Doctor Who: The Legacy of Time: Why Bernice Summerfield meeting River Song is huge

Next year, River Song will be meeting Bernice Summerfield in Doctor Who: The Legacy of Time! What makes this meeting so incredibly exciting? Read more to find out.

There’s a lot that needs to be discussed about Big Finish’s recently announced Doctor Who audio release for 2019, The Legacy of Time. Far more than I could have covered in Monday’s article. Which is why I’ll be covering all the exciting meetings, possibilities and theories over many articles over the next few weeks.

First of which: Professor River Song meeting Professor Bernice Summerfield. This news is huge, and something that I’ve been waiting for for years.

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But why have I wanted this? Well, the most obvious reason why this pairing would be so great to listen to is that they’re both archaeologists. It’ll be interesting to find if they either respect or try to outdo each other with their knowledge.

Also, you have to wonder if either one is aware of the other before their meeting. Benny’s had quite the successful career as an archaeologist. Will River be aware of Benny’s reputation? Will Benny be aware of River’s?

But of course, there’s one more key thing that the two have in common beyond their profession. They also both know the Doctor well. (Intimately, in fact, if the very strong hints are anything to go by.) So what will they make of each other’s journeys and travels with the Doctor? How will Benny react to finding out that the Doctor apparently has a wife?

Two archaeologists will meet in The Legacy of Time: Professor River Song (Alex Kingston) and Professor Bernice Summerfield (Lisa Bowerman).

(Image credit: Doctor Who/Big Finish Productions.

Image obtained from: Big Finish Productions.)

Two very different archaeologists

Of course, speculation like this is a key reason why I’m excited for the two to finally meet. But the other reason is that they’re equally strong, brilliant female leads. Both have their own history within Doctor Who, but both have been very capable of carrying a story, or even a series on their own, too.

I also need to stress how brilliant both actresses are in their roles. Both Lisa Bowerman and Alex Kingston always carry strong performances. At their best, they bring a great deal of charm to their characters.

Of course, as similar as their backgrounds and history are, Benny and River are also two very different people. River’s not afraid of doing what needs to be done. Benny, meanwhile, is the kind of person that wants to save everyone, if possible. Will this difference of style and even morality cause them to clash?

I look forward to finding out exactly how these two get on in one year. I’m only surprised that a meeting like this hasn’t happened sooner.

Are you excited about Bernice Summerfield meeting River Song? How do you think such an unusual meeting will go? Let us know in the comments below.