Seabird One: Time Flies

"It's like watching life backwards."

Writer: Alison Winter

Format: Audio

Released: July 2022

Series: UNIT: Brave New Worlds 1.02

Featuring: Bambera

Synopsis

Bambera and Savarin are summoned to a secretive genetic research facility by Dr Louise Rix, UNIT's rebellious new scientific adviser. Two scientists have vanished in mysterious circumstances, and despite the assurances of the sinister Dr Grange, UNIT suspects there's something very wrong with the centre's caterpillar population. Can they survive the fruits of Dr Grange's experiments? And will Savarin survive Bambera and Rix's rocky new relationship?

Verdict

Time Flies was an outstanding episode to continue my way through the Seabird One first series of UNIT’s Brave New World! After an entertaining start, this one felt more down to Earth as far as UNIT was concerned and it was a stormer. I thought this was superb from start to finish. This was the Brigadier Bambera I was expecting from this series as she definitely felt a bit more abrupt and just generally in line with the Brigadier we knew from the Third Doctor era. Her military mind was in full force and she didn’t waste time. She asserted her command and definitely took her position in the UK seriously which was nice to hear. She was only thinking of UNIT’s interest and the safety of the human race, so having her not exactly thrilled with her new scientific advisor was really good. I like the dynamic of conflict between the Brigadier and scientific advisor and whilst it obviously has some way to go to reach the levels of Lethbridge-Stewart and the Doctor, it was off to an entertaining start here! Their relationship was terrific and I loved how Rix wasn’t too bothered by the chain of command. Even when ordered to concoct a cure to the DNA deleter, she stood up to Bambera because it just couldn’t be done. At least, not quickly after years and years of research to create it. Grange as the scientist at CSRF was a brilliant villain and his nature as a botanist mixed with his crazed experiments made him a superb character. I also thought the casting of Silas Carson was a stroke of genius in that role. I honestly couldn’t think of anybody more perfect! His tones and calm demeanour just ooze a delicious amount of sadism. He was such a fun character and the sickening nature of his mind was explored fully at the end as he allowed himself to be bitten by the caterpillar rather than face legal justice. That didn’t impress Rix who deemed him a coward. Her role in exploring the DNA experiment was excellent and finding the clothes of Flynn who had gone missing was startling, but that was nothing compared to the surveillance footage! The very concept of perfecting DNA that could be rewound was sensational. I loved that idea and whilst initially it was said to be to treat cancer, it had gone too far now. The use of butterflies as the visual example was really clever and I loved the shock that came from the Brigadier, Rix and Savarin as they returned to their cocoon and reverted to being caterpillars. That was extraordinary! The flies being weary and able to communicate and warn each other was good and I loved the intrinsic detail in which Rix could identify the danger so quickly. She knew there was trouble at hand and that they shouldn’t get close to the insects. The Briagdier keeping the deleting DNA on file was good and I really enjoyed the hint at the future from Grange with UNIT needing to use it in the future. I suspect that will happen. Savarin being referred to as Seabird Two was fun and I like that Rix is now signed up as Eerie One. Bambera having to catch up on her meetings now was fun as duty called in a mundane way with her new role, but attentions quickly turned to the British Library. That’s an intriguing setting for the finale to come, and Rix’s humour about what danger might face them there was wonderful. Overall though, a sublime episode! 

Rating: 10/10