The Ward

"We save who we can."

Writer: Simon Guerrier

Format: Audio

Released: January 2017

Series: Graceless 4.03

Featuring: Abby, Zara

Synopsis

For more than a decade, Space Dock has had an exemplary health and safety record, not least because of the wicked sisters working in its hospital, bringing the dead back to life. But what are they really doing there, and what's it got to do with one poor nurse's love life?

Verdict

The Ward was an average continuation of the fourth and final series of Graceless in my opinion. I couldn't help but just feel a little let down and sad as I was listening as I am really not sure what this fourth series is achieving and it is somewhat tarnishing the fantastic end to Series 3. Things did start humorously with Zara's impression of an ambulance siren to get through the crowd to help out one of those injured. After the way The Room ended, I was expecting some kind of immediate continuity, but instead we jumped straight into a new adventure with the sisters seemingly having been there for over a decade! That was rather strange to find them both working in hospital and giving those in need the kind of help that shouldn't be possible, such as fixing broken legs and curing diabetes. Oh, and bringing the dead back to life! That was quite unexpected, but a hospital did seem the right place if Abby and Zara wanted to help others and not impact anybody else as is so often the case with their efforts. Gutierrez as a clinical consultant was okay but I wasn't a fan of her character to be honest. There just weren't many likeable qualities and I could fully understand the clear dislike Zara had for her. So I was quite taken aback when it was revealed that the pair were actually involved in a relationship! That was very strange. Zara working as Doctor Polminate was good though and I thought the focus on brain surgery and her teaching was really good. It was also nice to hear how much she was impacted by the loss that went on at the hospital. Gutierrez at the party really was the definition of a party pooper with her talk of it still technically taking place on hospital property. Ugh, she was boring. The Space Dock setting was definitely intriguing and I liked how there was a need for independence there. The comment where Zara apologised for someone's death and then Gutierrez had to ensure that she knew the apology was one of sadness and not any wrongdoing to cause the death was brilliant. More of a focus on that would have been beneficial and could have provided a more meaningful plot, as there didn't really seem to be a huge amount actually happening in this adventure. Abby and Chaff made a more logical couple, but there was too much history being discussed of their time together which didn't work because we didn't know anything about it! The tribunal with Zara terminated came a bit suddenly and it was a little predictable to have Chaff and Gutierrez end up together, even if it was a good dynamic. There should have been more of them after that revelation. Annie the cleaner was a fun little character though and definitely spoke a lot of sense which was welcomed. Zara now working for the shelter was admirable, although it was a bit rushed but it was nice that she wanted to make a difference. The story of the missing crate and the discussion of the accidents and coincidences that led to the hospital formation was very good and I liked the idea of the importance of the small things. Abby and Zara revealing that they knew of a virus that was to come was telling and poignant for the current social climate as they told all of what would happen with the sickness still getting out despite quarantine. They revealed how Chaff worked to save thousands but didn't make it. And then, that was that as the sisters once again somewhat failed to do good. I can't help but feel sorry for them! Pool's return from The Bomb was not a surprise, but finding out that he was part of the Grace definitely was! I look forward to where that sets things up for the finale and how he hadn't seen the pair for 20,000 years. He seemed to indicate that he knew the reactor would return their powers at the start of the series and their desire to save had to be their choice. But now the Grace needed the sisters, and I think that will provide a fun finale. Overall, some good elements but this was very vanilla. 

Rating: 6/10