Big Finish takes on the mantle for Torchwood series 5, and based on this opening episode it is an absolute success. They have reinserted the Welshness into the show and found the right balance between the seriousness of series 3 and the silliness of series 1 and 2, tactfully ignoring series 4 altogether.

Tyler Steele and Mr Colchester are excellent additions that immediately feel like authentic Torchwood. Mr Colchester pushes the show in a new direction by being the officious, government stick in the mud with (at least some perceived) conservative views. He inspires fresh reactions from the established characters and world around him. Tyler then gets to be the hapless “would-be” new recruit who mucks it up but shows enough promise to be kept in the loop - at an arm's distance from Torchwood. Just about helpful enough to not have his mind wiped.

I love that Gwen then gets to be the mentor, taking on Jack’s old role, freeing Jack up for introducing himself to the series via sexual conquests. Which is really very funny.

The amazing thing series 5 achieves with this opening episode is that it absolutely does feel like the start of something new but also is totally believable as a continuation of what has gone before, despite being in audio.