Torchwood: A Postcard From Mr Colchester

Big Finish Torchwood #65X

by James Goss

Mr Colchester offers a few disgruntled words on the state of the Earth, as aliens question why he bothers to protect it from invasions. But, until the world succeeds in self-destruction, he has a job to do...

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

Audiobook

First published September 21, 2022

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

[David · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't bother. This isn't a full-cast audio drama. It's a single monologue that's not even 15 minutes long. There's not even a story. It's just Colchester griping.

[Xander Toner · Rating 3 out of 5]

You'll never see me complaining about a free Big Finish story.

[Emilija · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was literally a bloke doing a monologue complaining about defending the Earth and then going to work. As a Big Finish freebie to advertise the next big storyline, it does make me want to listen because the little trailer at the end is more interesting than the entire monologue.

[Danny Welch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Postcard from Mr Colchester was released as a little freebie to help advertise the next series in the Torchwood Continues Range 'Among Us'.

Mr. Colchester has a message for all the aliens who have ideas about invading the Earth and why they should stay away. Life is looking bleak and Colchester is as cynical as ever.

James Goss has written a hilarious 15-minute short story that's just Colchester talking about the current affairs on our planet, whilst also recounting a bump in with a few aliens who wished to terraform the Earth. Colchester saving the world with his cynicism and explaining just how doomed we are on this barren rock of ours is both hilarious and depressing at the same time.

Overall: Nothing remarkable but a very funny listen that makes you think all the same. 8/10

[Ellen Schoener · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this was a somewhat depressing commentary of the state of the current world.
The end is nigh, and it is apparently so bad, even invading aliens turn around and leave after seeing the current news.
Pretty much as I have been feeling all to often lately.
Writing and performance was great (and at times clever) and I liked this, despite the depressing outlook.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet. Always here for more Colchester!

[Duncan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I nice little story. Well acted. Well produced. Nothing ground breaking but a nice freebie from Big Finish.

[Steven Shinder · Rating 2 out of 5]

Since this was free, I guess I can't complain too much. It's 17 minutes long, but only 10 are the story while the rest is trailers. Kinda just there.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

(This was available as a free promotional download from the publisher.)

Interesting little snippet. Really just a character sketch. But well done nonetheless.

[Sara Habein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wish it was longer, but for a freebie, this was amusing. I wasn't previously acquainted with this Torchwood character.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not sure what the point of this was.

[Marcel Driel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, angry and hilarious.

[Rob Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much better than the more recent Christmas edition, this at least was regaling a past adventure.