Change Your Image
tired_angel
Reviews
Torchwood: Everything Changes (2006)
Unrealized Potential
As a loyalist to its parent show Doctor Who, I decided to give Torchwood a try. The series premier can be classified as a rough start at best from which it has been unable to recover. Although in defence of the actors themselves, this programme has a stellar cast, just a poor script.
The basis of the show follows a group of the elite volunteers at Torchwood led by Capt. Jack Harkness who set about gathering alien technology in addition to defending the earth (more specifically Cardiff) from aliens that would prey on its population in preparation for the 21st century when "Everything changes".
Now that I've got you up to speed here are a few of my comments. With very inventive plot topics from fairies to interesting alien technology each episode fails to answer either of the 2 vital questions posed by the series:
"Why did this series of events happen?" and "How does this help prepare for the future when 'Everything changes'?"
The first question is never answered since the lead character (Capt. Jack) keeps all answers and explanations to himself, never sharing with any of his team much less the viewer. At the end of nearly every episode, whatever has been discovered or recovered is locked away in a vault never to be opened. The curiosity of the human spirit is not permitted here, which is the magic that makes truly great science fiction. And while I understand leaving a little bit of mystery about the future is necessary, it is possible to show how each episode at least contributes to Torchwood's ultimate goal by either helping the earth enrich the lives of its people or defend itself in some way rather than baffling viewers altogether.
Another comment I feel I should mention is that this series has zero character development. Capt. Jack is portrayed as a cold intelligent man with no morality or compassion. While Gwen Cooper's character has a slightly softer side, she appears to have no effect on the team dynamics since her arrival. The remainder of the Torchwood team almost have no personalities other than to provide Capt. Jack and Gwen with technical information on cue when they need it. The old adage goes "There is no I in team." And Capt. Jack doesn't seem to need anyone or anything to help him achieve his objective. In this way, they are not a team, only an audience.
On a lighter note, I must compliment the set designers on the prop's and special effects. The set designs are wonderfully original and inventive, particularly the Torchwood facility itself. And on a more personal note, I fancy the official black SUV they use to travel about Cardiff.
I encourage you to see this programme for yourself and come to your own conclusions, but do not come with high expectations as in my opinion they will not be met. Set up as the perfect spin off of Doctor Who, the writers fail to follow through.