Norton Folgate is in the Torchwood equivalent of the dog house, and he’s not happy…

James Goss’ script for the start of this new box set of adventures for Torchwood in the 1950s establishes the new set-up admirably quickly – Samuel Barnett’s Norton Folgate is now in the dreaded Room 13, where the Awkward Squad are sent to basically keep them out of the way. That’s not stopping him from devising devious plans to get rid of former Nazis who thought they’d evaded justice – although he’s not being allowed to investigate the London smog. His new boss can be strung along a certain amount…  but only so far.

Making these half-hour episodes is a neat change in format for Torchwood and keeps things moving along at a speedy trot. In this first part we get a visit to Margate, an encounter with the oldest Teddy Girl in town (and the first mention, I believe, of a certain organisation that, Chekov’s Gun being brought into play, is likely to be key to this series), and an encounter with an alien that really shouldn’t be there, not to forget the introduction of a new gentleman for Norton to flirt with.

Steve Foxon’s sound design helps sell the 1950s feel of the piece, and Blair Mowat’s score and reworking of the theme tune are suitably period – snare drums at the ready!

Verdict: A pacey opener that promises plenty of intrigue. 8/10

Paul Simpson

Click here to order Torchwood Soho: Parasite from Big Finish