Country Rose
Aldrich Kemp And The Rose Of Pamir review
Production company – BBC
Rating – 
You may recall from my previous reviews of the Aldrich Kemp saga that I was rather enamoured with the whole thing. In fact, it was partly due to her part in the production that Jana Carpenter won a (virtual) gong in last winter’s podcastgeek awards.
Now, 6 months later, and with the new series of The Lovecraft Investigations almost upon us, I caught up with this series that had laid forgotten in the Limelight episode list.
The question is though, is does this third (and possibly) final installment hold up to the previous tales?
So what’s it about?
Set an indeterminate time after the second part, AKATROP (as I will call it because it’s only slightly easier to type) sees new mother Clara Page drawn back into the strange, shady world of The Themis Group, headed by the enigmatic Aldrich Kemp.
This time around, they need to find the location of the fabled “Rose Of Pamir”, an extremely rare poppy that produces the world’s most addictive narcotic. Hidden for over a century, the race is on to find it before Themis’ nemesis (nice rhyming there) The Black Windmill can release it to the world.
Is it any good?
Of course it is! It’s more of the same exciting adventures and witty banter of the previous series’ but with a rather strange breaking of the fourth wall. I say “breaking”, it smashes it to pieces and makes it all open plan with a breakfast bar.
Forgive me this next digression. There are a few films that have details ingrained into the film. The song lyrics in the beginning of Baby Driver, or the English subtitles in the swimming pool scene in Night watch. They are something that makes me smile and will automatically make me fall in love with the film.
Likewise here. The intro to the episode is delivered by Clara and whoever she is with whilst walking down the street, or otherwise continuing the story. Her observations as a fictional character on the very real Julian Simpson are just a joy to listen to.
Simpson’s writing has always been clever, but this new string to his bow adds a whole new dimension to the story.
Final thoughts
I listen to so many podcasts that I sometimes forget to keep up with my favourites. I’m sad that I’ve left it this long to listen to this series, but I’m glad I had the time to binge the show over two days and not have distractions. You know, like my actual job!
If you’re already a fan, then you’ll love this new chapter. If you haven’t had a chance to check the show out yet, then start with Who Is Aldrich Kemp and enjoy the ride!
You can get Aldrich Kemp And The Rose Of Pamir here:
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