2.4 - Sins of the Fathers

Back on form in the last outing of series 2, we pickup what happened to Lady Waverly's daughter or is it son. This time however, we also get to understand that the genetic altering escapades of Waverly are much more deep rooted than just his own kith and kin. The whole episode is superbly acted and wonderfully staged, with real ambiance throughout the whole production. I have always been a bit of softy for the sound of a rain storm, and the start of this kicks off in the very atmospheric surroundings of a family funeral, in the green lush English countryside, with the hypnotic sound of the falling rain, as we hear the vicar speak the last words "ashes to ashes" you know the sad yet peaceful silence is going to be broken. Sure enough it is, with, a quite unexpected and imbalanced fight between, the genetically challenged and the British Army. Whoa, what a start to put in place another episodic chapter in the life of Counter Measures team. What is more will we learn what actually happened between, Kinsella and the last moments of Lady Waverly. Or will the team itself, find, out for themselves, that Templeton is not all he is cracked up to be, and, maybe just maybe he is as bad if not worse at playing the long game as Kinsella.

This was a cracking ending to this release, and, I for one, think that the whole cast in this last episode are eloquent and magical in the way that they ply their trade, in telling the final chapter. Let's hope that season 3 / series 3 is as good, and we get to know more about the Counter Measures team, and what the hell their boss is actually up to

"Sins of the Father" begins Sir Toby telling the Counter Measures group about the strange death of one of the heavies from a previous episode and then forbidding Counter-Measures to investigate leading them to investigate on their own. This is probably the most inexplicable part of the story given that Sir Toby plans to take a hand in this himself within hours of telling Counter-Measures. The whole result of his briefing was to tantalize Counter Measures and get them involved even though as the story plays out, it becomes clear that he really didn't want that to happen.

Still, once you get pass the contrivance of the inciting incident, this is still a solid story, as we get yet another look at Sir Toby's dark side and the high cost he's been willing to pay to protect Great Britain and the tragic outcome of the Eugenics program. This also a bit of a tipping point for the regulars about their suspicions and distrust of Sir Toby's secretiveness. It's a personal story that works well. Also Tom Price has a nice turn as Father Ellard, who is a truly sympathetic character and probably the most positive portrayal of a clergyman in Big Finish. Overall, a worthy conclusion to Series 2.

Hmmm...

After a generally excellent set of stories, I found this to be a bit of a dip in over entertainment value. I think the instinct to do a more personal story was a good one, but I think this story suffers in two ways. The notion of creating super soldiers has been done so much in so many ways at this point, it's hard to find much new territory to mine. So that aspect of the story did not hold my interest all that much. One thing I would say on that point I was incredibly confused as to what exactly was being done to the soldiers by Ray when all the crunchy sounds were being made. For some reason, at first, I thought he was using his mind to make them implode or something. It didn't occur to me he was just beating them or mangling them, though that seems to be the case. The other issue is that it's clear fairly early on that what the nature of Ray and Sir Toby's relationship is. Which means you're waiting for the people to catch up in the story, which can be frustrating.

Now, negatives aside, there is certainly a lot to enjoy. Having Toby be mysterious, and then having the team investigate anyway, led to some fun moments. I enjoyed Rachel and Gilmore striking out on their own. Hugh Ross was fantastic, as always, as Toby. I did like that we got to delve into his character a bit more, overall. I am intrigued to see where they go next, and whether Templeton will be a more permanent fixture... or just a temporary change of pace next season.

Even though I thought the story seemed slightly flat as the end of a season, I still enjoyed it.

Across the whole series we are presented with Sir Toby being of a somewhat questionable nature an in the 4th story of the boxset we get the opportunity to see exactly where he does stand, but onve again, he is so shady that we come away still not being sure. I think he is best descibed as someone who insists on doing the right thing, but in the wrong way.

This story follows on from one of the lost plot threads earlier in the series and it drags Sir Toby in while at the same time leaving the other three characters out in the cold and wondering what is going on.

Even after listening to this, it is hard to define who really is the villain of the piece.

Production wise this is great. The main voices play perfectly as always and the sixties soundscape keeps you knowing when this is set. There are a few interesting moments sound wise - muffled voices under gas masks for instance just add a little flavour to the whole thing.

One thing I can say is that this leaves me wanting more and I am looking forward to series 3.