In Review: Big Finish: The Paternoster Gang: Trespassers 4: Last Stand

Synopsis: The Paternoster Gang returns to make a last stand!

In Victorian England, the Great Detective, Madame Vastra, her resourceful spouse, Jenny Flint, and their loyal valet, Strax, solve conundrums, fight injustice and capture criminals. Unfortunately, a shapeshifting enemy is moving against them.

Hunting down their foe amid London society, Vastra is driven to distraction. What’s more, the Gang is ousted from their home before a final confrontation!

Review

The Paternoster Gang: Trespassers 4: Last Stand was a hilarious, heartwarming, and deadly finale. Big Finish constructed a saga truly worthy of our heroes.

Story

The writers continued to weave tales full of Steampunk, literary homages, and strong family bonds. In the process, listeners were treated to wonderful supporting characters and engaging social commentary.

“I Married a Zygon” by Alan Ronald offered listeners closure for Miss Faversham. Additionally, we got a taste of what Ghostbusters might have been like set in the 19th century.

Along the way, Strax and Jenny met kindred souls. I loved their respective dynamics with Mr Randolph and Harriet Cross.

As for Madame Vastra, listeners got a riveting card game with a touch of obsession. I adored the resolution, complete with a paraphrase of Sherlock Holmes.

“A Passion for Fashion” by Helen Goldwyn mixed commentary on eco-friendly fashion with a twist on ancient mythology. Moreover, listeners were introduced to another strong supporting character — Ethel Kipling.

I really enjoyed how Goldwyn subverted expectations. I also appreciated her inventive world-building within an unapologetic morality tale.

“The Final Poblom” by Lauren Mooney & Stewart Pringle was both an excellent pun and a gripping Sherlock Holmes homage. I won’t say more for fear of spoilers.

Please listen to the end, though, as the final scene comes after the end title music. This was an effective structural choice given the stakes involved.

Acting

As ever, the leads were brilliant. Neve McIntosh, Dan Starkey, and Catrin Stewart continued to be like peanut butter, chocolate, and more chocolate together.

For their parts, the guest cast gave equally memorable performances. I particularly enjoyed Lara Lemon as ghost hunter Harriet Cross. 

I also thought Susan Harrison did an excellent turn as Ethel Kipling. She committed to multiple levels of performance as the story progressed.

Of course, I must also give kudos to guest star Paul McGann. He brought zest to a pivotal dual role.

Overall

The Paternoster Gang: Trespassers 4: Last Stand brought fans everything they could want. I can’t wait for further adventures.

You can purchase The Paternoster Gang: Trespassers 4: Last Stand here.