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theinfiniteood's review
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
The Victorian Age is a story with a fun premise that does somewhat overstay its welcome. Captain Jack and Queen Victoria galavanting around Victorian London chasing an alien is a great idea, and a simple plot to keep the story going while it focuses on character. There’s no horrific events occurring so this is Jack being all cheeky and charismatic, matched by the astute but comedic Queen Victoria. The two work great together, and the dialogue is very well written, however it feels like it goes in too long. The queen proves around midway through the story that she is tough and not what people expect of her, so really there is nowhere for the story to go.
The monster has its own niche, draining the life of people but in reality it’s just a story device to give the duo an excuse to run around London. In that spirit, the monster is really easily dispensed with at the end. The monster does mirror some of the themes to do with growing old, and what the future holds that are part of the story; its general presence isn’t enough to make it memorable at all so that part of the story really does end up falling flat. I doubt this story would’ve worked if it had a villain that bears a significant presence in the narrative, but aside from its moments of involvement, the story is just a chat between characters. There is some small development in the Committee build up at the end of the story, yet another hint towards this story arc; something that is always interesting in these monthly releases, and this story does well in not focusing on that. Instead its just a neat little nod forward to what is coming.
Since this story there have been many more Queen Victoria stories in the Torchwood range, and I can see that she does have layers to her character which does create the possibility of further interesting adventures. Jack is here quite obviously as the selling point, the only character on the cover, but I think without him the story would’ve been dull. I enjoyed listening to this story a lot more now than I did on release almost 10 years ago, but its flaws are apparent. The acting, music, and sound design all work well but there are natural limitations with the premise. This can’t really be a proper Torchwood adventure, so what it does with the Torchwood elements is quite successful.
nicolamichelle's review
4.0
Torchwood in the Victorian age? Queen Victoria caught up in a mission on a routine inspection of Torchwood? Sign me up. I loved the idea of this story and Rowena Cooper will forever be the Queen of Queens and portrays our Queen Vic perfectly.
And yay for Captain Jack in this one. It was interesting to see him in a different era and working for Torchwood London before heading back to his Cardiff base. I also love the stories going back in time and it was a brilliant setting.
Absorbing and engaging as ever, series 2 of the big finish Torchwood audios is off to a great start!
And yay for Captain Jack in this one. It was interesting to see him in a different era and working for Torchwood London before heading back to his Cardiff base. I also love the stories going back in time and it was a brilliant setting.
Absorbing and engaging as ever, series 2 of the big finish Torchwood audios is off to a great start!
paradolia's review
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Queen Victoria inspects Torchwood London. Jack is there. Chaos breaks out, and Victoria takes charge and leads the charge on a mission to stop a rampaging alien. What's not to love?
o_oliviarose_o's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
suerte_encantada's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
noonanjohnc's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kristamccracken's review
4.0
There's the Queen and Jack Harkness. And they banter. And ride horses. And shoot things. Goodness all around. I found the dialogue in this episode a bit stiffer feeling than some of the other Torchwood audios - but generally a great story with lots of amusing and high paced action.