Torchwood: Deadbeat Escape

 

"Welcome to the Travelers Halt. You're in luck. We Have One Room Left."

Deadbeat Escape by James Goss

What is it about Torchwood, I wonder, that makes me utterly adore the genre of horror? Oh, Horror is my least favorite thing. I hate scary movies, I despise gore, and jumpscares can go die in hell because they don't scare you, they just surprise you with what the brain perceives as a literal attack. Those can fuck right off. But when a story is smart, quiet, and unsettling - just in the right way - oh, I love that. Deadbeat Escape is an oft-heralded piece of simplistic horror that almost doesn't use the Torchwood brand - it's connection is quite tangental, (just Bilis and one line about Torchwood and one about the Committee) but it's an incredible story nonetheless. People say that Deadbeat is probably the strongest Torchwood Monthly (which I disagree with, that honor goes to We Always Go Out Alive or Save Our Souls) but in terms of plotting, utilizing a small cast, and incredible writing with a remarkably simple core concept - the closest comparison I can give to it is that it's Torchwood's Heaven Sent, and that's not just in terms of plotting, I could also ascribe that to it's reception. It's flawless, yes, but also in it of that  it's slightly overrated. 
But who cares? Murray Melvin is absolutely, unquantifiably PERFECT in this role, just like he has been since 2007, and it takes him in a new direction while maintaining the core of the character. Our guest stars are expertly cast in two quite demanding roles, and it's another fine example of how these Monthly plays shouldn't be just restricted to our original team + Andy and Rhys. If you wanna get spooked, give it a listen. You'll be hardpressed to find any real issue with it. 10/10 

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