Human Resources, Part 2

Eighth Doctor Adventures #1.8

Released: 18 February 2007

Listened: 9/13/21

Much like the second part of the new series finales, this one is somewhat loud and dramatic, but not as high-concept as the first part. It’s revealed in the cliffhanger that the “innocent victims” whose planet was getting invaded were the Cybermen, licking their wounds after the last war. And although the Doctor inadvertently helped them out, they’re still getting their butts kicked all over the place, against probability. Which is because of the Time Lords, specifically the CIA, who believe that Lucie has a rather specific destiny...unless they’re wrong and she doesn’t. It’s hard to tell. In the end, though, the win comes because the humans work together for the common good, and more specifically because Lucie decides to trust the Doctor, bringing the whole emotional arc of this season to its endgame. Once again, the Doctor is pretty hard on the Cybermen, as well as the Time Lords (although he’s usually angry with them), and Lucie doesn’t mind all that much. When she decides to stay with him at the end, it’s a bit of a surprise to him, but the viewers are very happy. This final episode isn’t the strongest of the bunch, but it’s been a really strong season, with all of the stories at least good, and some excellent.