Jack has agreed to be a surrogate parent but it’s a lot harder than he expects…

To discuss this episode in any detail, we need to get into spoiler territory, as it’s the reason that Jack takes on this pregnancy that is what makes Xanna Eve Chown’s tale work. If you’ve not heard it, don’t be put off by what feels as if it’s simply going to be an excuse for John Barrowman to go over the top with emotional acting – there’s a lot more to it than that (although yes, it is also an excuse for John Barrowman to [etc.]!)

Spoilers follow

This story is very specifically set in the aftermath of the end of Exit Wounds, the second season finale of the TV show, and it recounts how Jack tries to deal with the losses that he feels – coupled with the way that he was treated by Grey (and coming to terms with everything that he learned in that episode). It’s much more continuity heavy than many of the Big Finish stories, and beneath the surface banter, there’s a reaffirmation of the bond between Jack and Ianto. Chown aims for the combination of humour and drama of a Russell T Davies script, and there are some great moments, particularly when dealing with Jack’s repressed feelings.

Verdict: Beneath the histrionic surface, an interesting follow-up to a key Torchwood episode. 7/10

Paul Simpson

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