"Torchwood" (2006) TV series 2006-????

User Rating:

8.1/10   

Creator:

Russell T. Davies

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3

Genre:

Drama | Sci-Fi

Tagline:

The 21st century is when it all changes

Plot:

Captain Jack Harkness, the former Time Agent and con man from the 51st century last seen traveling with the Doctor...

Plot Keywords:

Renegade | Cardiff | Investigation | Bisexual Male | Coworker Relationship

Awards:

2 wins & 4 nominations

Cast

John Barrowman	...	Captain Jack Harkness / ... (31 episodes, 2006-2009)
Eve Myles	...	Gwen Cooper (31 episodes, 2006-2009)
Gareth David-Lloyd	...	Ianto Jones (30 episodes, 2006-2009)
Burn Gorman	...	Owen Harper (26 episodes, 2006-2008)
Naoko Mori	...	Toshiko Sato (26 episodes, 2006-2008)
Kai Owen	...	Rhys Williams (22 episodes, 2006-2009)
Paul Kasey	...	Weevil / ... (13 episodes, 2006-2008)

Also Known As:

Excalibur (UK) (working title)

Runtime:

50 min (26 episodes)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Australia:M (some episodes) | Australia:MA (some episodes) | Singapore:M18 (season 1) | South Korea:18 | Canada:14+ | New Zealand:R16

Filming Locations:

BBC Wales, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, Wales, UK

Company:

BBC Wales

Trivia:

Although "Torchwood" is officially a spin-off of "Doctor Who" (2005), Russell T. Davies had the idea for the series before working on "Doctor Who".

Quotes:

Captain Jack Harkness: [voiceover during second season opening] Torchwood: outside the government, beyond the police. Fighting for the future on behalf of the human race. The 21st Century is when everything changes -- and Torchwood is ready.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in All About 'Thunderbirds' (2008) (TV)

Torchwood. There is nothing else like it.

Torchwood. There is nothing else like it. If you're looking for serious conventional scifi that tackles the universal problems of the cosmos and ends in an epic battle between good and evil this won't be the show for you.

OTOH, if you're looking for a fun sexy romp that gets serious when it needs to, focuses on the human factor and plays fast and loose with just about every "rule" imaginable, you'll find it in Torchwood. It's just what it's billed to be - Doctor Who for the grown-up set, the open-minded set, the slightly skewed set.

John Barrowman does a terrific job as Cap'n Jack Harkness, a man whose lived a life that won't allow him to die and has taught him a flexible sense of morality to match his flexible sense of sexuality. Cap'n Jack laughs, jokes, flirts and fights his way through one set after another of impossible circumstances, but a heart of gold beats beneath his suspendered chest. His team means everything to him and he'll give anything to protect them.

Playing Alfred to Jack's Batman is Ianto Jones. Gareth David-Lloyd is a lovely young talent who adds more depth to Torchwood's favorite coffee boy with each passing episode. He's bright and soulful with a very British sense of humor that hides a deep and painful sorrow. A real find for the producers of the show. He's fascinating to watch and even more fascinating to guess his motivations.

Every superhero needs someone to keep them in touch with their humanity and that exists in the person of Gwen Cooper (Eve Myles). A terrific spunky heroine with the sensibilities of a crafty cop, she keeps her boss focused on the human factor when his instincts tell him to shoot first and ask questions later--a conscience when Jack needs one the most.

But beware, this may not be the show for family viewing on a Saturday night. It deals frankly with human sexuality. It can be violent, gruesome, bloody and heart breaking. It can make you laugh one moment and tear up the next, but it can also send chills down your spine.

All in all if your up for some alternative entertainment this show can be pretty terrific. Open your mind and dive in. It won't be for everyone but if you like, chances are you'll love it.