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Big Finish Torchwood #11
Torchwood: Broken
Whenever Ianto Jones has a tough day at work, he has somewhere he can hide. And, for Ianto Jones, it's always a tough day at work.
His girlfriend is dead, his colleagues don't trust him, and his boss... his boss is something else. With no friends in the world, and his life in danger every day, is it any wonder that at night, Ianto Jones goes to the pub?
Ianto's local becomes somewhere where he feels safe. Safe from his demons, safe from his life, safe from Torchwood. Until one evening, Captain Jack Harkness walks into a bar...
His girlfriend is dead, his colleagues don't trust him, and his boss... his boss is something else. With no friends in the world, and his life in danger every day, is it any wonder that at night, Ianto Jones goes to the pub?
Ianto's local becomes somewhere where he feels safe. Safe from his demons, safe from his life, safe from Torchwood. Until one evening, Captain Jack Harkness walks into a bar...
Audio CD
First published July 1, 2016
177 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Lidster
85 books37 followersJoseph Lidster is an English television writer best known for his work on the Doctor Who spin-off series Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures.
His debut work was the audio play The Rapture for Big Finish Productions in 2002. Numerous further audio plays and prose short stories followed for Big Finish, for their Doctor Who line, spin-offs and other series (Sapphire & Steel and The Tomorrow People).
In 2005, he started working for the BBC, writing tie-in material for the new Doctor Who television series. He made his television writing debut in 2008 on the second series of Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood and subsequently wrote three two-part stories for The Sarah Jane Adventures. He has written the two-part story "Rebel Magic" for the new CBBC series Wizards vs Aliens.
Lidster wrote the content for the tie-in websites relating to the fictional world of the television series, Sherlock. Alongside co-producer James Goss, he has produced Big Finish Productions' dramatic reading range of Dark Shadows audio dramas since 2011.
In 2012, he won the 'Audience Favourite Writer' award for his first play Nice Sally in the Off Cut Theatre Festival.
His debut work was the audio play The Rapture for Big Finish Productions in 2002. Numerous further audio plays and prose short stories followed for Big Finish, for their Doctor Who line, spin-offs and other series (Sapphire & Steel and The Tomorrow People).
In 2005, he started working for the BBC, writing tie-in material for the new Doctor Who television series. He made his television writing debut in 2008 on the second series of Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood and subsequently wrote three two-part stories for The Sarah Jane Adventures. He has written the two-part story "Rebel Magic" for the new CBBC series Wizards vs Aliens.
Lidster wrote the content for the tie-in websites relating to the fictional world of the television series, Sherlock. Alongside co-producer James Goss, he has produced Big Finish Productions' dramatic reading range of Dark Shadows audio dramas since 2011.
In 2012, he won the 'Audience Favourite Writer' award for his first play Nice Sally in the Off Cut Theatre Festival.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
October 28, 2020
It appears I didn’t need my heart. You win again, Torchwood.
August 18, 2017
Ianto Jones is a broken man -- after the events of Lisa and those of Mary and Tosh. He despises Jack and is in horrendous emotional pain. He finds a friendly ear with the bartender at his local pub, only to find out she holds a dark secret that culminates in Ianto taking action and working on the damage that is in his life. I love Ianto and it was great to have such a powerful character study giving his a lot of depth. Really enjoyed it.
December 24, 2016
I cried way too hard while listenting to this audio play. It closes the gaps in Ianto´s character development between Lisa´s death and the start of his and Jack´s relationship. The story is more character driven and evolves more about Ianto´s mental state rather than an "alien of the week".
I´m just very very happy that this was made.
I´m just very very happy that this was made.
October 1, 2016
Pretty close to my head canon on how Jack and Ianto got together :-)
February 22, 2017
Usually there would be massive fangirling (and quotation) ahead but I did listen to this audio drama last month and although I did write down some notes, you try to decipher my chicken scratch. Maybe that's for the best, because I do get carried away in all things that is Ianto Jones :)
Torchwood: Broken happens right before/alongside "Countryside" and mentions "Greeks Bearing Gifts" somewhat connecting the story to the original series. It's kind of nice to get some backround about the whole TV series, what happens after the cases, learn more about it's characters - mostly Ianto, of course- the psychological effect some (if not all) Torchwood cases have on them. It's nice to see that they are in fact only humans. I almost cried because of suicidal Ianto - not to dwell on this in order to not spoil the story- or Tosh's nightmares are a nice touch (that sounds wrong).
But let's face it, you just want somebody to already hug Ianto the first few minutes and kind of know the outcome of the whole story right after he gets that hug. Probably not if you havn't read too many Sebastian Fitzek books like I have, though.
At some point Torchwood: Broken seems like a Behind the scenes/ Making of story with a lot of interesting things they usually leave out of TV shows/ movies. Ianto really has a backround story and in the TV series you tend to forget that he lost everything at Canary Wharf ("There is nothing else- there is nothing to replace it").
I can't wrap my head around the fact that Ianto Jones occasionally makes bad coffee. Seriously. No. Just no.
I love "Countryside", it's my favourite Torchwood episode, and thus that Lisa talk in Broken is simply brilliant. I kind of felt sad for the weevil as Ianto got carried way "just to feel something."
Besides I was happy to see that Jack's characterization was spot on. He seemed too out of character in Torchwood: The Conspiracy but now is back to his unhealthily Gwen fixation, has way too much fun- bordering on being a douche.
And yes, there is a whole story wraped around this, and a quite entertaining one. Just listen to it :D
Nonsense ahead. You have been warned.
Torchwood: Broken happens right before/alongside "Countryside" and mentions "Greeks Bearing Gifts" somewhat connecting the story to the original series. It's kind of nice to get some backround about the whole TV series, what happens after the cases, learn more about it's characters - mostly Ianto, of course- the psychological effect some (if not all) Torchwood cases have on them. It's nice to see that they are in fact only humans. I almost cried because of suicidal Ianto - not to dwell on this in order to not spoil the story- or Tosh's nightmares are a nice touch (that sounds wrong).
"Oh Ianto Jones, what has Torchwood done to you?"
But let's face it, you just want somebody to already hug Ianto the first few minutes and kind of know the outcome of the whole story right after he gets that hug. Probably not if you havn't read too many Sebastian Fitzek books like I have, though.
"The whole world is broken."
At some point Torchwood: Broken seems like a Behind the scenes/ Making of story with a lot of interesting things they usually leave out of TV shows/ movies. Ianto really has a backround story and in the TV series you tend to forget that he lost everything at Canary Wharf ("There is nothing else- there is nothing to replace it").
"There really is more to me than just making coffee"
I can't wrap my head around the fact that Ianto Jones occasionally makes bad coffee. Seriously. No. Just no.
I love "Countryside", it's my favourite Torchwood episode, and thus that Lisa talk in Broken is simply brilliant. I kind of felt sad for the weevil as Ianto got carried way "just to feel something."
Besides I was happy to see that Jack's characterization was spot on. He seemed too out of character in Torchwood: The Conspiracy but now is back to his unhealthily Gwen fixation, has way too much fun- bordering on being a douche.
"When we got back at the hu-office..." xD
And yes, there is a whole story wraped around this, and a quite entertaining one. Just listen to it :D
Read
March 30, 2024it’s been a rough few months ok
June 5, 2017
Iaaaaaaaanto. *sobs helplessly*
September 7, 2024
Ah, our beloved and broken Ianto. This was such a great addition to his story and fills in some much needed and wanted gaps for us fans! Just how was Ianto and his adjustment after the events with Lisa? How did he cope after losing her with the team and getting back on his feet? Wonder no more, for herein lies the answers.
I think a lot of us have a connection to Ianto from the Torchwood show so having him back in BigFinish is great. It was so wonderfully acted and produced AND to have John Barrowman in this one too made it even better. I felt like it bridged a lot of gaps and really brought more of the Torchwood world to life.
I’m so glad they decided on this one and everything about it was a must listen for any fan of Torchwood.
I think a lot of us have a connection to Ianto from the Torchwood show so having him back in BigFinish is great. It was so wonderfully acted and produced AND to have John Barrowman in this one too made it even better. I felt like it bridged a lot of gaps and really brought more of the Torchwood world to life.
I’m so glad they decided on this one and everything about it was a must listen for any fan of Torchwood.
November 9, 2018
a really good addition to the Torchwood canon that fills in the gaps in how Ianto and Jack's relationship came to be!
*TW: suicidal ideation*
*TW: suicidal ideation*
June 15, 2025
Going back to Torchwood after almost 20 years feels like coming home 💚
November 25, 2019
For the second time, we have a story that focuses on Ianto, albeit this time with Jack also playing a significant role. It's built around the first season of the TV show, exploring the emotional toll that the events of some of those episodes have on Ianto, starting in the immediate aftermath of "Cyberwoman". The over-arcing plot of the audio series doesn't get a mention, for once, and would have diluted the references if it had.
Much of the play consists of the conversations Ianto has with the motherly barmaid at his local pub, exploring the impact of the TV episodes without directly recounting their plots - this isn't a release for those unfamiliar with the original. It's a great performance from Gareth David-Lloyd, outshining Barrowman in the scenes they have together, as we see his character begin to break down under the strain.
As is implied by its opening teaser, however, there is more to the story than the emotional journey, with some science fiction elements that directly feed into the resolution. But here, it's doing what Torchwood does best, combining the everyday with the fantastic and using the latter as a metaphor for some darker corners of the human mind. It's also, as is probably clear from the cover, something of an LGBT romance, filling in the gaps of Ianto's romantic development as the TV series progressed.
This isn't one for those who are more interested in action, but it is a clever, and beautifully written complement to the TV series that spawned it.
Much of the play consists of the conversations Ianto has with the motherly barmaid at his local pub, exploring the impact of the TV episodes without directly recounting their plots - this isn't a release for those unfamiliar with the original. It's a great performance from Gareth David-Lloyd, outshining Barrowman in the scenes they have together, as we see his character begin to break down under the strain.
As is implied by its opening teaser, however, there is more to the story than the emotional journey, with some science fiction elements that directly feed into the resolution. But here, it's doing what Torchwood does best, combining the everyday with the fantastic and using the latter as a metaphor for some darker corners of the human mind. It's also, as is probably clear from the cover, something of an LGBT romance, filling in the gaps of Ianto's romantic development as the TV series progressed.
This isn't one for those who are more interested in action, but it is a clever, and beautifully written complement to the TV series that spawned it.
October 9, 2020
Ordinairement, c'est le genre de drames audio qui ne m'aurait pas attiré·: on vise à combler des trous narratifs, à bâtir la relation entre Jack et Ianto qu'on n'a pas vu à l'écran. Or, c'est aussi exactement ce que je veux entendre d'un autre côté: comment les personnages arrivent à "dealer" avec leurs pertes, les événements qui les entoure, montrer un peu plus leurs quotidiens, leurs luttes internes, leur moment de désespoir. Bref, comme les humains derrière les personnages de la série composent avec ces situations paranormales (et/ou absolument cruelles et monstrueuses) dans leur quotidien. Ce drame audio révise un peu la moitié de la première saison (des conséquences de la perte de Lisa dans Cyberwomen, au drame qu'était Contryside en passant par la perte de la partenaire de Tosh dans Greeks Bearing Gifts [bien que de manière un peu éloigné vu que c'est perçu à travers Ianto]), mais sous l'angle humain, sous l'angle de ce qui arrive réellement après les tragédies.
La réponse est très sombre, elle touche même des questions de dépressions, de suicides, de manipulation, de désirs de vengeance, de violence, la prétention que tout va bien malgré les cauchemars constant, de vouloir faire mal aux autres ne serait-ce que pour endormir sa propre douleur. Cet épisode s'intéresse donc à la vulnérabilité humaine, à ces couloirs obscurs de la douleur et de la dépression. Ça s'intéresse aussi évidemment à ce qui peut aider, les connections qui sont créées, comment grandir dans l'épreuve, ce qui est possible à travers tout ça.
C'est probablement un des plus forts épisodes des audio de Torchwood qui affronte la mort de face, pas à travers des extraterrestres (mais peut-être un peu aussi, il reste que ça doit être un épisode!), mais à travers les réactions humaines, les connections, ce qu'il reste, ce qui est possible de faire parmi les horreurs quotidiennes.
Je pense que c'est aussi un des meilleurs épisodes qui adresse de front la cruauté de Harkness, sa froideur, son refus de faire face aux sentiments de son équipe "Tosh says she's having nightmares" (suite à Countryside), bref, de dépeindre Captain Jack comme un monstre, pas de cruauté, mais du refus d'accepter les sentiments des autres.
Définitivement un incontournable de cette série qui au lieu de venir combler des trous narratifs juste pour le plaisir ou les références à la série, vient combler une partie de l'humanité manquante dans la série, de la réaction humaine face à la mort, à la tragédie et à l'horreur.
Et bien sûr: listener discretion is strongly advised: un épisode qui amène des larmes à l'écoute.
La réponse est très sombre, elle touche même des questions de dépressions, de suicides, de manipulation, de désirs de vengeance, de violence, la prétention que tout va bien malgré les cauchemars constant, de vouloir faire mal aux autres ne serait-ce que pour endormir sa propre douleur. Cet épisode s'intéresse donc à la vulnérabilité humaine, à ces couloirs obscurs de la douleur et de la dépression. Ça s'intéresse aussi évidemment à ce qui peut aider, les connections qui sont créées, comment grandir dans l'épreuve, ce qui est possible à travers tout ça.
C'est probablement un des plus forts épisodes des audio de Torchwood qui affronte la mort de face, pas à travers des extraterrestres (mais peut-être un peu aussi, il reste que ça doit être un épisode!), mais à travers les réactions humaines, les connections, ce qu'il reste, ce qui est possible de faire parmi les horreurs quotidiennes.
Je pense que c'est aussi un des meilleurs épisodes qui adresse de front la cruauté de Harkness, sa froideur, son refus de faire face aux sentiments de son équipe "Tosh says she's having nightmares" (suite à Countryside), bref, de dépeindre Captain Jack comme un monstre, pas de cruauté, mais du refus d'accepter les sentiments des autres.
Définitivement un incontournable de cette série qui au lieu de venir combler des trous narratifs juste pour le plaisir ou les références à la série, vient combler une partie de l'humanité manquante dans la série, de la réaction humaine face à la mort, à la tragédie et à l'horreur.
Et bien sûr: listener discretion is strongly advised: un épisode qui amène des larmes à l'écoute.
January 9, 2025
Broken is the true masterpiece of the Torchwood range. A tragedy/romance story between the much beloved Ianto and Jack, it uses the continuity of Torchwood series 1 to tell a compelling story that provides some background for their blossoming relationship in series 2. The portrayal of Ianto here isn’t just someone pouring coffee as if each traumatic event he has been through is nothing, he is incredible vulnerable and emotional. Gareth David Lloyd gives a whirlwind of a performance here, really giving you a characterisation of the character that just makes you want to cry. As he sits there and emotes to Mandy the barmaid, you really get to empathise with the horrors he’s been through and left feeling as if you are on this journey with him.
He is of course matched with his almost emotional opposite in Captain Jack who just takes everything in his stride, and Ianto’s near revenge just feels satisfying for the briefest of moments as we have been taken on this story exploring his mental state and Jack’s part responsibility in that. There is a minor alien presence here but it’s just some generic thing to set up the reconciliation and beautiful final scene between Jack and Mandy. Mandy is best described in a line from Ianto as ‘you’re not evil but you’re screwed up’ and her pretend sympathy is what makes her inevitable betrayal even more surprising. It’s just gay romance portrayed so beautifully and with such humanity that it feels like you’re there with them. That romantic spark between them gets lit in this story and with the hindsight of the events of Children of Earth, it makes more beautiful and tragic.
The plot here really is just Ianto’s life, and the listeners investment in it, with the continuity helping provide context and fulfilling justification in some of the darker scenes. I genuinely cannot think of a single criticism of this story, characters, narrative, emotional beats are all perfect and there is no amount of re-listening that dampens me crying when I listen to this story. I recommend this more than any Torchwood monthly because none rival this in terms of quality.
He is of course matched with his almost emotional opposite in Captain Jack who just takes everything in his stride, and Ianto’s near revenge just feels satisfying for the briefest of moments as we have been taken on this story exploring his mental state and Jack’s part responsibility in that. There is a minor alien presence here but it’s just some generic thing to set up the reconciliation and beautiful final scene between Jack and Mandy. Mandy is best described in a line from Ianto as ‘you’re not evil but you’re screwed up’ and her pretend sympathy is what makes her inevitable betrayal even more surprising. It’s just gay romance portrayed so beautifully and with such humanity that it feels like you’re there with them. That romantic spark between them gets lit in this story and with the hindsight of the events of Children of Earth, it makes more beautiful and tragic.
The plot here really is just Ianto’s life, and the listeners investment in it, with the continuity helping provide context and fulfilling justification in some of the darker scenes. I genuinely cannot think of a single criticism of this story, characters, narrative, emotional beats are all perfect and there is no amount of re-listening that dampens me crying when I listen to this story. I recommend this more than any Torchwood monthly because none rival this in terms of quality.
March 1, 2018
If you pick the right stuff (and ignore the other) that suits your headcanons and wishes, the additional entries to Torchwood canon are a big joy for every fan (unless of course your interest are too far out there).
This audio story gives us a bit more backround on how Ianto coped after Cyberwoman in season 1 (hint: not great). It's a welcome dive into a character that didn't get all that much focus at first and if we're being honest, he didn't get all that much later either (but did anyone not named Jack or Gwen get fleshed out?).
This story is from Ianto's point of view and he gets a new character - a barmaid named Mandy - to talk to about his feelings, which worked well since he wasn't really close to anyone at Torchwood at that point.
Of course there is some kind of side-plot about people disappearing, but the focus is really more on Ianto and his feelings. Good thing, cause I thought that part of the drama was a bit weak.
Gareth David-Lloyd, John Barrowman and Melanie Walters (Mandy) did really well with their characters and I hope they'll continue to make more audio dramas in the next few years. They're a great way to continue the story in my opinion, especially since everyone involved can ignore Children of Earth and the mess that came after if they want to.
This audio story gives us a bit more backround on how Ianto coped after Cyberwoman in season 1 (hint: not great). It's a welcome dive into a character that didn't get all that much focus at first and if we're being honest, he didn't get all that much later either (but did anyone not named Jack or Gwen get fleshed out?).
This story is from Ianto's point of view and he gets a new character - a barmaid named Mandy - to talk to about his feelings, which worked well since he wasn't really close to anyone at Torchwood at that point.
Of course there is some kind of side-plot about people disappearing, but the focus is really more on Ianto and his feelings. Good thing, cause I thought that part of the drama was a bit weak.
Gareth David-Lloyd, John Barrowman and Melanie Walters (Mandy) did really well with their characters and I hope they'll continue to make more audio dramas in the next few years. They're a great way to continue the story in my opinion, especially since everyone involved can ignore Children of Earth and the mess that came after if they want to.
November 10, 2020
4.5⭐
There are a few things I'd like to say about this.
Firstly, the subject matter was so sympathetically handled, and I thank both the writers and Gareth for that.
Secondly, wow. Ianto, yet again, gets the recognition and attention that he deserves. His story regarding Lisa, of loss and grief and trauma, along with his life story, having lost everything and feeling so alone, gives so much scope for good content. This audio drama successfully let's us know how he feels and hear about his past, but somehow there is still that aura of secrecy we saw in the show: we don't physically see his flat, don't meet any friends that he may have, etc. It's the perfect balance for such a character, who is neither major nor minor in Torchwood: he simply exists, and ends up being a mouthpiece for those suffering from loneliness and loss. I'm grateful to have been allowed to delve deeper into his world.
I'd recommend this to anyone who loves Torchwood and especially Ianto's character; it's certainly a 'must-listen'.
There are a few things I'd like to say about this.
Firstly, the subject matter was so sympathetically handled, and I thank both the writers and Gareth for that.
Secondly, wow. Ianto, yet again, gets the recognition and attention that he deserves. His story regarding Lisa, of loss and grief and trauma, along with his life story, having lost everything and feeling so alone, gives so much scope for good content. This audio drama successfully let's us know how he feels and hear about his past, but somehow there is still that aura of secrecy we saw in the show: we don't physically see his flat, don't meet any friends that he may have, etc. It's the perfect balance for such a character, who is neither major nor minor in Torchwood: he simply exists, and ends up being a mouthpiece for those suffering from loneliness and loss. I'm grateful to have been allowed to delve deeper into his world.
I'd recommend this to anyone who loves Torchwood and especially Ianto's character; it's certainly a 'must-listen'.
July 1, 2024
Ah man, now I'm pining for when Torchwood was at it's peak again. This audiobook was so amazing, but it makes me wonder why they didn't just write this character development into the show! They teased us with Janto on the program and then never gave us enough! Obviously I won't be penalising the audiobook for the show's failings though.
I loved this deep look into Ianto's psyche post Cyberwoman. It filled in a lot of gaps that were missing from Series 1, colouring in the parts that-for some god unknown reason-weren't written in to develop Jack and Ianto's relationship. If Torchwood was rebooted with only John Barrowman and Gareth David-Lloyd at the helm I would be there 1000%. They made the show, sorry not sorry.
Also, Gareth David-Lloyd doesn't get enough credit for his performance as Ianto. Like goddamn that man is a fantastic actor/narrator. No wonder there's a shrine to Ianto in Cardiff. I think a lot of us see a piece of ourselves in him, and a great deal of that is down to Gareth's talent.
I loved this deep look into Ianto's psyche post Cyberwoman. It filled in a lot of gaps that were missing from Series 1, colouring in the parts that-for some god unknown reason-weren't written in to develop Jack and Ianto's relationship. If Torchwood was rebooted with only John Barrowman and Gareth David-Lloyd at the helm I would be there 1000%. They made the show, sorry not sorry.
Also, Gareth David-Lloyd doesn't get enough credit for his performance as Ianto. Like goddamn that man is a fantastic actor/narrator. No wonder there's a shrine to Ianto in Cardiff. I think a lot of us see a piece of ourselves in him, and a great deal of that is down to Gareth's talent.
November 18, 2022
As much as I loved Jack and Ianto's romance on Torchwood, it was also one of the show's weakest plot points. It just happened, out of nowhere. One minute, they were at each other's throats, and the next, they were nonstop flirting. We never got a proper exploration of their romance, or just how it started, but thanks to Broken, we got some answers. Broken was a fantastic character study into Ianto Jones, exploring just how broken he truly was, not just because of what happened to girlfriend Lisa, but also just how damaging the early episodes of Series 1 were on him emotionally, especially the infamous episode Countrycide. It puts the pieces together perfectly and shows just what drew Jack and Ianto together, and while the reasons are heartbreaking, they are also heartwarming. Broken fills in some of the gaps to Jack and Ianto's romance that the show sadly never explored, and the result is fantastic. Truly one of Big Finish's best!
March 17, 2017
Basically I heard a lot about this episode both recommendation and reviews last year but I forgot to listen to this until yesterday, what I can only say for now is: that was quite heartbreaking to hear Ianto's weeping and sobs while the outside world was quiet and calm.
I think it was a story about redemption and self-redemption, which fortunately also told us the beginning of Janto. Some friends told me before I started that this story had really got a happy ending with regard to the not-so-happy-main-plot, but what I supposed was this story's ending was still quite mournful if you tried not to remember the happy "couple life" of Janto in Torchwood for a minute. Cause in my opinion, it was not a beginning of a lovely relationship, it was more like an escape behavior. But as all the things that reality has showed to us, escapism always leads to tragedy and regret.
But luckily, we have the rest of the story. At least Janto had a period of time. And I love this story.
I went and watched some clips of Janto minutes ago and I don't feel quite well now. And the clips reminded me of that time that Jack tried to save Ianto by artificial respiration and this time the situation was opposite... And in the original TV series of Torchwood Ianto didn't remember the "artificial respiration kiss" as he said the person he last kissed was Lisa, but actually it was Jack. And this time there was also a line about the kiss...
Bye bye world I think I am dead now.
I think it was a story about redemption and self-redemption, which fortunately also told us the beginning of Janto. Some friends told me before I started that this story had really got a happy ending with regard to the not-so-happy-main-plot, but what I supposed was this story's ending was still quite mournful if you tried not to remember the happy "couple life" of Janto in Torchwood for a minute. Cause in my opinion, it was not a beginning of a lovely relationship, it was more like an escape behavior. But as all the things that reality has showed to us, escapism always leads to tragedy and regret.
But luckily, we have the rest of the story. At least Janto had a period of time. And I love this story.
I went and watched some clips of Janto minutes ago and I don't feel quite well now. And the clips reminded me of that time that Jack tried to save Ianto by artificial respiration and this time the situation was opposite... And in the original TV series of Torchwood Ianto didn't remember the "artificial respiration kiss" as he said the person he last kissed was Lisa, but actually it was Jack. And this time there was also a line about the kiss...
Bye bye world I think I am dead now.
October 26, 2020
Simpy perfection, there are no other words. I had heard so much about this, that I started to fear my expectations will be too high. But no - this is really essential listening material for every Torchwood fan. I already loved Gareth's take on Fall To Earth and again he's doing an absolutely wonderful job. The range of emotions he brings across during this hour-long story is simply amazing. He makes your heart break over and over again.
Before listening I had heard that Jack would have only a minor part in this story, so for me in the end it was a bigger part than I expected. John Barrowman also does an excellent job. In other audios he's sometimes a bit over the top where it feels not necessary, but here his performance everything fits absolutely perfectly.
Before listening I had heard that Jack would have only a minor part in this story, so for me in the end it was a bigger part than I expected. John Barrowman also does an excellent job. In other audios he's sometimes a bit over the top where it feels not necessary, but here his performance everything fits absolutely perfectly.
November 15, 2017
oh my god this was SO GOOD.
It filled in all the missing information surrounding Ianto after Lisa was killed, running alongside several of the next episodes; Small Worlds, Countrycide, and Greeks Bearing Gifts. A perfect blend of action and character development, plus so much Janto and angst. It's like the missing piece of the Torchwood series. It's probably also the perfect counter-story for anyone feeling the heartbreak after Children of Earth. Janto shippers need to get on this, and romance aside, any Torchwood fan would be hard pressed to find anything wrong with this story. If I could give it 5 million stars, I would.
It filled in all the missing information surrounding Ianto after Lisa was killed, running alongside several of the next episodes; Small Worlds, Countrycide, and Greeks Bearing Gifts. A perfect blend of action and character development, plus so much Janto and angst. It's like the missing piece of the Torchwood series. It's probably also the perfect counter-story for anyone feeling the heartbreak after Children of Earth. Janto shippers need to get on this, and romance aside, any Torchwood fan would be hard pressed to find anything wrong with this story. If I could give it 5 million stars, I would.
February 8, 2019
I was so excited when I found out that there was going to be more Torchwood Radio plays, especially ones including the original cast, and that would take place before the 3 season.
This one was great. Starts right after the episode Cyberwoman and the aftermath of the events of that episode as well as the next 2. There was so much trauma in those episodes that this story offered some great closure. I also loved that is showed the start of the closer relationship between Ianto and Jack.
A great story. Emotional and lovely. Really made me miss the show and Ianto Jones.
This one was great. Starts right after the episode Cyberwoman and the aftermath of the events of that episode as well as the next 2. There was so much trauma in those episodes that this story offered some great closure. I also loved that is showed the start of the closer relationship between Ianto and Jack.
A great story. Emotional and lovely. Really made me miss the show and Ianto Jones.
October 18, 2022
This story is set sometime in the early part of the television series and fills in the gap of how the romantic relationship between Jack and Ianto started. That's good stuff! But there is also a terrific story here--once again, we get to dive deeper into the character of Ianto, exploring his life away from Torchwood and how the man behind the suit really felt about being turned into the secretary/coffee-making guy. The alien was creepy and the unexpected twist was perfect.
June 19, 2024
So how exactly did Ianto go from hating his boss with a passion in "Cyberwoman" to prepositioning him with sex in "They Keep Killing Suzie"? This is a question that this audio sets out to ask and does extremely well, delving into Ianto's emotional state (largely in pain and downright suicidal at one point) as well as placing a seemingly completely beneficial friendship with a woman with a secret. Definitely a good audio for the Janto fans.
November 29, 2025
this has the funniest cover of any audio ive ever seen. why even make torchwood fanfic when canon has wattpad edits?
adored ianto's torment nexus in this one! the internal conflict he goes through post-cyberwoman pre-s2 was always so fascinating to me, and i needed this so bad. he is also. so not normal. wdym the first time he asked jack to kiss him happened after he sent him to hell? wdym jack said yes? i hope they never get better this is peak.
adored ianto's torment nexus in this one! the internal conflict he goes through post-cyberwoman pre-s2 was always so fascinating to me, and i needed this so bad. he is also. so not normal. wdym the first time he asked jack to kiss him happened after he sent him to hell? wdym jack said yes? i hope they never get better this is peak.
September 17, 2021
An absolute treasure of an audiobook. There was a severe disconnection between the events of "Cyberwoman"/"Countryside" to the end of season one. An excellent character study of one of the most compelling characters in the Torchwood franchise brilliantly done. One of my absolute favourite audios despite the fact it is utterly heartbreaking.
March 18, 2022
This is an audio drama, so I listened to it rather than read it, but it was brilliant and I need more of Ianto Jones. Besides which, he and Jack are still the cutest couple ever to be on TV (aside from when Jack killed Ianto’s girlfriend and when Ianto shoved Jack through a portal to outer space and when…).
November 23, 2019
A very accurate title as it did, in fact, break me. And then it maybe sort of slightly put me back together again. I've completely fallen in love with the Torchwood audios, and this is definitely one of my favourites, even though it's such a painful exploration of one of my favourite characters.
August 1, 2021
I love the chemistry between Jack and Ianto! This story really goes deeper into what happens to the characters after the episode of Torchwood finishes. Great story but be ready to be on top of your Torchwood TV episodes for this story to make sense!
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