Heritage: Family Matters

"You are welcome to the most magnificent freak show on Earth!"

Writer: Lisa McMulin

Format: Audio

Released: May 2020

Series: Paternoster Gang 3.01

Featuring: Vastra, Jenny, Strax

Synopsis

Jenny's past comes calling at Paternoster Row, as Strax takes care of a guest, and the travelling circus comes to town – spelling danger for some of the gang.

But when family matters intrude on their marriage, the last thing Jenny wants is Vastra having her in-laws for dinner...

Verdict

Family Matters was a very good episode to continue the Heritage spinoff series for the Paternoster Gang! This opened the third volume in a very good way and the humour that was associated with the opening was magnificent. I really can't say how much I love Strax and just adore the type of comedy that comes with him. His snoring and being mistaken for a burglar at the start was terrific, as was Jenny's reaction to Vastra accusing her of it! Strax had of course been knocked out though with a shot to the probic vent, but it seemed harmless with some stray lions being the ones to have broken in. As the episode went on, we found out that wasn't correct and the care taken for the Sarcosuchus was nicely done and some good continuity with Spring-Heeled Jack. Barty Crump was a pretty fun character and his accompanying Vastra down the tunnels below the Thames was a bit eery, especially when he seemed to suffocate her into kidnapping! Vastra was taken to a freak show which was pretty harsh and she was not best pleased with Crump posing as a mud lark to just make her an attraction. Irinda was an intriguing character too and she didn't seem too bothered by the fact she was viewed like she was in a zoo. The description of her being blue skinned and having four arms painted a good image, but there was clearly more to her than met the eye. The arrival of Jenny's Ma to Paternoster Row was brilliant and it was clear they had quite a strained relationship. Ma was quick to engage in theft by stealing some of the china but I was fascinated that she had obtained a Sontaran homing device. The threat of her going to Sontar was amusing! Albert, who turned out to be Jenny's Pa, being attacked by Vastra was good stuff and I liked that Barty also seemed to be her brother! It was quite the family reunion. Vastra's stubbornness with Jenny about not being told of her wife's family was a little harsh, but they reunited to a good understanding by the end. Vastra tolerated humanity for people like Jenny. I thought the moment where Jenny retorted to her father about not being married like her parents because she was happy was just glorious. A stunning line. The mystery of Barty deepened once we learned he'd only been back for a week and Jenny questioning if he was the real article was good. Learning that Jenny had another sibling Dorothy but her fate was not good as well made for a strong emotional family connection. Her parents were pretty poor when it came to doing their job. The reveal that Barty was the same species as Irinda was decent and the whole Scondorofax artefact story was intriguing. Vastra got to challenge Barty quite strongly and the suggestion of the artefact holding back the end time was very good. I liked the flashback tot he Scondorofax decision to head to Earth to find the Silurians and prevent them activating the artefact and completing the prophecy that would end time. The conclusion was a little drab with the Scondorofax just disintegrating by will and would reassemble over time, so I do hope this isn't the last we hear from them! Overall though, a strong and enjoyable opener!

Rating: 8/10