This show is: Not Rated
“Torchwood” is the creation of Russell T. Davies and a spin-off of the current incarnation of “Doctor Who”. It is a British show that aired in the United States on BBC America. Russell is probably best known for creating “Queer as Folk” and bringing “Doctor Who” back to TV.
I discovered this show by accident, when I heard that James Marsters (Spike on Buffy the Vampire Slayer) was going to be a guest star in season 2. I’m usually not into “aliens” but thought I would check it out so that when I watched his episodes I would understand what was going on. I became completely and hopelessly addicted to the show and I am now anxiously waiting for season 3 (which will air this summer).
The show is set in Cardiff, Wales; where there is a rift through time and space. It’s Torchwood’s job to protect the public from alien threats. The team is lead by Captain Jack Harkness (a character originally from “Doctor Who”).
It has been compared to “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel” (substituting aliens for vampires and demons). I can see why, the show is a mix of drama, humor and horror. With the human elements of the story being the main focus and the aliens being the vehicle used to tell it.
My favorite character is Ianto Jones (Gareth David Lloyd). I was instantly drawn to him, even in the first episode when he hardly had any lines. Gareth is one of those actors that can convey so much with just an expression (quirk of the eyebrow, eye-roll, etc.). He is incredible at subtlety, but can also do an amazing job with bigger emotions (such as, heart-wrenching devastation). We learn a lot about him over the course of the season, but I have this feeling that there are so many secrets that we have yet to learn about him. Ok, shallow note; he also has an incredible Welsh accent (yes, it’s quite possible that I might have a bit of an accent fetish).
Side note, Gareth is in a band called “Blue Gillespie“. I guess it would be classified as blues/rock. He is the singer and has a great voice. It’s not the style of music I typically listen to (I tend to lean more towards punk stuff) but I found I really love their “Cave Country” EP. I can listen to it over and over again.
Captain Jack (John Barrowman) is my second favorite. He is a mysterious, larger than life “hero type” character (with a big swishy RAF coat). That doesn’t mean he always makes the right decisions or he isn’t flawed. Which makes him all the more interesting. It’s as if this role was written for John; he is very good at portraying heroic and larger than life. However, with some of the quieter scenes it seems like he can have a bit of trouble dialing it down. Although, I find when he is in those types of scenes with Gareth, he is able to be very convincing. So when you put those two together I am a very happy camper. Yes, I confess I am a Jack/Ianto shipper.
Favorite episodes:
Day One – How can you not love an episode about a sex-addicted alien that must be stopped from killing people. We also get to see the human cost of it running rampant through the city. The girl that played Carys (Sara Gregory) did a fantastic job.
Cyberwoman (aka the Ianto Show) – Yes, some of the things about this episode are sci-fi cliche and a bit hokey (like the cyberwoman metal bikini type thing) but overall I really liked the episode. Of course the fact that it is very Ianto-centric has something to do with it. But it is also the first episode to really show the dynamic of the whole team together, including interpersonal relationships and how they jointly deal with a threat.
Countrycide – The episode opens with The Automatic Automatic’s song “Monster” which sets the stage for what is to come. The story is set in the country and is very dark, creepy and gross. I don’t want to say too much and spoil it, but let’s say it’s quite possibly the worst first field assignment anyone could have.
Some of my favorite quotes:
Jack – “He just came and went.”
Ianto – “You know the old fashioned way, with my eyes.”
Owen – “Period military is not the dress code for a straight man.”
Ianto – “Need me to do any attackin’ sir.”
Owen – “Last kiss for the condemned man … a bit embarrassing given we haven’t been killed.”
Jack – “When I want you to think for yourself, I’ll tell you.”
Owen – “What is that smell.”
Gwen – “That would be grass.”
Owen – “It’s disgusting.”
Ianto – “Y’know, I never liked campin.”
Jack – “We’re locked in our base and we can’t get out.”
Tosh – “You call her Janet?”
Jack – “Barbara just never seemed right.”
This season comes with tons of extras. There is an audio commentary for every episode, plus a bunch of featurettes, deleted scenes, outtakes, etc. Be sure to check out John Barrowman’s giggle, in the outtakes, it’s just too cute. Also, on BBC America’s website there is a Captain’s Blog that has additional content for each episode (it’s written by James Moran, one of the script writer’s for the show).
Jan
Following is additional information about the show that contains spoilers. If you don’t want to be spoiled don’t read any further.
Favorite moments:
In Cyberwoman, Ianto not backing down even when Jack has him kneeling on the ground with a gun to his head. His defiant look is awesome.
Gwen’s cell phone ringing during a life or death situation because Rhys wants her to tape “Wife Swap” for him.
Jack kissing Ianto to wake him up (come on, you know there is no way that is CPR).
Ianto’s smile before he headbutts the creepy guy in Countrycide. Yeah Ianto for trying to save Tosh!
“Cause it make me happy” is now one of the creepiest phrases I know.
Ianto propositioning Jack with a stopwatch.
Loved the Jack and Ianto dynamic in the hospital scene from Combat.
Of course I have to mention Ianto’s “Brokeback” moment in the final episode. It was so touching. Post death Jack/Ianto kissage is good.
Tags: action, aliens, bi, bi-sexual, blue gillespie, cardiff, gareth david lloyd, john barrowman, rift, russell t davies, sci-fi, television
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