Launch Date, the conclusion of the Torchwood “romance trilogy,” brings Aaron Lamont’s deft writing to the forefront, with Ianto Jones, played by Gareth David-Lloyd, taking a back seat to the budding relationship between Geraint and Chrissie, played by Jonathan Hawkins and Gemma Knight Jones.
Lamont’s script is filled with witty dialogue that sets the pace for the story, with Hawkins delivering an effortless performance as the unconfident Geraint. While his Welsh accent occasionally falters, it doesn’t detract much from the overall performance.
Knight-Jones shines as the headstrong and opinionated Chrissie, delivering a performance that evokes a sense of frustration with the world. Lamont’s well-crafted story allows the listener to witness a different side of Ianto, as he plays a peripheral but pivotal role in bringing Geraint and Chrissie closer together. The duologues between the two, as well as the vignettes of their personal lives, are skillfully interspersed, with Callum Lloyd’s annoying but endearing portrayal of Joe adding a delightful touch of humour to the mix.
While the story has some light and funny moments, the climax is slightly underwhelming, as it’s evident from the beginning that Ianto is playing matchmaker. Nonetheless, the character interactions are written and played in a thoughtful and nuanced manner, with David-Lloyd’s performance being consistently on top form.
Overall, Launch Date is a solid story, with Lamont’s writing and the cast’s performances making it a fitting conclusion to the Torchwood “romance trilogy.”
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Torchwood: Launch Date is now available to own as a collector’s edition CD + download for £10.99 or as a digital download for £8.99, exclusively from Big Finish.