UNIT: Shutdown

UNIT: The New Series #2

by Matt Fitton, Andrew Smith

Kate Stewart and her UNIT team investigate and confront alien attacks on the planet Earth in the new 5 disc boxset.

2.1 Power Cell by Matt Fitton
Osgood and Captain Josh Carter are sent to investigate the disappearance of a UNIT scientist. Meanwhile, alien technology has fallen into the hands of Lyme Industries, and Kate Stewart can't persuade the company’s CEO, Felicity Lyme, to give it back. But UNIT find themselves fighting a third battle when innocent people start to die. Who are the mysterious assassins? And what does Felicity Lyme want with top secret alien technology?

2.2 Death in Geneva by Andrew Smith
With few people left to trust, and with assassins on their tail, Kate and Osgood race to UNIT Command in Geneva. Will General Avary be able to help them? But when death follows UNIT all the way from the English countryside to the snowy slopes of the Alps, Captain Carter finds himself in a race against time. As the body count rises, Kate struggles to separate friend from foe, danger circles Osgood ever closer, and, high in the mountains, Josh comes face to face with the enemy.

2.3 The Battle of the Tower by Andrew Smith
The threat is now clear, and Kate Stewart retreats to UNIT HQ with her most trusted colleagues. She has no choice but to place the Black Archive into lockdown, and the Tower of London is where UNIT will make its stand. While the capital sleeps, an alien horde is gathering, ready to rise from the shadows to attack Earth’s greatest defence force inside its own stronghold. The Tower is infiltrated, and UNIT must hold the line. At any cost. Lock and load.

2.4 Ice Station Alpha by Matt Fitton
Caught between human greed and an unstoppable alien power, Kate Stewart leads her closest allies on one final, desperate mission. This could be the very last chance for the human race. But the UNIT team has been declared rogue, and ruthless military forces are in pursuit as they race across the globe. Kate calls Lieutenant Sam Bishop to their aid, while Josh and Osgood head out across the frozen Antarctic plains to try and prevent a disaster no-one else knows is coming.

Genres: Doctor Who, Audiobook, Science Fiction, Fiction

Audio CD

First published May 31, 2016

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow!! What an epic story! Loved it! Might be my favorite Big Finish production that I've heard yet. This one had a bit of everything. Cliff-hangers. Explosions. Gun battles. Super-strength. Invisibility. Mini-subs. Super-fast experimental jet planes. Spys. Aliens. Alien tech.

Really loved the lead trio of Josh, Osgood and Kate. Kate is a formidable actress and the whole works rest on her keen abilities which she handles with aplomb.

Didn't expect this second UNIT set to exceed the first set but it sure did. Totally loved it. Had to bull through it in one day - couldn't stay away from it. Can't wait to hear the next one with The Silence! Squeee!

[Taksya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seconda serie per la nuova UNIT, con Kate Stewart e Osgood ancora saldamente al comando.
Il nodo centrale della storia è la scoperta di un artefatto alieno e l'utilizzo che una compagnia senza scrupoli ne vuole fare.
Alice Krige è a suo agio nei panni della calcolatrice Felicity Lyme, mentre la razza aliena dei Kamishi risulta essere un ottimo acquisto per l'universo della serie.
Tra sparizioni, tradimenti, fughe e battaglie possiamo anche scoprire molti riferimenti alla serie madre e l'azione cresce in ritmo e complessità episodio dopo episodio, fino al finale risolutivo.

La UNIT della Big Finish risulta molto più accattivante e risolutiva di quanto non sia stato mostrato.nella serie tv e, per un fan dell'organizzazione, ciò non può che essere un bene.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

(2.1) Power Cell - Starting off this second set of New UNIT adventures with a bang! No slow build up here, as it’s pretty much off and running right from the opening (4/5).

(2.2) Death in Geneva - Another cracker of an episode (4/5).

(2.3) The Battle of the Tower - Exactly what the title suggests, but the excitement waned just a tad (3/5).

(2.4) Ice Station Alpha - Wrapping things up very nicely. I really enjoyed this whole story, and it is one big story. Whereas some of these audio box sets feature 3 or 4 individual stories, or with general linking themes, this one is clearly one big epic narrative. Lots of fun (4/5).

This box set also include a bonus disc with behind the scenes interviews with members of the cast and crew.

[Jamie Revell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second in this series about the modern incarnation of UNIT uses an original threat, rather than something pre-existing in the DW TV series. It turned out to be a one-off experiment (so far, anyway), with familiar aliens featuring in all the later releases, but I wouldn't describe it as a failing here. True, the aliens aren't hugely interesting in themselves, but it does allow for a story that makes good use of the UNIT set-up.

Although the four episodes in the release are individually titled, it is a single story, with each episode ending on a cliffhanger. It starts out as an investigation into the murder of a scientist researching some alien tech from UNIT's archives and grows from there, with aliens and an obligatory sinister corporation somehow involved in events.

The story takes in a worldwide scope, ranging from London to UNIT HQ in Geneva and (in an obvious homage to Ice Station Zebra) Antarctica. It also manages to squeeze in UNIT bases in Gibraltar and Port Stanley, super-fast jets, mini-subs, a fight in a cable car and other appropriate tropes. There's also good use of the Tower of London in the third episode, having fun with the idea of UNIT's main British base being underneath such a major landmark.

The colonel from the first release is absent in this one, but all the other main characters are present, albeit with Sam only turning up in the final part. Speaking of which, while the focus is mainly on the action and intrigue, there are some insights into Osgood's life (it's set before The Zygon Invasion) that add some nuance to the character.

It's a fun, fast-moving action story with strong female leads with a high tech action feel. Oh... and alien ninja assassins.

[Nicola Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second in the UNIT box sets, we rejoin Kate and Osgood in another plight to keep the earth from harm.

I seriously love UNIT and love that they have their own big finish spin off. The characters are all brilliant and it’s great to have whole new stories to spend with them. Kate Lethbridge-Stewart is one kick ass character and I never get bored of stories involving UNIT- They’re bound to be action packed and exciting.

And also, Osgood is another character I’m glad to see more developed. She’s one of the favs and seeing her back is always a treat.

The plot running throughout was a good one, with the feeling of distrust spreading throughout the organisation - who can you trust when you can trust no one? Kate has it cut out for her to foil a plot to take a dangerous alien device but when the fight is brought to the Tower of London, they must defend with all their worth…

Acting was fab, scripts were interesting and greatly produced as always!

[Jamieson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second volume of UNIT: The New Series, while still very much action-oriented is a bit of a political thriller as opposed to the straight-forward alien invasion action movie that was the first set. In this set, everything revolves around an alien power cell. Lyme Industries is using it to provide unlimited power, it's alien creators the Kamesi and their Tengobushi wrriors want it back and are prepared to kill anyone with knowledge it, the government is in Lyme's pocket and into the midst of this are thrown Kate Stewart, Osgood and Captain Josh Carter.

It's a good adventure, different enough from the previous set to keep from sounding too similar, but similar enough to be comforting. It's got plenty of action with a battle at the Tower of London, attacks in Geneva and a finale in Antarctica. But it's just as much a political thriller. I think it balances these perfectly and results in an epic action movie that, if not for the special budget it would require, would make a great Doctor Who universe action film. If you like action movies and modern UNIT team, then these are for you.

[Richard Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty great boxed set. Loved hearing Ingrid Oliver and Jenna Redgrave as always and the supporting cast were great. Always like it when this series does something that couldn’t be done by other, similar Big Finish series like Torchwood or Counter-measures and this one definitely delivers what you’d expect from an organisation backed by the UN. Already have the next series queued up to go!

[Jon Huff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. It's fun to have a new enemy for UNIT. Still a bit bare on delving into character, but there are moments here and there. This series is more focused on the action adventure elements, which I can respect. I just find it harder to process the action stuff on audio sometimes, although this flows well.

[Marcel Driel · Rating 3 out of 5]

First story was an adequate setup, the second was a tedious borefest. The third was slightly better (the setting of the Tower of London was fun). The last part was perfectly adequate and the best of the four. Only recommended for completists. 2,5 stars

[Idris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love any and all UNIT audio dramas. I am a greedy thing and only want more.

[Steven Shinder · Rating 3 out of 5]

The invasion was interesting, but I think I'm seeing more and more that the UNIT series might not be for me to follow. I do have one more box set, which I'll listen to at some point.

[Gabriel Mero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great UNIT collection.

[Jurgen · Rating 5 out of 5]

2.1 'Power Cell' by Matt Fitton: 4*
2.2 'Death in Geneva' by Andrew Smith: 5*
2.3 'The Battle of the Tower' by Andrew Smith: 4*
2.4 'Ice Station Alpha' by Matt Fitton: 5*

[Danny Welch · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a hot minute since I've listened to UNIT: Extinction a set I really enjoyed. I've been meaning to give Shutdown a go but had a list of other audios to listen to, so this is definitely a long time coming, and despite the long gap, I'm glad I'm finally continuing this range!

Power Cell:
After a respected scientist has gone missing, Kate soon realizes that a conspiracy against UNIT and most likely the rest of the world is in motion. Friends are being targeted, valuables are being stolen and people are being brutally murdered.

Matt Fitton has written an explosive opening chapter to this epic story, it's a fast-paced episode with plenty of tension and action. I love a good conspiracy tale and this first episode promises a lot to come. There were some really gruesome and intense scenes in this, and seeing our characters forced into a vulnerable position had me on the edge of my seat. 10/10

Death in Geneva:
Kate Stewart not being able to trust the British government heads to Geneva with Osgood to get help. The Tengobushi are about to make their entrance and soon Kate realizes the planet might be in even more danger than she expected.

Andrew Smith has written a really fun script that properly introduces us to the alien threat in this box set. It's an action-packed episode that continues to build the tension set up in the first episode, leading up to an explosive cliffhanger. 8/10

The Battle of The Tower:
Dokan and his Tengobushi know where the humans have left their technology. It's within the Tower of London and UNIT has to try their best to prevent them from getting it and possibly destroying all of London in their wake.

Andrew Smith has written an action-packed and intense base under siege installment to this series, we're finally starting to figure out what's going on and who the Tengobushi are working for. There's not much to say about this particular installment without going into spoilers, but after that cliffhanger, we're in for quite the finale! 8/10

Ice Station Alpha:
Caught between an alien power and human greed, UNIT is running out of time to save the world. Sacrifices will be made, people will be lost. Their final battle lies in the Antarctic and the clock is ticking.

Matt Fitton has written a satisfying finale to this set, an explosive conclusion to the series. Felicity Lyme has been an incredible villain in this series, an easily hatable yet human character who thinks nothing but money and wealth. 9/10

Overall: 35.5/40

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big Finish are doing remarkably well for gender balance in their spin offs. Both Counter Measures and UNIT have two women scientists as the main characters. Added to that for this episode was the wonderful Alice Kriege as the possibly evil head of a large scientific corporation. She had some very wonderful lives and was by far my favourite thing about the box set.

The plot started as a mystery, with scientists disappearing, alien artefacts being looked for, the government not to be trusted, which continued into the 2nd disc where a trip to Geneva led to revelations about the aliens and what they wanted, the third disc was a massive battle at the Tower, and the 4th was where things got very interesting and complicated.

For me however, the series was slightly spoiled by the inclusion of the aliens having strong Japanese accents when they spoke English. What was the justification for that? If they were aliens from another place and they learned English why would they speak it with the same accent as a stereotypical Japanese person speaking English? I understand that they wanted to convey the aliens were like Ninja Assassins but surely this could have been done without resorting to racial stereotypes? Particularly ones that didn't make any sense at all.

[Debra Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

A device found in the 20's sets the unit team scrambling to find it before an alien race destroys the earth to get their hands on it.

[Liawèn · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s not much to say really. I love it.
Long review follows 😁

[Nicolas Lontel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Les épisodes ont tous un très bon équilibre entre l'action, la présentation de nouveaux protagonistes et personnages, de l'intrigue qui va suivre. L'audio utilise bien son médium pour nous faire voyager à travers le monde de Londres à l'Antarctique en passant par Genève et bien que le lieu n'est pas vraiment exploré, on réalise assez bien combien les déplacements entre les pays peuvent être un énorme problème quand vient le temps de sauver le monde.

Une bonne utilisation des techniques est qu'une personne introduite semble mourir à la fin de chaque épisode et que nous nous attendons donc à ce qui se passe la même chose à la fin du dernier épisode, le revirement de situation m'a honnêtement surpris (j'allais critiquer cette utilisation de la mort des personnages à répétition avant de réaliser que c'était justement un leurre). Il y a d'autres petits détails comme ça qui semble ponctuer le boîtier.

Les Tengobushi, des extraterrestres au comportement de ninjas assassins avec un système de classe rigide plus inspiré de ce qu'on peut observer en Inde était un mélange assez intéressant. L'acteur qui l'interprète, Dan Li, ajoute à l'inspiration est-asiatique avec un accent japonais je crois. Un départ que j'accueille plutôt bien des extraterrestres avec des accents toujours anglais ou américains (bien que ça reste à l'intérieur d'un certain cadre stéréotypés de ninja). Je trouve dommage qu'il ne soit pas réutilisé par la suite (j'ai jeté un coup d’œil rapide au wiki), il me semble que l'exploration de leur monde pourrait être assez intéressante avec l'idée qu'il pourrait bien y avoir une révolte des classes dites inférieures éventuellement.

L'écoute du boîtier est passé très rapidement donc la narration et l'action m'a vraiment pris, c'était très plaisant à ce niveau. Il n'y avait aucun épisode qui était particulièrement meilleur ou moins bons que l'autres et ça permettait une bonne fluidité d'écoute. Bref, une série qui donne le goût d'être poursuivie avec des personnages assez attachants (Osgood semble toutefois s'éloigner peu à peu de son personnage de fangirl pour plus embrasser celui de geek). J'apprécie aussi l'effort des scénaristes pour essayer de faire d'UNIT une branche la plus pacifiste possible et ne recourant à la violence qu'en cas de provocation armée.