So yesterday I was fortunate enough to attend the screening of the first episode of the new series of Torchwood, Series 4. I think my main fear in relation to the series, before viewing the first episode, was that it may have become too American. The American accents, the American setting, the American characters... all present in the trailer, with very little of Torchwood's fantastic Welsh origins present.
However, once one can look past all of this, the new series of Torchwood certainly does look very promising indeed.
Approximately half of the episode is set in America, the other half being set in Wales. The first storyline we're introduced to (If I recall correctly) is the storyline of the series 'bad guy' as he appears: Oswald Danes, played by American actor Bill Pullman. Pullman plays a very convincing villain throughout, with his sinister looks and the threatening tone to his voice which, in one particular scene, he conveys so well; and it will certainly be interesting to see where the writers intend to go with this storyline and Oswald himself.
One thing that was established, within the panel discussion preceding the screening as well as the trailer for the rest of the season, was that the relationship between Jack and Oswald will be salient throughout. I don't want to give too much away, but let's just say that Oswald's character is certainly going to fascinate Jack, as well as the rest of the world.
Perhaps my favourite thing about the episode were the constant links back to Wales. We get a lovely insight into Gwen and Rhys' new life; something that Eve Myles commented on as being, "Rhys' idea of heaven, Gwen's idea of hell." Part of the reason I enjoyed seeing Gwen and Rhys' life together so much, is because I have been a fan for many years now; and I think, generally, those who are already fans will appreciate the insight into what Gwen's life has become, without Torchwood.
Now, undoubtedly, Russell T Davies had a job. And part of that job was to make Captain Jack's return as spectacular as it was. Let's just say that I wasn't disappointed! He's his usual charismatic, fantastic self and has clearly been holding onto his retcon supplies, as well as overlooking Gwen and Rhys' lives during his time away. Jack has some brilliant one-liners, including a superb reference to Owen Harper which long-term fans like myself will adore!
The other storyline we follow, with the exception of the main story itself: the miracle, is that of the CIA's: Rex Matheson and Esther Drummond. I didn't have huge expectations, but I have to say that both played their roles spectacularly. Rex, as one of the victim's of Miracle Day, is displayed as a very typical American figure, meaning that RTD couldn't resist an influx of jokes relating to Rex's crossing of the Severn Bridge. I also have to commend Alexa Havins on her portrayal of Esther. I thought she played the inquisitive CIA agent exceedingly well, almost drawing a parallel to Gwen's first knowledge of Captain Jack Harkness (or as Rhys would say 'Captain Jack Bollocks').
Perhaps the most interesting thing about this new series is Russell's concept itself. Look away if you don't want to be spoilt on the storyline that the series follows... The concept being a time when no-one on earth can die. What's quite so interesting about this storyline is the way that Torchwood explores the effects such an event would have, effects that many may not have even thought of. Medically, it's very intriguing as hospitals line with patients in intensive care and even a man blasted to smithereens, barely a skeleton, just cannot die.
Generally this new series of Torchwood encompasses a healthy amount of action, humour, the gruesome and the wonderful. It's also very thought provoking and fast paced. As per usual, there are a few shocks and surprises among the way; especially one concerning Jack, which many you may have already heard and is, undoubtedly, a plot twist and a half.
Personally I'm still unsure as to whether this new series of Torchwood can ever match-up to the previous. It's very different, which is where the title to this blog post ties in because we are, of course, being faced with a completely changed organisation. There's no safety of a base, the equipment and a structured team like Torchwood used to have (although it was good to see a quick return to the bay), but in a sense this does add to the danger and the thrill of this new Torchwood.
Overall, the episode was certainly a promising start. At times it was a bit slow, and although I did state it was fast-paced, it wasn't quite up to the excitement and tension of Day Two of Children of Earth for example. Whether this new series of Torchwood will ever live up to the standard of 'classic Torchwood' is unbeknownst. Only time will tell.
7.5/10
