Andy Davidson finds himself once more in the 1950s – but he’s not the only one who’s been brought there…

The latest Torchwood Soho series keeps the six x 30-minute episode formula of its predecessor, with James Goss using the extended time to set up a great many questions in the opener. Why has Andy been brought back this time? Why – and indeed how – is Lizbeth Hayhoe there? Why is everyone shooting at them – and what the hell has Norton Folgate done this time that means that even someone Andy expected to be amongst Norton’s most faithful friends seems to have turned against him? Add to that a couple of collections of very unusual people, and a landlady whose inner Mrs Slocombe seems to come to the fore, and it sets the scene for an intriguing ride.

And that’s without thinking about the mentions of Ashenden. Not the Somerset Maugham spy thriller (although I won’t be in the least surprised if there’s some sort of connection revealed down the line) but a New Town. And we all know what those can signify in the 1950s…

Focus is primarily on Tom Price and Dervla Kirwan with brief appearances by the other main cast, and there’s a good rapport between them (albeit expressed mainly by insults going in one direction!).

Verdict: An enjoyable start that draws you in. 8/10

Paul Simpson

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