Heritage: Whatever Remains

"Ignorance is no defence."

Writer: Robert Valentine

Format: Audio

Released: May 2020

Series: Paternoster Gang 3.02

Featuring: Vastra, Jenny, Strax

Synopsis

The Great Detective's latest case takes Vastra and friends to the Jurassic coast. A local landowner has vanished. The only clue – the footprints of a gigantic creature! 

As Strax suffers the attentions of an amorous landlady, Jenny gains an admirer of her own. And Vastra discovers something buried deep...

Verdict

Whatever Remains was a brilliant episode to continue along the third volume of Heritage for the Paternoster Gang! I really liked the challenge and exploration of the Siurian history for Vastra and it was clear that this was going to be the direction right from the off as we heard the cry of a legend in the presence of Dudley and Poorgrass who were fun but typically Victorian gentlemen of the upper class. Dudley descending to the depths of the cavern had me remembering the sites of The Hungry Earth/Cold Blood with the description of his fate. Lullwind Cove made for a really fun setting and just going to the Dorset coast and getting out of London was nice and refreshing for the gang. The legend of the sea creature was intriguing and the mystery of where Dudley's body was made for a fun setup as Poorgrass came to seek the help of the legendary veiled detective. The fact that the only incriminating evidence was a giant chicken footprint was very amusing! I loved the suggestion of Vastra and her detective work being the basis for Sherlock Holmes and Strax's recollection of an encounter with Arthur Conan Doyle was marvellous. He was on top form throughout this adventure! Vastra recognising the area of Lullwind Cove on the map but noticing some little changes was great and it was a place she will have been to before, but very long ago. Encountering some of her own people is terrific, but one of the standouts was human Mrs Slinger. She took an immediate shine to Strax and his mistaking her affection for cunning was just outstanding. The fact she was trying to sneak into his room for some romantic reasons but Strax believing he caught her in stealth mode was just tremendous. I loved it. I liked how much Vastra was enjoying exploring the cavern but that quickly changed once Dudley's body was found clawed in a bad way. Vastra finding the drawings of the Silurian origin myth was exciting and I thought her deducing the area as the Temple of the First Empire was fantastic. Jenny did not take well to being left behind and that really was a sore point as the episode went on. Vastra was ready to fight with an old one of the first blood whilst Strax was keen to point out that Jenny should respect the chain of command. Strax seeking to singlehandedly fight the creature of legend was glorious but Jenny's suggestion of a tactical withdrawal was a fun way to ensure the Sontaran would run away. Batraxus guarding Anura's tomb was fascinating and the fact she never went into hibernation didn't seem believable given the millions of years spanned since the time of the Silurians. The power that she was guarding had kept her alive, but that seemed to be dissipating now. Vastra being chosen as the new guard was fun as she obviously didn't fancy that task. Merripit was a good character and his play to gain the crude oil fossils after Dudley let it be known he was going to sell was excellent and he had quite the motive of greed! He used the legend to scare off other buyers and was going to snatch the land up cheaply. Jenny deducing he was behind it all and actually American linking everything to a US company was impressive, but Merripit's 'real' American accent was horrifyingly bad. The hilarious ending with Strax trying to unmask him as Slinger going unsuccessful was marvellous too. Jenny's poignant discussion with Vastra about being the maid and accepting that front for them was excellent, and Vastra now being frightened was a nice addition of vulnerability. Overall, a fantastic episode! 

Rating: 9/10