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Big Finish Torchwood #20
Torchwood - 20 The Last Beacon
A signal in a Welsh mountain is calling an ancient battlefleet to Earth. Owen Harper and Ianto Jones head up into the Brecons to stop it. The problem is - Ianto really loves camping.
Torchwood contains adult material and may not be suitable for younger listeners
Torchwood contains adult material and may not be suitable for younger listeners
Audio CD
First published April 1, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 10, 2020
What a brilliant fun story this was! Not only is this a great comedy but it's also a fantastic character piece for both Owen and Ianto which not only delves into their characters but it also develops their friendly relationship with each other. There is a lot of funny moments in this as well as some truly bonkers but mature bits of humor. The performances were brilliant in this as well and Gareth David-Lloyd's script is a fun one! 8.5/10
April 27, 2018
Ianto e Owen in missione per la brughiera gallese, alla ricerca della fonte di un misterioso e potenzialmente pericoloso segnale alieno.
Ianto sembra adorare il geotrekking, Owen no e farà di tutto per mostrare il suo dissenso, comportandosi da... Owen.
Scritto da Gareth David-Lloyd, pieno di accenti gallesi (pur perfettamente comprensibili), con tante situazioni comicamente disperate. Uno dei migliori episodi della serie.
Entrambi i personaggi sono perfetti, cosa che non era garantita dal fatto che Gareth e Ianto sono la stessa persona.
Owen, cinico e tagliente come sempre, rivela alla fine (come in Corpse Day il suo lato umano. Ianto è semplicemente Ianto.
Considerato l'insieme speriamo che non sia un'opera unica per Gareth.
Ianto sembra adorare il geotrekking, Owen no e farà di tutto per mostrare il suo dissenso, comportandosi da... Owen.
Scritto da Gareth David-Lloyd, pieno di accenti gallesi (pur perfettamente comprensibili), con tante situazioni comicamente disperate. Uno dei migliori episodi della serie.
Entrambi i personaggi sono perfetti, cosa che non era garantita dal fatto che Gareth e Ianto sono la stessa persona.
Owen, cinico e tagliente come sempre, rivela alla fine (come in Corpse Day il suo lato umano. Ianto è semplicemente Ianto.
Considerato l'insieme speriamo che non sia un'opera unica per Gareth.
April 21, 2025
Oh. My. God.
This audioplay is so bloody good. The banter, the sarcasm, the comedy, the trauma, the mild sexual content. "The Last Beacon" has it all. If you're a Torchwood fan, or even if you're not, you simply have to listen to this masterpiece. Owen and Ianto are both written so well by Gareth David-Lloyd.
This audioplay is so bloody good. The banter, the sarcasm, the comedy, the trauma, the mild sexual content. "The Last Beacon" has it all. If you're a Torchwood fan, or even if you're not, you simply have to listen to this masterpiece. Owen and Ianto are both written so well by Gareth David-Lloyd.
April 6, 2021
Some of the attempts to doing humour in Torchwood audios have fallen flat for me, but this one works brilliantly, never straying into absurdity and taking strong advantage of the Welsh setting. Ianto and Owen are paired up on a trip to a former mining village in the hills to track down the source of an alien signal, where the constant rain does nothing to improve the latter's mood. (The only time I went to Wales was to Cwm Ystradllyn, much further to the north, but my impression mirrored Owen's here. Which is unfair to Wales as a whole, I'm sure).
The humour comes from the contrast between the gloomy urbanite (and 'foreign') Owen as a fish-out-of-water and Ianto's cheerful optimism, buoyed up by memories of his childhood in the valleys. It's mostly told from Owen's perspective as he gets into trouble with the locals, and the science fiction elements are relatively minor. When they do pop up, there's a serious tone to them that helps to puts the humour in context, making for a strong story overall.
But it's the chemistry between the two leads that sells this. Owen can be unpleasant but here he's a perfect fit, presenting an outsider's view of rural Wales in a story that's nonetheless very different indeed from the closest TV offering, the grim Countrycide. It probably helps that it's written by Gareth David-Lloyd, who plays Ianto, lending authenticity to the Welsh setting and keeping it grounded despite the alien shenanigans.
The humour comes from the contrast between the gloomy urbanite (and 'foreign') Owen as a fish-out-of-water and Ianto's cheerful optimism, buoyed up by memories of his childhood in the valleys. It's mostly told from Owen's perspective as he gets into trouble with the locals, and the science fiction elements are relatively minor. When they do pop up, there's a serious tone to them that helps to puts the humour in context, making for a strong story overall.
But it's the chemistry between the two leads that sells this. Owen can be unpleasant but here he's a perfect fit, presenting an outsider's view of rural Wales in a story that's nonetheless very different indeed from the closest TV offering, the grim Countrycide. It probably helps that it's written by Gareth David-Lloyd, who plays Ianto, lending authenticity to the Welsh setting and keeping it grounded despite the alien shenanigans.
May 29, 2025
The Last Beacon is very much a triumph of character over plot. Of course there is a plot that drives the whole thing, but it really is just the comedy that makes the story a delight to listen to. Pairing Ianto and Owen was an inspired idea, balancing Owen’s morose and bleakness against Ianto’s optimism and innocence. The story does stop occasionally for the odd moment of ‘how do you feel’ but primarily it’s about these two characters bonding in a way they never got the chance to on TV. There are some absolutely hilarious scenes such as the pub fight, but the dialogue keeps the listener engaged through the varying moments of character development.
Admittedly I wasn’t taken by the ‘alien hedgehog turns out not to be evil idea’, but it does make sense to have a very liminal plot to allow on the focus on comedy. Eventually the humour does die down and it’s really where, for me, the story did lose its place as a perfect story. The more maudlin moments do slow the pace and narrative to a halt, and given it’s just repeating the same emotional moments for it to get resolved rather hastily at the end. Gareth David-Lloyd and Burn Gorman give superb performances here, and the story achieved perfectly in making me want plenty more Ianto & Owen paired stories in future.
Dissecting the story to look for flaws and merit here doesn’t feel worthwhile, as it’s a simple lighthearted affair; and even the supporting cast don’t matter really, when they’re there solely to be the provocation for the varied comedic scenes throughout. Overall, not the greatest thing I’ve listen to, but it’s fun and that in itself made the whole thing well worth a listen.
Admittedly I wasn’t taken by the ‘alien hedgehog turns out not to be evil idea’, but it does make sense to have a very liminal plot to allow on the focus on comedy. Eventually the humour does die down and it’s really where, for me, the story did lose its place as a perfect story. The more maudlin moments do slow the pace and narrative to a halt, and given it’s just repeating the same emotional moments for it to get resolved rather hastily at the end. Gareth David-Lloyd and Burn Gorman give superb performances here, and the story achieved perfectly in making me want plenty more Ianto & Owen paired stories in future.
Dissecting the story to look for flaws and merit here doesn’t feel worthwhile, as it’s a simple lighthearted affair; and even the supporting cast don’t matter really, when they’re there solely to be the provocation for the varied comedic scenes throughout. Overall, not the greatest thing I’ve listen to, but it’s fun and that in itself made the whole thing well worth a listen.
February 12, 2022
The Owen/Ianto pairing for this episode makes for a fun "odd couple" outing, with Ianto eagerly enjoying the mission, and Owen being a dick to everyone. The episode is really more about the interactions between Owen and Ianto than it is about the alien beacon they're tracking down.
There are some typically unnecessary "Torchwood" moments to remind you that this is a series for adults. (Ironically, such moments always feel childish.) Nevertheless, this episode is so much better than the previous episode because it's not "childishly adult." Torchwood is like that; clever, funny, or poignant, and then gross, disturbing, or overtly sexual. I wish they'd just stick to the clever, funny, poignant stuff.
There are some typically unnecessary "Torchwood" moments to remind you that this is a series for adults. (Ironically, such moments always feel childish.) Nevertheless, this episode is so much better than the previous episode because it's not "childishly adult." Torchwood is like that; clever, funny, or poignant, and then gross, disturbing, or overtly sexual. I wish they'd just stick to the clever, funny, poignant stuff.
December 8, 2020
This was lovely! I was really looking forward to this one since Gareth David-Lloyd wrote the story himself and it is as great as I hoped it would be. The story lives and breathes through the interaction of the characters and it's such a joy to listen to Ianto and Owen on their adventures in the Welsh countryside. And thank god it's not as gruesome as "Countrycide", mind you. I'm not really a fan of Owen most of the time, but I appreciate his presence and talent to rile everyone up - and then WHEN you get the softer side of him, it's just awesome. The characters are spot on I think it's great when the actors really get the characters. Gareth totally does! Highly recommended.
April 25, 2018
LOVED THIS! I've been enjoying the Torchwood audios but this one was extra special. I always love to see how actors write their own characters as I think it gives a good insight as this was fabulous. Ianto wanting desperately to be part of Torchwood and do a good job, Owen fed up and wanting to bugger off at every opportunity. And it was SO Welsh! Hilarious and Brilliant and so grounded in reality in a way that you don't always get with Torchwood and the alien angle was lovely. More please Gareth!
October 30, 2023
I was sitting in the silence coupe of the train while listening to this and I had problems not to laugh out loud all the time. It’s so bloody funny! It’s also a great character piece with brilliant acting from both Garett and Burn. I really hope David-Lloyd will write more episodes cause this one was fantastic.
October 28, 2022
I really enjoyed this Torchwood story featuring Owen Harper and Ianto Jones. Gareth David-Lloyd, who plays Ianto, also wrote the story. The dynamic between the two characters was great and the mystery was also a good one.
November 29, 2025
torchwood dramas are on goodreads??? get ready for some spam
rlly rlly good character work for ianto and owen, and a much needed exploration of their relationship that the main show had simply no time for. this was also so fucking funny. "DONT HURT THE GAY ONE!"
rlly rlly good character work for ianto and owen, and a much needed exploration of their relationship that the main show had simply no time for. this was also so fucking funny. "DONT HURT THE GAY ONE!"
November 27, 2018
3.5 stars. Love the snarky, combative, yet supportive Ianto and Owen friendship here.
December 7, 2018
Ianto and Owen go to track down a strange distress call.
October 3, 2019
3.5/5
November 21, 2019
4 stars, review to follow.
March 10, 2021
Truly the character development we deserve for Owen and Ianto. The potential of this duo. The banter, the tension, the developing friendship and trust. 10/10 good shit
February 4, 2022
I too, hate the outdoors and my coworkers
April 10, 2022
ianto and owen bonding😭💗😭💗😭💗
May 4, 2022
Gareth's scripts are always a joy. His voice for Ianto is always perfect and his plots fun. 4,5 stars rounded up
I specially cracked with the behind the scenes with them switching roles.
I specially cracked with the behind the scenes with them switching roles.
May 22, 2022
It's a cute episode. Yep, that covers it. It was cute. Not much more than that. Just cute.
December 15, 2022
A slightly odd pairing of Ianto and Owen works very well in a terrific Torchwood adventure.
February 24, 2023
一只在威尔士乡间孤独等待同胞的獾，好难过。
October 5, 2023
Oh my gosh this was so good! I'm stuck at hospital right now, and this has been such a good way to pass the time. Love these lads, and forgot how much I loved this show. ♡
April 19, 2024
owen and ianto my fav duo <33
March 28, 2025
Some nice interactions here and there.
Read
June 9, 2025Ianto and Owen risk diarrhoea in the Brecon Beacons. They have a fantastic dynamic and I actually enjoyed their interactions more than the eventual plot
August 28, 2025
Miss those Torchwood days 💔
May 13, 2022
Owen and Ianto’s bickering, grudging respect for each other is one of the best things in Torchwood.
I love them to bits and Gareth David-Lloyd’s writing was very funny. Not much to say, but I loved it and would thoroughly recommend.
I love them to bits and Gareth David-Lloyd’s writing was very funny. Not much to say, but I loved it and would thoroughly recommend.
May 8, 2022
The Last Beacon stars Gareth David Lloyd and Burn Gorman as Ianto Jones and Owen Harper, as they travel to the Welsh valley. Gareth David Lloyd also wrote this audio!
This audio reminded me a little of the Torchwood episode Countrycide, although the monsters in both were completely different!
Gareth and Burn had such amazing chemistry, and they slipped back into their characters so easily! I love the Ianto/Owen friendship so much, and Owen complaining about everything when they first arrived made me laugh so much!
This was my third Big Finish Productions audio, and I cannot wait to listen to my next one!
This audio reminded me a little of the Torchwood episode Countrycide, although the monsters in both were completely different!
Gareth and Burn had such amazing chemistry, and they slipped back into their characters so easily! I love the Ianto/Owen friendship so much, and Owen complaining about everything when they first arrived made me laugh so much!
This was my third Big Finish Productions audio, and I cannot wait to listen to my next one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews