After the dark, rain drenched start of episode one, Torchwood's second episode seems a strong contrast. There's an atmosphere of happiness as Gwen and her boyfriend are out bowling and having a good time. Presumably, they're celebrating Gwen's transfer to Special Ops. Things are cut short when a meteor of some description strikes Cardiff, and Gwen receives a single-word text message: Torchwood. Time to go to work.
"Day One" is even more a statement of intent than Torchwood's first episode, concerning itself with a gaseous alien life form that has traveled to Earth to feed on the orgasmic energy of sexual climax; the Timelords never encountered anything like this on tea time telly! Within ten minutes of the start of the episode, a man has been reduced to a pile of ash during a quick bonk in a night club, and later Gwen gets involved in a little girl-on-alien-possessed-girl snogging action.
I was surprised by the reaction to the first episode of Torchwood. I expected nothing more than a continuation of the idea that began in Doctor Who; I expected the tone to be the same - I thought this would be Doctor Who with some late night themes. As a result, I've enjoyed what I've seen so far. However, a lot of people seem to have been put off; they can forgive the unmistakable whiff of sci-fi cheese when they're dealing with wholesome, family-focused Saturday evening TV, but when it comes to grown up shows they want something a bit more serious and substantial.
Episode two is unlikely to convince the doubters, and it might just go so far as to alienate - if you'll pardon the pun - a few more viewers. There's no escaping the fact that this has all been done before. It's not given any real new twist here - the show returns to the tried and tested "save the innocent" formula for its finale, rather than exploring the alien sex tourist angle - and while it's moderately entertaining there's no escaping the fact that "Day One" is weak filler material. Which isn't what a series at this stage needs.
Article comments
1 - Ian Woolstencroft
Great review. Like you I enjoyed the episode a lot but still think it can improve. Hopefully some of the other writers will be a little more original. I’m looking forward to episode 4 the first of several first season scripts from Chris Chibnall who worked on Life On Mars.
I think the idea with Gwen was that she’s having the same kind of first day in a new job problems anyone has. I think she’ll develop into a strong female lead, at least I hope she does.
The Who references have been subtle enough not to alienate the mainstream audience but give those with the knowledge (fanboys) a little extra to enjoy.
As with anything it’s always the naysayers who are the most vocal. I’ll be very interested in what the viewing figures were for the first two episodes and for the next one on Sunday.
“I suspect anyone looking for a reason as to why Jack likes standing on the edge of tall buildings will be similarly disappointed.”
The answer to this is easy " Russell T. Davies thinks it looks cool.
2 - Jackie
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