Paraglas IV is a recycling centre and now, a crime scene. An Ood has been killed in the paper recycling halls and Zachary Cross Flane (Shaun Parkes) and synthetic partner Chloe (Amanda Shobeko) are sent to investigate. What they find is a seemingly pleasant, happy workplace the size of a planet. Oh sure Lady Drogba (Belinda Stewart-Wilson) seems a little off and senior worker Mr Brakow (Paul Panting) are at each other’s throats, an Ood is dead and Zach’s PTSD has moved into the spare room in his head but still it’s fine…

Shaun Parkes’ Zachary is one of the most instantly endearing Torchwood characters we’ve had and along with Claire Rushbrook’s Doctor Ida Scott, the subject of the previous story, he’s a survivor who feels everything he’s been through. James Goss gives Parkes some great stuff here and the skin crawling tension of Zach being in the same space as the Ood is very well played. Better, director Bethany Weimers and Goss give Parkes and Zach a chance to work through this and find out what’s on the other side. Like Ida, Zach isn’t just a survivor anymore and the agency, and honestly brilliant deduction, that closes this episode is a highlight of the range’s year.

Likewise Amanda Shodeko’s Chloe, a very welcome return in her second appearance. A synthetic, she has a very different view of the situation to Zach and Shodeko has some great stuff here. Chloe is nothing but agency, a character who is completely at peace with who she is and what that does to others. Shodeko, much like Samantha Béart in the longform range, is a foundational talent and I’m thrilled to see what gets built on the strength of her performance here. This feels like a big, expansive, interesting era for these characters and it’s getting more interesting the more time we spend in it.

Verdict: It’s a strong story all around, with Sam Stafford’s supporting turn, Belinda Stewart-Wilson’s gloriously chipper space tory and Paul Panting’s alpha bloke both getting some zingers and a surprising amount to do. Rounded out by Silas Carson doing typically good work as the Ood, this is another strong entry in an under explored, and very fun, era of the Institute. Great title too. 9/10

Alasdair Stuart

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