7 comments

• 

  Stilicho

  2 years ago

  I thought it got off to a pretty poor start really. Two badly written, poorly directed, derivative episodes that didn't hook me at all. It takes the whole of episode one to introduce an extremely bland "team" (apart from the irritatingly smug Captain Jack Harkness and the just plain annoying Owen Harper) in extremely clunky fashion. The best thing in the episode is the Weevil which is introduced and then largely ignored.
  I'd hoped episode two would improve matters, but unfortunately things just get worse. I suspect this is on BBC3 because the only audience it's going to get are the Doctor Who fanboys and it would probably receive a critical mauling if it aired on BBC1. There's still time for this series to improve, but it needs a lot more originality in it's plotlines. A slow start like this would have doomed it to failure if it was shown in the US.
  reply
• 

  Dirty Idea

  2 years ago

  Not impressed. The worst part comes first: the team. Their manner of introduction reminded me of the Spice Girls. This is Sporty Torchwood, Posh Torchwood... This much achieved, the episodes use any available plot twist to ensure that yes, we are still aware that Jack is Sexy Torchwood and that annoying little twat is 'boyish but clever for his age' Torchwood.
  
  We are also to believe that they are so used to living surrounded by aliens that they don't pay attention to a dinosaur flying around. I wasn't able to join Gwen's sense of awe and wonder, nor was I able to smirk at "how cool" these wild Torchwood guys are. All I could think was "Smack the conceited little mare" for her flippant copmment about the flying beast. This juxtaposition between the newbie's sense of wonder and the seasoned pro's complete ambivalence works with Doctor Who, though it wears thin. Here, with four people non-plussed by these amazing happenings, it grates before the end of episode 1. There's only so many times you can hear "a transmimensional, blood sucking doo-dah.... so what?" before you start thinking "Yeah, yeah, we get it, you're hardened to this, she's new, you're a pro, yadda yadda".
  
  Also painfulyl crowbarred in is the Jack/Gwen thing. It's such a terrible cliche. She's devoted to her man, who's a bit boring, Jack's gorgeous and exciting, but wait, she's not leaving her man, but he must have her, he's attracted to her like he never has been, blah, blah and I woke up and it was all a dream. For something that's tagged as adult sci-fi the long term plot is transaprent and the characters are cardboard cut-out poor. Likewise, the Weevil is in place for later happenings, no doubt, as we are constantly reminded of it and Jack ensured we are aware of an open plot line by rubbing our nose vigorously in the fact that "we don't know why! Eh? Eh?". And "Twat-Kid... don't you go taking that trap out again! Eh? Eh?" Oh please.
  
  THat said, there were some nice parts. The guy's final remarks before his 2 minutes were over. The rough shagging in the toilets. Well, actually, that's about it... not up to the mark yet.
  reply
• 

  Steve Local

  2 years ago

  "Episode one gets my seal of approval, and there’s not a man eating dustbin in sight."
  
  You might think that's a good thing. I, on the other hand, will be found proclaiming "bring on the man-eating dustbins!" with enthusiasm and vigour in a bakery near you.
  reply
• 

  subliminal juggernaut

  2 years ago

  why was jack stood posing twice on the rooftops of very tall buildings? how did he get up there and how did he get down? I assume he walked up through the attics of the buildings, then up ladders, then via an access hatch. what the hell for. why would anyone do that just to strike a pose. seemed highly pretentious.
  reply
• 

  Diving Lore

  2 years ago

  Jack Standing up on the building.
  I think its possibly meant to be more of a symbolic shot, possibly representing the fact Jacks a kind of Sentinal for the city. Always looking and seeking out threats that crop up over the city.
  It did look unashamedly cool in some ways, how many other Brit TV series do you see where the leading man stikes poses in such a way.
  
  On Torchwood as a whole.
  
  More Gritty, darker and aimed at older audiences (AT LAST!)
  Yes there are some quirks and annoyances. The Dr Owen character is too annoying and makes childish comments, was he a trainee doctor before being plucked into Torchwood.
  But it is good to see him get put down by the other characters. Gwen is a necessary way of introducing the viewer to Torchwood but she does seem a little out of depth. Only a handful of members for such an organisation, it seems like the torchwood is skeleton crew numbers! Surely there should be more cast, even supporting cast members. Not even extras to bolster the numbers!
  Overall though, until now we haven't seen Brit Sci Fi looking this good. Its a good break from Dr Who, which though I loved it, it was too wishy washy and kiddish.
  Not since Blakes 7 has Brit Sci Fi been this good and aim at adult audiences.
  
  Lets hope we see more improvement in Episode III.
  reply
• 

  Mrs Linda Burnett

  2 years ago

  I ve thoroughly enjoyed the series of Torchwood as i did Dr Who before it. I most sincerely hope that there will be a second series of Torchwood to look forward to in the new year. Please give my utmost thanks to the cast of the programme, i have enjoyed all their escapades to date, and look forward to many others in the future. I ve gotten used to watching the episodes on Sundays and even the repeats during the week, needless to say, i wlii be bored senseless when the series ends this month. Hurry up back to our screens Torchwood, you will be sadly missed, till then.
  reply
• 

  Dan

  2 years ago

  Linda - you'll be pleased to hear this news then.
  
  My reviews of the remaining episodes are coming...too much to do...
  reply