Having delivered stories with both Captain Jack and Ianto Jones, this third Torchwood release from Big Finish revisits Gwen Cooper (Eve Myles) and Rhys Williams (Kai Owen).

While the first two stories were set within the timeframe of the television series, ‘Forgotten Lives’ takes place some years after the events of ‘Miracle Day’ and we find Gwen and Rhys have been keeping a low profile, quietly raising their daughter Anwen.

Gwen’s return to action is spurred by a phone call which mentions Jack Harkness and soon she is hurtling through North Wales, with Rhys in tow, to solve the mystery of a nursing home resident who knows far more Torchwood than he should.

While Rhys is reluctant, Gwen is promptly back to her ballsy best and both Eve Myles and Kia Owen instantly snap back into character. If Gwen can be a little gung-ho, Rhys softens her more abrasive edges and he has become an unexpected voice of reason.

Writer Emma Reeves makes good use of a small cast and it is great to hear some more mature voices; in particular Phillip Bond exudes charm as Griffith and Seán Carlsen, best known to Gallifrey and Dark Eyes fans as Time Lord Narvin, takes on a much more down to earth role as Gary, manager of the Bryn Offa Nursing Home.

Although the links to “The Committee” conspiracy are slight, ‘Forgotten Lives’ is notable for its placement. Post Miracle Day, the story implies that the future of the range may be in new adventures for the surviving cast, with the suggestion that Gwen and Rhys might continue the work of Torchwood, rather than slotting tales in the gaps.

While there is the tantalising prospect of Gwen, Rhys and Jack reuniting, we holding out for a return for PC (now Sergeant) Andy – because if Tracy Ann Oberman’s Yvonne Hartman can score her own story as she has in the forthcoming ‘One Rule’, surely anything’s possible!

Released in November 2015 by Big Finish.

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