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January 16, 2008
Torchwood, Season 2, Episode 1
Torchwood is back. On BBC2 as well, that's a promotion from the digital only BBC3. And it inherits the slot that Heroes was in.
So what did I think?
(Some spoilers ahead...)
So what did I think?
(Some spoilers ahead...)
I find Torchwood infuriating.
But I'll start with the good.
James Marsters was really good as Captain John. He was basically Spike from Buffy, a bad guy working with the good guys. He was funny, making me laugh out loud a lot. The banter with Jack was amusing (as was their rather excellent extended greeting), and having someone that was Jack's equal balanced things out.
The dialogue had some nice self-referential quips, taking itself less seriously was better. Captain John mocked: the name Torchwood, having a base beneath a sculpture, the make-up of the team... in fact just about everything that drives me mad. (Which makes me wonder why it isn't changed.)
There was a great Star Wars joke (delivered by Marsters of course). That will always win me over.
And the bad?
The plot was not too bad until the end, and then suddenly there was a really rubbish last minute get out, which really didn't make sense. In fact it was complete bollocks.
The fish face alien. What was that? It looked like a reject from Doctor Who in the 80's.
The Torchwood mobile. Why are they driving around in a Range Rover that looks like it's from Pimp My Ride? It's looks ridiculous. With those stupid blue neon lights and that big grill. Aren't they supposed to be a secret outfit.
And talking of secret, how come they talk to the police all the time? And how come an old lady knows their name. That's not very secret.
Unfortunately I think that the things I hate are built directly into the foundation of the show's premise. But maybe it can win me over. This episode was better than most of the first series. Better plots, and more James Marsters please.
But I'll start with the good.
James Marsters was really good as Captain John. He was basically Spike from Buffy, a bad guy working with the good guys. He was funny, making me laugh out loud a lot. The banter with Jack was amusing (as was their rather excellent extended greeting), and having someone that was Jack's equal balanced things out.
The dialogue had some nice self-referential quips, taking itself less seriously was better. Captain John mocked: the name Torchwood, having a base beneath a sculpture, the make-up of the team... in fact just about everything that drives me mad. (Which makes me wonder why it isn't changed.)
There was a great Star Wars joke (delivered by Marsters of course). That will always win me over.
And the bad?
The plot was not too bad until the end, and then suddenly there was a really rubbish last minute get out, which really didn't make sense. In fact it was complete bollocks.
The fish face alien. What was that? It looked like a reject from Doctor Who in the 80's.
The Torchwood mobile. Why are they driving around in a Range Rover that looks like it's from Pimp My Ride? It's looks ridiculous. With those stupid blue neon lights and that big grill. Aren't they supposed to be a secret outfit.
And talking of secret, how come they talk to the police all the time? And how come an old lady knows their name. That's not very secret.
Unfortunately I think that the things I hate are built directly into the foundation of the show's premise. But maybe it can win me over. This episode was better than most of the first series. Better plots, and more James Marsters please.