Review by Daniel Mansfield

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The second instalment in Zygon Century is here, giving us three more glimpses at a terrifying, century-long masterplan orchestrated by Doctor Who‘s most iconic shapeshifters.

Transformation comprises three sequels to the stories in Infiltration, the first of which, 1922: The Black Cadre, catches up with occult investigator Herbert Scott (Jonathan Rigby) 21 years after his initial encounter with the Zygons.

Incarcerated in a Dartmoor asylum, Scott finds himself visited by German heiress Ilsa Lange (Nina Georgieff), who believes his stories and wants to set him free. All the while, on the Cornish coast, poet Anthony Poole (James Swanton) becomes involved with a mysterious travelling carnival somehow linked to the Zygon island introduced in the previous set.

Jonathan Barnes‘ script is rich and evocative, with little action, but lots of poetic dialogue and a sumptuous Gothic atmosphere. The performances of the cast feel weighty and real, despite the fantastical story, amplifying the strengths of Barnes’ writing and creating a story that is simply a joy to listen to from start to finish.

The second story, 1968: An Incident in Death Valley, picks up the story of Vorvoren (Charlie Russell), the Zygon we met in last year’s 1935: The Miracle of Pendour Cove. Having fled Britain, she finds herself in California, where an encounter with waitress Junie propels her into the path of the Ark, a cult led by Eric Roberts‘ incarnation of the Master.

Like its prequel, An Incident in Death Valley tackles some darker subject matter, exploring themes of abuse and manipulation. Russell is vulnerable and defiant in equal measure as Vorvoren, while Roberts’ purring, serpentine performance as the Master works perfectly in his role as a sleazy cult leader. As with The Black Cadre, this story has a great deal of momentum to it, pushing the series into new territory and sowing seeds for what’s to come.

Sadly, finale 1974: The Caldwell Restitution ends this boxset on a disappointing note, failing to reach the highs of the other stories. The Third Doctor enters the fray, proving a perfect fit for the Cold War setting, but ultimately serving to undercut the threat posed by the Zygons by being a little too quippy and confident.

It’s nice to hear from Joshua Manning‘s Agent Caldwell again, but given neither he nor the Doctor fully remember their previous encounter, their reunion feels a little muted. That said, there are once again some intriguing hints about where the series is going, setting the stage for volume three with flair.

Let’s hope it’s not too long a wait before the next instalment.

Zygon Century: Transformation is available on CD or as a download from http://www.bigfinish.com