Instant Karma

"We can do anything."

Writers: David Llewellyn, Jonathan Morris & James Goss

Format: Audio

Released: July 2018

Series: Torchwood Monthly 23

Featuring: Tosh

Synopsis

Imagine. All those people. The ones who make each day that little bit harder. That little bit more unbearable. 

Imagine if you could silence them. Just by looking at them.

I mean, just imagine. If you could do that. To all the people who annoy you. Would you do it?

Verdict

Instant Karma was a somewhat average audio adventure to continue the Torchwood monthly series from Big Finish! I thought the CD artwork for this one was striking but I never felt that the story injected that same feeling. It seemed like it was always at an introductory stage which was slightly weird, and that was a shame after a very strong opening pre-titles sequence from Simon. His discussion on other people and all of those annoying in our lives was fascinating and the suggestion of being able to silence them, and whether one would take that option if they had the opportunity, was excellent. Sadly, I don't think things progressed too impressively from there. Once Tosh joined the group and the opening was retrospectively turned into a class teaching, the impact was lost on me. I liked the intrigue of the first session taking it out of you physically with Tosh showing some adverse effects, and that suggested something more sinister was at work. The death of group member Carl set tings in motion and got Tosh in full investigative mode which is where she shines best. The mystery of Carl's family not seeing the death certificate and multiple reasons given for his death which occurred after his first meeting showed things here were very dangerous indeed. Carl had been keeping a record of the mysterious events and deaths surrounding Simon and the group and obviously had gotten more than he bargained for! I enjoyed the ability of Simon to channel resentment and anger as a weapon and there was a lot of potential there. I don't think it quite reached the heights it could have, but I still appreciated the power. Others not even realising that it was happening was good stuff too. Simon was sick of being ignored and it seemed he had quite a few personal and anger issues. Tosh standing up to him despite showing fear was great and she didn't adhere to the warning to back off. Gooch being another one dead and the group being blamed this time was good and Simon actually taking the power of the group made of members feeling strong emotional detachments and experiences was good, but he still just seemed petty to me. Tosh's appeal to Janet to get through to Simon about what he was doing always felt like it would fall on deaf ears, and it didn't make sense with her having the crush on him. Janet joining with Simon to kill the group of lads mocking their public show of affection was a sinister moment, but the pair never felt believable as a couple. The conversation on the phone with Simon getting angry at his barking dog and so much so that he used his power inadvertently to kill his dog was just uncomfortable and unnecessary. Simon challenging Tosh on whether the Torchwood team actually liked her or if she would be missed was good, but Tosh knew her importance which I admired. Janet leaving after Simon was done for despite Tosh assuring her she would place all blame on Simon was a bit of a sour note to finish. Overall, some good moments and a lot of potential but definitely some missing links. 

Rating: 6/10