Torchwood: Aliens Among Us, Part 1

Torchwood - The Story Continues #1

by James Goss, Juno Dawson, A.K. Benedict

Big Finish picks up the events after Miracle Day with Torchwood: Aliens Among Us. Captain Jack and Gwen Cooper have restarted Torchwood. But it's in a very different Cardiff. Something terrible's happened to the city. With every day getting darker, will Torchwood need to adopt a whole new approach?

5.1 Changes Everything (by James Goss) - Tyler Steele has washed up in Cardiff looking for a fresh start. A disgraced journalist, he’s looking into the Red Doors movement – are they really behind the terrorist attacks on immigrants? Who is stirring up the racism and hatred in the city, and what does outsourcing contractor 3Sol have to do with it? Tyler finds out that Torchwood - a secret organisation that everyone thought long gone - is back in business. Tyler realises that this is the second chance he's been looking for, and he'll do anything to be a part of it.

5.2 Aliens & Sex & Chips & Gravy (by James Goss) - Has Cardiff really been invaded by aliens? Tyler thinks he’s found a lead – the daughter of the mysterious Ro-Jedda is getting married and has booked a private party. If Torchwood can infiltrate it, there’s a chance they’ll end up closer to the truth. Free bar, canapes, and the chance to find out what’s really going on. What could possibly go wrong? Soon Torchwood are on the run for their lives, and learning more than they ever wanted to about alien life.

5.3 Orr (by Juno Dawson) - Vincent Parry is the most successful property developer in Cardiff. A while ago he made an agreement with the mysterious Ro-Jedda, and it is an arrangement he has come to bitterly regret. Something has to be done – but it’s going to cost him everything he loves. With time running out for Cardiff, Torchwood encounter an alien who knows them only too well.

5.4 Superiority Complex (by AK Benedict) - Poverty and homelessness are on the rise in Cardiff. The streets are full of the desperate and the dispossessed. So, of course, it’s the right time to open a 7-star luxury, all-inclusive hotel. And, naturally, the hotel is for aliens only. As the humans stand outside the gates and look hungrily in, there’s one thing that makes them smile. Someone is murdering the guests.

Genres: Doctor Who, Science Fiction, Audiobook, Fiction, Media Tie In, British Literature

1 pages, Audiobook

First published August 1, 2017

About the author

James Goss has written two Torchwood novels and a radio play, as well as a Being Human book. His Doctor Who audiobook Dead Air won Best Audiobook 2010. James also spent seven years working on the BBC's official Doctor Who website and co-wrote the website for Torchwood Series One. In 2007, he won the Best Adaptation category in the annual LA Weekly Theatre Awards for his version of Douglas Adams' novel Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency.

Reviews

[TJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best Torchwood has been in nearly a decade! Anyone hesitant about this being advertised as the fifth series needs to let those worries go! Big Finish creates audio dramas that are so immersive; I close my eyes and it's like I'm experiencing a high quality television episode, only my brain creates the visuals, guided effortlessly by the amazing sound effects and acting. The new characters here are fantastic! Mr. Colchester was OUTSTANDING, a fabulous addition to the main cast, and easily the best thing to come out of these episodes. Tyler was fun as well, but the writers are definitely setting him up to earn audience approval slowly. Orr was extremely interesting, and I'm eager to see how they fit in with the new Torchwood team. This said, I did feel like these episodes lacked the heart of the series: Jack and Gwen's relationship. They're the two headlining characters, but they barely shared any scenes together, and when they did, they weren't very emotionally driven or in depth. Given some revelations that come for Gwen's character in these episodes, I feel like one or two intimate Gwen/Jack scenes were needed to re-establish their strong friendship, but I don't think we got them. I'm sure we'll get more scenes with them in the future, but I was really eager to see two of my favorite characters back in action side by side, and I'm still left yearning for that, which is a bit baffling. That said, both Jack and Gwen have amazing scenes, just not many together. I'm surprised that my biggest love here is for the new characters -- although I'm still curious who Alexandria Riley is playing/played? She's on the cover, billed as starring, and I assumed she voiced Orr, but apparently not? -- as I wasn't a big fan of the new characters introduced in Miracle Day and was mainly excited for more Jack and Gwen, but these newbies are something special, and I can't wait to see how they grow and develop in future episodes. Torchwood may not be back on screen, but it's better than it has been in years, and Big Finish is the perfect place to tell these stories worthy of being labeled the fifth series! I hope these sell well and that we can look forward to many more series to come with this cast! Easily 5/5 stars!

[Taksya · Rating 4 out of 5]

5.1 Changes Everything by James Goss
Prima puntata della quinta stagione (audio). Si introducono i personaggi nuovi, buoni e cattivi (e tutto quello che c'è in mezzo) e si ritrovano i superstiti delle precedenti stagioni (video).
Viene delineata a grandi linee la nuova minaccia e, come sempre, tutto è piuttosto confuso.
5.2 Aliens & Sex & Chips & Gravy by James Goss
Conosciamo meglio alcuni degli alieni invasori e le loro abitudini, soprattutto quelle alimentari.
Veniamo a sapere di più anche di uno dei membri della nuova squadra e dei rapporti ancora in rodaggio con i superstiti della vecchia.
5.3. Orr by Juno Dawson
Con l'introduzione di Orr, grazie a cui la definizione gender fluid arriva a livelli difficilmente replicabili, la storia decolla.
5.4. Superiority Complex by A K Benedict
La trama alieni vs umani si approfondisce, ma è più un episodio di raccordo utile per approfondire legami ed alleanze.

Ovviamente i pochi dettagli sono voluti.
I nuovi personaggi si rivelano interessanti, anche se non tutti simpatici.
Mr. Colchester, già apparso in The Torchwood Archive (che dovrò riascoltare, perché non lo ricordo), è una ottima aggiunta, caustico al punto giusto e disincantato nei confronti di Jack e del ruolo di Torchwood nel mondo post miracle day.
Orr è innovativo come personaggio, mutaforma in grado di assumere qualsiasi aspetto (maschio, femmina, alieno o macchina). I dialoghi con Gwen e Jack offrono un po' di humor leggero, che ben si incastra con il clima cupo tipico della serie.
Tyler Steele, il primo presentato, giornalista in caccia di scoop e di redenzione, è il personaggio più antipatico... ma nella prossima parte vedremo come evolverà.
Jack e Gwen non sono protagonisti assoluti, ci sono dettagli delle loro vite post Miracle Day che, probabilmente, andrebbero cercati in Exodus Code e in Torchwood: Volume 1 - World Without End. Soprattutto la sottotrama che coinvolge Gwen da l'impressione di essere più complicata di quanto già sembri.
Non ci resta che aspettare ottobre per la seconda parte, recuperando nel frattempo i pezzi che mancano.

[The Post Monument · Rating 4 out of 5]

Changes Everything - 4.5 stars
Aliens & Sex & Chips & Gravy - 4 stars
Orr - 4 stars
Superiority Complex - 3.5 stars

Overall - 4 stars

[Yvonne Alf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great start to this Season of Torchwood. I was looking forward to this and Big Finish certainly delivered. Every story is a great mix of stand-alone heavily woven into an overall storyarc which is very compelling. Even that the box is 4 years old already, the world hasn't changed much - so I like the undercurrent of the real world with the refugee crisis, brexit and so on. I love how Torchwood can feel so very real sometimes and then you get the alien side mixed in. The first box concentrates a lot on introducing the new characters. And I have to say they are all very interesting with so much potential and fit perfectly into the series.

5.01 - Changes Everything 5/5
This episode has to accomplish a lot. It has to introduce two new characters and show us what has changed in the city over the last 5 years. And it really delivers in my opinion. The pace is good, with lots of twists and enough action to not get boring. It would make such a great episode on TV if Torchwood had been a show with a much higher budget. I really like the Monthly range, but this feels SO much bigger. The main focus on the story is to introduce Tyler Steele and his possibility to be recruited into Torchwood. It doesn't go really as planned. At first I was a bit disappointed because for all his flaws I like him a lot so far, but I think it was the right move because it makes everything more interesting.

5.02 - Aliens & Sex & Chips & Gravy 3.5/5
I'm a bit twisted about this one. The first time listening I found it very annoying since the bride-to-be and her friend were grating on my nerves. But in reality the story is so much more than that. We get a detailed look into the alien race and it helpes so much with the world-building. The story focuses on Gwen and Mr. Colchester which was a great combination. It helped flesh out Mr. Cochesters character, I really like his dry wit. But everything pales to the last chapter with this big twist that left me gasping. Why did I think the show would play it because it's on audio? It's still bloody Torchwood! So the ending would definitely get 5 stars from me.

5.03 - Orr 5/5
This is another character driven story with the introduction of Orr. And Orr is fascinating, I got to give it to the people at Big Finish - they are creative. Anyway - my favorite stories are the character driven stories that get emotional. And this one delivers on all levels. It's also the first story that centers Jack in the middle of the story and I gotta say with Jack and Orr both so complex characters, I hope they will dive back into that sometime in the future.

5.04 - Superiority Complex 4/5
The fourth episode is the first one that feels like a standard episode since the team has to investigate a couple of murders at a smart hotel that is exclusively for rich aliens. I think the story was very well done, even that Orr's findings in the end were a bit rushed, but that's just a minor complaint. There were also great moments between Mr. Colchester with Gwen and later on with Jack, so overall I enjoyed it a lot, even that I might not relisten to it as often as 5.03 for example. And we got a huge cliffhanger again. WTH?!

I just LOVE how the story gets more layers which each episode. If it's gonna keep building up like this up to episode 12 - this will be such a twisted joy ride!!

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Torchwood Aliens Among Us Part 1 - 4.125/5 stars
5.1 Changes Everything by James Goss - 4.5/5 stars
I found this to be great. Tyler Steele is like the Anti-Gwen Cooper from the start of Torchwood Season 1, she was just an ordinary person that Torchwood was not interested in. In contrast, he is “important” and Torchwood wants to recruit him but as the events in the story go on, he then does not get a place at Torchwood where Gwen does. That shocked me as he was set up to be the audience's surrogate character. Apart from that the story deals with topical and adult material that I wish TV Torchwood did more. Minus 0.5 point for using Grindr in this, that part was unrealistic and made me lose my emersion in the story.
5.2 Aliens & Sex & Chips & Gravy by James Goss - 4/5 stars
A bit like Torchwood: Sync but helps give more characterization to Colchester. This one was enjoyable and ended in a shocking moment where an imposter has taken over Gwen’s body and kills Gwen’s mother.
5.3 Orr by Juno Dawson - 5/5 stars
A shapeshifting genderless alien has a bomb attached to it as the Torchwood team tries their best to defuse it. The character gets the new cast to show new sides of themselves. But as the team are unsuccessful in stopping the bomb, the device goes off and nothing happens. Orr is free.
The side plot shows Gwen taken over by an imposter doesn’t really have anything going on but keeps a bit of mystery for a future story to deal with.
5.4 Superiority Complex by AK Benedict - 3/5 stars
Definitely a weaker ending to the set. Basically, the Gwen thing is a slow burn (nothing is really progressing with that). The Sorvix refugee thing is here and its… fine. A Torchwood story in a hotel/apartment block isn’t original and this is probably the blandest one of about several. Most of the characters don’t really feel like they are doing anything here except for Orr who is the highlight here.

[osoi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Где-то Aliens Among Us назвали буквально новым сезоном Торчвуда, и я скептически отнеслась к этому громкому заявлению. Но по прослушивании четырехсерийного выпуска лучшей категории не могу подобрать - ибо БигФиниш постарался на славу и переплюнул все свои предыдущие попытки. Полное ощущение, что смотришь сериал со сквозной сюжетной линией, по дороге захватывая интересные концепции и персонажей. Как в старые добрые времена :р

Первые два выпуска я въезжала что происходит и плюс там фигурирует в главных ролях довольно неприятный тип, потому даже пытаться рассказать о них не буду. Пожалуй, этот парень - единственное допущение во франшизе, с которым я пока не готова смириться :с

Зато третья история (5.3 Orr) и продолжение этой линии в последней (5.4 Superiority Complex) однозначно рулят. Мне не сильно понравился опус Juno Dawson под названием Torchwood: The Dollhouse в третьем сезоне БФ Торчвуда, и кто бы мог подумать, что в Aliens Among Us автор подарит этой вселенной одного из самых прекрасных персонажей. Очень душевно в тему gender fluid, одиночества и потаенных желаний (и лифт, ЛИФТ, черт побери :PPP).

lukk.svbtle

[Seb Hasi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Changes Everything -

This story was more of an inversion of the first TV story Torchwood had than just its title, with all the major elements playing out to reverse effect. There is no real Torchwood anymore, just a ragtag team with no idea what is going on; and these many shifting alien elements that aren’t clear. The character being introduced to the team doesn’t end even becoming part of it by the end, and serves more for the listener to be introduced to the team and what state Cardiff is in. I do quite like the team as it is but that’s mostly “gwen”, Jack & Mr Colchester. The latter is the only new member for now and is probably the best comedic character of them all, with the humour being played so straight and dry. Tyler is a very good amalgam of all modern millennial types, right down to him meeting Jack because he DMs him on Grindr. The only problem is that the characters don’t really do anything in the story, they just seem to be constantly at the point of ‘investigating’ which is just a better way of saying they’re laying out a series openers worth of exposition.

This story immediately demonstrates the reduced role Barrowman and Eve Myles are going to play in the series and that was a real off-putting factor for me. For a lot of people their problem was that series 4 didn’t ‘feel like Torchwood’ well the fact that this is just hanging on the build up of the ‘Committee’ storyline & the presence of the only two remaining TV characters; its this which doesn’t feel like Torchwood. I don’t say this hastily based on one listen of course, I have listened to the series at least twice before and with this listen through; I observe how this opener is trying to make it feel like Torchwood with how dark, and comedic, and gay it can be. The problem is by trying so hard it feels like it lacks any originality, just a pastiche of racy sci fi concepts and comedic premises. One thing that certainly helped in this listen is being able to tell from the start that it isn’t Eve Myles speaking, because I really couldn’t distinguish between the two medium thick welsh accents when this came out. I enjoyed mostly the scenes with Jack, which were of course the ones with lots of drama and speed, because in parallel some of the other stuff in the story hampered my enjoyment.

On the whole I found the story to be an enjoyable experience but there were moments that are woven through trying to subtly set up ideas; yet they do really grind the story to a halt to make a point about racism or homophobia, no metaphor just direct speeches. Torchwood has always been able to convey messages Dr Who couldn’t because they were darker, but a full five minutes of being lectured by how people become hostile to entire groups based on the actions of individuals was somewhat eye-rolling. I do know that this team will be developed later to greater detail, but from this story all you can gather is “Gwen” and Mr Colchester clean up the mess after aliens, Jack just does his usual enigmatic bullshit, and Tyler is slowly becoming involved in events. Not exactly the most intriguing set up story ever, even if the ‘red doors movement’ stuff is shoehorned in.

Aliens & Sex & Chips & Gravy -

This was very much the action adventure story of the set, and definitely focused in on the comedy too. I can certainly say it was satisfyingly fast paced, and had some great ideas, but the comedy did get a bit much at times. The jokes about how weird and different the Sorvix are were very funny at first, but they were non stop, and by the end of the story I was just tired of them. The natural comedy in the story was from “Gwen” and Mr Colchester, who have brilliant chemistry and the latter’s stoic nature when faces with ludicrous situations such as an alien’s hen-do; creates amazing comedy. Tyler and Jack don’t really appear, bar a sex cameo because of course that’s what they’d be in, and the other main characters are the Sorvix girls. It’s very well explained when it comes to their biology and aspects of their culture, and it feels like the previous story to this make more sense when it is clearly stated that these aliens are in charge of Cardiff.

In the prior story it’s mostly talk of racism and generic earthly evil, but when it’s obviously the Sorvix I’m not sure why that wasn’t made clear. I’m glad that they aren’t introduced in some clichéd way, if anything it being revealed they are aliens when the open their back mouths open and eat a stripper alive was genius. This story really did keep all the ludicrous stuff suitable dark and adult which made it more enjoyable, still managing however to be far less gratuitous with it than some of the notorious first series of Torchwood. I think a non stop chase really kept the action coming, as the exposition came natural as they faced each new obstacle from the Sorvix bride to be’s mother. With only a few characters in the story it was made clearer what problems Cardiff is facing, while protecting some of the ambiguity of why the Sorvix are there, and what they’re doing. It was brilliantly teased that they are ‘looking for a new god’ which is another thing that I picked up this time with hindsight and appreciated, knowing how much would come of it.

The final scene was the most dramatic of all really, as we find out some more details of what has happened to “Gwen” and it was certainly a shock. The problem with it for me is the fact that it put way too many balls in the air, even with a twelve story series having in just the first two established: not-gwen, the Committee, the red doors movement, the sorvix, their god, Tyler and the Mayor, and even more to come! Not one idea is really given more than a scenes time to breathe and that was what limited my enjoyment of the story here. Of course the self-contained adventure was entertaining and I was enthralled in its charm and comedy, I just think shedding one or two ideas would allow you to focus on what’s happening. Instead you have to split your focus between that and taking mental note of another dozen minor details that in episode 2 will only be prevalent in episode 12. All in all I do think this story was a major improvement over the prior, but still established far too many new concepts to stand on its own as an adventure you can enjoy: one without having to absorb reams of series arcs and plot information too.

Orr -

This relatively self-contained episodic adventure in the new Torchwood series definitely more like a proper story; rather than just repeating buzzwords that will be important later. The only issue I found with the story was nothing to do with actual narrative at all. I love the concept of Orr, a shape-shifter designed to alter its appearance to appeal to the sexual desires of those its with. The way the character interacts with Mr Colchester makes for some delightful comedy scenes, and the way it interacts with Tyler gives some insight into his character behind all the smart talking. There was that obvious sad note that Jack kept shifting his desires to avoid Orr turning into Ianto, which was a really beautiful story beat for a moment that was very ‘do or die’. The story is essentially a non-stop action sequence as they try and stop Orr’s Sorvix collar destroying Cardiff, and thankfully at last Jack is heavily involved. He seemed to just be there for cameos in the previous two stories but he was fully in charge here, leading the narrative. There was some good comedy, but it was the only really poignant stuff about being different, especially the scene between Jack and Orr in the valleys that I felt briefly touched by.

The problem I have with this story is, and I cannot think of a better way to phrase it than ‘This whole Ng thing was a shit idea and not only overcomplicates the already many plot threads; but adds needless peril and drama that detracts from the story being told’. It is quite literally the intention of scenes like Ng at Gwen’s mothers funeral designed to make the listener angry or annoyed because she killed Gwen’s mother, but then cut back to a scene where Orr is getting sexy for Mr Colchester? It’s ridiculous, and obviously it feels a bit like cheating as I have heard these two Torchwood series before, but the payoff for the Ng stuff is a big fat 0. I’ve never really liked Gwen as a character, but she does make a great lead so instead of deciding they should save the character for when Eve Myles is more available, they create this idiotic concept. As of the end of this story you have:

* god is coming
* Red doors movement
* Orr
* 3sol
* Alien hotel
* Ng
* Sorvix
* The mayor
* Tylers past
* Andy’s reintroduction
* Billis Manger
* Yvonne
* Norton

Those are just most of the things left to be dealt with in 9 episodes, each episode being its own self contained adventure so a great of deal these only to resolved in the finale. I am really immersing myself in the comedy and emotional moments of each episode because frankly I could not care less about the overarching narrative. ‘Aliens secretly invade Cardiff’ is a brilliant concept, adding about 16 other things to that idea really makes this set go from near 5 stars to just above 3 as it drowns under the amount of baggage it has to deal with.

Superiority Complex -

This story was definitely the weakest of the boxset, the plot is nothing remarkable, and the new set up for all the different plot threads feel like things you have no choice but to remember; as opposed to something that is gauging up the excitement for the story arc. It’s just a generic AI is evil (but sort of misunderstood and actually not really evil) plot, that ends in the way that is exactly predicted. The only thing I really did while listening was to focus on the parts of the story that were quite enjoyable. The dialogue is very solid, comedic scenes landing well, and I just really enjoyed the fact that Jack has a heavier presence in this story. The stuff with N’G is already eye-rolling, so having the person who Torchwood was made for, and the most interesting actor in the cast for sure; be involved slightly more, did win some favours from me. The stuff with Tyler is really just predictable, and that’s a shame because if it wasn’t transparent what will happen, his constant side-switching would be very suspenseful.

I think that the Sorvix playing a smaller comedic role in a story was a good choice, because up until that point the constantly trying to make them seem terrifying and all-powerful just felt a bit boring. They have no remarkable physical attributes bar a mouth in their back, so I don’t see why they have been treated more suspenseful than some of the most incredible Torchwood villains. They are ultimately just elitist aliens who serve as a lazy metaphor for racism/xenophobia, and their mysterious ‘search for god’ is what is spurring all the events in Cardiff during the series. Admittedly though, I’d still say Ro-Jedda makes for a better villain than a hotel ai with a conscience. It’s not an idea played to evoke emotion, or even comedy really, it just felt like the most convenient villain for a story where all you really need is people randomly dying through the runtime. The fact it was deal with in a 2 minutes scene with zero difficulty, really does show how much of an afterthought having a villain for the story was.

I have always been amazed by some of the beautiful, dark, or horrific concepts Torchwood can deal with given it is an adult series; but this story really just felt like the constant never shutting up message of ‘Racism is bad’. It’s not woven intricately through the narratively, or explored deeply through the dialogue, instead it just feels like the script is screaming at you ‘SEE, THE WAY THE ALIENS TREAT HUMANS IS LIKE RACISM WHICH IS BAD’. I really don’t see what anyone involved with this boxset thought would be the point of constantly saying racism is bad would be. If anything this story was a chance for the dangers of AI to be properly explored, yet we didn’t get that. The only time racism is treated subtly and in a way that you learn from is the stuff with Mr Colchester & his husband, not this story which just has a character make a loose analogy from aliens treating humans badly to racism. Orr really does feel like a well rounded member of the team already, and that’s amazing given she is only introduced in the prior story; although does contribute to one of the issues with the series. It is impossible to actually establish who the Torchwood team is, antagonists and protagonist, etc. It really isn’t ambiguous clever storytelling, it’s just needlessly vague and really does bog down every story when you have to spend ten minutes trying to work out if the person the story is focusing on is even a hero, or doing the right thing.

All in all the story was fine, it was just a generic Torchwood story that happened to have a lot of clumsy messaging. The performances are great, the music is too, and it’s only really let down by the constraints its forced itself into; ignoring any unique narrative, in its effort to be modern and create a talking point regarding human ethics for quite literally zero reason. It’s later in the series you get some truly heartbreaking and masterful uses of the concepts of racism and homelessness to blow you away and educate while breaking your heart. For now it’s just five minutes of plot and then a 45 second long speech about we should be nice to each other, over and over again. I’m claiming no special understanding of thematic and narrative links when I say that unless the social commentary serves a purpose, cut it. It’s nice to see the heroes standing up for marginalised people, but really patronising that the writer abruptly stops the whole plot just to tell you the same thing in different words constantly. The title itself even is a not very subtle namedrop of a psychological state that often relates to concepts such as racism, so that in itself should be a bit of a clue that you aren’t for a beautifully orchestrated lesson in why you should treat people equally; not even trying to loosely crowbar it into a traditional Torchwood story, just randomly dropping in lines about it.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Torchwood by Big Finish pretty much surpasses the original Torchwood tv series. Not always but as a general rule of thumb, it does. I loved/hated the tv series. I mostly love the Big Finish stories. This one finally picks up after the Miracle Day events. The cast added in Miracle Day does not appear here. Rex is not even mentioned, oddly.

This is the biggest Torchwood series yet from BF. A trilogy, each with four stories. So a combined might of 12 CDs. Loved this set. If you're a BF fan I strongly recommend it. And it's accessible to new fans as well.

[Jenette · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me along time to listen to this one, mostly because as fun as it was having Gwen and Jack back it never really felt like they were back. We get new boy Tyler taking up a lot of the storytelling and I could never quite get into his character. They teased up with some weirdness happening to Gwen but not enough that I care all that much which is terrible because I love Gwen.

It will be interesting to see where Part Two takes us.

[Gabriel Mero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Torchwood is back -- and broke; Cardiff has been invaded by aliens -- the Sorvex, and Gwen isn't quite herself. This first 4 part installment was fast paced and engaging. It's great to have John Barrowman and Eve Myles back again, especially amidst all the new characters. I am anticipating part 2.

[Jamie Revell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first of a three-volume ‘season’ of stories set some time after the events of Miracle Day, once Torchwood has been re-established. It’s all a single plot arc, albeit with a number of threads, but each story is distinct, as one might expect from a modern TV series. New characters are replacing those lost in the actual TV season, and, on the whole, they’re interesting and well-written. There’s also a pretty major plot twist that takes advantage of the audio format; it’s done subtly enough that it was a while before I noticed that one major piece of the Torchwood set-up isn’t quite what it should be. It's for that, and the fact that I really like Mr Colchester and Orr that I'm going to nudge this one up to the full five stars, even if some of the individual episodes are more in the 4-star range.

• Changes Everything – Our first real look at this new version of Torchwood is seen through the eyes of an investigative journalist and potential recruit. Much of this story is setting up the main plot arc and introducing us to the new characters – Tyler Steele and Mr Colchester, a civil servant briefly seen in previous release The Torchwood Archive and sent to help re-establish the organisation. The latter is the better of the two at this stage, although Steele does have some potential that’s perhaps obscured by the need for him to be the fish-out-of-water here. As for the actual plot, it concerns apparent terrorist attacks that may have something to with aliens. It doesn’t really go anywhere, and is arguably taking something of a back seat to the characters, but it’s clearly only intended to set the scene for later.

• Aliens & Sex & Chips & Gravy – Well, what else would you call a story about an alien hen night? (That’s “bachelorette party” for those in America). Gwen and Colchester gate-crash the aforementioned party to see what they can learn about possible new alien arrivals in Cardiff, and naturally it gets out of hand. In many ways, it’s a fun story, with some amusing details about the aliens and a particularly spoiled bride-to-be. But there’s also a serious edge to it (including a sizable body count), and a rather clearer view of what the plot arc will be about than we got in the first episode. With Jack and Tyler almost entirely off-screen, Colchester also comes further into his own, proving himself to be both practical and capable.

• Orr – What initially appears to be another investigation into the aliens’ schemes soon turns into an episode about trying to save a different sort of alien from their clutches. Orr, as it turns out, has been genetically engineered to perform a particular function and one that opens up some new story possibilities – as well as fitting right in with Torchwood’s usual themes. It’s perhaps the strongest story of the set, it not being clear where it’s going to go and prominently featuring a genderqueer character (it actually surprises me that, to my recollection, this is the first time we’ve seen one on the series). There’s also a more sinister subplot burbling away in the background, although it appears that we’ll have to wait until at least the next volume for it to bear real fruit.

• Superiority Complex – The Torchwood team investigate a series of murders at a new hotel built for the wealthier alien visitors. Even though they’re the victims this time around, the story does portray them in an entirely negative light, perhaps not quite deserving what’s happening to them, but with few redeeming features. The mystery element isn’t the strongest, and it soon becomes clear who the killer is, but it does build up to a dramatic denouement as things spiral out of control. It ends – perhaps more so than the previous three episodes – on a cliffhanger.

[Danny Welch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a fan of the Torchwood Monthly Range releases but I've never actually attempted the series where they continue Torchwood's legacy with their continued range. Aliens Among Us is one I've been partially looking forward to but partially dreading at the same time due to how much of a commitment it is and the mixed reviews when it comes to some of the stories. But I've finally decided to delve in and give it a go.

Changes Everything:
Tyler Steele has arrived in Cardiff to investigate a series of hate crimes when suddenly he's rescued by Gwen Cooper and to that extent Torchwood from a terrorist attack. What exactly is going on in Cardiff and who is really controlling the city? Tyler is about to find himself in a whole new world and Captain Jack Harkness is waiting for him.

James Goss' script opens up this new series incredibly well, setting up a couple of really interesting characters with Mr. Colchester and of course, Tyler Steele who is very much the main character of this first segment. It's a really thrilling script with plenty of heartbreaking and shocking scenes, that really highlight the shocking hatred being brewed up in our world right now. I like how this script in some ways mirrors the original pilot for the series, making the title very appropriate. 8.5/10

Aliens & Sex & Chips & Gravy:
After being informed of a possible alien incursion at a wine bar, Gwen and Mr Colchester arrive to sort out the situation. However, chaos soon ensues and they have an alien princess to keep safe before the day of her marriage.

James Goss' second and final script for this first volume in this series of adventures is a fun one, a fast-paced engaging story filled with violence, outrageous humor, and some really heartfelt moments. A story that comes together into a shocking ending. 8/10

Orr:
Vincent Parry the most successful property developer in Cardiff is in danger and now Torchwood must protect him. However, when things go astray, they soon realize Vincent's wife isn't who she seems to be and so begins the tale of how Torchwood became acquainted with Orr.

Juno Dawson's script is fantastic, a really engaging character piece that whilst it does have a few moments of tension, it's mostly about bringing Orr into the spotlight. It's nice to finally see Rhys back in the series as well, his scenes with Gwen in this story were some of my favorites. 9/10

Superiority Complex:
An alien hotel and spa has come under scrutiny after a series of murders and it seems Torchwood will have to help resolve the situation. Outside however the people of Cardiff are growing angry, they don't want to live alongside an alien species. The team along with their member Orr will have to come together and keep things as peaceful as they can before events escalate.

AK Benedict has written a superb murder mystery type of story where the aliens are the victims, but not necessarily the good guys either. The series continues to highlight the prejudices between humans and other lifeforms and how that can be an incredibly destructive thing. This story had some really gruesome and thrilling moments of tension. I really liked who the culprit in this story was, since it made a lot of sense and was a really interesting way of having a unique villain for a change. 9/10

Overall: 34.5/30

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really nervous about starting this series. I was a huge fan of Torchwood when it was on television. But Season 4 (which I admit to only watching once) really threw me off. I waited a very long time before taking the plunge into Alien Among Us.

And I regret waiting so long. This audio drama is amazing! It is definitely written for the fans, I don't think someone could start their Torchwood journey here. There is too many throw backs and they definitely toss you in with the expectation that you know about the TV season 1-3.

I was quickly enthralled with the new and old characters and the story that is being told.

Cardiff is home to many aliens, notably the Sorvex who are becoming very comfortable with their lives in Cardiff. Unfortunately, these aliens have a general disregard for human life and appear to be very savvy business people.

Torchwood, underfunded and struggling along after the events of season 3 are a more rag-tag bunch then ever before. There is now Mr Colchester a middle-aged ex-army man who works for the civil service and has been sent to help Torchwood set themselves back up.

Tyler Steele (Not part of the team) is a disgraced investigative journalist who is going down the rabbit hole that is pulling him into the strange world of Torchwood. He acts as the audience's eyes in the first episode emersing us back into the world.

Orr is beyond my ability to describe. But I am in love with them and can't wait to see their journey unfold through out the rest of the series.

I highly, highly recommend this audio series for fans of Torchwood.

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

5.1 Changes Everything - Tyler Steele comes to Cardiff to start fresh, but he finds Torchwood instead. But this isn’t the heyday of Torchwood, this is the post Torchwood: Miracle Day era. Torchwood is in shambles, the hub is a wreck, there’s no money left in the operational funding, and Cardiff is being overrun by right-wing, anti-immigrant conspiracy nuts. It’s a bad time to be the latest unwilling new recruit for Torchwood. (4/5)

5.2 Aliens & Sex & Chips & Gravy - Gwen Cooper & Mr Colchester take center stage this time, and things started at a Hen Party. It’s a barmy bit of silliness and that’s about it (except for that ending!) (2/5)

5.3 Orr - Lots of Torchwood twisters going on here. You think things are going one direction and then they spiral off into another tangent. The only problem is that we’ve got a middle episode problem. There’s a lot happening, but there doesn’t seem to be any resolution of plot elements, just a lot of churning the pot. (3/5)

5.4 Superiority Complex - Well, this was not at all how I expected things to wrap up. But then, as there’s Torchwood: Aliens Among Us, Part 2, I should have expected that things wouldn’t really be wrapping up. Interesting story. More twists. (3/5)

[Lamadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are four stories that are like episodes, and I really liked the first one, which introduced the new character of Tyler. I didn't like the second episode at all, even though the coda lays an important teaser for a future storyline. The third was very interesting because of the new character of Orr, while the story was just okay. The fourth was trying to bring all the tension to a head, which pretty much worked, but they didn't resolve things so they can string it on to further episodes. The whole thing would've been so much better on TV, but it's definitely better than the single character stories they've done previously. I, surprisingly, like all the new characters, and I'm really intrigued about what's going on with Gwen. The main storyline through all the episodes with the Sorvex is kind of annoying, but it's still going on, so it might get better. All in all, I really liked it even though it has a lot of flaws.

[torin_kylara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent addition to the Torchwood series (kinda) proper. In my head I've been calling this Torchwood: series 5, and it really is. The "Changes Everything" in reverse of the "Everything Changes" pilot was quite brilliant, in my opinion. But the real star of the show is the voice actor playing Gwen. If you didn't already hear about it, I bet I just surprised you by telling you, that was not actually Eve Myles! Eve has some bits that for spoilery reasons, I can't tell you what they are, but if you listen to the show, you'll understand exactly what I mean. And it works perfectly for random scifi reasons, but it is just weird. I genuinely thought I was listening to Eve Myles. The fact that I wasn't blows my mind. She's that good.

[Craig Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

TLDR: Great continuation of the Torchwood storyline.

Instead of an audiobook I decided it was time to try and catch up on some Big Finish. I'd enjoyed the Torchwood audio one-shots and vague storyline they'd been doing for the last few years so when I heard Russell T Davies was back on board as an absentee showrunner of sorts for a new Torchwood audio Season 5 I was somewhat excited :) The series did not disappoint, don't get me wrong there were one or two not as good episodes (much like with a TV show) but for the most part it was superb. The new characters were great, especially Mr Colchester. I found the idea of Orr to be quite good but the modulated voice just sounds a bit pap, it's better when they leave the actor to do her thing.

[Nicolas Lontel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Une super continuation de la série originale, explorant avec plus de profondeur les thèmes du deuil, du queer, de la tragédie, de l'immigration, de terrorisme, etc.!

Le boîtier contient un incroyable épisode 2 par James Goss, mémorable, sérieux, horrifiant, drôle, définitivement gai par moment, bref, un excellent Torchwood!!!! Je n'étais pas totalement embarqué après le premier épisode par le même auteur, mais là, chose très rare, j'ai tout de suite commencé l'épisode suivant après mon écoute.

L'épisode 3 de Juno Dawson est vraiment touchant, allant droit au cœur des désirs des gens, écrit avec beaucoup de sensibilité et d'attention pour les personnages avec un super nouveau personnage qui fitte à merveille avec la série, la séduction, le désir et la fluidité sexuelle et genrée! Je suis agréablement surpris puisque je n'étais vraiment pas fan de son précédent Torchwood Torchwood: The Dollhouse, mais avait beaucoup aimé son roman Doctor Who: The Good Doctor par exemple.

L'épisode 4 d'A.K. Benedict a le malheur de ne pas pouvoir conclure la série (il y a trois boîtier pour la série Aliens Among Us) et donc de devoir retarder l'arc narratif de la série un maximum. On a donc le droit à un épisode beaucoup plus "épisodique" avec une habitation consciente, thème que l'éditeur Big Finish Productions a déjà exploité à plusieurs reprise, notamment avec une trilogie de leur série de Companion Chronicles, que j'ai lu il y a quelques années dans La chambre verte, etc. donc c'est un lieu commun (haha) dont je commence à trouver qu'on a épuisé les ressorts narratifs ou je peine à en apprécier autant la nouveauté (et on comprend assez rapidement où on se dirige dès qu'Orr a ses problèmes d'ascenseur). Bref, un épisode décent, après 2 et 3, à mon avis, c'était peut-être un peu difficile de se démarquer autant, mais une entrée décente tout de même et qui ne fait pas honte à ce premier tiers de la série.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This includes 4 intersecting stories that build on each other to the finale.
*Changes Everything - 4 stars
*Aliens & Sex & Chips - 4 stars
*Orr - 3 stars
*Superiority Compex - 3 stars

Unlike most of the Torchwood audiobooks, this includes more than one actor from the television show and is given the full treatment that one finds in Big Finish's Doctor Who performances. It picks up right after the ending of the television show, providing insight into what happens next. I liked the new characters, but mostly enjoyed having the return of Jack and Gwen.

[Ashley Beery · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just feel like the Torchwood series is becoming too scattered. They're throwing bits of stories here and there that don't make sense to us because we can't "see" it. Then they don't readdress it for several chapters, then there's a blurb of it and gone again. There's still questions about what is really going on (I realize this is PART ONE but still...). I just wasn't thrilled with this round at all. I feel like they're more concerned about adult situations and not aliens.

[Spencer Bookcase · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've posted my review of Torchwood: Aliens Among Us, Part 1 on my blog. (link here)

I will be really happy if you check it out.

[Marcel Driel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The stories are a bit of a mess, Torchwood seems to care more about the aliens then the humans, but there are some neat ideas in this and the character work is pretty good. Mr. Colchester and Orr are great additions to the team. Decent start of “season 5”.

[Joseph S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really feels like a proper Torchwood third of a season. All the weird and goofy and sexy all feel downright RTD.

[Anne Barwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the new Torchwood team, a good mix of familiar and new.

[Debra Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

After what happened during Miracle Day Captain Jack and Gwen try to re start Torchwood. Can Ro Jetta take them down and take over the world.

[Mark Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 really

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series of Torchwood is one of the best. Hands down.

[Shaun Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to rate this higher because I do love Torchwood but I found the last 2 stories were not great, and I don’t like that Gwen is mysteriously possessed for almost the whole thing.

[Thomas]

Brilliant start to a continuation of Torchwood, with some engaging new characters and plots, even if this is a setup boxset. Looking forward to more.

[Josh Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a big Torchwood fan it’s finally time to dive into Big Finish and give these audio drama’s a try