The Flying Frenchmen

"It is the same ship!"

Writer: Jonathan Morris

Format: Audio

Released: April 2015

Series: Jago & Litefoot 9.01

Featuring: Jago, Litefoot

Synopsis

Jago and Litefoot embark on a cruise. It's supposed to be a relaxing break, but what terrors lurk in the mysterious fog? And what about the other ships that seem trapped along with the Fata Morgana – are they friend or foe? Or something much more frightening?

Verdict

The Flying Frenchmen was a strong start to the ninth series of Jago & Litefoot! I can't quite believe I've reached the ninth series and equally I'm surprised it's been eight months since I concluded the previous boxset. This opener felt a little calmer and almost like a light reset as there was no obvious storyline direction started other than a fun concept of parallel universe. If that continues moving forward I will be absolutely delighted, but if not then this was a really good glimpse into its potential. I liked the idea of taking Jago and Litefoot out to see, but who were they kidding in believing that they could have a relaxing kind of break? It was never going to be that easy! The eery feel of the Fata Morgana ship was really strong and it absolutely matched the vibe of the artwork for this story. It always felt like it was at night and once the ship was marooned in time and still on the ocean, that sense of impending doom and quietness was terrific. It set the mood very well. That didn't mean there couldn't be humour with Jago and Litefoot both getting a little embarrassed by the affections shown to them from Lady Isobelle Danvers. She was a fascinating character and the way Jago and Litefoot actually had to scheme to push away her attentions was a fun moment. The idea of competition between Jago and Litefoot over a woman is really enjoyable banter and just another reminder of the timely chemistry and joyous relationship between our two Victorian gentlemen. The mystery of the fog and mist was good and despite the captain's assurance to Litefoot that all was well, it was good that the professor was actually a bit worried by being told there was nothing to worry about. He was proven right of course as the navigation was completely unknown and that horror feeling of stillness is never utilised better than at sea. The emergence of another ship was intriguing enough, but when it was revealed to be another version of the Fata Morgana, things really kicked into gear! It wasn't even just another boat with the same name, it was the same boat! That was exciting stuff. The prospect of the Jago and Litefoot characters meeting alternate versions of themselves is terrific and it was good fun to meet some French versions in particular. Litefoot seemed well versed in the situation and realising what had happened with this sideways interaction. Pondering on whether they were actually the full and correct versions of themselves as the English variation was fascinating, and good fun for the reaction of ridicule it sparked from Jago. Of course he was the true version! He wouldn't hear otherwise. The introduction of Aubrey was amusing given that he seemed familiar as they have actually met him before, and when a third version of the ship came things began to get slightly confusing I must say. It was entertaining but in audio when there are three different versions of the same characters, even with different accents, it can become a little difficult to follow. It didn't last long enough to become a lingering problem which was positive, but it did impact my listening ever so slightly. I thought the way things ended was emotional with the other versions of Jago and Litefoot taking a big sacrifice to allow the versions we know to live on in some version at least. It was also a fun way to lead into the next episode with the Fata Morgana not exactly ending up back at its intended destination and was instead at Monte Carlo! That's a fun prospect for the next episode and a unique little setting for sure. I'm looking forward to hearing where things go from here. Overall, a strong series opener! 

Rating: 8/10