In Review: Big Finish: The Paternoster Gang: Heritage 4

Synopsis: The Paternoster Gang returns to battle primal forces. But even heroes can never escape their past…

Review: The Paternoster Gang: Heritage 4 is an excellent conclusion to this arc. The three stories by Paul Morris, Roy Gill, and Matt Fitton do great justice to Victorian Doctor Who. 

The Story

Any narrative that threatens the relationship between Madame Vastra and Jenny Flint is automatically schmuck bait. Fortunately, the writers know this. As a result, the tales in The Paternoster Gang: Heritage 4 cover a mix of themes. The leading ladies’ romantic dilemma is given its due, but it doesn’t overpower other intriguing story elements.

“Merry Christmas, Mr Jago” by Paul Morris is my favorite story in the set. Henry Gordon Jago belongs with The Paternoster Gang in Professor George Litefoot’s absence. Fans will be pleased to hear that Big Finish still refuses to acknowledge Trevor Baxter’s death within the narrative.

The story is a love letter to Jago and his classic Doctor Who roots. I absolutely love the humor in the running gags. I also appreciate the well-worn sci-fi trope that’s put to good use for foreshadowing.

“The Ghost Writers” by Roy Gill is where the heritage-themed arc begins to come to ahead. I love the themes of this story. Every character has their part to play as myth and reality converge. My absolute favorite bit is the homage to Tolkien that imperils our heroes.

“Rulers of Earth” by Matt Fitton is where the Lovecraftian chickens come home to roost. Fitton anticipates a key question listeners will have. How do you avoid villain decay with a threat of that nature? 

The answer to that question is the story. The answer both saves our heroes and adds depth to their characters going forward.

The Acting 

Neve McIntosh, Catrin Stewart, and Dan Starkey are as wonderful as ever. Christopher Benjamin is technically a guest star in this different range. Functionally, however, he’s a regular and a superb one at that.

Regrettably, I can’t mention a key guest star This person constitutes a massive spoiler. 

However, I will mention Trevor Cooper. He plays an acquaintance of Strax’s who keeps things interesting.

I must also mention the ever-awesome Annette Badland. She delivers yet another value for money performance in a key featured role.  

Overall

Thank you, Big Finish. The Paternoster Gang: Heritage 4 is high caliber storytelling. I can’t wait for the next arc to begin.

You can purchase The Paternoster Gang: Heritage 4 here.