My favorite Cybermen story is “Attack of the Cybermen.” Because of all its references to Wholigan lore, it is one only the most hardcore like. I am not saying I am some special, hardcore fan, but the story does appeal to me the most.The Cybermen attempt to crash Halley’s Comet into Earth in order to alter history in their favor. It is jut a coincidence that I reviewed Deep Space Nine seventh season episode “Covenant,” which serves as an homage to the Heaven’s Gate cult which committed mass suicide I order to allegedly reach a space ship flying behind the Hale-Bopp comet. Weird how that works out.
I only have vague memories of Halley’s Comet mania from 1985-86. I did not geta chance to see “Attack of the Cybermen” until four or five years ago, so it is not a nostalgia piece for me, anyway.
What do I like about it…I am a fan of the Sixth Doctor. Colin Baker should have been given more time in the role. He might have been right up there with the not related Tom Baker in my eyes. “Attack of the Cybermen” was his best serial. Peri is a good companion, even if she did not wear her bikini in this one. The references to past adventures were cool, particularly the mercenary Lytton. He had appeared previously in a past story as a henchman of the Daleks.
Lytton’s dilemma is what makes the story. We do not realize until the end he is going to be converted into one of the Cybermen himself and needs the Doctor to save him. Tragically, it does not happen for him. What a terrible fate.
