Description
The Church of the Outsiders believe that mankind is about to evolve, to reach out into the stars. Owen Harper believes that Torchwood has to do whatever it takes to stop them.
Additional information
| Authors | Guy Adams |
|---|---|
| Characters | Gwen Cooper, Ianto Jones, Jack Harkness, Owen Harper, Toshiko Sato |
| Content warnings | Dubious consent, Suicide, Torture |
| Director | Scott Handcock |
| Episode timeline | 207-212 |
| Length | 3h |
| Range | Big Finish – Special Releases |
| Relationships | Toshiko Sato/Other |
| Series timeline | Series 2 |
| Support | Audio drama |
Estelle –
If I were to rate each episode of this story, I would give 2 stars to the first episode, 5 to the second and 3 to the last one.
The first episode got me right in the feels right from the start. We hear a meeting of the complete team for the first time since series 2 and the team dynamics is spot on!
Jack’s speech about yearning for exploration and being stuck in Cardiff is very emotional.
However, this good start is soured by the second part of the first episode when we see that Owen still hasn’t learned what consent means since the first episode of series 1…
As a result, even when he emotionally explains why this case is so important to him, I was still too angry with him to care.
Still, compared to other forays of Torchwood into dubious consent, this one is at least somewhat acknowledged and has some consequences, even though I find them to still be very light.
Apart from this issue, this story is “Torchwood meets Scientology” as a good fast-paced case story.
The second episode in particular nicely lays out the mystery and has some nice twists.
The second episode is also where the best character portrayal occurs in my opinion between Gwen being her badass self and the nice character exploration that Ianto’s consultation allows for.
Unlike many other Torchwood works, this one takes the time to show what happens once the case is over, devoting a large chunk of the third episode to check on everyone – main characters and guest characters…and it works very well.
Speaking of, Erin is a character I find to be very moving, especially thanks to the great performance by Rhian Blundell.
Unfortunately, some talks in the wrapping-up part reeked of victim blaming and I also wish there had been a bit more about Jack’s motivations and thoughts throughout the case.
Still, having the whole gang back together felt great. Everyone gives some of their best performances in this case story that leaves room for every character to be explored – either by what they do or say.
Nik –
I’m really torn about this audio, because I really wanted to love it since it’s the reunion of the entire team, but there were so many reasons I can’t…To begin with, I kind of like the premise of the alien-believing cult/religion, but Jack’s secrecy threw me off of it a little. He felt a little out of character, and I really think he would have cared more for Ianto being in danger even if he rescued him.
On that note, I did like Ianto going undercover; I like seeing/hearing him being more utilized in the team.
Lastly, I could NOT get onboard with Tosh’s interactions with Owen and with Arthur Darvill’s character. It made me feel a bit uncomfortable, and it also felt out of character.
Although I would perhaps recommend this audio, I would not personally listen to it again.
Dina –
Was it worth it to see the team united? Honestly, yeah. I think the other reviews go deeper into the nitty-gritty, but here’s my take:
– I will not re-listen
– Knowing what I know, I can’t say with certainty that I would have bought this
– I do not regret buying and listening
That said, if you retcon yourself a bit and move the action from Series 2 to Series 1 in your head somehow, it becomes a bit more enjoyable. Buy this with low expectations and be happy that they are exeeded!
Louise –
Should have been in season 1. Jack’s sudden lack of interest in the team would make more sense.
Not sure I liked this one, really. I will be listening to it again in the future, though, because it’s all we really have for all five members.
Please, Big Finish, I beg: give us another full team audio.
Xandra73 –
I had heard mixed opinion about “Believe” so I was a bit sceptical when I started listening, but I really, really enjoyed the story. It’s just great to have the whole team together again and the chemistry is right there, even without the visuals. All of them are doing a terrific job. The story focuses a bit more on Owen, Tosh and Ianto, but everyone got great moments and the story was flowing very well from beginning to end and kept you guess wth is going on. Would be amazing to get something like this again in the future!