It's Confirmed: 'Torchwood' Only Five Hours In 2009
By MICHAEL HINMAN
Source: TV Guide
Jun-03-2008
Not only will there be a smaller dose of "Doctor Who" next season, but it seems that there will now be less of its spinoff "Torchwood" as well.
Executive Producer Julie Gardner confirmed to TV Guide that the series' third season will consist of just five episodes, corroborating earlier reports from Sci-Fi Pulse at the beginning of this year that talked about major cutbacks on the show.
The five episodes will not be shown over five weeks, however. Instead, Gardner said they would be showed in a single week, with a new episode every night.
Scripts for the third season are now being written, and shooting is expected to begin in the middle of August. At the same time, "Torchwood" will not appear on BBC Three or BBC Two. In fact, it appears that the show is moving to BBC One, the home of its parent program, "Doctor Who."
John Barrowman, who plays the omni-sexual time agent in the series will return as Capt. Jack Harkness. But while Gardner said fans would be "pleased with the casting," it's still not clear who else is returning, or if rumors of Freema Agyeman and Noel Clarke joining the cast are true.
With the move to BBC One, there is a better chance that the show will be watered down from its more "adult" nature, one thing fans said they want to see continue on the show. If Agyeman and Clarke were to move over, however, there is a chance that BBC is expecting more crossover from the more family-friendly "Doctor Who" audience, thus will have to clean up some of the language and subject matter.
There is still no word on why BBC chose to make such drastic changes to the show that was a ratings winner for BBC Three in its first season, and continued to demand strong ratings after its move to BBC Two for its second season. It also is the top-rated scripted show on BBC America, although it's not clear if and when the third season would appear there.
TV Guide is reporting a possible bright side: There is a chance that more episodes will be commissioned for Season 3.
Oh this is bad. This is very bad. Now i'm not the greatest fan of Torchwood but putting a episode everynight in one week is overkill, especially here in England. We are limited to sci fi in fact really we are limited to decent tv.
I can see it happening and it seems to flow like a 5 hour mini. I like my miniseries given to me over the course of a few night, not a few weeks.
I could be happy with say two episodes like a Tuesday and a Thursday but not every night. Its a ratings disaster and i have to be honest thats what happened to Doctor Who back in 1989.
I know this is from The Sun (a British tabloid) but the reason behind it might not be true.. but the fact is true that Martha Jones will not be in Torchwood season three... :(
Freema tortures Torchwood
By COLIN ROBERTSON
and SARA NATHAN
Published: 25 Jul 2008
FUMING Torchwood bosses have been forced to tear up scripts for the show after star Freema Agyeman defected to ITV.
Scriptwriters spent months writing gripping storylines for Freema, 29 — who was a central character in the spin-off show.
But now the former Doctor Who star has been ditched from the five-part BBC mini-series — after agreeing to do ITV's new British version of US crime series Law and Order.
The move is believed to have annoyed Torchwood creator and executive producer Russell T Davies.
It was him who gave Freema her big break in Doctor Who, playing scientist Martha Jones.
An insider said: "This has really mucked things about. We've had to go back and re-edit loads of scripts because she's not going to be in it."
The source added that the fact she signed for ITV added insult to injury.
They added: "They're the Beeb's bitter rival, so the fact she's going over there to star in a big new project has not gone down well at all."
The BBC said in an official statement: "As with any drama in the early stages of production, scripts evolve and change on a daily basis before being finalised."
Freema — who was plucked from obscurity to be Doctor Who's assistant in series three — is expected to play a prosecutor in Law and Order: London.
ITV bosses have high hopes for the adaptation of the Five hit — breaking with tradition to order a long run of about a dozen episodes.
They will start filming the show in the autumn with an "enormous cast".
Typical Sun writing. I find it hard to believe that Freema just dumped Torchwood to go to ITV. The fat that she is currently working for the BBC filming Little Dorrit just goes to show that relationships can't be that bad.
yeah I don't buy the reasoning.. but it's still sad that she isn't going to be in Torchwood this coming season.
Torchwood's not great but I still watch it. A five-episodes-in-a-week series could kill it off completely though. I'm going to run out of things to watch at this rate - oh well, more time to listen to podcasts I guess!
I think the whole idea of showing an episode a night is going to spell the end of this show. I also think It's a mistake to move it to BBC1. It was doing perfectly well where it was and this last season was so much better than the first.
It smells almost like the third season of TOS. I just hope this next season is not as poor as the third season of TOS
I hope it's not as poo as the second season of Torchwood! It was watchable, but it was in no way great (IMO).
Feathers mate, feathers. I'm sorry you thought the second series was poo. Do you think though that it was an improvement on the first? I loved this recent season and thought it much better than "poo". Not quite as good as Doctor Who though.
Firstly, appologies - that was meant to say 'poor', not poo!
It was better than the first, but not by much. There's just something about the series that I don't really engage with in the same way as I do with Who (for example). Perhaps it's that in its attempt to be more 'adult' than its roots it looses some of its fundamental appeal?
My thoughts exactly Feathers. It's funny how something supposedly aimed at the younger audience is better written than something for the more "adult" audience.
I think the second season improved because they just didn't swear for the sake of it which seemed to happen in the first season.
Oh, and I enjoyed your Freudian slip there. ;)
Yes, Freudian or what!
You're right on the sweaing, I'd forgotten that. It wasn't unwatchable, don't get me wrong, but I wouldn't have been terribly upset if the DVR had thrown a wobbly and erased the lot.
Maybe they can pull something out of the hat with a 5-nighter on BBC1 but I'm not optimistic.
Well I enjoyed the first season of Torchwood.. I thought some of the episodes were just AWESOME and the second season was even better. The first season I barely cared about the characters but the second season the did a 180 and I was totally involved in the stories.
I'm hoping the third season isn't the nail in the coffin, I don't understand why they are running them back to back to back like a mini series rather then five weeks in a row... but I guess will have to wait and see.
As long as Gwen Copper is there, I'm good. Love that Gwen! ;D
"Torchwood" Begins Filming Series Three
August 27, 2008 by Michael Hickerson || Category: TV
The good news for "Torchwood" fans is the series three has begun filming in Cardiff.
The popular "Doctor Who" spin-off series began shooting its third season this week. As previously reported, the third series will be a single-storyline, five-part shortened season for the hit spin-off. The five episodes are set to air as a "Torchwood" special event/week sometime in early to mid 2009 in the UK.
"The new series of 'Torchwood' is hugely bold and promises to be bigger and better than ever," Davies said in a statement. "The audience is in for an amazing ride. This series is one big serial and the most ambitious story we've ever made, and we've got plenty of surprises in store."
This year's five-part story will star John Barrowman as Captain Jack Harkness, Eve Myles as Gwen Cooper and Gareth David-Lloyd as Ianto Jones. Also reprising their recurring roles are Kai Owen as Gwen's husband, Rhys, and Tom Price as PC Andy.
According to SCI FI Wire, special guests in the five part series include Peter Capaldi, who plays the role of Mr. Frobisher, a civil servant who is hiding a terrible secret; Paul Copely as Clem, a survivor still haunted by his past; and Liz May Brice as Johnson, a cynical covert government agent determined to expose Torchwood.
Before they return to the TV screens, "Torchwood" will feature in BBC Radio 4's day long coverage of the CERN Big Bang experiment on September 10. The special radio special is expected to air around 2:15 in the afternoon in the UK.
For those who missed "Torchwood"'s second season, it comes to DVD in September. The first season will also be issued on Blu-Ray in the United States. The third season of "Torchwood" will air in 2009 on the BBC, BBC America and HDNet.
Hopefully they can suprise us.
Peter Capaldi's always good (he was the head of the Roman household in last season's Dr Who Pompeii story).
hmmm looks like we are not getting Martha or Mickey on Torchwood season three..
'Torchwood' Expands Cast For Season 3
By ALAN STANLEY BLAIR
Oct-09-2008
Following the cast cull at the end of the second season which left "Torchwood" down by two, fans have been wondering how the significantly reduced alien-catching team will manage in the upcoming third season. Well, according to the official Torchwood Magazine from Titan Publications, they will have some help.
Casting has been confirmed for "Children Of Earth," the six part third season of the "Doctor Who" spinoff and leading the charge is Lucy Cohu, who has appeared in several U.K. dramas including the long-running emergency service shows "Casuality" and "The Bill." Cohu will play Alice, a character who is described as someone with a mysterious past and more than a few secrets to keep.
Bridget Spears is another character that will quickly be introduced into the adult-themed series. Show producer Peter Bennett considers her "a character vitally connected to the government, which plays an important part in this story." Susan Brown has been cast in the role and will also be joining a few newcomers to the screen.
Cush Jumbo and Rik Makarem will both enter the Hub "whether they like it or not," Bennett said. Jumbo will jump into the life of Lois Habiba, a hacker who comes across some highly dangerous and confidential information (Torchwood don't leave that sort of information on a bus) and Makarem is Dr. Rupesh Patanjali who will find himself drawn into the investigations now that the secret branch is missing their own physician.
"We're always proud to showcase new talent on screen," Bennett said. "And both Rik and Cush have been filming with us already, and are delivering the most brilliant material. We're all grateful to our casting director Andy Pryor for assembling so much great talent."
Peter Capaldi, Paul Copely and Liz May Bryce will also be joining the show for the seasonal arc and will each have their own vital parts to play, particularly Bryce, whose sole mission is to expose Torchwood.
Filming is currently underway in Cardiff, Wales, with the series set to premiere in early 2009.
Aw, I was looking forward to Mickey in Torchwood. Oh well...
I just find Mickey annoying, I've decided.
It would have been an interesting cross-over but if it doesn't happen I won't lose sleep.
Barrowman Wants More "Torchwood"
December 29, 2008 by Michael Hickerson || Category: TV
If it were up to John Barrowman, he'd played his popular character Captain Jack Harkness until he was 90. The character, first introduced in "Doctor Who" and now the center of the spin-off series, "Torchwood" will return to screens later this year for a five-episode third season. The story will be a week-long mini-series according to reports, though details on the plot are being kept underwraps.
And while Barrowman is happy to be reprising his role as Captain Jack, he told the UK's "The People," he'd like to see a longer season next time.
"I'd rather do a series of 10 or 13 episodes because it's a lot of work for just five," Barrowman said.
"The next series is about Torchwood fighting the government rather than just aliens and is a lot darker," he hinted. "Jack has to make a decision no parent - that's a big hint - should have to make."
Barrowman also said the series is being "toned down" a bit for distribution overseas–especially in the United States.
"We're not swearing or doing anything close to the bone because it's been a huge success in the US and the networks won't accept it with all that stuff in it," he said.
However, the new toned down nature of the series won't keep Barrowman from shedding his clothes on camera.
"I'll still be getting naked and it will still be saucy - but it's done with taste," he said.
http://www.sliceofscifi.com/2008/12/29/barrowman-wants-more-torchwood/ (http://www.sliceofscifi.com/2008/12/29/barrowman-wants-more-torchwood/)
Not sure about this tone down stuff, Such a shame, and i'm not a great Torchwood fan. Great to see how enthusiastic Barrowman is,
I liked the slightly more adult theme when they didn't use bad language just for the sake of it. As for Barrowman, he is just great.
cool news...
BBC America Head: "Torchwood" Season Three Coming to U.S.
January 12, 2009 by Michael Hickerson || Category: TV
The third series will air in the United States–and possibly only a few hours after it airs in the UK.
Speaking at Television Critics Association Janaury tour, BBC America president Garth Ancier confrimed the third series will air in the United States on BBC America and that it will run for five nights. The new season of "Torchwood" will be a five-episode mini-series called "Children of Earth."
Ancier couldn't pin down a specific date for the return of "Torchwood," saying that BBC America is waiting for the BBC to announce when the series will air in the UK. However, he did say a deal is in the works that would allow American fans to see the miniseries the same day as fans in the UK.
Ancier also said negotiations are underway to show the miniseries in high definition on the BBC America HD channel.
Now, if only they'd get on the bandwagon and bring "Doctor Who" to the U.S. on the same day it airs in the U.K.....
http://www.sliceofscifi.com/2009/01/12/bbc-america-head-torchwood-season-three-coming-to-us/ (http://www.sliceofscifi.com/2009/01/12/bbc-america-head-torchwood-season-three-coming-to-us/)
At last it seems that common sense is prevailing. It's about time that TV shows were aired within just a few days of the parent country. We are getting the latest season of 24 tonight, just one day after airing in the states. And I believe that Lost and BSG are also going to air sometime this month.
This is such a good thing because it will discourage the torrenting of copyrighted material. No longer will I have to risk the wrath of my ISP just so I can keep up to date with my favourite American shows and I'm glad you guys will get Torchwood almost immediatly, lets hope Doctor Who gets the same treatment.
The same is also true for movies. Now that movies often come out on DVD within three months of the cinema release, I see no point in trying to watch some dodgy pirate DVD and undoubtedly seeing someones head pop up regularly and with awful sound quality.
Excellent news.
That makes so much sense. We're getting close with the likes of Heroes, 24 and Prison Break so its great to see America and the UK getting into gear with broadcasting at near enough the same time.
As long as it's a reciprocal arrangement it seems fair. (Said with just a small concern over the ongoing globalisation of the planet).
Although lets be honest here. The American neteorks have so much more to offer in the way of well made drama and we in the UK have had to put up with being a season behind our friends in the States. Now that Doctor Who, Torchwood and a few other shows are gaining an audience in America, they can see what we have had to put up with and I'm so glad we can all watch the same shows legitimately within a few weeks of each other.
Bit more info was released on OPG
Michael Jensen of AfterElton.com has revealed tentative plans for the broadcast of the five-part Torchwood miniseries, Torchwood: Children of Earth. Please bear in mind that these comments represent early plans, which may change.
If the report is accurate, it may disappoint some British Torchwood fans, who had been hoping that the miniseries would air in the spring. But the report has good news for American Torchwood fans, who may not have to wait as long as usual to see the latest episodes:
BBC America president Garth Ancier is here in Los Angeles for the Television Critics Association January tour and after he presented panels for BBC America's latest offerings, I had the chance to ask him if he had an air date for Torchwood: Children of Earth on BBCA. He didn't yet have a firm air date as BBC America is waiting for the BBC to finalize their date, but he was fairly certain that it was going to be the first part of this summer, possibly late June or early July.
He also said that not only would BBC America air the five episodes on consecutive nights as they are doing across the pond, but that they would also air in the U.S. the same day as they did in the U.K. meaning American audiences will have almost no lag time in seeing the series. (The U.K. is five hours ahead of the east coast of the U.S meaning the delay should be about that give or take). Ancier said the series might also air in High Definition, a first for BBCA.
Trailer is up for season three..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JG9cNqvtCo#noexternalembed (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JG9cNqvtCo#noexternalembed)
Can't wait... look good.
Torchwood: Children of Earth To Air In June :spidey
After months of speculation, the third series of the Doctor Who spin-off show, Torchwood, is to be broadcast on BBC1 in June.
The British Film Institute are hosting a preview of the first episode on Friday, 12th June at the National Film Theatre in London. This would suggest that Torchwood: Children of Earth will start broadcasting on 15th June. As previously announced by the BBC, the five-part series will be aired over five consecutive nights though it would appear that this format will not be observed when it is screened on BBC America.
The event at the NFT also includes a Q&A with guests from the cast and creative team. The BFi have also supplied a synopsis for the first installment (those avoiding spoilers may want to look away now):
1965: Twelve children are gathered on a deserted moor, before being surrounded by a harsh, bright light .... and then they are gone!
Today: all over Earth, children stop moving. Stop playing, stop laughing. Then, as one, they begin to speak with the same voice, announcing the imminent arrival of a new alien threat. "We are coming...". As the British government closes ranks, it issues a death warrant against Captain Jack and Torchwood
New Trailer from their website.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchwood/news/090428_series3_teaser (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchwood/news/090428_series3_teaser)
bummer not available outside the UK :( I'll have to look for it on you tube.
"Torchwood: Children of Earth" Airs in July on BBC America
May 13, 2009 by Michael Hickerson || Category: TV News
The upcoming five-part "Torchwood: Children of Earth" will air in July on BBC America.
End of Show has confirmed the series will air over five consecutive nights on both BBC One and BBC America. No word yet on the specific starting date for the mini-series.
Writer Russell T Davies says "this series is one big serial and the most ambitious story we've ever made, and we've got plenty of surprises in store."
The returning cast includes John Barrowman as Captain Jack Harkness, Eve Myles as Gwen Cooper and Gareth David-Lloyd as Ianto Jones. Other regular cast involved in their high-octane adventure are Kai Owen as Rhys Williams, Gwen's husband, and Tom Price as PC Andy.
My local library just recently started to obtain BBC DVD sets including Doctor Who, Torchwood, and Primeval. I have wanted to watch these shows, but since I don't get BBC America and am currently too broke to buy the episodes or the DVD's I am thrilled! I get to see them on the cheap. I just have to wait my turn, a few people got their requests in before me.
For what it's worth, Primeval isn't a BBC show.
It aired on ITV1 over here but it looks like BBC Worldwide has the distribution.
Yea, it airs on BBC America over here. I was politely corrected when I was talking to my friend over in Ireland about BBC having good shows. :P
Wow.. this took my breath away.. I have tears in my eyes.. this looks like it's going to be AMAZING!!!!
http://www.bbcamerica.com/content/262/torchwood-video.jsp?bclid=24196539001&bctid=24545345001 (http://www.bbcamerica.com/content/262/torchwood-video.jsp?bclid=24196539001&bctid=24545345001)
New Extended Preview of Torchwood: Children of Earth (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KREkfRZtEpM#ws-lq-lq2-hq)
Quote from: StarTrekFanatic5 on May 29, 2009, 01:01:54 PM
Wow.. this took my breath away.. I have tears in my eyes.. this looks like it's going to to AMAZING!!!!
http://www.bbcamerica.com/content/262/torchwood-video.jsp?bclid=24196539001&bctid=24545345001 (http://www.bbcamerica.com/content/262/torchwood-video.jsp?bclid=24196539001&bctid=24545345001)
Wow! That rocks!
Torchwood: Children of Earth Official Trailer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AizV9vmGG0#ws-lq-lq2-hq-vhq)
As you know i'm not a great fan of Torchwood but this looks great.
I don't know what it is about possessed children.. but I find that always bone chilling freaky.
Children i find freaky full stop. Which of course means i'm going to be living a nightmare from August. ;)
There's a comment I could make there...
This actually looks interesting. I've not been a big fan of Torchwood at all but I will probably watch this too.
Just finished watching seasons 1 and 2, I really enjoyed them.
I'm confused about season 3. Is Children of Earth a Special or is it the whole season? Didn't it say it was a 5 night event, something like that?
Yes Season 3 is a running back to back for five nights.. and yes that will be the entire season.
Wow, that really gives me mixed emotions. I love the back to back thing, but only 5 episodes? As if 13 weren't short enough already. Quality over quantity I suppose.
Quote from: Feathers on October 11, 2008, 02:01:08 AM
I just find Mickey annoying, I've decided.
It would have been an interesting cross-over but if it doesn't happen I won't lose sleep.
Me too. Me either.
TORCHWOOD MINI SERIES STARTS THIS MONDAY
Torchwood starts here in Blighty this Monday and here is what (according to the Radio Times) is whats going on. Spoilers so its hidden in the funky spoiler window.
[spoiler]Scotlans in 1965: kids in duffel coats and bobble hats climb off a bus, walk towards a bright light and vanish. cardiff 2009; children across the city stop in their tracks and stare blankly ahead. And its not because they've spent too long on their wii's. There's amystery to solve and its us to the torchwood team. we get to see more of Ianto and Jack as a couple, Gwen and her husband are still having their humourous rows and we also get to see jacks daughter Alice (Lucy Cohu)
Monday.
An ordinary day becomes one of terror as every child in the world looses their ability to function properly. As a trap closes in around captain jack, long forgotten events from 1965 threaten to reveal an awfull truth as the team are forced underground.
Tuesday
Torchwood are forced underground as the government makes plans for the mysterious floor 13
Wednesday
As Britain becomes the focus of the worlds attention the 456 announce their arrival with a huge pillar of fire that is targeted against london, leaving Torchwood members in a personal battle to save kith and kin.
Thursday
Torchwood finally begins to uncover the true nature of the events in 1965. But as Britain hurtles towards becoming a rogue state, the 456 begins to dissolve its old alliancies and reveal its real intentions.
Friday
Torchwood is defenceless and Gwen stands alone when the final sanction begins. As violence erupts and teh world descends into anarchy, an ordinary council estate becomes a battle ground where the future of the human race will be decided[/spoiler]
Cool! Looking forward to it. But I miss the other cast members already.
Great pictures.. can't wait to see this. The previews looks AWESOME.
http://www.sliceofscifi.com/2009/07/01/children-of-earth-prequels-on-bbc4-radio/ (http://www.sliceofscifi.com/2009/07/01/children-of-earth-prequels-on-bbc4-radio/)
"Children of Earth" Prequels on BBC4 Radio
July 1, 2009 by Michael Hickerson || Category: TV News
Fans eager for the third season of "Torchwood" can hear three prequel episodes that will begin airing today on BBC4 Radio.
The three episodes, called "Asylum," Golden Age" and "The Dead Line," will serve as a set-up to the events that will take place on "Children of Earth." All three are considered "canon" within the universe of "Torchwood."
The radio shows are written by Phil Ford, Anita Sullivan and James Goss and star series regulars John Barrowman, Eve Myles and Gareth David-Lloyd, the 45 minute plays will air at the standard Afternoon Play slot of 2.15 p.m. (UK time) today, Thursday and Friday.
After airing, the episodes will be made available via the BBC's iPlayer for listeners to hear worldwide for the next seven days. After that, they will be made available on iTunes.
As of this report, the first episode is on-line and available for download.
Oooo. Missed that. Must hit iPlayer tonight!
Interestine, looks like they're all up now but confusingly, they're numbered 2, 3 and 4.
Great first episode, no spoilers, all i'm going to say is i'm not a great fan of Torchwood but I loved it. Kenny you are in for a blast :)
Woo-hoo! Off to the torrents for me! ;)
Naughty Rico, well..... it would be rude not too ;)
Quote from: HawkeyeMeds on July 06, 2009, 02:23:48 PM
Naughty Rico, well..... it would be rude not too ;)
It "eventually" shows up on my cable over here (which I pay for). I'm just getting an 'advanced press screening' this way. ;)
It's on the DVR but I won't be watching it tonight.
I watched episode one so far of season three! Outstanding! Loving it so far!
Three episodes down, staying good.
Two so far...but well worth watching!
Just saw episode 4. WOW! Didn't see that coming. ;) Too bad when it's shown over here on BBC America they are going to cut so much out it wont be very good anymore.
ditto on the wow.
One more to go - not sure how they're going to clean this one up in an hour!
Considering I've been 'meh' at best about Torchwood, this one is fantastic!
Same here i'm not a Torchwood fan but I can see why [people like it and I have to say the writing and acting (plus i do like a bit of welsh humour) is brilliant. They have opulled out all the stops and you know what, i want another series, i'm converted. Its such a shame they will cut it, why? what scenes will be cut, if anyone says any scene in which jack kisses his partner (can't spell his name and too lazy to go looking ;) ) then that is sooooooo backwards.
Quote from: HawkeyeMeds on July 10, 2009, 09:43:58 AM
Same here i'm not a Torchwood fan but I can see why [people like it and I have to say the writing and acting (plus i do like a bit of welsh humour) is brilliant. They have opulled out all the stops and you know what, i want another series, i'm converted. Its such a shame they will cut it, why? what scenes will be cut, if anyone says any scene in which jack kisses his partner (can't spell his name and too lazy to go looking ;) ) then that is sooooooo backwards.
We have larger commercial breaks here and they have to feed the monster called advertising. I've always enjoyed the show because except for Jack, anyone could die at any moment. They did not pull their punches and put the story first in each case. I'm sure you could find some no so great episodes, but that could be said of any good show.
My only problem is where do they go from here? When this last hour airs, is this the end of my show or will they have somewhere to go? I love this show and it's a great example of a good series coming from the UK. Say what you want about it, but you can't deny the acting or the reactions that acting causes.
Without any spoilers, I want to strangle the military woman every time I see her on screen. I want her to suffer badly. Hopefully, I'm not the only one, but I think it's the writing that makes that possible.
Wow torchwood is so awesome! I wanted to see one episode and ended up watching all of them (except 5 not out yet)
MINOR SPOILERS
The amount of character development is great and that twist from ep 3- 4 I so saw coming
MAJOR
[spoiler]didn't that kid look like the doctor in the Master episodes (season 3 finale) The Gwen pregnancy better play a part cause if that was supposed to be a way for her to tell if jack had a bomb its wasted[/spoiler]
Oh my, what a powerfull last episode. Not a dry eye in the house. Seriously, seriously moving stuff.
uh oh that is not good...
And i'm a fairly hard nosed chap and even i had a eye watery moment.
Quote from: HawkeyeMeds on July 10, 2009, 02:36:15 PM
And i'm a fairly hard nosed chap and even i had a eye watery moment.
Bummer, I am in between and I hate toughs moments, hopefully what I think what is going to happen won't
You will just have to wait,
just got done watching the 5th ep, and WOW ! ! !
has anyone herd if there is going to be a 4th series
and when does dr.who come back.....
I hear there will be a 4th if this does good with the ratings. After seeing the last one, I can't see why the ratings wouldn't be high enough. I'm even gonna watch the episodes on BBC America even though they are going to cut most of each episode out (That's why I downloaded em, gotta see them as originally intended). Stupid commercials.
Java check the dr who thread. You'll find it under Doctor Who Series 5 and Specials. No news on another series of Torchwood, i don't think it will happen due to Russel T Davies going on to other things.
Just finished children of earth, I am so buying the DVD...
I had some damp eyes, more crocodile "oooh so sad" the full on "that's sad" tears. I guess that makes me emotionally dead... :cylon
[spoiler] Awesome season start and finale, I was hopping the itchy trigger finger lady was going to die and what happened to the SUV? I was hopping it was going to come back and play a huge role maybe become a space ship or have a mini tardis engine.... [/spoiler]
Overall, an excellent series - the best Torchwood yet but it may be a case of 'going out on a high'. I'm not sure where they can take it from here, or even if they can take it anywhere.
[spoiler]
The ending was actually a little weak since once the main 'situation' was resolved, i.e. the aliens left, everyone across the country seemed to know all about it instantly and it was all hugs and kisses and sadness. In reality, I suspect the Army would have continued with their task until orders came down to cease and desist. It may have been for 'drama' or it may have been that they were short of time but it was a poorer ending than it could have been.
I hate to think what it will look like in the US once they start cutting it and adding adverts!
I also fell that the chances of an American general taking over the British Government is about nil or less. It does shouw the stereotypical view of the US from a UK perspective though!
Oh, as for the SUV - if anyone can find a bunch of kids on a council estate who can turn a land rover into a spaceship I'll be impressed. Torchwood just isn't that kind of show.
[/spoiler]
Quote from: Feathers on July 13, 2009, 02:29:49 AM
[spoiler]
Oh, as for the SUV - if anyone can find a bunch of kids on a council estate who can turn a land rover into a spaceship I'll be impressed. Torchwood just isn't that kind of show.
[/spoiler]
[spoiler]
Well I just wanted closer on that, it just was a small joke with how bad Ianto's day was it was unneeded.
[/spoiler]
Starts tomorrow night for its run on BBC America! Nice!
Don't forget that for Torchwood fans in the US, this 5 night event starts tonight (7/20) on BBC America.
I've been recording the episodes on DVR this week. I've only watched through episode 2 so far but I'm really enjoying the show. Great characters and story. :)
Well, I finally finished watching this. First, I don't think they cut anything at all on BBC America. Each part ran about 1 hr. 15 min. with commercials. So, that was nice although it made some weird recording times (but my TIVO handled it very well). Overall I liked it but I had a few problems with it. And frankly I enjoyed the other seasons of "Torchwood" more. While I think this had a good overall concept I had one big issue with it (see spoiler box for more).
[spoiler]Maybe I'm a bit naive and a bit of an idealist, but I had a huge problem with the government going along with the idea of turning over all those children. They had some toss away lines about what if not everyone in the military goes along and so on, but I mean come on. No one even really tried to fight them - not really. Yeah, I know they couldn't detect them in orbit and all but until Jack and Yanto showed up the others were acting like scared little kids. Let me put it this way if Jim Kirk had been the negotiator. It would have gone something like this.
The 456: Give us 10% of your children.
Kirk: No!
The 456: Then we will wipe out your species.
Kirk: Fine - go ahead. Then you get nothing!
The 456: Umm, hmmm. Well, give us some of just the naughty kids.
Kirk: No!! Now leave or I will blow up the Earth myself and you with me!
You get the idea. Their threat was weak. And frankly, if you ask any parent if they would give up their kids to do something like this to them, I think they would take Frobursher's route (although that was a bit dumb too - I mean he was on the inside, he could have found a way to save his kids).
Anyway, don't misunderstand I enjoyed it pretty much and it sure had a hard to watch final ending with Jack and his grandkid, but I guess it annoys me to find people being so weak in positions of power like this. Again, I'm sure I'm being naive, but that's just the way I am I guess.[/spoiler]
Quote from: Rico on August 09, 2009, 03:32:13 PM
Well, I finally finished watching this. First, I don't think they cut anything at all on BBC America. Each part ran about 1 hr. 15 min. with commercials. So, that was nice although it made some weird recording times (but my TIVO handled it very well). Overall I liked it but I had a few problems with it. And frankly I enjoyed the other seasons of "Torchwood" more. While I think this had a good overall concept I had one big issue with it (see spoiler box for more).
[spoiler]Maybe I'm a bit naive and a bit of an idealist, but I had a huge problem with the government going along with the idea of turning over all those children. They had some toss away lines about what if not everyone in the military goes along and so on, but I mean come on. No one even really tried to fight them - not really. Yeah, I know they couldn't detect them in orbit and all but until Jack and Yanto showed up the others were acting like scared little kids. Let me put it this way if Jim Kirk had been the negotiator. It would have gone something like this.
The 456: Give us 10% of your children.
Kirk: No!
The 456: Then we will wipe out your species.
Kirk: Fine - go ahead. Then you get nothing!
The 456: Umm, hmmm. Well, give us some of just the naughty kids.
Kirk: No!! Now leave or I will blow up the Earth myself and you with me!
You get the idea. Their threat was weak. And frankly, if you ask any parent if they would give up their kids to do something like this to them, I think they would take Frobursher's route (although that was a bit dumb too - I mean he was on the inside, he could have found a way to save his kids).
Anyway, don't misunderstand I enjoyed it pretty much and it sure had a hard to watch final ending with Jack and his grandkid, but I guess it annoys me to find people being so weak in positions of power like this. Again, I'm sure I'm being naive, but that's just the way I am I guess.[/spoiler]
I don't think it would have went that way at all. This is clearly a case of the needs of the many outweighing the needs of the few or the one.
[spoiler]While it's a good idea to say that you would resist, think about it in the greater scheme of things. How many people would honestly resist with you. Either everyone dies are 10% are stolen. I don't think it's hard to imagine that a government would give up 10% to save 90%. I also don't think that a we'll kill ourselves negotiating tactic would work. What happens when they call your bluff? Are you willing to kill all of the human population to spite the 456? What happens if the 456 decided to just kill the adults and take the kids once they are gone? I think by them demanding the 10% that gave them a bit of easy in getting their mission done. they wouldn't need to do the ground work to round the kids all up, but it really wasn't that weak a threat.
Either way the earth would have lost and I just can't see a majority of humanity willing to die to protect kids that aren't theirs. The Kirk method just wouldn't have worked. he would have been laying on the floor dead like Ianto and they would have been back to getting the 10% together.[/spoiler]
But here's the thing. They did beat them in the end - and what did it take 5-10 minutes of air time? They were too many weak people in this one for me. Sorry, maybe they should have spent some time trying to figure out another way sooner to beat them rather than tucking their tails under their legs and giving in.
Oh, and Kirk would have beat them. Because he doesn't believe in the no-win scenario. That, and he has Spock backing him up too. ;)
I know you can pull anything apart, and I did enjoy this mini-series but there is one other big thing that kind of bugged me:
[spoiler]Once they learned that they wanted the kids for pumping "drugs" into their bodies they really had them at that point. The 456 were "junkies." A junkie is very easy to own and manipulate. Granted these are alien junkies - but you get the idea. The big thing they should have at least mentioned was creating a synthetic drug for them. I don't care what kind of hook up those kids have, but humans have come up with TONS of drugs to simulate a "high" that hormones can produce. It should have been at least mentioned and I know this is Sci-Fi, but kids for drugs? Really??[/spoiler]
With the reputation of politicians in this country at the minute, the thought of a cabinet room full of weak spineless people (just in it for the expenses) sort of matches the national mood - I suspect no-one even batted an eyelid at that idea over here!
I suppose I agree with the 'alternative solution' arguement but they'd pretty much painted thenselves into a corner time-wise with that. It wouldn't have fitted neatly into the remaining episodes (even in TV time) plus it wouldn't have involved 'the team'. I guess it would have been more likely, but not Torchwood.
But then I come from the perspective of not liking Torchwood very much so I took this as an improvement from a low baseline rather than a downward step. I guess we're just all different :)
Funny about you saying that bit about it being not Torchwood. There was a lot of this five part series that really didn't involve them much at all. I guess I missed the team solving the problem together more - as in previous seasons.
Quote from: Rico on August 09, 2009, 04:14:06 PM
I know you can pull anything apart, and I did enjoy this mini-series but there is one other big thing that kind of bugged me:
[spoiler]Once they learned that they wanted the kids for pumping "drugs" into their bodies they really had them at that point. The 456 were "junkies." A junkie is very easy to own and manipulate. Granted these are alien junkies - but you get the idea. The big thing they should have at least mentioned was creating a synthetic drug for them. I don't care what kind of hook up those kids have, but humans have come up with TONS of drugs to simulate a "high" that hormones can produce. It should have been at least mentioned and I know this is Sci-Fi, but kids for drugs? Really??[/spoiler]
[spoiler] Having met many junkies due to previous lines of work, they aren't that easily manipulated. I know that they are painted that way on tv, but these are people that will try to get their fix by any means necessary. You have a better chance of stopping a charging bull with a firm no.
As for the idea of using synthetic drugs. Again, for the most part, junkies aren't complete idiots. They have these kids that provide them with an unlimited drug supply. Even if they figured out how to duplicate every single hormone in the body, it would not be a renewable resource like the children were for them.
Also for the kids for drugs idea ... it was pretty cool and very close to real world in application. It's like toad licking on an interplanetary scale. If there are animals here we can milk for drugs, it's not a hard stretch to see some aliens pulling the same thing on us.
We also have to remember that these people are more than just junkies, they cured a pandemic with no problems and seem to have far better tech than we do. I guess in the end, what you saw as faults, I saw as good ideas in story telling. I could see how the government would turn the kids in. We've done far worse in the past to the children in as recent as the 60's. We also turn a blind eye when it happens in other places.
I think that because of those things, it made the rest of the premise too easy to accept. People in power aren't usually there for the sole reason of protecting everyone. When something needs to happen it's usually the poor that are affected first. It was just damned good writing to me because it was too plausable. [/spoiler]
I think once I moved up north and read about this story (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/04/29/60minutes/main614728.shtml (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/04/29/60minutes/main614728.shtml)) I was in shock, but it also made me think that the premise of the show was great because things like this have happen.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_E._Fernald_State_School (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_E._Fernald_State_School)