Torchwood One review: Before the Fall (Big Finish audio)

Before we review the latest Torchwood prequel Machines, let’s take a look at last year’s Torchwood One: Before the Fall, which gave us our first glimpse of when Yvonne Hartmann was in charge.

Considering that I recently wrote an article which covered why I love the character of Yvonne Hartman, you can probably guess how much I love the idea of Torchwood One. A prequel series that takes a look at when Torchwood’s London base was in its prime, some time before it was destroyed in Doctor Who episode Doomsday, sounded incredibly appealing.

But how well could a prequel series work? Would it be able to distinguish itself enough from regular Torchwood, while still capturing a little of the flavor of the series? Let’s find out.

New Girl

New Girl is a very slow-paced episode. However, that’s not a bad thing, at least, not in this case. At this point, we’re very familiar with what Torchwood eventually became. But how was it before the Doctor encountered the organization?

It’s through the eyes of Rachel Allan, as played by Sophie Winkleman, that we see this unique version of Torchwood. It’s very smart to introduce this version through the eyes of someone new, as the original series did with Gwen Cooper in both Everything Changes and Day One.

However, despite external appearances, Joseph Lidster has helped ensure that Rachel’s story is very different compared to Gwen’s.

For one thing, when Before the Fall starts, Rachel is already very aware of what Torchwood is. So much so in fact that it makes her incredibly keen to fit in, perhaps almost too keen. Which is, admittedly, one thing the character does seem to share with Gwen in Day One.

But this London based version of Torchwood is far more organized than the one in Cardiff. It feels much more like an office, one that has a strong working atmosphere thanks to Yvonne Hartman.

While Yvonne features in this episode, we don’t see her a great deal. However, considering the episode is more focused on Rachel’s perspective, that’s understandable at this point.

There is one more key reason why this episode is different from Gwen’s first two episodes. I won’t say how, but it’s a neat idea that’s very cleverly worked in. It also sets things up for the remaining two episodes very, very nicely.

Before its London base was destroyed in Doomsday, we get a look at when Yvonne Hartman ran Torchwood in Before the Fall.

(Image credit: Torchwood/Big Finish Productions.

Image obtained from: Big Finish Productions.)

Through the Ruins

More from Winter is Coming

It’s actually difficult for me to talk about the remaining two episodes, as the first episode sets them up in a way you don’t expect. However, I’ll try to cover what I can.

Through the Ruins focuses on Yvonne a lot more, as she’s put into a very desperate situation. Yvonne is a woman who likes to be in control. No, needs to be in control. So seeing her put in a difficult situation, without the level of power that she’s used to, gives us a different view of the character.

Meanwhile, Ianto goes on the Away Day from hell. He’s used to life at Torchwood having a certain degree of risk, but even he can’t agree with the unnecessary risks that the “team building exercises” bring.

Like One Rule, Through the Ruins highlights exactly why Yvonne Hartman’s so brilliant at her job. It’s because she cares about it a great deal, and would do anything for Torchwood. But more than that: she didn’t just get it by being lucky. She worked hard for it, and we begin to see more of that side of her.

Uprising

The final episode resolves the story of Before the Fall in a satisfying manner. Torchwood has changed, and not for the better. Ianto has to decide where his loyalties really lie. And meanwhile, an interstellar war is about to begin.

Uprising is one more clear episode that highlight’s Yvonne’s many strengths, including her sense of diplomacy.

But it’s also great on focusing on her relationship with Ianto, too. If there’s one thing that Before the Fall made clear, it’s that Yvonne and Ianto were a great team.

Seeing Ianto before he joined Torchwood Three in Cardiff also adds more to his story. There were times when he was frustrated with some of the things he was given to do, and when you find out how important he was at Torchwood One, it’s very easy to see why.

Overall, Torchwood One: Before the Fall is a great, fleshed out glimpse at a very different Torchwood. Fans of both Yvonne and Ianto are sure to love this one, before they check out the latest box set, Machines.

Next. Review: Red Planets (Seventh Doctor audio). dark

Have you listened to Before the Fall? Did you enjoy its take on Torchwood? Let us know in the comments below.

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