What do you think?
Big Finish Torchwood #6
Torchwood: More Than This
Gwen Cooper has triumphed against impossible odds before, but now she's finally met her match: Roger Pugh, Planning Officer for Cardiff City Council.
Mr Pugh doesn't believe the world needs Torchwood. Gwen sets out to prove him wrong. For Mr Pugh, it's a day that'll change his life. If he can survive it.
Mr Pugh doesn't believe the world needs Torchwood. Gwen sets out to prove him wrong. For Mr Pugh, it's a day that'll change his life. If he can survive it.
Audio CD
First published February 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 7, 2026
the excuse for the plot is so stupiiiid. but then that stupid stupid plot keads to some of the best conversations of the entire range.
mc is an archaeologist that ended up w a boring life as a city planner. too real
mc is an archaeologist that ended up w a boring life as a city planner. too real
May 14, 2016
Guy Adams and Gwen = Best of this series. Loved it.
November 17, 2017
One of the best audiobooks I've ever had the pleasure to listen to. I loved the OC's story and I love outsider's POV in general, so this was a real treat!
June 9, 2024
Okay, we have a contender for best Torchwood BigFinish so far! This one was so entertaining and funny and had me smiling all the way through.
We all know dealings with the Council can be a nightmare, but when Gwen submits an application to get a new hub as base of Torchwood operations, she is faced with a wall of beaurocracy, difficult councilman and a 4 month long waiting list - she takes action… and near kidnaps the councilman to show him just how much Torchwood really does..
It was hilarious, Gwen taking on Richard Pugh from the planning department and bringing him with her alien hunting. Safe to say, he was quick to see the error of his ways.
I loved this from start to finish and will definitely be one I return to. It warrants another listen!
EDIT: I listened to it again a year later as I was introducing it to someone else and I love it just as much the second time round!
We all know dealings with the Council can be a nightmare, but when Gwen submits an application to get a new hub as base of Torchwood operations, she is faced with a wall of beaurocracy, difficult councilman and a 4 month long waiting list - she takes action… and near kidnaps the councilman to show him just how much Torchwood really does..
It was hilarious, Gwen taking on Richard Pugh from the planning department and bringing him with her alien hunting. Safe to say, he was quick to see the error of his ways.
I loved this from start to finish and will definitely be one I return to. It warrants another listen!
EDIT: I listened to it again a year later as I was introducing it to someone else and I love it just as much the second time round!
June 13, 2022
Despite veering dangerously close to a clip show structure, a pitch-perfect emotional engine steers this audio smoothly into five star territory.
August 16, 2020
Un bien étrange choix de placement dans la série puisqu'on découvre Torchwood à travers les yeux d'un personnage, Roger Pugh, (un peu comme le propre parcours de Gwen Cooper dans le premier épisode de la série télévisée) et des dangers quotidiens qu'abrite Cardiff.
Bien que les thèmes de la mort et de la connection de la série sont abordés (le titre même de l'épisode "More than this" évoque justement cet espoir d'être plus qu'un point insignifiant dans l'univers), je ne pense pas qu'il apporte réellement plus au discours que ce que la série a à offrir outre que dans cette situation, Roger Pugh se questionne quant à sa place dans la société/l'univers suite à la mort de sa femme, le thème du deuil n'étant pas vraiment abordé de front dans la série (c'était souvent en final et longtemps après on revoyait l'équipe bien qu'avec la mort de Jack Harckness et Abaddon c'était un peu discuté).
Dans la discussion entre les acteurs et le scénariste à la fin, ce dernier mentionne qu'il ne voulait pas faire de Roger un personne bureaucratiquement comique et plutôt lui donner de la profondeur, ce qui est réussi, mais Roger Pugh reste définitivement un ressort comique presque tout le long, égalé seulement par les scènes avec le policier Andy Davidson.
Un épisode amusant, mais drôlement placé.
Bien que les thèmes de la mort et de la connection de la série sont abordés (le titre même de l'épisode "More than this" évoque justement cet espoir d'être plus qu'un point insignifiant dans l'univers), je ne pense pas qu'il apporte réellement plus au discours que ce que la série a à offrir outre que dans cette situation, Roger Pugh se questionne quant à sa place dans la société/l'univers suite à la mort de sa femme, le thème du deuil n'étant pas vraiment abordé de front dans la série (c'était souvent en final et longtemps après on revoyait l'équipe bien qu'avec la mort de Jack Harckness et Abaddon c'était un peu discuté).
Dans la discussion entre les acteurs et le scénariste à la fin, ce dernier mentionne qu'il ne voulait pas faire de Roger un personne bureaucratiquement comique et plutôt lui donner de la profondeur, ce qui est réussi, mais Roger Pugh reste définitivement un ressort comique presque tout le long, égalé seulement par les scènes avec le policier Andy Davidson.
Un épisode amusant, mais drôlement placé.
July 11, 2026
The 150 Prompt Doctor Who Reading Challenge - Eighth Doctor Companions - 2) Sam Jones: Skater Girl, School Girl, Space Girl - Read a book where the main character is unexpectedly swept into a larger world, adventure or destiny they never asked for
I really enjoyed this story. I really enjoyed the outside look at Torchwood, gives me early series 1 Gwen vibes, which feels kinda meta considering that the outsider is looking at Gwen years later.
I also loved the council bits, showing off the beaurocracy and difficulties with the local council, it felt realistic to the average person who has to deal with local government.
I really enjoyed this story. I really enjoyed the outside look at Torchwood, gives me early series 1 Gwen vibes, which feels kinda meta considering that the outsider is looking at Gwen years later.
I also loved the council bits, showing off the beaurocracy and difficulties with the local council, it felt realistic to the average person who has to deal with local government.
July 9, 2019
Gwen returns as the central character in what's ostensibly the end of the first "season" of these audio plays - although, in fact, the second season started just one month later, and the season arc doesn't feature in this anyway. At its simplest, this is a "day in the life" story, set after the end of the TV series, with Gwen fighting off various threats as she tries to re-establish Torchwood Cardiff.
There's a fair bit of variety in that, showcasing the various different things that Torchwood does, with a good mix of action and humour, but this isn't what makes it great. Firstly, it's a good portrayal of Gwen, mixing touches of domesticity with her determination to save the world and ten years of experience to back that up. Indeed, she comes across as a very strong and powerful character in this, perhaps in part due to the fact that it's largely told through the eyes of somebody meeting her for the first time.
And that's the second thing that makes this so good. The viewpoint character is somebody entirely unremarkable, but we learn more of him as the story unfolds, creating a slow build to an emotional climax. As a result, the action isn't really the focus, and a fair bit of it occurs off-screen (as it were). Instead, as the title indicates, this is a story that reflects on the implications of the Torchwood universe for the lives of mundane people on Earth, and of the importance of what Gwen is doing in the larger scheme of things.
There's also a guest appearance from Sgt Andy, in some ways paralleling that of the viewpoint character, always on the periphery yet knowing that there is "more than this" - yet reacting to it quite differently. The episode, while essentially standalone (it kind of follows on from Forgotten Lives, but the two stories are independent of one another) is a good introduction to what Torchwood is about, and some of what the TV show did at its best; this is one of the best entries in what's been a remarkably good first season for these audios.
There's a fair bit of variety in that, showcasing the various different things that Torchwood does, with a good mix of action and humour, but this isn't what makes it great. Firstly, it's a good portrayal of Gwen, mixing touches of domesticity with her determination to save the world and ten years of experience to back that up. Indeed, she comes across as a very strong and powerful character in this, perhaps in part due to the fact that it's largely told through the eyes of somebody meeting her for the first time.
And that's the second thing that makes this so good. The viewpoint character is somebody entirely unremarkable, but we learn more of him as the story unfolds, creating a slow build to an emotional climax. As a result, the action isn't really the focus, and a fair bit of it occurs off-screen (as it were). Instead, as the title indicates, this is a story that reflects on the implications of the Torchwood universe for the lives of mundane people on Earth, and of the importance of what Gwen is doing in the larger scheme of things.
There's also a guest appearance from Sgt Andy, in some ways paralleling that of the viewpoint character, always on the periphery yet knowing that there is "more than this" - yet reacting to it quite differently. The episode, while essentially standalone (it kind of follows on from Forgotten Lives, but the two stories are independent of one another) is a good introduction to what Torchwood is about, and some of what the TV show did at its best; this is one of the best entries in what's been a remarkably good first season for these audios.
March 27, 2016
Это все, о чем я могла просить – один день из жизни Торчвуда с точки зрения простого смертного с погонями, инопланетными феноменами, финтифлюшками, нестабильным рифтом и уловимо драматичной подоплекой. Возглавляет армию защитников Земли неустрашимая Гвен Купер (Ив Майлс <3), с редкими проблесками сержанта Энди. Ешки-матрешки, если и второй сезон будет так зажигать, то от запредельного удовольствия меня вконец расплавит мороженым. (извините, фуд-ассоциации необычайно сильны в этом падаване :()
Дальше возможны спойлеры о персонажах. Дядечка-спутник ничего особенного из себя не представляет, обычная канцелярская серость с потухшими надеждами и трагедией в прошлом, от которой он так и не смог полностью оправиться. Погружение в реалии Торчвуда позволяет ему взглянуть на себя и окружающий мир новыми глазами, попутно соблазняя самым простым выходом из ситуации. Можно понять – если бы мне предложили навсегда покончить с непреходящей горечью и безысходностью да раствориться во времени и пространстве – я бы не раздумывая прыгнула.
На его фоне Гвен выглядит несгибаемой супервуман, которая каждый день по дороге за памперсами спасает мир, так что все потенциально враждебные инопланетяне должны бросаться врассыпную при ее появлении. Сравнить нынешнюю Гвен с той ярой идеалисткой из первого сезона – ярость и пыл на месте, только приобретенный опыт уберегает от поспешностей и ошибок. С учетом всего, что она повидала за время дружбы с Торчвудом – удивительно, как ей удалось сохранить небезразличие к судьбе человечества и отдельных его представителей. И ведь если подумать, то сейчас Торчвуд = Гвен...
P.S. На первой серии второго сезона с Джеком в Викторианской Англии я уже четырежды уснула. Треш.
annikeh.net
Дальше возможны спойлеры о персонажах. Дядечка-спутник ничего особенного из себя не представляет, обычная канцелярская серость с потухшими надеждами и трагедией в прошлом, от которой он так и не смог полностью оправиться. Погружение в реалии Торчвуда позволяет ему взглянуть на себя и окружающий мир новыми глазами, попутно соблазняя самым простым выходом из ситуации. Можно понять – если бы мне предложили навсегда покончить с непреходящей горечью и безысходностью да раствориться во времени и пространстве – я бы не раздумывая прыгнула.
На его фоне Гвен выглядит несгибаемой супервуман, которая каждый день по дороге за памперсами спасает мир, так что все потенциально враждебные инопланетяне должны бросаться врассыпную при ее появлении. Сравнить нынешнюю Гвен с той ярой идеалисткой из первого сезона – ярость и пыл на месте, только приобретенный опыт уберегает от поспешностей и ошибок. С учетом всего, что она повидала за время дружбы с Торчвудом – удивительно, как ей удалось сохранить небезразличие к судьбе человечества и отдельных его представителей. И ведь если подумать, то сейчас Торчвуд = Гвен...
P.S. На первой серии второго сезона с Джеком в Викторианской Англии я уже четырежды уснула. Треш.
annikeh.net
February 26, 2020
Attempting to bring back Torchwood. Gwen needs a new base but planning officer for Cardiff City Council might prove to be her biggest challenge yet and soon she will take him on a wild adventure of the strange and the darkness.
This was a really fun story, Eve Myles and Richard Nicols as Roger Pugh were really good in this. Some nice comedic moments, a bit of darkness, some timey-wimey stuff and a sad man grieving over the loss of his wife. The inclusion of Andy Davidson was great and the scene after the credits with him was funny! 8/10
This was a really fun story, Eve Myles and Richard Nicols as Roger Pugh were really good in this. Some nice comedic moments, a bit of darkness, some timey-wimey stuff and a sad man grieving over the loss of his wife. The inclusion of Andy Davidson was great and the scene after the credits with him was funny! 8/10
February 8, 2016
I actually really liked it. Andy made appearance (poor guy, deserves much more than he gets)!
While being kinda a stand alone, this story surly gives the audience the right Torchwood feeling, the thing that got me hooked - a random person, getting to know aliens and stuff, what more could one nerd ask for?
Less loud noises. I know that few screams and stuff are important or the story but it was hard on my ears.
While being kinda a stand alone, this story surly gives the audience the right Torchwood feeling, the thing that got me hooked - a random person, getting to know aliens and stuff, what more could one nerd ask for?
Less loud noises. I know that few screams and stuff are important or the story but it was hard on my ears.
February 28, 2016
This is exactly how I picture Torchwood post the awful mess that was Miracle Day. The idea that Gwen and Rhys are all that stands between Cardiff and an alien invasion is just awesome. And the way Andy just pops in and out? Even better! Although there's a lot going on in this one, what is most important is the feeling you get if having the old Torchwood back in business.
Certainly my fave of these new audiodramas.
Certainly my fave of these new audiodramas.
February 19, 2016
I will admit I was hoping for more from the last episode. This felt like an odd choice. It felt much more like an introduction story that a final episode. Gwen was brilliant and it was a fine adventure but it felt like a very odd way to end the series. It was all what Torchwood did and had Gwen kicking ass and explaining how it worked to outsiders.
July 21, 2016
A really solid "describe the essence of Torchwood" story, though it does not touch quiiiite as heavily on the emotional damage often present in the Torchwood stories. Gwen's stories have been among the best in this audio series.
May 22, 2017
Eve Myles voice acting is superb in this one. Gwen initiates Roger, the planning officer for Cardiff city, into the world of Torchwood in a series of bizarre adventures. Also, PC Andy is finally ready to take the call to arms from Torchwood and instead get's a shopping order. #GreenPeppersNotRed
November 29, 2021
Definitely my favourite so far - I ❤️ Gwen, and just a cracking tight little story so happy to round up a 4.5
December 16, 2024
More Than This went for a very different story concept than the previous in the first series of Torchwood audios. A really heartfelt story about loss and change, with lots of action but ultimately really emotional story beats. This story is continuing on from the previous Gwen audio, with her really trying to start up Torchwood again as she tries to get planning permission for a new hub. Obviously that in itself is a real comedic element that to get this super sci-fi thing, she has to go through the bureaucratic tedium of real life. Roger Pugh starts off as a really unlikable character, but as the story goes on you get to enjoy his terrified reaction to the chaos going on around him; while Gwen remains as cool and nonchalant as ever.
I don’t think the idea of his prickly personality being because of the loss of his wife really landed as an idea, mostly because it’s so briefly covered. There’s no real time lent towards the emotional side of his life, and what is supposed to be a tearjerking idea is overshadowed by the alien concepts at play. Gwen was great here, feeling like a real leader with the confidence that her character clearly has developed after all she’s been through. Rhys makes an odd appearance for light comedic relief and as ever, I always love those small moments. Character wise this story really does do well, and makes me like Gwen a lot more than I did on TV.
There’s no overarching plot here, nothing to do with the Committee, just Gwen trying to convince a real miserable person to actually see the world as it is, and understand why it needs Torchwood. That is done quite effectively, but realistically there was never going to be a proper plot to get this story to where its trying to be; just a series of skits and a montage, with the occasional momentary break as Roger narrates his internal thoughts for the listeners benefit. I think this story was very good, even if it didn’t land perfectly with its core ideas, not failing to be what it wanted to very much. An action packed adventure with a reflection on the normal day to day life outside the chaos of Torchwood.
I don’t think the idea of his prickly personality being because of the loss of his wife really landed as an idea, mostly because it’s so briefly covered. There’s no real time lent towards the emotional side of his life, and what is supposed to be a tearjerking idea is overshadowed by the alien concepts at play. Gwen was great here, feeling like a real leader with the confidence that her character clearly has developed after all she’s been through. Rhys makes an odd appearance for light comedic relief and as ever, I always love those small moments. Character wise this story really does do well, and makes me like Gwen a lot more than I did on TV.
There’s no overarching plot here, nothing to do with the Committee, just Gwen trying to convince a real miserable person to actually see the world as it is, and understand why it needs Torchwood. That is done quite effectively, but realistically there was never going to be a proper plot to get this story to where its trying to be; just a series of skits and a montage, with the occasional momentary break as Roger narrates his internal thoughts for the listeners benefit. I think this story was very good, even if it didn’t land perfectly with its core ideas, not failing to be what it wanted to very much. An action packed adventure with a reflection on the normal day to day life outside the chaos of Torchwood.
January 16, 2023
Really, really enjoyed this. For the most part, its a more lighthearted Torchwood adventure about Gwen trying to get a permit to build the Hub again, but the final moments are really heartfelt. Mr. Pugh better be a character that appears in The Story Continues or is at least mentioned, because he's someone I'd love to hear more from - a normal, everyday person that gets intertwined in fantastic things like Doctor Who and (in particular) Torchwood does so well. Richard Nichols performs the role perfectly, and he's an actor I will actively seek out in more productions. Eve Myles is also on top form here, this being just another day for Gwen, with Myles getting the end-of-the-world stakes, and also the everyday mundanity incredibly well.
I listen to one in the Torchwood Monthly Range every few months, and I might be upping that number, because they're such interesting stories, whether good or bad. The previous release, Uncanny Valley didn't really gel with me that much, but I really enjoyed this.
Also I'm so happy they gave Russell the opening Torchwood mantra, it's so nice to hear him say it.
I listen to one in the Torchwood Monthly Range every few months, and I might be upping that number, because they're such interesting stories, whether good or bad. The previous release, Uncanny Valley didn't really gel with me that much, but I really enjoyed this.
Also I'm so happy they gave Russell the opening Torchwood mantra, it's so nice to hear him say it.
September 7, 2022
The plot focuses on Gwen Cooper who is trying to convince a local bureaucrat to expedite her permit for a new Torchwood headquarters. Gwen is well-performed by Eve Myles, who conveys the emotion and empathy that makes this character so wonderful. This story has the feel of the Torchwood television series, especially those special episodes that feature a character on a solo mission. Sadly, the Big Finish Torchwood audiobook series only features one character/actor at a time, meaning you don't get the interactions between the Torchwood team members. To address this issue, Guy Adams uses one-sided telephone conversations to connect Gwen to her husband Rhys Williams, conveying both the relationship between the two and that Rhys is now part of the team. Adams also includes policeman Andy Davidson (Tom Price) who was a secondary character in the television show, adding some humor.
At the end, his episode also includes a brief interview with Eve Myles and Guy Adams.
At the end, his episode also includes a brief interview with Eve Myles and Guy Adams.
March 21, 2022
Starts with Gwen playing telephone tag with a local authority planning officer, Roger Pugh, and then she takes him off to experience a day in the life of a Torchwood officer. Lots of fun dialogue for Gwen, lots of nice little details during all their mini-adventures, and the relationship that develops between the two of them seems quite meaningful. The one question I had at the end was who is doing all the tech work for Gwen and Rhys's version of Torchwood, but maybe that's a story still to be told. The best of this first season of stories, I think. It really takes advantage of audio's unlimited budget for special effects.
November 10, 2024
Honestly, I will always need more Eve Myles as Gwen Cooper in my life, she is simply impeccable in that role. Guy Adams understands the character so well, this feels so much like it could have been a season 5 story for television.
My first foray into Big Finish Torchwood was the absolutely incredible "The Story Continues..." range. This filled in a minor gap for that series that I didn't know needed feeling.
More Than This is a surprisingly exciting and emotional story hitting all the necessary beats that make a Gwen Cooper story work. She cares about the little people, a characterization separating her from many of the other core Torchwood cast and one that Guy Adams didn't miss.
My first foray into Big Finish Torchwood was the absolutely incredible "The Story Continues..." range. This filled in a minor gap for that series that I didn't know needed feeling.
More Than This is a surprisingly exciting and emotional story hitting all the necessary beats that make a Gwen Cooper story work. She cares about the little people, a characterization separating her from many of the other core Torchwood cast and one that Guy Adams didn't miss.
September 24, 2018
Very strong story this one. At times a bit of a romp, helped by the presence of Andy, but strong performance by the actors, with Gwen and Mr Pugh very well portrayed. A lot of emotion throughout the tale, and the events were very well described, allowing the imagination to run wild picturing the events. Great tale to finish the first season off with.
October 24, 2020
I think this is my least favorite in the series so far. As much as I like Gwen, the story was just not interesting enough. Kind of a Day In The Life type of story... also I didn't came to like Roger Pugh which didn't help to actually care for the story.
November 23, 2019
This got a bit uncomfortably existential, but maybe that's just me and my current mood.
July 9, 2021
Great Gwen story!
February 18, 2023
旁观者视角的佳作，带着悲伤和温柔的TW，也算是on brand了，风格有点像Random Shoes
June 3, 2023
This one was bloody marvelous! So funny, so well written! Brilliantly acted. One of the best so far.
November 16, 2023
Finished this one right before lunch. Very entertaining and pretty it takes place after children of earth but not sure looking forward to listening to series two of these audio dramas!
February 19, 2016
Per l'ultimo capitolo della prima stagione audio di Torchwood abbiamo Gwen Cooper che cerca di convincere un burocrate a fornire al nucleo sopravvissuto di Torchwood 3 una nuova base.
Il modo migliore per farlo? Portarselo dietro in una giornata tipo.
La storia è narrata in formato flashback dal burocrate, alternata ai duetti con Gwen (con brevi comparsate del marito Rhys e dell'ex collega poliziotto Andy).
Storia non troppo complessa, ambientata (forse) dopo "Miracle Day", senza nessun accenno ai cattivi fil rouge apparente della serie.
Buona interpretazione, ma non troppo interessante nel complesso.
Ora restiamo in attesa della seconda stagione.
Il modo migliore per farlo? Portarselo dietro in una giornata tipo.
La storia è narrata in formato flashback dal burocrate, alternata ai duetti con Gwen (con brevi comparsate del marito Rhys e dell'ex collega poliziotto Andy).
Storia non troppo complessa, ambientata (forse) dopo "Miracle Day", senza nessun accenno ai cattivi fil rouge apparente della serie.
Buona interpretazione, ma non troppo interessante nel complesso.
Ora restiamo in attesa della seconda stagione.
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