2.1 - The Pyramid of Sutekh

This episode is a great kick-off as it begins with Bernice in a Pyramid on Mars as she discovers the Doctor is the servant of Sutekh who kills off her guide.

It's a bit of a sequel to, "Pyramids of Mars" and there's a big opportunity to fill a deficiency in that classic story. Because as great as, "Pyramids of Mars" is, about eighty percent of the story is an English country estate rather than in a pyramid on mars. Here, we get a real chance to explore the Pyramid and the whole thing has a Sci Fi Indiana Jones feel to it.

As a listener who has heard very few Bernice Summerfield stories, I found this easy to follow. The only continuity from past stories was that one of the guardians of the tomb took on the voice of her dead husband, Jason. While I'd never heard an audio with Jason Kane, that really wasn't a hindrance.

Overall, a very strong start.

Superb start to the 4 parter, We get Bernie, investigating a pyramid on the planet Mars. However Bernie digging around soon reveals a sarcophagus which her over eager assistant opens to reveal The Doctor well at least No.7. Although he appears to have been taken over by Sutekh, and quickly despatches Bernice over enthusiastic assistance. Bernice in true Doctor Who style runs off to evade death at the Doctors hands of death. However she is soon joined by a Osrian Robot who is the embodiment of her ex husband (obvious historical references to other titles in the back catalogue). It's not long before we are greeted with ACE on the scene and Bernie and ACE escape in the Tardis to the past. However will ACE 1 day of training really give the ability for them to try and save the Doctor and themselves.

Well, well why have Big Finish never used Sutekh before is beyond me, but what we have here is a little belter of a story, with, the action coming thick, in a Indiana Jones style opener.

Lisa is superb, Sophie is ACE from start to finish, and Sylvester well he is the Doctor sounding just that little bit older and more graceful.

The Triumph of Sutekh begins with a bang with a really good story by writer of Random Ghosts Guy Adams coming back. In doing an opening, Adams is able to leave Ace out of the picture which helps immensely and keeps focus on Benny and the Doctor. The story takes place in a pyramid on Mars where the Doctor is under the control of Sutekh while Benny tries to save him while getting to be haunted by her dead husband Jason Kane whose personality is taken by an Osiran Service Robot (coincidentally the one that can only lie) which allows Lisa Bowerman to advance Benny's character through this. This is also the only real problem with this story due to it needing to know continuity for the sake of continuity although these sets are supposed to be a gateway into the Bernice Summerfield range.