Underworld

"A test subject who can't fight back."

Writer: Cavan Scott

Format: Audio

Released: February 2015

Series: Vienna 2.02

Featuring: Vienna 

Synopsis

Something bad is lurking down in the Undercity. Innocent citizens are turning on each other, baying for blood. Vienna must team up with jaded cop Lieutenant Jexie Reagan. 

She's never had a partner – but will either of them make it through the night alive?

Verdict

Underworld was a decent episode to continue my way through the second series of Vienna! It seems that this second boxset isn't taking much of a story arc approach like the first one did, and after everything that happened there that's no bad thing. It allows for a little bit of a reset for our fun assassin for hire and these standalone adventures are thoroughly entertaining. I thought Jexie returning after her appearance in the opener of Tabula Rasa was terrific and the concept of pairing her up with Vienna was fun. I was pleasantly surprised with how well they actually got along and they were working towards a common goal for the most part. It wasn't the worst of partnerships for sure! I am not a big fan of the story sharing a title with a Classic serial from the Fourth Doctor era, but I guess this range is far enough removed for that not to be a massive problem. It just feels lacking slightly in creative. Surely it could just have been called Undercity as it is referred to in the synopsis? Again, no biggie and I liked how the cover art helped establish the vibe of the setting. It really did feel futuristic and dark which was the right approach. It definitely felt dingy whilst everything felt very technologically advanced. It's a fun world for Vienna to explore and I'm a big fan of what she brings. It's very exciting. Drew Haulis was a fascinating character and he formed the central premise for the plot. He was clearly not much of a family man as he left them behind and they thought he was dead which is honestly unfathomable. I just can't imagine that happening! Sure, he was wrapped in a world of crime and dodgy dealings but he was working on something very secretive. I thought the implant was intriguing technology and Vienna recognising almost right away that she had been cut open and had something placed inside her wrist was good. She didn't know what it was but the way she utilised it to get to Drew and lure what was supposed to chase her for death to him. His own implant that offered him protection wouldn't do much good in those circumstances and that was a fun reaction. Jexie having her own issues with the inhibitor was quite something and I loved the idea of not being able to fire weaponry on others. So for her way out she was able to shoot herself in the shoulder! Talk about bravery and commitment to escape, it was all very impressive and it helped Vienna locate her which had been building nicely. It was also quite incredible and very haunting to consider her as a test subject that couldn't possibly fight back. I had to take that moment as my quote because it was quite chilling. How does one think of that scenario when offered a woman like this? It was horrifying but really woke the episode up as I do think it stalled a little. A few more characters and perhaps a little more action would have taken this episode to a higher rating as there was a lot of potential there. A strong setting and Vienna is always a tremendous character, so pairing her up with someone strong made for a decent listen. Overall, a good little story and I look forward to the finale now! 

Rating: 7/10