A rather unimaginative story that didn't hook me, but was a good introduction to the series plot - 2.5/5

An anti-war activist/otherwise sensible person with a conscience leaning too far and wrapping around to conspiracy nut is a pretty classic premise. The big speech immediately starting with brainwashing culty separating-vulnerable-people-from-family-and-friends/non-believer-influence demonstrated this well, and was again, a pretty classic conspiracy nut move. Maybe I've just been inoculated growing up with the internet, with these kinds of lies surrounding me, but the whole conspiracy angle really just didn't grab me. Especially listening right after miracle day, with it's shining star of a truly disgusting public figure enemy (Oswald Danes), it just didn't stand out. I was giggling all the way through the snippets of George's speech.

It really bothered me that any of this was being declared as true, too - not exactly a great look, or a strong start to Big Finish's Torchwood material. Especially as it didn't establish the Torchwood team or their dynamic - I don't even know when this takes place! Feels like a good start to the series, without being a successful start to the range.

I liked the stalker obsessed with Torchwood - something I wished we'd seen more of from the TV show. I mean, they really aren't subtle for a "secret" org. Jack describing what it's like to die was such a small, quick thing, but it's still something I really do value in Torchwood. The focus on death. I think the daughter needed to be a strong actress, and I'm not entirely sure how sold I am on her, but she certainly didn't do a bad job. The voice actor for Sam, however, was quite adept at conveying emotion, especially desperation - a sliver of real talent I appreciated amongst this wasteland of mediocrity.

To be honest, Barrowman's voice acting is not as vibrant as his normal acting. Without his intense energy (and good looks) visible on screen, his words don't hit quite as hard. Good job jumping straight into the series arc and getting me immediately invested, largely thanks to the format, which was neat/made sense what with the journalism stuff, getting me engaged with the Committee plot.

So, not the strongest start with a premise that just didn't hook me. Perhaps I'm simply spoiled after doing several audios running of the most excellent McGann, but I also didn't think the voice acting really stood out, although there was no one I'd point to as bad, by any means. Giving it 2.5/5 I'm afraid - just wasn't really anything special, though it did get me somewhat hooked on the series plot.