To commemorate 10 years since the on-screen death of Ianto Jones, Torchwood‘s ever reliable receptionist, Big Finish has released Torchwood: Serenity early, as a surprise twist in the schedule.
The audio adventure was due to be out on 25th July, but has been issued today (9th July 2019) to coincide with Jones’ death in Children of Earth,
Much loved, much missed. RIP! It’s been ten long years since the dramatic death of Ianto Jones in Torchwood: Children of Earth. Fans mourned when the character was killed off by alien menace, the 456. The following public outcry sparked huge online campaigns, a charity fundraiser in his name (which raised more than £10,000 for Children In Need), and even a Ianto shrine in Cardiff’s Mermaid Quay. But now he’s back… and married to Captain Jack Harkness!
James Moran, who co-wrote the 2009 TV mini-series with Russell T Davies, has returned to pen this new story, set before the events of Children of Earth. He said:
“Surprise! Beyoncé-style surprise album drop! Me and Beyoncé, so similar in so many ways… I’m really excited that you’re getting this early, I can’t wait to see what you make of it. It’s VERY weird, VERY silly, and I’m still not sure how I got away with it!
“I’ve adored jumping back into this universe – Torchiverse? Woodyverse? – and playing with its unique toybox. It’s a particular joy to release this on the tenth anniversary of Ianto’s on-screen death – how many other characters live on like this? Thank you for keeping him alive, and for always being there for absolute madness like Serenity. Now, keep off the grass, don’t use the blue towels, and DON’T mess with Ianto’s kebabs.”
Here’s the synopsis:
Serenity Plaza is the most exclusive gated community in South Wales. You’d kill to live there.
Jack and Ianto have gone undercover as a happily married couple. There are rumours that something’s wrong at Serenity Plaza and they’re determined to investigate. But the problem is that Serenity Plaza is just so rigidly normal.
Suddenly, Jack and Ianto have to confront the problems that normal couples face. Sharing a house together, doing the washing up, entering the residents’ baking contest, and hoping to win the Best Kept Lawn. Competition is fierce. Because this is Serenity Plaza. And you’d kill to live there.
Director, Scott Handcock added:
“When we first started doing new Torchwood stories, we knew Gareth and Ianto were loved, but had no idea to what extent. Gareth was initially nervous about reprising the role, but has embraced the audio medium, both as an actor and writer. That’s the joy of Big Finish. Without compromising the power of his on-screen death, Ianto’s living as full a life as ever, and it’s a joy to be a part of.”
Torchwood: Serenity is out now, priced £7.99 on download or £9.99 on CD. Don’t forget that all CD purchases unlock a download option via the Big Finish app and the Big Finish website.
