The last few episode reviews of TORCHWOOD Series 1 are below…
1x10 - OUT OF TIME
Written by Cath Tregenna
Directed by Alice Troughton
Three people fly out of the time rift from the 1950s, and attempt to adjust to modern life. The results are, by turns, hilarious, poignant, catastrophic, and depressing. There’s only one minor happy ending in this story, which explores the limits of human adaptability – the rest of the story is a slow grinding-down-and-defeat of the newcomers. The effect on the Torchwood team is heartbreaking – in spite of all their experience and technology, they are forced to let go, one by one. Owen’s rage and grief at the loss of his true love is powerful to behold…match only by Jack’s desperation to keep his new found friend alive…because he knows there is nothing waiting for him beyond the grave. It is the saddest ending to a television episode I have ever watched; it manages to touch the audience on a multitude of levels, and leaves no one unchanged in its wake…least of all, the viewing audience.
9
1x11 - COMBAT
Written by Noel Clarke
Directed by Andy Goddard
An episode about raw rage, and what it means to be masculine in the 21st century. Former Doctor Who star Noel Clarke pens an episode that explores aggression and assertiveness…and it leads to some uncomfortable truths for the still-grieving Owen. Is he a man? Where is the line drawn between man and animal? The themes of the episode are quite powerful, in spite of the well-used plot device of an underground fighting ring…though the twist of using alien Weevils does add a certain amount of interest. A worthy outing, but its grim, unrelenting tone makes it hard going at times.
7
1x12 - CAPTAIN JACK HARKNESS
Written by Cath Tregenna
Directed by Ashley Way
The first of two back-to-back masterpieces. An episode involving time travel back to the blitz, haunted rooms, old prejudices, crossed time lines, violent personality conflicts, surprising character revelations…and the introduction of a new villain, in the form of the quiet and creepy Billis Manger – he could well be the creepiest “creepy old man” ever. But the true meat of the episode is the meeting between the real Jack Harkness and our own Jack…and the resulting emotional turmoil will break your heart. The final moments in the dance hall will break your heart – the culmination of an utterly magnificent episode, and John Barrowman’s finest performance to date.
10
1x13 - END OF DAYS
Written by Chris Chibnall
Directed by Ashley Way
I don’t think anyone was expecting a semi-sequel to Doctor Who’s The Satan Pit…but we get one all the same, courtesy of Torchwood’s new nemesis, Billis Manger.. The best thing about the episode is that it’s the ultimate release of five episodes worth of building pressure within the Torchwood team…and it explodes in a profound an unexpected way. Full of dark, frightening and disturbing images (the “death” of Gwen’s fiancee – and its aftermath – will leave you staring, blank faced, at the TV screen), frank conversations, aching emotion, and an uplifting climax…as season finales go, they should all be like this. I guarantee that you will be shocked a minimum of three times…and cry at least twice…before this episode is finished.
10
