In Review: Big Finish: Torchwood: Aliens Among Us, Part 3

Synopsis: Big Finish picks up the events after Miracle Day with Torchwood: Aliens Among Us…

Captain Jack and Gwen Cooper have restarted Torchwood. But it’s in a very different Cardiff. Something terrible’s happened to the city. With every day getting darker, will a new arrival prove to be the ally Torchwood needs?

Review: “This has all been a distraction! God is coming!” Well played Big Finish. That said, I have a feeling that Captain Jack Harkness is heading for a Star Trek homage when he inevitably asks why God would need a temporal rift.

As for the cliffhangers, I’m not concerned. After all, that’s what the sixth season of Torchwood will be for. During that next season, the Big Finish writers need to address Gwen’s situation. Torchwood: Aliens Among Us, Part 3 physically resolved things, but listeners will be fuzzy on the details. Gwen’s storyline will be far less interesting than Orr’s, though. Their abilities have been pushed to their limit on the front line.

Unfortunately, I was surprised by how little I cared about Yvonne Hartman’s story. Don’t get me wrong, Tracy-Ann Oberman did her usual stellar job, but I was underwhelmed by Tim Foley’s reliance on tropes from Torchwood One: Before The Fall. Also, I was expecting more Classic Doctor Who references, considering her origins, but maybe those are being saved for the next box set.

Additionally, I didn’t enjoy listening to Jack be off his game. I know storytelling requires conflict, but I feel like I’ve been sitting through too many variations of the flat-footed hero at his lowest ebb across all media lately. Those themes are becoming tedious at the structural level.

All that said, I still enjoyed performances and character beats. I also really appreciated the world building. I have no doubt that our heroes will eventually rise, and I’ll find the joy again along the way.

• You can purchase Torchwood: Aliens Among Us, Part 3 here. 

Written By: Tim Foley, Joseph Lidster, Helen Goldwyn, James Goss

Directed By: Scott Handcock

Cast

John Barrowman (Captain Jack Harkness), Tracy-Ann Oberman (Yvonne Hartman), Alexandria Riley (Ng), Paul Clayton (Mr Colchester), Samantha Béart (Orr), Jonny Green (Tyler Steele), Kai Owen (Rhys Williams), Tom Price (Sgt. Andy Davidson), Eve Myles (Gwen Cooper), Rachel Atkins (Ro-Jedda), Ramon Tikaram (Colin Colchester-Price), Terrence Hardiman (Escape), Sanee Raval (Xander), Kezrena James (Serena), Laura Dalgleish (Newsreader), Kerry Joy Stewart (Waitress), Garnon Davies (Rory), Joseph Tweedale (Assassin), Richard Elfyn (Inspector Bernstein), Aly Cruickshank (God Botherer), Marilyn Le Conte (Sue), Rick Yale (Darren), Luke Williams (Hywel), Charlotte O’Leary (News Reporter). Other parts played by members of the cast.

Torchwood contains adult material and may not be suitable for younger listeners

Producer James Goss

Script Editor Scott Handcock

Executive Producers Jason Haigh-Ellery and Nicholas Briggs