Torchwood Soho has a new boss – the charming Adam. And it’s a good thing he’s there to make sure they’re ready to go to war…

James Goss’ latest Torchwood script picks up on elements of the story in Catherine Tregenna’s season 2 script (simply named Adam) and brings Bryan Dick back to the series, reprising the role. Samuel Barnett and Devla Kirwan’s Norton [insert innuendo here] Folgate and Lizbeth [insert even more innuendo here] Hayhoe are at the centre of activities, although there are times you may find yourself shouting at the audio when they spectacularly fail to get the point – again. (NB This may make your dog wonder what’s wrong!)

Adam’s approaches to our heroes are in multiple forms, and we hear different sides to both of them as the alien peels away their layers. All the time the clock is ticking – and for those who think Torchwood wouldn’t have an arsenal of weapons, think back to their proper introduction in Doctor Who series 2 – and Goss carefully doles out the clues as to what’s going on so we’re ready for the final confrontation.

All three actors are on fine form, particularly when they’re playing the alternates that come up across the story, and Peter Doggart’s sound design aids create the “groove-jumping” feel of the tale.

Verdict: A nicely plotted, acted and directed Torchwood tale. 8/10

Paul Simpson

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