Now we get to the character-driven episode of the three audio plays. Phil Ford knows these characters and it shows, especially with the meatiest audio role yet for Gareth David-Lloyd — and that helps lift this episode above its standard plot.

When is a return to form also a return to well-traveled territory? When it's the second of this week's Torchwood audio plays. "Torchwood: Golden Age" is energetic and entertaining, but follows the TV show's formula a little too closely after the previous audio play's experiment.

Here's my spoiler-free review of the first of the prequel audio plays to "Children of Earth." "Torchwood: Asylum" is a departure from the show's format in more ways than one, and for the most part it works — especially for supporting actor Tom Price and guest star Erin Richards.