On a Spanish trawler, something impossible happens. In London, Barclay Pierre-Dupont gets a call. And the world changes forever.

This five episode miniseries is haunted a little by the ghost of Children of Earth, the iconic Torchwood season with the same format. There are beats the same for sure, most notably instant global communication with an alien species and some very tense negotiations. But right now at least it feels very much like its own thing. And mostly that’s good news.

The idea is neatly handled, a diplomatic incident which becomes an opportunity as Homo Aqua (and yes the new name is explained, and yes it makes sense and yes the obvious joke that only a gay writer and male lead can make is made, you’re all very clever sit down) decide they’ve had enough of sharing the planet in silence. The confrontation on a Spanish beach is neatly shot and very tense too, and it gives us a welcome new side to UNIT. Over their last few appearances, the organization has got distinctly jackbooted in tone but here they’re very clearly repositioned as a neutral part and peacekeeping force. They also have the Witness Program, which is why Barclay is on site. The Witness Program echoes elements of classic Michael Crichton novel The Andromeda Strain and the idea that having someone with an outside perspective is essential in situations like this. Barclay, a transport procurement specialist, is a civilian and convinced he has no business being on this mission. He may be right, but as the episode closes Homo Aqua has asked for him by name and the call to adventure won’t be denied. It’s a neat idea, and one that plays into the Doctor-less nature of the spinoff as well as raising the stakes. It also gives Colin McFarlane’s almost implausibly beautifully voiced General Pierce a welcome compassionate beat with Barclay that takes the edge off what otherwise could be a little chest pounding.

Tovey’s fantastic too, because he’s always fantastic, and gives Barclay a welcome mix of competence and rabbit in headlights terror. The rest of the cast aren’t really given much to do in this episode other than set out their stalls, and they all do a good job but it’s Barclay’s show right now and Tovey finds some interesting stuff to do with him. There’s some nice bedding in of history and tone too, with previous Homo Aqua encounters placed in context and what I think might be a very subtle nod to classic aquatic SF novel, The Kraken Wakes.

Yet for all that? I’m a little concerned. The scenes with Barclay’s family seem a little off and there’s a tone shift or two that doesn’t feel as smooth as I’d want. There’s also the nagging sense of something much more going on than we think and while that’s always fun, I worry about whether the show’s going for a twist or a GOTCHA!

Verdict: Still, early days and it’s off to a fun start. 8/10

Alasdair Stuart