After a warm reception to Big Finish’s hard-hitting audio continuation of Terry Nation’s Survivors, this month sees the release of the third box set.
Set in a world where huge swathes of the population have fallen victim to flu-like virus, the stories deal with the consequences and tough decisions facing those left behind as they attempt to make the best of what remains.
If the first box set reintroduced this world, the second pushed its boundaries hard, dealing with themes of isolationism, rape and even cannibalism. For the third season, away from events at The Grange, the series extends its reach to consider events in the wider world.
While Abby Grant (Carolyn Seymour) left the television show at the end of the first season, we now follow the continuing search for her son, accompanied by Daniel Conner (John Banks), as she makes her way into the dangers of a decaying London.
First though, Jonathan Morris’ ‘Cabin Fever’ returns again to the start of the Survivors story, offering another perspective on the outbreak of “The Death” through the eyes of Molly (Fiona Sheehan) and Janet (Spooks’ Miranda Raison). Stuck with the other passengers on a cross-channel ferry, mob rule and racism rear their heads as the story introduces this season’s principal villain, the murderous John ‘Vinny’ Vincent.
‘Contact’, penned by ‘Night of the Triffids’ author Simon Clark, brings back another stranded soul as it picks up the desperate tale of Maddie Price (Vienna’s Chase Masterson) who seeks to return home to America. Her plaintive radio messages draw the attention of Abby and Daniel, but also attract the ire of the self-appointed fascist British Government, under the command of Vinny.
Reconnecting with Jimmy Garland (original TV guest star Richard Heffer), what follows is a high stakes ‘Rescue’. Writer Andrew Smith provides daredevil antics, explosive action and a thrilling face-off which plays out at the top of the Post Office Tower.
Finally, for those who survive, it is a race to the coast. Matt Fitton concludes the season as ‘Leaving’ brings events to a head; Vinny is determined to stop an American bound ship from leaving and the cost of halting his plans is heart-breakingly high.
Across the season, the rise of the odious John Vincent and his appalling racist, neo-fascist ideology is compelling – Paul Thornley creates a worryingly believable monster of a man, willing to stop at nothing to keep his grip on power. In contrast, the return of Jimmy Garland offers a charismatic and pragmatic leader in the absence of Greg Preston. We hope to hear more from him in the future and cannot help but wish of a happy ending for him and Abby Grant.
Challenging and distinctly grown-up fare, Survivors is immersive, gripping and at times incredibly brutal. It truly feels that no character is safe in this harsh post-apocalyptic world, created by some tremendous sound design and bold storytelling. We are both excited and a little frightened to see where the story goes next!
Extras: Each episode is accompanied by approximately fifteen minutes of interviews with the cast and crew.
Released in November 2015 by Big Finish.
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