In Review: Big Finish: VAM PD Volume 01

Synopsis: in Vam PD, Vampires live their lives by rules – but who polices them? Welcome to the Office of the Night, where vampires Catrin and Magnus keep an uneasy peace between the living and the undead.

Review: Writer James Goss has worked his magic yet again. VAM PD Volume 01 was a delightfully dark Halloween present.

Story

Goss designed this new range around Juliet Landau. In the process, he crafted a fully fleshed out universe. 

I felt throughout that I wasn’t listening to a story about vampires. Instead, I was listening to vampires with a story.

Moreover, I was listening to funny vampires with a story. That said, Goss delicately and deftly balanced the comedy with the heavier elements.

“Party All Night” was an excellent introductory story. Goss but it around Vampire Circuit Parties.

However, the parties proved to be the least interesting story point, and that’s saying something. Mind you, Goss hooked me with all of Catrin’s cats.

“Blood Bank” was a tale about family dynasties and the blood economy. Goss’ world-building lead to some particularly good philosophical discussions.

“Under the Sun” centered around vampire yoga and benches. By the end, listeners got commentary on the class system and a great cliff-hanger.

Acting

As I said, VAM PD Volume 01 was built around Juliet Landau. She obviously relished the role and excelled.

Additionally, Landau’s poise and comic timing allowed her co-stars to showcase their pwn abilities.

For her part, Mara Wilson played every layer of Jane with skill. She’s a marvelous addition to the Big Finish family.

However, Alimi Ballard gave the break out performance. He invested Magnus with a quirky fragility and depth.

Overall

Thank you, Big Finish, for the Halloween treat I didn’t know I needed. Truthfully, I’d grown jaded about vampire storytelling. Fortunately, VAM PD Volume 01 made me care about the undead again.

You can purchase VAM PD Volume 01 here.