UNIT: Assembled

The primary gimmick of this release is the return of Yates, Benton, and Jo from the classic TV series, linking the original version of UNIT with the modern one. Clearly, this is going to be a big selling-point for fans of the classic series of the early '70s, but, for me, neither Yates or Benton really added anything much - indeed, their primary effect is to sideline series regular Josh, although he isn't cut out entirely. Furthermore, while we do see a little more of what Benton has been up to since the off-hand mention in Mawdryn Undead, Yates isn't really developed at all, just dropping the odd reference to his past adventures.

Jo, on the other hand, makes a much more worthy addition. For a start, Katy Manning is superb, and her part well-written, but she also adds a key element to the story. This features the Silurians and Jo takes the role that the Doctor had in the previous UNIT stories featuring them, arguing for the peaceful solution over the military one and trying to honour Three's memory by succeeding where he failed. And this, as it turns out, is rather more key than just who it is who happens to be holding the guns or giving the soldiers orders.

Speaking of the story, it's the usual high octane adventure with a large and well-equipped organisation up against, in this case, a murderous Silurian general and his lackeys. Each of the four episodes is distinct in tone, with a slightly different mix of characters (only Osgood has a major role in all of them) although it's clearly one story taking place over a relatively short period of time. There's good use of elements from past stories - although more from the classic series than from Cold Blood - and a particularly nice turn from the Sea Devils when they turn up in episode two.

On the continuity front, I did wonder why the Silurians were speaking English (and there are scenes that make it obvious that they are, even amongst themselves) but otherwise, it's a good follow-up to what we already know of them. A particular theme is Kate's reluctance to make the same mistake her father made at Wenley Moor, coupled with her concern that, this time, there may genuinely not be an alternative. And plenty of touches of humour and knowing nods to the TV series; not least how much things have changed since... whatever decade it was that they so carefully avoid mentioning.