Doctor Who news: The Paternoster Gang will face their past in May

Madame Vastra, Jenny Flint and Strax have more than just enemies to face in the next box set of their own Doctor Who spin-off series, The Paternoster Gang: Heritage.

While it’s been several years since we’ve last seen them on television, the popular trio known as the Paternoster Gang have been enjoying their own Doctor Who audio spin-off series since June last year. In May, their story continues with the release of The Paternoster Gang: Heritage 3. A volume that promises to explore the past of each of its three lead characters…

"Family Matters by Lisa McMullinJenny’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…Whatever Remains by Robert ValentineThe 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…Truth and Bone by Roy GillBloomsbury troublemakers Stonn and Tom Foster are back, and in much more trouble than ever before.Sontar has turned its attention to Earth as Requisitioner Skark looks to retrieve missing soldiers.And Jenny finds Vastra preoccupied with the past, which may lead to a very dark future…"

The cover of The Paternoster Gang – Heritage 3 has been revealed, and it promises some crucial developments for our heroes…

Image Courtesy Big Finish Productions

Jenny and Vastra

There’s a lot that sounds particularly exciting about this box set. Overall, there seems to be a heavy focus on the history of each of the regulars, right from the first episode. Which is great, as it’ll surely flesh them out nicely.

We didn’t know much about Jenny on-screen, so opening episode Family Matters sounds like a good opportunity to find out more about who she is. More than that: it sounds like we’ll be learning more about her family. Considering the setting and Victorian values – as well as exactly who Jenny is married to – this particular dinner with the in-laws could be an interesting one.

While little is given for the description of Whatever Remains, it sounds like this could be more focused on Vastra and the Silurians. It’s particularly interesting that on the cover of Heritage 3, another Silurian can be seen. One that looks considerably more old-school than Vastra, at least. If Vastra meets other Silurian survivors, it’ll be interesting to see how she reacts to that.

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Strax vs the Sontarans

Equally interesting is the fact that the Sontarans will be featuring in the box set’s last episode. Strax meeting other Sontarans is honestly something I’ve been waiting for for a very long time, in any medium. While Strax is a great comedy character, it can be easy to forget just how dangerous the Sontarans can be, at times. Strax having to face his past – and be reminded of who he used to be – could lead to some interesting character exploration.

It should also be noted that Dan Starkey is fantastic at voicing for the Sontarans in general. Thanks to Big Finish, he’s been able to play the more menacing and ruthless sides to the clone race, sides that we haven’t seen on television in recent years. One of the best examples of this is The Sontarans – a First Doctor story that depicts the Doctor’s first-ever meeting with them. So the clash between the militaristic Sontarans and the way Strax is now could be an essential listen.

I’ll be honest, I haven’t properly listened to The Paternoster Gang so far. But with the description of Heritage 3, I think it’s time I started to catch up.

You can pre-order The Paternoster Gang: Heritage 3 – as well as order previous volumes of the series – on CD and download now, directly from Big Finish’s website.

Which member of the Paternoster Gang would you like to know more about? Jenny, Vastra or Strax? Let us know in the comments below.