Torchwood: Among Us: Part 1 by Tim Foley, Ash Darby, Una McCormack and James Goss (CD review).
Torchwood remains in disarray, and these four stories capture the fragmented state of both former and current operatives. The characters are diverse:
- Gwen (Eve Myles), a former policewoman and Torchwood operative, has taken refuge in Iceland with her husband Rhys (Kai Owen) and their daughter.
- Orr (Samantha Beart), the shape-shifting alien, collaborates undercover with Ng (Alexandria Riley), who bears a striking resemblance to Gwen in both appearance and voice.
- Mr. Colchester (Paul Clayton) is evading the authorities, leaving his civilian husband to fend for himself.
- Tyler Steele (Jonny Green) is undercover at a local newspaper, keeping an eye on its science reporter.
Despite the chaos, Torchwood remains vigilant.
Aliens Next Door by Ash Darby
Orr and Ng are on surveillance. The atmosphere in the housing estate is tense, on the brink of eruption. The hostility and suspicion are palpable, and not just from their landlady, Mrs. Betty Clerihew (Melanie Kilburn). They must uncover the root of this animosity before it escalates. This story touches on societal issues, highlighting a world where hate speech is not only tolerated but seemingly promoted, without offering straightforward solutions.
Colin Alone by Una McCormack
Life isn’t easy for Colin Colchester-Price (Joplin Sibtain), especially with his husband, Mr. Colchester, missing. As challenges mount, Colin struggles to cope. He’s repeatedly interviewed by Sophie (Rosalie Craig) and Geoff (Chris Jarman), who are keenly interested in his husband’s activities. This tale brilliantly captures the anxiety of modern life, from bureaucratic hurdles to personal isolation. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of modern bureaucracy and the importance of staying vigilant with personal finances.
Misty Eyes by Tim Foley
For those missing the extraterrestrial element, this story transports readers to Iceland. Gwen and Rhys, residing in a lighthouse with their daughter, receive an unexpected visitor. This guest revives painful memories, particularly of Ng, an alien who once impersonated Gwen and played a role in her mother’s death. As Ng attempts to reconcile by protecting Gwen, the couple grapples with their distrust of the alien. Set against the eerie backdrop of Iceland, this narrative delves into profound personal conflicts.
Moderation by James Goss
This episode resonates with the digital age, particularly the challenges of social media. Petra (Maya Saroya), a local newspaper reporter, grapples with the whims of online algorithms. Tyler Steele moderates comments on her articles but faces pressure to allow almost any content due to advertiser preferences. Petra’s interview with the husband of a coma patient takes a backseat to more sensational news, leaving Tyler and the remnants of Torchwood increasingly alarmed about the direction things are headed. The story underscores the dangers of unchecked online vitriol and its potential real-world consequences.
In essence, these tales are quintessential Torchwood. Often, the most terrifying monsters are human. While the narratives feature both original series characters and those introduced in audio formats, all feel integral to the Torchwood team. The stories tackle relatable issues (barring the occasional shape-shifting) and deliver high entertainment value with polished, occasionally chilling conclusions. True to Torchwood’s nature, expect a twist at the end. Stay tuned.
Sue Davies
October 2023
(pub: Big Finish, 2023. 4 CDs 295 minutes 4 stories. Price: £35.00 (UK). ISBN: 978-1-83868-278-1)
cast: Samantha Béart, Paul Clayton, Jonny Green, Alexandria Riley, Eve Myles, Kai Owen, Helena Breck, Silas Carson, Rosalie Craig, Barnaby Edwards, Mark Elstob, Raj Ghatak, Lowri Gwynne, Mia Hope, Sandra Huggett, Chris Jarman, Melanie Kilburn, Daniel Llewellyn-Williams, Luke Nunn, Nicholas Nunn (Kieran), Maya Saroya, Joplin Sibtain and Sam
check out website: www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/torchwood-among-us-part-1-2232