Doctor Who review: The Paternoster Gang: The Cars That Ate London!
By James Aggas
The Paternoster Gang’s own Doctor Who audio spin-off series begins with The Cars That Ate London! Is it as fun as the title suggests?
With both the recent release of volume 3 of the series and the first episode currently available to listen to on YouTube, I decided it was time to finally start listening to The Paternoster Gang. The characters of Madame Vastra, Jenny Flint and Strax have proven to be an odd but extremely likable trio in Doctor Who. Naturally, a spin-off series – even on audio – was inevitable. So how does the series begin?
The Cars That Ate London! kicks things off to a reasonably light and fun start. The team investigate Fabian Solak, a man who’s recent invention of the electrical car has proven to be quite popular in London. There’s just one problem: Vastra knows for a fact that the technology is far too advanced for Victorian England…
Jonathan Morris’s story feels very reminiscent of New Series opening episodes, particularly during Russell T Davies’s era. Not only is there a lot of humor throughout this story, but there are plenty of big and bold ideas. Especially as the episode goes on and things start to escalate. Just wait until you find out what the electric cars really are…
How strong is the first episode of The Paternoster Gang’s own series? Does it live up to their TV adventures?
Image Courtesy Big Finish Productions
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A fun opening story
There’s a nice sense of build-up to this opening episode. Even when it comes to the title of the story itself. For a while, you almost start to wonder if the story is actually going to match its title, or if it’s just a huge exaggeration. But don’t worry: The Cars That Ate London! definitely lives up to its promise.
Jonathan Morris also makes sure to include plenty of banter for the gang, too. He’s often been good at writing stories with a strong amount of humor, and that really shows in this one. Strax doing his best at trying to sound Cockney is especially fantastic.
But mixed in with all of that humor is a strong message on the dangers of pollution and where it can lead to. Having listened to this after watching Series 12, it’s hard not to be reminded of the Doctor’s speech in Orphan 55 at the end of this story. However, Madame Vastra’s speech comes across as far less heavy-handed, and hits harder, as a result.
The Cars That Ate London! is exactly what you’d expect. It’s not the deepest or darkest of stories, but it is definitely a lot of fun, and kicks off the gang’s own spin-off to a strong start. An enjoyable opening episode.
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Have you listened to The Cars That Ate London!? Do you think it was a decent story for Victorian London’s most unusual trio? Let us know in the comments below.