It was so unlike the Cybermen we knew. I loved the insinuation from the CD artwork that the Cybermen featured here were reminiscent of the Mondasian design and that was reflected wonderfully in their voices. The theme of status in the episode was excellent and how that was linked to working towards the Cause was superb. The fear of being reviewed and presumably then converted into a Cyberman was fantastic. I also really liked the role of the Cybermats in this one and how technologically different and freaky they were. Their infiltration of Noah's mind and having him try and get Jenny converted to the Cause was excellent. It was really nice for Jenny to forgive him with no questions asked once all was well again. The use of gold and Noah seeing into the minds of the Cybermen to find their weakness was good and I think the simplicity was important for Jenny and co to combat one of the Doctor's biggest threat. I loved the prospect of Jenny obtaining a vortex manipulator as the potential there is hugely exciting for the remaining two episodes! One thing I always want to mention is the Cyberman being granted access to its human memories. That was so eery and something I would love to hear or see in long form in a future Cyber adventure! Overall, a really strong audio that definitely goes down as one of my favourites! 

Rating: 10/10