Torchwood: Uncanny Valley

Writer: David Llewellyn
Director: Neil Gardner
Script Editor: Steve Tribe
Cover Illustration: Lee Binding
Music: Blair Mowat
Sound Design: Neil Gardner
Producer: James Goss

Starring John Barrowman
Released January 2016

Five releases in and it seems this line of single-disc Torchwood stories from Big Finish Productions can do no wrong. Uncanny Valley is another enjoyable hour or so in the company of an interesting concept, a comprehensive script and strong performances.

I do enjoy the stories that take an idea and fit Torchwood around them, rather than the other way around. A robotic clone going rogue is not a new wheeze but writer David Llewellyn's skilful execution ably keeps the listener's attention as we're introduced to Neil and NJ, learn how this situation came to be and deal with the threat head on.

Neil (Steven Cree) is a billionaire who made his fortune in software and technology development before a car crash meant he would never walk again. It was at this stage that a mysterious woman entered his life and offered him something he never thought would be possible. Llewellyn's tightly-plotted story joins the dots for listeners while keeping them believably disparate for Neil, until Jack Harkness shows up and begins to help him see the bigger picture. The resolution is effective and thought-provoking. The question of what would have happened if Jack hadn't turned up is implicitly raised, without any easy answers.

Cree and Barrowman carry almost the entirety of this story, and both are excellent, especially the former in his double role. The behind-the-scenes chat after the story ends is particularly enjoyable here, Barrowman and Cree sharing an easy chemistry than translates well into Jack and Neil.

As in The Conspiracy, David Llewellyn takes things a step beyond just raising the idea of the Committee and makes them an active participant, (re-)shaping the world from behind the curtain. This really adds to the impact of the organisation, who we have had barely any direct contact with - cleverly tied into Uncanny Valley - and just builds anticipation for their eventual appearance. Neil Gardner directs this story with a light touch, ensuring the performances, sound design and music all complement each other well.

Uncanny Valley is another showcase piece for one of the shining jewels in Big Finish's crown. It may as well be taken as read that this comes highly recommended.