Torchwood’s third series was always going to be an exciting event. Why? Because over 5 consecutive nights we were going to be treated to one hour episodes telling one big story. And it certainly didn’t disappoint the Gay Sci-Fi Nerds here in creamy Devonshire.
Torchwood always explored the darker side of the Doctor Who universe, but the Children of Earth turned out to be one of the darkest sci-fi series the BBC has ever produced. The Children of Earth sees an unknown threat taking over the minds of all the children on Earth as a means of communication, scenes which reminded be of the Village of the Damned. As the story unfolds we see not only the British Government’s prior involvement with the alien entities, but that of Torchwood’s too. Something that comes back to haunt Captain Jack Harkness. Rather than seeking help from Torchwood, the Government decides to deny prior engagement and hunts down Jack, Gwen and Ianto.
Family being at the core of this tale, we see Jack’s daughter and grandson, Ianto’s sister and her family and Gwen and Rhys’ shock surprise at her pregnancy. Added to that there’s is the alien threat over the children of earth and the disgusting solution the Government comes up with. And caught in the middle is the poor civil servant, John Frobisher who is force to take drastic action to keep the Government’s secrets and his family safe from harm.
The juxtaposition of Jack’s and Frobisher’s actions are perhaps the most poignant in the Children of Earth. One having to make a painful sacrifice and the other unwilling to do so. Both betraying and causing the deaths of family.
With the already diminished Torchwood team of Captain Jack Harness, Gwen Copper and Ianto Jones, death, betrayal and murder, made for compulsive viewing, especially in hi-def. Add the extra creepy factor of the possession of all of the Earth’s children, Torchwood out shone the last few fairings offered by Doctor Who. We can only hope that David Tennant’s departure will be as gripping.
For more information and news about Torchwood: Children of Earth, see the list below:
- BBC News – Fans aim to save sci-fi character
- SCI FI Wire – Torchwood is back with a thrilling third season
- SFX – Torchwood – Brilliantly Awesome
- SFX – Torchwood – Popular But Unloved?
- SFX – Torchwood A Ratings Smash
- BBC News – Torchwood move sees ratings boost
- SFX – Torchwood producer talks Children Of Earth
- SCI FI Wire – Torchwood’s John Barrowman reveals Children of Earth details and why the show may not be done yet
- SFX – Russell T Davies talks Torchwood
- BBC News – Torchwood cut ‘like punishment’
Saw the temporary memorial at the “Tradesman’s Entrance” last week.. had my piccie taken next to it and left a note for Ianto expressing my feelings of grief as well as asking if he’d mind if I make a move on Jack
OooH! Photos please!