It’s actually Doris Egan’s fault. Years ago, I made a solemn vow to myself not to become addicted to more than one television series at a time. I don’t have a lot of free time to obsess over more than one, and most shows on my DVR are for casual, one-time view it and delete it use. Right now, the object of my obsession has been House, M.D. as it has since 2004 when it first premiered. But I’m a fan of Ms. Egan's most excellent television writing. A favorite among House, M.D. fans, she has penned some of the best episodes in the six seasons for which she served as a writer and producer. 
Along with many fans, I was disappointed when Ms. Egan left her House gig (whether it’s temporary or permanent, I certainly do not know). However, I was excited to learn that she had signed on to write for Torchwood: Miracle Day. The fourth season of the BBC series Torchwood, originally spun off from Doctor Who, has been transported across the pond to the U.S. (and STARZ).
Friends have been trying to get me into the Doctor Who universe for many years, but I never quite got into it as a must-see series. I’ve dabbled from time to time, so I know that his ship, the TARDIS is a blue London police call box, and that he’s combating Daleks, and that there have been ever so many incarnations of the timeless time lord (and as many actors playing him). But that’s about it.
So, with Egan attached to the new season, I thought I would tune in have a look at Torchwood. Stick my toe in the water, as I've also done this season with Alphas (Syfy Channel): a mere summer fling. At least that was the plan. Before 25 minutes had passed, the plan, such as it was, had been forgotten. Intrigued by the Torchwood's complex protagonist Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman), I was left hungering for more.
Article comments
1 - Sherry
Nice article Barbara. Torchwood is one of my favorite shows. I have a feeling you might get hooked on Doctor Who also, so you might want to watch the first Christopher Ecceleston episode and see what you think, that's what got me started on it all. It doesn't take long for Captain Jack to come into it.
2 - barbara barnett
Hi Sherry. Thanks. Glad you liked the article. Already found the Captain Jack Doctor Who episodes :) Haven't seen them yet, but soon.
3 - Meg
This article chronicles my own experience with Torchwood, because I came to Dr. Who through Captain Jack. Like the author I had to go back and watch all the Doctor series, especially from the first season to figure out where Jack came from. The journey was loads of fun and now Dr. Who is a new addiction too.
4 - 60 plus
Barbara,
I am regretfully coming to terms with the fact that the coming season may be the last for House, which has been my only don't-miss TV program for seven years. From the beginning, I was compelled by House's journey and the way Hugh Laurie portrayed him...the medical aspects were incidental.
Just as you did, I am putting my toe very gently into other TV waters to see if something else will make my anticipated sense of loss a bit more bearable. :) So far, I've found nothing compelling--even those highly praised programs such as Mad Men, Breaking Bad, Good Wife, etc.
Because I have enjoyed all of your writing about House and feel that, in general, we valued it for similar reasons, I am asking for your advice. It seems we both also enjoy a good mystery/science fiction story. Would you recommend that I try Torchwood? (It sounds as though Captain Jack shares some characteristics with House.) If so, would you suggest I just plunge in and watch the new episodes, or go back to the beginning--or try both at the same time?
Thanks for your help.
ps..Maybe you should consider writing "There will be life after House..." for all of us addicts who are facing detox. :)
5 - barbara barnett
Hi 60+! Captain Jack Harkness (the hero of Torchwood) shares a lot with House: they are both tormented, but hide it well under a lot of bravado. They are both brilliant and also have a humanity they would prefer not to acknowledge. He loves from afar, but finds pleasures of the flesh as well. (Although his casual sexual relationship with one character gets to him more than he would admit). He has sacrificed much.
The team is composed of equally brilliant researchers, including a doctor and a computer genius--and then there's Gwen, a police officer turned Torchwood agent.
You should absolutely give it a try (John Barrowman, who plays Jack is a native of Scotland, but raised in the U.S.--but it's interesting to hear him speak in his native Scots accent :) -- but he plays an American :)
6 - 60 plus
Thanks, Barbara. I'll give it a good try.
7 - Andrée
Welcome to the club, Barbara! I am happy to hear that there will be at least a season 4 for Torchwood. I am a Doctor Who fan now for several years and therefore got caught with Torchwood, too. I have read I don't know how many Torchwood fanfics, a little less Doctor Who, Jack Harkness being my absolute favorite persona.
Now I hope that you will write as good comments for Torchwood as you use to do with House.
I wish you - and us - a lot of fun with this "new" series.
Enjoy!
Andree from the Netherlands
8 - Jonathan
Nice article! And yes, Torchwood is really an amazing series! It litteraly has everything I could ask for in a series!!