In Review: Big Finish: The Lone Centurion Volume 02: Camelot

Synopsis: Rory Williams is the Lone Centurion. He’s a man trapped in a body not his own and stranded in history. His one job is to guard the Pandorica, the tomb of his fiancée. Unfortunately, life gets in the way, even when you’re immortal.

Review: If possible, the writers crafted The Lone Centurion Volume 02: Camelot with even more love. These three tales celebrate the Arthurian legends with humor and tender awareness Mark Twain would be proud.

Story

As with Volume 01, Rory continues to fail upward in spite of himself. He’s joined by deftly deconstructed Sir Lancelot, King Arthur, Queen Guinevere, and Merlin. 

“The Once and Future Nurse” by Alfie Shaw establishes the tone and character dynamics wonderfully. Rory ends up the oblivious third leg in the Guinevere/Lancelot love triangle. Shaw spectacularly subverts audience expectations.

Additionally, Shaw uses Merlin for political commentary. In the process, he sets up a relationship  between the wizard and Rory which I hope carries into a third box set.

“The Glowing Warrior” by Tim Foley is a hilarious and poignant send up of Arthurian quest stories. Foley begins by echoing “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.” He then works his way through all the tropes. The result is a cliffhanger that works precisely because listeners know it’s coming.

“The Last King of Camelot” by Kate Thorman tackles Arthur’s fall. Consequently, Thorman allows every character to become who they’ve always been. Moreover, she solidifies the Pandorica’s role as McGuffin in a logical and organic way.

Acting

Arthur Darvill continues to own his everyman in extraordinary circumstances role. He plays all aspects of Rory’s ongoing heroic quest perfectly. 

The entire supporting cast is excellent as well. However, I must commend Hugh Skinner who plays Sir Lancelot with both nuance and superb comic timing.

Overall

Thank you, Big Finish. The Lone Centurion Volume 02: Camelot is truly lovely. Hopefully, there will be a third series.

Based on Volume 02, I’m also keeping my fingers crossed for the Big Finish Classics adaptation of Twain’s A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court.

• You can purchase The Lone Centurion Volume 02: Camelot here. 
• You can check out more of our Big Finish Reviews here.