Between Two Worlds: Fire and Ice

"Ice Warriors don't use robots, do they?"

Writer: John Dorney

Format: Audio

Released: November 2021

Series: UNIT: Nemesis 1.02

Featuring: Kate, Harry, Naomi

Synopsis

When Kate needs Harry Sullivan's help with a threat from the Eleven, she and Osgood travel to Australia to meet him. He's there with Naomi Cross, investigating footage of an apparent UFO crash that turned up on social media. 

They find themselves caught in the middle of a conflict between Ice Warriors. And one Ice Warrior isn't so icy – in fact, he's red hot. And getting hotter...

Verdict

Fire and Ice was a great episode to continue my way through the Between Two Worlds opening series of UNIT: Nemesis! This was a really fascinating episode because it saw two eras clash as promised at the end of The Enemy Beyond as Harry Sullivan joined forces with Kate and Osgood, but he wasn't alone as the only former companion of the Doctor to assist. Time is about to get whacky as I start the journey of Naomi Cross as companion and it seems here we are introduced to her at a time after her travelling days with the Doctor are over. And from my personal perspective those haven't happened yet! I try to avoid spoilers as much as possible but obviously I go chronologically in my listening of characters and ranges as much as possible so I know Naomi travels with the Seventh Doctor alongside Harry which I can't wait to delve into because that is pretty darn whacky, but presenting her here as a former companion is really fun. Osgood is excited by the prospect of meeting Harry and I mean, why wouldn't she be? He's a legendary character and it's wonderful to know he's still doing things with UNIT to keep himself more than busy. But Osgood is like an encyclopaedia when it comes to the Doctor so she's equally excited to meet Naomi! Our introduction to her in pretending to be an Australian barmaid is perhaps not the best, but I'm sure we will actually get her first chronological story down the line. She was enjoyable enough but I'd be lying if I said I didn't think Ros was a better character. Her clashing with Harry and Naomi who were both clearly not quite of this time was excellent as they couldn't operate a keyless car whereas she was trying to make a big noise in the world of social media. I don't care that she only had a few hundred followers, if she posted content of Ice Warriors in 2026 that would go viral! I really do think the online world has changed dramatically in just five years since this episode was released and even just half a decade later she would be in a much better position to try and make a financial go of social media as a job. The role of the Ice Warriors here was intriguing and I like the idea of there being a rogue. The image as well of an orange Ice Warrior amidst the Australian outback heat was tremendous and I can't believe that doesn't adorn the cover! It was good though to think that they had environmental suits given the hot setting and I must say just having a story set in Australia was brilliant as we don't get many of those! UNIT and the Ice Warriors helping each other where the rogue and the plague of the Eleven were concerned was really nice and I enjoyed the levels of respect shown between Kate and Jakernia. It's always good to play the honour card and I thought that was done really well here. I like the ongoing arc of the Eleven and the threat posed by the plague so Harry working on the anti-toxin is lovely and it's nice to know he and Naomi are returning to the UK to continue the work there. The explosive (literally!) threat facing Alice Springs was a strong threat and it was dealt with pretty efficiently. An Ice Warrior continuing to absorb heat is no fun thing considering where they come from and their natural habitat! Overall, a really good listen to continue what is shaping up to be a very strong boxset.

Rating: 8/10