Torchwood: Torchwood Soho: Ascension by James Goss (CD review).
The return of 1950s Torchwood, featuring Sergeant Andy Davidson (Tom Price), is always welcome. Norton Folgate (Samuel Barnett) must resolve another end-of-the-world scenario. This time, Norton Folgate (Samuel Barnett) finds himself in a challenging situation as he confronts bureaucracy, also known as ‘the blob’.
Dervla Kirwan persuades his unwilling dead woman walking Elizabeth Hayhoe to investigate the so-called “ascensions.” There have been some weird happenings at various places around the country; something is taking the willing and the not-so-willing to who knows where. Is it God sorting out the world or something worse? The pastor, Father Dimsdale (Jamie Baughan), has dispatched Sergeant Andy to Wales as his sole acolyte, and he implores Norton not to overlook him, even for a brief moment. Father Dimsdale is keen to convert as many as possible so they can ascend.
It only takes a short while before Torchwood approaches the government, and, being the government, they see an opportunity is knocking. How can they weaponize the ascensions, even without a clear understanding of their nature?
Meanwhile, Gideon Lyme (Joe Shire) is in charge of the dog, and Norton seemingly doesn’t even remember his name; that’s the dog, not Gideon, but you know Norton.
Six short episodes present the rising panic, the terrifying government reaction, and several cliffhangers. The characters are old friends now, even Norton. This dynamic creates a lively, snappy drama, featuring snippy interactions between individuals who previously denied their deep-seated affection for each other, including Norton.
This drama is reminiscent of Torchwood, and the 1950s setting is brilliant. It’s almost as if you can hear the post-war optimism draining itself down the sink. The team with the cynical Hayhoe, the man on the make, Norton, the completely misled, optimistic Andy, and the world-weary Gideon is my favorite pick and mix. The shock ending is well-crafted, causing pause and clearly highlighting the political points. I hope the team returns to the room soon, as it was truly enjoyable.
Sue Davies
October 2024
(pub: Big Finish, 2024. 3 CDs 227 minute story. Price: CD: £21.99 (UK). ISBN: 978-1-80240-150-9. Digital: £21.99 (UK). ISBN: 978-1-80240-151-6)
cast: Samuel Barnett, Dervla Kirwan, Tom Price, Joe Shire, Naana Agyei-Ampadu, Greg Austin, Ali Bastian, Jamie Baughan, Anna Bernard, Michael Higgs, Adam Howden, David O’Mahony and David Sterne
check out website: www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/torchwood-torchwood-soho-ascension-2846