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*** This review may contain spoilers ***
Torchwood has its ups and downs. It can be outstanding as seen in such episodes as 'Small Worlds' and 'Countricide' or less satisfying with less developed episodes such as 'Combat' but it is always watchable. The experiment of 5 one hour linked shows on consecutive nights is a bold experiment in television that needed a very strong show to support the decision. Children of Earth is just that, it is a good piece of television and an outstanding work of science fiction television. The plot, while admittedly simple, pops along and this is reflected in the pace of the show which has been breakneck so far. The characterisation is good and the continued development of Ianto Jones (portrayed superbly in the performance by Gareth David-Lloyd in a show full of great performances) takes Children of Earth out of good and into great. It is not perfect and there are some moments where it falls back into its previous tendency to become a parody of itself, such as the return of Jacks coat, but these are few and far between. This is science fiction in the true tradition of British writing as seen in the regeneration of Jack which is truly horrific, as is his incarceration. You could point a finger and accuse it of borrowing heavily from Quatermass 2 and The Midwich Cuckoos and it probably does, but this is merely homage and the show stands on its own merits. Wonderful stuff, if you missed it correct your mistake.
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