Books & Literature

Audiobook Review: Torchwood: Instant Karma, by Big Finish

Torchwood agent Toshiko Sato must stop a man with the ability to kill people with his thoughts. Trouble is, how to get to him and make him see reason without him silencing her…

Imagine having the power to permanently silence those who irritate you in any way. What would you do with that power? What SHOULD you do with that power? Torchwood agent Toshiko Sato has met someone with that ability and she feels that he is a little dangerous to be out in the world. Trouble is, how to get to him and make him see reason without him silencing her…

The fifth in the current monthly series of Torchwood releases focusses on Sato’s efforts to bring in Simon, a man gifted with the ability to kill people with his thoughts. Naoko Mori reprises her role as Sato and brings a powerful performance in this remarkable script by David Llewellyn, James Goss and Jonathan Morris. There is little humour in this particular story. Instead it is a tight thriller that grips the listener for the hour-long duration.

Director Lisa Bowerman does a stellar job at making this story bubble along without the pace seeming to drag at all. She is helped by a superb supporting cast headed by Jonny Dixon (Simon) and Sara McGaughey (Janet). They both bring much light and shade to their roles. Dixon in particular, gives a very layered performance, showing both the external and internal struggles he faces with his power. The sound design by Richard Fox & Lauren Yason is another credit to the series.

The only bonus material is a short preview of the final instalment of this series (Deadbeat Escape) which is a disappointment as it would have been nice to have had an interview with the cast as there has been on other releases. As with other releases there is a warning about adult content that should be heeded by listeners.

This is easily the best of this series to date and will provide the listener with a great adventure reminiscent of some of the best that the original TV series had to offer.

Reviewed by Rodney Hrvatin
Twitter: @Wagnerfan74

Rating out of 10:  10

Distributed by: Big Finish Productions
Released: July 2018
RRP: $17.75 CD, $8 Digital Download

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