All war is deception.
As the conspiracy of hate and distrust brings death in its wake, the sinister plans of the Cybermen are revealed, and events move on a collision course as the invaders prapare for the final phase of their rebirth.
Only a handful of rebels, human and android, stand ready to confront their common enemy; but if they cannot trust themselves, the battle is already lost.
CYBERMAN 2: MACHINES
Let’s get this out of the way first: an embedded spy for the Cybermen, a pawn in a larger game being controlled by players who aren’t even on the board – and you call him Chessman? A bit on the nose, don’t you think? Anyway, “Machines” does the job of a typical third part, moving the pieces into place for the conclusion. The rebels decide to attack, Barnaby (Mark McDonnell) is moved toward his execution, and we have Samantha’s (Hannah Smith) identity revealed to Hazel (Jo Castleton). Nothing is really developed in these relationships, making “Machines” the most static and thus the least interesting episode thus far, but the continued excellence of the production and performances keeps the entertainment level high. I’m a little concerned with how this story is going to resolve with only one hour to take care of everything, and knowing in advance that there is no Cyberman 3, but I’m more than willing to let things take their proper course. A solid release that hopefully sets up a great conclusion.
Recommended.
6/10