14 days left and we're continuing on my countdown to Miracle Day, Torchwood re-watch! I'll be watching an episode a day and blogging bits and thoughts. With any luck this is going to read like an episode guide and commentary. Let's dive right in!

Episode: Reset (Series 2 Episode 6)

Written By: J.C. Wilsher

Original Air Date: 13 February 2008

Sentence Sum-Up: Torchwood brings in Martha Jones to help investigate a series of deaths.

Notable New Characters:

Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman): A medical officer with UNIT. She's also Jack's old friend. They both traveled with the Doctor and survived the end of the world together.

Dr. Aaron Copley (Alan Dale): Good intentioned Doctor who will go to any lengths to forward his medical pursuits. He does a very bad thing at the end of this episode.

**I'm assuming you've all seen this episode if you're reading but if you haven't there is a BIG spoiler and I'll likely mention it.**

Favorite Quote:

Martha: "God, I am so glad to see you, Jack."
Jack: "See, you did come all this way to see me. It's the jaw line. Once seen, always yearned for."

Never Noticed:

When Jack is in Copley's office they are discussing Torchwood's lack of authority there. It went like this:

COPLEY: "Not here, actually. Ask Whitehall. We're fireproof."

JACK: "Yeah. I had a bad experience with a politician recently. I tend not to listen to Whitehall any more."

Never noticed that moment and how perfect it was considering it was an episode with Martha. Bad experience with a politician. I should say so!

WTF Moments:

Gwen seems to think they Mayfly is beautiful. First in the photograph and then in person. That thing is not beautiful. It is disgusting and horrifying. I can see Gwen feeling very sympathetic towards it, doing her, I care about everyone thing. I can't see why she'd think it was beautiful. No. Gross.

Random Rants:

The best pert of this episode is without a doubt what Martha brings to the team and particularly Jack. I adore the fun between Martha and Owen.  The candid and uncomfortable moments with Martha and Ianto are so funny. I even find myself smiling at the girly gossip between Martha and Gwen. Listing these it occurs to me there wasn't much going on between Tosh and Martha, maybe Tosh felt threatened in regards to Owen? For the most part anyway Martha was a great addition to the team. Particularly Jack's reaction to her was really enjoyable. Jack seemed to be genuinely happy to see his old friend and for one episode we got to see glimpses of Jack as he was in Doctor Who. Not that I'd want him like that permanently. I think Jack has change and has grown and while I miss his antics at times his character is so much more developed and interesting and going back just doesn't seem right. I think I've mentioned this before. I suspect that he may have regress a bit come Torchwood: Miracle Day because he's lost so much. I think he might because of that loss put his guard up again and fall back into his default cad mode. I guess we'll see. My point though was it was nice to see Jack smiling so much. Nice to see him with the carefree spirit we originally fell in love with. Before he had the responsibility of Torchwood and caring for his team.

Tosh and Owen. They have been building up since the start of series 2. Ever since John hurt Tosh Owen has become protective of her at every turn. Now Tosh is finally stepping up and being forward about her feelings. She asks him out and I squeal with delight every time! Finally she's put her heart on the line with him and he agrees. You have no idea how happy I was for Tosh. But of course, this is Tosh. Really we should have seen this coming right? Tosh is the tragic character who loves and loses too soon. Her affairs never last more than an episode and their would-be relationship didn't even get that far. I should've seen it coming. Owen dies and Tosh gets her heat broken again. Do you think it was better or worse that Owen was going to give her a chance? Would it have been better if it had remained unsaid between them? We knwo this isn't the end of their story but it sure was a tragic turn. I cried. I loved Owen and I really did keep hoping he'd come around.

MVC (Most Valuable Character)/MVA (Most Valuable Actor):

Martha Jones played by Freema Agyeman. I have mixed feelings about Martha overall in her role on Doctor Who but her appearance on this episode as well as those that follow was brilliant. I think she was a nice twist to the team dynamic and she was funny and charming, really livening up the Hub. I adore her relationship with Jack. They really care about each other and it's nice to see Jack with his guard down, Martha knows so many of his secrets, a burden is visibly lifted with Martha around. I had rather hoped that when they needed more members down the line they would have brought Martha in. But maybe she just works as a guest star and too much of her would get old. As I said I have issues with the character, she has at least as many annoying habits as she does positive attributes in general. Regardless loved her in this episode, loved her with the team and I think Freema did a wonderful job of adapting a Doctor Who character to fit in with the tone of Torchwood without it seeming forced. Really spectacular job, she stole the episode.

Episode Grade:

B+
It was a pretty good episode. I found myself laughing through the majority of it and of course crying at the end. I liked it but I didn't love it. It doesn't really stick out when think over the episodes and I certainly don't re-watch it very often. There's something a bit forgettable about it, but I enjoyed it while watching. B+ sounds about right to me.

Tomorrow's Episode: Dead Man Walking (Series 2, Episode 7). Remember, I'll be live tweeting my re-watch on the @BarrowmanDay twitter at 12:00am PST (US - West coast) and 8:00am GMT (UK). Hope you all can watch with me and chat.

That's it for today! Hope you enjoyed my run down. What did you all think of this episode? Did you notice anything new? What grade would you give it? xx

<3Dana

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15 days left and we're continuing on my countdown to Miracle Day, Torchwood re-watch! I'll be watching an episode a day and blogging bits and thoughts. With any luck this is going to read like an episode guide and commentary. Let's dive right in!

Episode: Adam (Series 2 Episode 5)

Written By: Catherine Tregenna

Original Air Date: 13 February 2008

Sentence Sum-Up: An alien infiltrates the Hub, manipulating the memories and personalities of the team.

Notable New Characters:

Adam Smith (Bryan Dick): An alien that survives off of memories. He infiltrates the Hub by manipulating the personalities and memories of the team so they think he's one of them.

Favorite Quote:

Ianto: "I'll have a look in the diary. I like to log the interesting stuff."
Tosh: "You write about artifacts in your diary? "
Ianto: "Among other things." [winks]

Never Noticed:

The part where Gwen calls Jack to come help with Rhys, who she believes to be an intruder. Adam comes along and Rhys asks who he is. Jack says he's "one of us" and Rhys drops it. Wouldn't that raise a red flag in Jack's mind? Rhys has seen the Hub and met the whole team, why would he not have met Adam? I guess Jack was detracted by Gwen's forgetting.

That exchange between Tosh and Ianto that's listed as my favorite quote. Or that wink! Winky Ianto was hilarious and unexpected. This episode and next he's freely hinting at his sexual exploits. It was such an unexpected moment but it was great.

The scene with Rhys and Gwen at the grocery store. I remember him complaining about something, that he wasn't being helped, but what I don't remember is that he just leaves the money and goes. Gwen has a breakthrough with her memory and Rhys can't be bothered to wait for the guy. That's a little bit like stealing, but not entirely.

When Adam is planting the fake memories in Ianto's mind and Ianto is sobbing. Adam holds him close and continues to feed the awful memories and just before he lets him go, he kisses him on the lips. Totally missed that.

WTF Moments:

Why did Adam change Owen and Tosh's personalities but leave Jack and Ianto as their normal selves? Was it just because he wanted Tosh and to make Owen suffer? I don't know, I never considered it before but it's interesting.

I am a little confused about the situation with Jack's memories. If I am understanding right he didn't have memories of his parents but he did of Grey? Then Adam gave him back his memory of his parents and then he corrupted them. When Adam was defeated all the planted memories through the team were gone but Jack's remained because they were his memories. That's all kinds of confusing and I'm not sure I have that all right. And why do the corruptions to Jack's memories stay? Or do they? it would seem that any affects Adam had would go away. Any ideas?

Random Rants:

Never say Jack is not a flawed character. His main issue is trust. I can understand a lot of reasons he's have trust issues but from the start of Torchwood and even now he struggles. Even after what they've been through together over the years and what each member has come to mean to him he shuts the team out. When he see's Grey he is so quick to get rid of Ianto. And he continues not trusting or sharing himself through Children of Earth, which is part of what brings about ass hat Jack. I never noticed before how much it's there from the start and it is off-putting and Ianto is totally in the right being as upset as he is about it. But it's fine, a perfect, flawless character is a boring character.

As annoyed as I was with Jack's secretive behavior in this episode and others he does have some, redeeming qualities. It's the weirdest thing he trusts his team and has this unshakable faith in them, but he won't open up to them, not often at least. This episode he really stepped up as a leader and whatever he is to Ianto and supported him. He refused to believe the worst in him and he stayed calm and helped him through. He helped the hole team through. It was all very sweet and he's such a complicated character.

MVC (Most Valuable Character)/MVA (Most Valuable Actor):

What's interesting about this episode is there is a lot going on at the same time. Several different stories surrounding each character. An argument could be made that any of the characters. outside of Owen, were the center of this episode. Tosh was the object of Adam's desire, at least to some extent. We see her fall in love and go through yet another heart ache and we see her story with Owen develop. Gwen losses her memory of Rhys and the whole start of the investigation is around trying to restore that. We see her and Rhys struggle to rebuild their relationship. We learn a lot about Jack's past, the mystery of his family and his sadness. Ianto is the one who figures it out and has to be dealt with. Those false memories and he and jack figuring out the truth about Adam is a plot on it's own. It's so weird it's like a team episode with almost no team time. Everyone is alone, together. Despite that I do have a feel for who this episode centered around in my head and in my heart and that's Ianto. When I think back on this episode I always think of it as a Ianto heavy episode and remember all he goes through. I remember how clever he is in solving the case and I remember the tender and funny bits with Jack. So I'm giving it to Ianto and especially to Gareth, Gareth blew me away this episode, that man can act! He had some really tough scene's and he nailed every one of them. I cannot praise his performance enough. I think this is the point I went from being a Ianto fan to being a Gareth David-Lloyd fan, He's just brilliant. He also get's it because he is an amazing man-crier and we know how I like that. And because the best thing to come from this episode is the IANTO CRYING GIF.

Episode Grade:

A
It's a great episode. Everyone I know loves it, I love it, and it more than redeems Catherine Tregenna for last episode. I think it's brilliant and complicated. Like I said so many different stories going on at once and it never seems crowded. A lot of emotional moments and while I love this episode it is sometimes hard to watch. I challenge you to watch Ianto cry and not cry with him. Can't be done! This is the episode you want to watch in bed with ice cream. The episode that makes you need a hug afterwards. It's beautifully written and acted. It gets a A and not A+ because it's still not in the running for one of my favorites. But it's close.

Tomorrow's Episode: Reset (Series 2, Episode 6). Remember, I'll be live tweeting my re-watch on the @BarrowmanDay twitter at 12:00am PST (US - West coast) and 8:00am GMT (UK). Hope you all can watch with me and chat.

That's it for today! Hope you enjoyed my run down. What did you all think of this episode? Did you notice anything new? What grade would you give it? xx

<3Dana

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16 days left and we're continuing on my countdown to Miracle Day, Torchwood re-watch! I'll be watching an episode a day and blogging bits and thoughts. With any luck this is going to read like an episode guide and commentary. Let's dive right in!

Episode: Meat (Series 2 Episode 4)

Written By: Catherine Tregenna

Original Air Date: 6 February 2008

Sentence Sum-Up : Torchwood investigates the source of Alien meat, Rhys helps.

Notable New Characters:

Space Whale (CGI): Alien creature that fell through the Rift and was captured by horrible people. They cut it up while it's living and sell off it's meat, which is regenerated. 

Favorite Quote:

Rhys: "Well if you stopped and asked me exactly what I saw in there instead of showin' off…"
Jack (aside): "Do I show off?"
Ianto: "Just a bit."
Rhys:" ...You'd know that I got out by telling them I wanted a job as a delivery boy! So rather than "cock things up", I found you a way to get in! But if you can't handle that, big boy, then you can stuff it!"
[Beat]
Jack: "This is quite homoerotic."

Never Noticed:

All the Gwack action. I couldn't handle it! Every other scene was sexual tension and unspoken feelings between Jack and Gwen and it made me sick! To make it worse a lot of it was right in front of Ianto! Ianto was pissed off this episode and so was I. What was Jack thinking? I was so mad at him and at her. I really had a hard time enjoying this episode because I was so distracted by how Gwacktacular it was. I can't imagine I never noticed this before, but I didn't remember it. I assume I blocked it out and with any luck I'll be able to do that again. It's to the point where I am having a hard time writing this blog because I am so bothered by this episode now.

WTF Moments:

Gwen. I cannot believe Gwen. Leading up to this episode there have been numerous moments when I judged her and her lack of morals. This episode her absurdity skyrockets. I can think of at least three major offenses. First is what I already mentioned, all her moments with Jack, her part in them. Especially with Rhys there for parts of it. Second when she has a confrontation with Rhys. He calls her out on all her lies and bullshit and she acts horrified that he could think anything ill of her. Everything he said was spot on! Short of sleeping with Jack, which she would do given the chance. She's lied, she's cheated and she's drugged him. How dare she react that way! This sickens me. Then she flips it on Rhys, who is so good to her, she says, "His heart is in the right place, but his brain, his brain is a million miles away". Am I the only one going nuts at this point? This is so the pot calling the kettle black. Finally, third, she has an argument with Jack and she says, "So you do have a heart". Someone needs to slap her in the face. That was so uncalled for! I just can't handle it. Gwen in this episode is on my nerves because of the Gwack factor and because she's a horrible human being. I keep trying to like her and I was glad she stood up for Rhys at the end but it was sort of too little too late. And I think she did it for selfish reasons.

Random Rants:

How many of you, while watching, thought 'Rhys is in on it'? I know we were supposed to and for a brief moment I hoped he was. If he was a horrible person and I could stop feeling so bad for how Gwen treats him. I would still feel bad, but maybe not as much. As it is, Rhys is just as wonderful as we thought he was.

MVC (Most Valuable Character)/MVA (Most Valuable Actor):

This is without a doubt Rhys and Kai. Rhys is the hero of the episode and the character you feel for. He's the driving force of the story and Kai does a bang up job of being the bloke we can't help but care about. Rhys is silly and sweet and so the guy you'd want to come home to. Kai is adorable and has a charisma about him that translates and really and brings the character to life. I adore Kai and Rhys and I think he's the redeeming element of  an episode that I had such a hard time with.

Episode Grade:

C+
I don't want to be biased, I don't want to let my annoyance with Gwack and Gwen in general to unfairly grade this episode. I don't want the anxiety I share with Ianto to reflect negatively. But you know what? It's a blog. It's an opinion piece and I am biased! If the upsetting things are so big that I can't even remember the things I liked about the episode that's a flaw. So this episode get's a C. It's average. Some things were funny, the story of the space whale was sad a beautifully written and there's something to be said about an episode that can elicit such a strong reaction from fans. I just changed the C to a C+. It should also be noted that when I live-tweeted my reaction to this episode several people spoke out that this was not a favorite episode of theirs. Last time I heard such a strong distaste for an episode was Random Shoes. I love Catherine Tregenna she's written some great episodes for Torchwood but I just can't get past my displeasure with this one.

Tomorrow's Episode: Adam (Series 2, Episode 5). Remember, I'll be live tweeting my re-watch on the @BarrowmanDay twitter at 12:00am PST (US - West coast) and 8:00am GMT (UK). Hope you all can watch with me and chat.

That's it for today! Hope you enjoyed my run down. What did you all think of this episode? Did you notice anything new? What grade would you give it? xx

<3Dana

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17 days left and we're continuing on my countdown to Miracle Day, Torchwood re-watch! I'll be watching an episode a day and blogging bits and thoughts. With any luck this is going to read like an episode guide and commentary. Let's dive right in!

Episode: To The Last Man (Series 2 Episode 3)

Written By: Helen Raynor

Original Air Date: 30 January 2008

Sentence Sum-Up: A frozen World War I soldier is the key to preventing time from bleeding together, which would be bad.

Notable New Characters:

Tommy Brockless (Anthony Lewis) - A World War I soldier taken from 1918 by Torchwood and frozen so he can help save the future. He becomes romantically involved with Tosh but ultimately has to return to his time and his death.

Favorite Quote:

Tommy: (To Tosh) "We could go back to mine, but there's only room for one, and it's bloody freezing."

Never Noticed:

When they bring Tommy into the conference room Ianto passes out food and coffee and says, "Don't expect the best china". That's amazing, leave it to Ianto to apologize to company for the quality of the china. 

When Tosh and Tommy are outside he makes a comment about it being her choice to be in Torchwood. She says, " Yeah... I suppose it is." which I never really thought about, let alone the look on her face. We know at the time of this episode Tosh has been part of Torchwood for about 4 years. We know because Tommy is woken once a year and they've had 4 days together. Granted it could be more than 4 years, but definitely not 5. Why am I harping on this? Because in Fragments we learn Tosh is recruited from Jack out a UNIT prison and he offers to release her, if she works for him for 5 years. Fact is, it wasn't really her choice, not in the same way as the others. I think this was a very clever hint that I didn't pick up on the first however many viewings. Yesterday I said I don't think they quite sussed out everyone's backstories before Fragments but I think they did know Tosh's at this point.

When Tosh and Tommy are in the pub at one point he reaches for his head and winces. When Tosh inquires he says he 'felt something'. I guess the idea is either he could feel the time seeping through or because time was slipping through he was getting his frozen memories back? I'm not entirely sure, but at any rate I never noticed it.

WTF Moments:

The whole end goal of this episode is to prevent a time shift because as Jack says "Two different times should never exist simultaneously." I am confused by this and here's why. Remember in Captain Jack Harkness what was going on in the dance hall?  Jack called it " a simple temporal shift". Ummm, am I missing something? Isn't that the same thing? Why was that charming and not a big deal when this one was world ending? Anyone?

Gwen makes an off hand remark about more frozen soldiers. It annoys me. She really can't help but come off as the most available person ever? Rhys who? Who cares? Clearly not Gwen. It was a quick moment but it hit a nerve.

Jack's explanation as to why Tommy is fine in the present but shell-shocked in the past. He says, "When Torchwood took him and froze him, they froze his most recent memories. When he returns to 1918, he'll revert back to who he was." What? Is this one of those things I am just supposed to accept because it's Sci-Fi? I should just trust them? I don't get it. How does freezing someone also freeze their most recent memories? Or was it a different process? And if it was how did they do it? And if they had that technology why don't they just keep him that way? Or cure all people who could benefit from frozen memories. While their at it how about using Retcon for good and curing trauma victims. I don't know this sounds iffy at best.

On a similar note, cool that Owen had a brilliant plan at the end but it went straight over my head. What did he do to Tosh and how did it make her astral project into the past? I'm not a very god Sci-Fi fan am I? Ok fine, I'll get back in line. Here I go, smiling and nodding. Yes of course that's not only plausible it's likely. Yes, clever Torchwood.

Random Rants:

Jack Harkness is a sexy character. Part of what makes him sexy is the physical attractiveness of John Barrowman, we all agree so far? John is very handsome with lots of lovely features but if I'm being honest the thing I find most physically stunning about him...

He has nice hands!! I know, I know, we learned in Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang that some fetishes should be kept to ourselves. But am I wrong? I'm going to stop this rant now.

It's great seeing the new tone Tosh and Owen's relationship has taken. I think ever since Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang Owen is starting to notice her and is feeling very protective of her. There's the great scene with Owen comforting her, expressing his concern about Tosh getting attached to Tommy as he did Diane. It's all very sweet and Owen is being redeemed in the eyes of the Owen-haters. Not that I count myself as one. I just hope people pick up on the fact that he, and their relationship has grown this series.

Jack and Ianto in this episode. So many fabulous moments, so many candid conversations that show us that what they have is more that a basic attraction between them. We get of course the famous kiss scene and we get to see Ianto taking charge. Ianto takes a lot of chances this episode and he's the one to initiate the kiss. I love seeing this side of their relationship rather than letcherous boss and his employee, the prey. What a lot of people don't notice about their relationship is Ianto hols his own. He's not simply the courted and he's not afraid to challenge Jack. Great job of showing that here.

MVC (Most Valuable Character):

Tommy gets it this episode. Aside from the fact that he saves the world, making him pretty valuable, he's just a lovely character. He's sweet and charming and not hard on the eyes. He's got a couple of funny moments but you know there is more to him. In one episode we fall in love with him and the idea of him and Tosh. Anthony's portrayal was very honest. He's the center of the episode and he's a big part of the reason it's so great.

MVA (Most Valuable Actor):

While Anthony was certainly a key player and a fine performer I think the slight edge goes to Naoko as Tosh. The poor girl just keeps getting her heart stomped on and Naoko does a bang up job of being tragic without seeming pathetic. Tosh remains hopeful even though she's not had the best of luck in affairs of the heart. Perhaps most impressive is the love we feel from her. I noted how great it was that we managed to fall for Tommy and the pair in one episode but Naoko had to make us believe it. She had to fall in love in no time and go through this emotional character journey. AND she had to do it out of order, they filmed this episode all out of turn. Naoko really brought her A-game, she gave us emotion without ever being over-the-top and we find we love Tosh more than we ever did. Also worth noting that she looked beautiful the whole episode, even more so that usual. Well done all around.

Episode Grade:

A+
I realize I am assigning an A+ each episode willy-nilly this series but it's just been that good! I am not  just giving all episodes top ratings because some are better than others, but series 2 so far has been PERFECTION. I think the show has really hit it's stride, maybe the best series of the 3 to date. This episode is love and heartbreak, sacrifice and triumph, taking chances and losing, it's just beautifully written and acted. I loved every minutes.

Tomorrow's Episode: Meat (Series 2, Episode 4). Remember I'll be live tweeting my re-watch on the @BarrowmanDay twitter at 12:00am PST (US - West coast) and 8:00am GMT (UK). Hope you all can watch with me and chat.

That's it for today! Hope you enjoyed my run down. What did you all think of this episode? Did you notice anything new? What grade would you give it? xx

<3Dana

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It's Tuesday. That means it's time for the Torchwood this week wrap up. Below are this weeks offerings:

*WARNING - As the premier gets closer it's getting harder and harder to avoid spoilers. Lots of reviewers have seen 1-3 episodes and this week was the BFI premier screening and panel of the first episode. Some of the following could contain SPOILERS, generally they try to warn you in the title or from the start.*

INTERVIEWS/ARTICLES:

STARZ TO FEATURE ‘TORCHWOOD’ AND ‘SPARTACUS’ AT 2011 COMIC-CON ON FRIDAY, JULY 22ND  

Starz updated their Torchwood: Miracle Day page with Downloads - Countdown Widget, Wallpapers, Avatars.

BBC updated their Torchwood: Miracle Day page, or shall I say, they now have one.

Canadian Date Announced - The Immortal Captain Is Back! SPACE Announces the Premiere of Sci-Fi Thriller
John Barrowman Promises New ‘Torchwood’ Will Still Have ‘Plenty of Man-Love’

'Torchwood won't abandon Welsh roots, says Russell T Davies

Next Torchwood season will be sexiest yet, John Barrowman vows

Torchwood: Miracle Day – Episode One Spoiler Free Review

'Torchwood: Miracle Day': Starz Announces New Interactive Motion Comic
Torchwood: Miracle Day episode 1 spoiler-free review: The New World

STARZ Torchwood Miracle Day - Torchwood Is The Key (VIDEO) 

Torchwood stars and writer 'proud' of new series (VIDEO)

Torchwood: Miracle Day - preview and Q&A at the BFI

Comic-Con 2011: Torchwood: Miracle Day Coverage and Panel

 Why Torchwood Still Rules Television

'True Blood,' 'Torchwood,' 'The Closer,' 'The Killing': Find out what's next in the Spoiler Room

New 'Torchwood' Means New Viewers

Torchwood: Miracle Day: US Air Date Before UK Premiere

'Torchwood: Miracle Day': Immortality Means a Whole New Set of Problems

PICTURES:

*There are A LOT of pictures popping up from the BFI screening and panel, this is just a few of them, some official sources some from fans.*

Torchwood MD preview  

JB doing interview at BFI.

Here's one from the TW:MD Q&A pannel

Nice one of JB from the Q&A :D

John Barrowman and Eve Myles are in the building

Pictures from the Torchwood: Miracle Day screening

TORCHWOOD MIRACLE DAY: Photos From First Three Episodes

Barrowman and Pullman arrive at the #Torchwood press launch.

John Barrowman and Eve Myles speak to the press before a special preview of Torchwood: Miracle Day Episode 1

From the BFI

From the BFI 2

Last one from the BFI

The Q & A panel - Torchwood screening...John Barrowman, Eve Myles, James Rampton (int), Russell T Davies, Bill Pulman

JB

John Barrowman at BFI Torchwood: Miracle Day screening

VIDEOS:

post Torchwood screening dinner!! (John and Gavin funny moment)

STARZ Torchwood Miracle Day - Torchwood Is The Key (VIDEO) 

Torchwood stars and writer 'proud' of new series (VIDEO)

REMINDERS:

Starz Studios: Torchwood: Miracle Day New special from Starz first airing Friday, click link for details.

That's it for this week! If you've seen more feel free to post links in the comments below, to tweet them at us @BarrowmanDay or send us an email at [email protected]. As always, we're not claiming any ownership of the content. Did I miss anything? xx

<3Dana

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18 days left and we're continuing on my countdown to Miracle Day, Torchwood re-watch! I'll be watching an episode a day and blogging bits and thoughts. With any luck this is going to read like an episode guide and commentary. Let's dive right in!

Episode: Sleeper (Series 2 Episode 2)

Written By: James Moran (Follow him on twitter @jamesmoran)

Original Air Date: 23 January 2008

Sentence Sum-Up:  While investigating suspicious circumstances surrounding a home invasion, team Torchwood discovers a group of alien sleeper agents on earth.

Notable New Characters:

Beth Halloran  (Nikki Amuka-Bird) :Alien sleeper agent previously unaware of her non-human status. Has a husband named Mike. She's clinging to her humanity and it's not going well.

Favorite Quote:

Ianto: "Just us, in this room, as long as it takes...terrifying"
Jack: "Really?"
Ianto: "Absolutely, shivers down my spine."
Jack: "You don't look scared..."
Ianto: "it…passed"
Jack: *growl*

Never Noticed:

This episode is full of great moments. I've said it before and I'll just keep on it, it's brilliant, one of the best of the series. Every other line is my new favorite quote and every time I watch I pick up on little things that can easily go unnoticed. I've watched it enough times and I thought I noticed it all but there were at least two exchanges I never noticed. One almost directly follows the other.

First there is a brief tiff between Jack and Tosh. If you've been keeping up with these blog you'll know this time around watching Torchwood I am obsessed with their friendship so I am dissecting every encounter. When they return from stopping the would-be nuclear incident we see Tosh leaving Jack's office, it's a blink and you miss it moment. She says in her best impersonation of a bitch "I'll do it but I'm not happy." Jack responds with a snooty "Just do what you have to." NO IDEA what the context of that was but the best part as with many of these quick bits is the expressions from the actors. Bitchy Tosh and snooty Jack follow:

Then there is a dialogue told entirely in facial expressions between Jack and Ianto. Goes a little something like this:

This scene and countless like it make me wish had the whole episode in screen-grab form. The actors really pulled out all the stops with instances like this. I wonder how much of it was planned. Do you think James Moran wrote in his script, "Ianto shoots Jack a glare making it clear he's not getting any tonight" and "Jack is oblivious and then sad". I really hope so. Man I'd love to see that script.

WTF Moments:

When Owen is examining Beth she says she's never been to the Doctor. On first viewing and to this day that has bothered me. Not because she's never wondered about her perfect health, I can deal with that. What bugged me was that most people get yearly physicals, so she would've been to the Doctor. Of course during our live re-watch I tweeted this hang up and someone was kind enough to set me straight. While yearly physicals are common practice in the United States, where I live, it seems that's not the case in the UK. Fine, I concede.

When they put Beth in the cell Gwen is reassuring her that they mean her no harm and that they only kill aliens as a last resort "kill or be killed" she says. Where was that policy in Greeks Bearing Gifts when Jack killed Mary? That was hardly a "kill or be killed" scenario. You're a liar Gwen Cooper. That or she's still very deluded as to how Torchwood works. The rules are constantly in flux and sometimes there is no right  choice.

I am still bothered by Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang and the fact that they let John just go on his merry way instead of detaining him. Why was Jack so OK letting him loose on the world but so vehement about about keeping Beth under lock and key? I mean, I get that she's a more immediate threat and that John will hopefully stay away, but Jack is inconsistent. I guess he has to choose his battles.

The next two are not specific to this episode but got my attention at this particular time. They're more things that peeve me than WTF moments.

Am I the only one bothered by the fact Jack wears his Vortex Manipulator and a watch? You'd think since the VM can do, pretty much anything, it would have a time function. I suppose it's possible it doesn't or that he wears the watch for fashion rather than function, but, it's curious.

Gwen and Ianto. Fans of the show, especially those that deem themselves team Gwack or team Janto have perpetuated a rivalry between Gwen and Ianto. The supposed love triangle they are in "fighting" for Jack's love is so wildly exaggerated. Watch the show, their friends, they care about each other. I actually think they are an interesting pair and I hate that this conflict has been created. I was nearly convinced myself, thank golly for the re-watch. (PS I am team Janto, as if you didn't know).

MVC (Most Valuable Character)/MVA (Most Valuable Actor):

It's a joint category tonight because I absolutely cannot get over the brilliance of Ianto in this episode and that is greatly due to the genius work of Gareth throughout. If there was an award for second best facial expressions by an actor ,and why wouldn't there be, he'd get it (second of course to Harrison Ford, no one can touch that). Every single time the camera is on Ianto he's stealing the scene, even if he's not the focus. I think that has a lot to do with the subtle touches in Gareth's acting and the fact he's a very physical actor. Plus his comedic timing is perfect. Funny Ianto is not something we see every episode but his lines are expertly crafted by the mad genius James Moran. I think this is the best anyone wrote Ianto through every series of Torchwood. I also think James Moran must have a character crush on Ianto because he sure did showcase him. Not that I blame him. If Chris Chibnall is my favorite regular writer on the show, James Moran is my favorite guest writer. This is a stunning, very clever episode.

Episode Grade:

A+
Despite it having a disturbing point of focus and villains, this episode is amongst my favorites. But I think it's highly underrated. Rarely do I hear it named along-side popular episodes and that's a shame. It's definitely the episode you love more with each viewing. That was certainly the case for me. I was genuinely moved by Beth's struggle and at the same time laughing at all of Ianto's inappropriately timed comments. There is something seriously twisted about this episode, and I suspect, James Moran. I mean that 100% as a compliment. This episode is the Mary Poppins of Torchwood, practically perfect in every way.

Tomorrow's Episode: To The Last Man (Series 2, Episode 3). Remember I'll be live tweeting my re-watch on the @BarrowmanDay twitter at 12:00am PST (US - West coast) and 8:00am GMT (UK). Hope you all can watch with me and chat.

That's it for today! Hope you enjoyed my run down. What did you all think of this episode? Did you notice anything new? What grade would you give it? xx

<3Dana

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19 days left and we're continuing on my countdown to Miracle Day, Torchwood re-watch! I'll be watching an episode a day and blogging bits and thoughts. With any luck this is gonna read like an episode guide and commentary. Let's dive right in!

Episode: Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang (Series 2 Episode 1)

Written By: Chris Chibnall

Original Air Date: 16 January 2008

Sentence Sum-Up: Jack returns after his absence and a man from his past comes around causing trouble.

Notable New Characters:

Captain John Hart (James Marsters): Jack's former partner and lover from when he was in the Time Agency. He comes to town causing trouble and carrying a secret. He's a lot like Doctor Who Jack was, a shameless flirt, but a lot more evil.

Favorite Quote:

Jack: "How are you, Ianto?"
Ianto: "All the better for having you back, sir."
Jack: "Can we maybe drop the "sir" now? I mean while I was away I was thinking. Maybe we could... when this is all done... dinner, a movie…"
Ianto: "Are you asking me out on a date?"
Jack: "Interested?"
Ianto: "Huh, well. As long as it's not in an office. Some fetishes should be kept to yourself."

Never Noticed:

I think I have watched this episode 1 million times. I've probably watched it more than any other episode. I don't think a never noticed section is appropriate here. I have this thing I like to do when I re-watch Torchwood. I pick one character and I watch them the whole episode, even when they are not talking I look at what they are doing. That's a great way to catch brilliant moments and see things you haven't before. I've done that for this episode, for each character, several times. Last night was Ianto but unintentionally, I really was trying to pay attention to the whole cast but my eyes kept drifting. My point, I noticed it all before.

WTF Moments:

The difference between Gwen in Series 1 and 2. I know that time has passed, I think they general consensus is 3 months? But talk about a transformation. From one episode to the next she went to this whiny brat who is insanely self-centered making a mistake every other episode to a competent leader. Don't get me wrong I am thrilled about it, I really found her almost entirely inoffensive this episode but it does seem sudden. Part of that I'm sure is to do with the fact I am watching an episode a day and part of it is probably intentional. We've been away for a season and so has Jack. He comes back and things have changed since he's been gone. I think he was supposed to be surprised with how well they coped and so were we.  I was. That being said I still get cheating ho vibe from her and I still get the feeling she's acting with her heart instead of her brain, which we've seen gets her in trouble. And she really shouldn't have let John get behind her. I rolled my eyes at that.

Jack makes me want to yell! At the start of the episode he looks square at Ianto and tells him he came back for him (don't argue this point, that's what happened, watch again if you disagree). Then he says the same thing to Gwen! Then he asks Ianto out and makes it seem like he wanted them both I am so confused! I refuse to think that Ianto is his second choice. I hate when people say that. Regardless of feelings he may have for Gwen he perused Ianto when he could have easily had Gwen. He said he came back for Ianto before that scene with Gwen. This just makes me all confused inside. I think we're supposed to feel the conflict but it makes me sad. Ianto is amazing, easy decision here.

After he's handled the team John heads back to the Hub and steals the triangle thingy off of the dead blowfish. Why was it still there? Team Torchwood seems to have an ongoing problem leaving things behind. Wouldn't they have searched the body? Shouldn't that weird metal thing have been archived by now? I don't know that seems like a slip up.

Gwen punches people a lot. Maybe she should consider anger management? She's very violent isn't she? In this episode alone she shoves Jack and then slugs John. And that scene we've all seen from Miracle Day literally the first thing we see of her is her punching someone. Gwen likes to talk with her fist.

Why did they let John go? He's killed people and tried to kill everyone on the team. He's a generally not good guy with no remorse. He's almost certainly going to harm people again. So why did they not detain him? I mean isn't that what they do with evil aliens? It seemed weird that they just let him go. I guess Jack was thinking he's better off being someone elses problem but why trust him to stay away? Bad call Jack. I get that he was emotional for a lot of reasons but letting him go is part of the reason he was free to cause havoc the second time around. Even though, well, you know.

Random Rants:

Jack/John/Ianto is the best thing ever. The not actual love triangle was a genius genius move. John and Jack are hysterical together and they play off each other so well. The reactions it get's out of Ianto are priceless. The moments between John and Ianto and Jack and Ianto are so well done. The three of them together are perfect, well scripted, well acted and endlessly interesting. There's a lot of fanfic to come out of this one episode and those three characters. Love them.

MVC (Most Valuable Character):

John Hart. John played by the incomparable James Marsters is such an asset to the cast. The character was written with him in mind and very much caters to his specific brand of charm and cheek. The questions the character's presence brings up and the reaction everyone has to him are great. He's the star of this episode.

MVA (Most Valuable Actor):

After watching this time I had trouble choosing. My first inclination was to say Gareth because even though I was trying to pay attention to everyone he kept grabbing my attention. Then I thought James because it really is a John episode and he's so great as John and that deserves to be noticed. I briefly considered John but as far as this episode I think he's just a little outshone by Gareth and James. Then I thought maybe I'd just have it shared by the three of them but that seemed like a cop out. So I decided to go with my first thought. I'm going to say Gareth because in every single scene he's doing something worth watching. He's hilarious in this episode and had some tender times as well. I literally couldn't take my eyes off of him. Also, because he gave us my favorite thing in this whole episode, orgy consideration face. It happened. Here it is:

If you don't remember this watch the last scene with John in the Hub again. They zoom in on him and it's hysterical. Gareth gets it for the sheer brilliance of his face throughout. Don't even get me started on the patent Ianto eye roll.

Episode Grade:

A+
This episode is practically perfect in every way. I say practically because there is that painful to watch Jack and Gwen moment that I prefer to forget. Despite all that it's one of my favorite episodes and I can't stop watching it. Chris Chibnall continues to be my favorite Torchwood writer (Miracle Day excluded). This episode had just the right amounts of angst and humor. And the office scene is a classic. I don't know one fan who doesn't list this amongst their favorite episodes.

Tomorrow's Episode: Sleeper (Series 2, Episode 2 ). Remember I'll be live tweeting my re-watch on the @BarrowmanDay twitter at 12:00am PST (US - West coast) and 8:00am GMT (UK). Hope you all can watch with me and chat.

That's it for today! Hope you enjoyed my run down. What did you all think of this episode? Did you notice anything new? What grade would you give it? xx

<3Dana

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Dear Torchwood Fans,

I know a lot of you are excited to be going to see the BFI screening and panel tomorrow. While I am deeply jealous and have plotted all you murders, I am also happy for you, that's great! It's a very cool event and I have a lot of friends who are going. By all means have fun and I'd love to see pictures from the panel or hear about John and the cast. But please, for those who are not going who have yet to pop our Torchwood: Miracle Day cherries please be careful of posting spoilers.

I know if I was going I'd want to shout about it and tweet every exciting moment. But I would resist and so should you! Twitter is a great place to chat with Torchwood fans and if you know about me and Mickie and this site that's our favorite thing to do. We're all about fans getting together and sharing their love and excitement. But twitter is also dangerous. I live in the US so I almost always have a delay between UK broadcasts and when I get to see things. Once a week while Doctor Who is on I have to avoid the internet as a whole until it makes it's way over here. And I know there are fans otherwise outside the UK with similar struggles.

It's a fact that Torchwood: Miracle Day will not be shown at the same time or even the same day at most places. No matter who gets it first I hope they can be thoughtful of the fans who haven't seen it yet and keep their review tweets to a vague "that was amazing" or "gee John Barrowman looks good in a suit".

With this screening happening it's even more tricky because a number of UK fans will be seeing the first episode  a whole 18 days before it's on TV in the US. I am writing this blog to beg you, formally, to not reveal any plot details. As a rule I hate spoilers though I have indulged on the rare occasion. But I also know a lot of people who LIVE for spoilers who will be begging for full details of the first episode. Can I suggest a compromise?

On things like Twitter and Facebook where you can accidentally read something you don't want to know, refrain from spoilers. Then if you want to shout out about how great it is or spill the details post all about it on something like a blog, LiveJournal, even a Facebook note. Something that you have to click into to see and something clearly marked with spoilers. That way those who want to know can click and others won't have the details of the first episode revealed to them.

I really don't want to have to avoid the internet for 2 1/2 weeks or have anyone else have to during their wait depending on where they live. In a perfect world we would all get to watch Torchwood: Miracle Day  on the same day and time and get to talk about it with everyone but it's not a perfect world, there are delays, please respect that issue. xx

<3Dana

20 days left and we're continuing on my countdown to Miracle Day, Torchwood re-watch! I'll be watching an episode a day and blogging bits and thoughts. With any luck this is gonna read like an episode guide and commentary. Let's dive right in!

Episode: End of Days (Series 1 Episode 13)

Written By: Chris Chibnall (Who I think I've decided is officially my favorite Torchwood writer. TW:MD obviously not included.)

Original Air Date: 1 January 2007

Sentence Sum Up: The Rift goes crazy because Owen opened it and the team is manipulated into making it worse by opening the Rift again.

Notable New Characters:

Abaddon (I don't think there is an actor that large, probably computer generated.): Demon that is released from his prison beneath the Rift. Anyone caught in his shadow dies immediately. For more on Abaddon read The Twilight Streets Torchwood novel by Gary Russell , great book.

Favorite Quote:

Ianto: (Reading from a book) "Abaddon, the great devourer, who will lead the world into shadow..."
Jack: "Yeah, thanks, Ianto. I can do without the superstition. You people love any story that denies the randomness of existence."
Ianto: "Thanks, that makes me feel a lot better."

Never Noticed:

There's a part where Jack is checking over a body. He scans the body with a long metal instrument with a green light at the tip. It looks and sounds a lot like a sonic screwdriver. I wonder what it actually it, I bet it's sonic...

WTF Moments:

These characters all seem to have odd mood swings. Granted we don't know the time-lapse between last episode and this one but I'm assuming it's not too long. The idea is this episode is the fall-out of decisions of the last so it should be pretty immediate really. Why is Gwen OK now? Last episode she was guilt ridden and devastated and drugging her boyfriend. Why does she seem perfectly normal now? Maybe I just need to be better and noticing when someone is putting on a brave face because I had this same problem with Owen last episode. Either way it was a bit weird. I know she went back to loopy-land soon enough but it was sort of jarring.

Do we ever understand why Billis can do what he can do? I feel like it was covered somewhere and I'm just not remembering. I know it's not relevant to the episode and I'm fine just accepting it but, anyone know?

I love Fragments I think it's a brilliant episode. If you haven't seen it yet look forward to it it's wonderful. The problem with Fragments is on re-watch it makes me see a lot of moments differently and it makes me question things. I think when the show started and as it progressed RTD had various levels of details in his mind for the back-stories of each character. By the time he got to Fragments he had it all sussed out but I think on more than one occasion we can see something that seemingly conflicts with those later decided origins.

Why I am bringing this up is because of the bits in this episode with everyone seeing who they loved, who could manipulate them into opening the Rift. While the argument could be made that Owen loved Diane (you know how on the fence I am there) he definitely loved Katie. Do you really think if everyone is seeing the one person to convince them to do the worst Owen would see Diane over Katie? I know the Diane thing was more fresh in this mind but the Katie thing is a huge part of what makes Owen Owen. It's what made him so bitter towards the world, it's what made him give up on love and it's a crucial part of his character. I am not blaming this issue of the episode writer because I think this is RTD's oversight. I think he didn't yet figure out why Owen was the way he was and so Diane was the go to person. It's not a big deal. I know. Understand that I love Torchwood almost all these episodes are none-stop genius, this section really is just to nitpick so we can think it all through.

Why did Gwen kissing Jack bring him back? Explain it to me. I am trying to figure it out and I don't know. This brings us back to Cyberwoman when Jack more or less kisses Ianto back to life. The popular theory there is that Jack transferred some of his life force via kiss. And I suppose it could be the same thing with Gwen and Jack but it's not like she has a particularly powerful life force is it? Watching it this time around I started to think of Doctor Who. Remember the episode where Rose brings the Dalek back by touching it? I mean I know they were touching him before, but it's a different kind of touch. Maybe it's like that? I really don't know, it's sort of a question mark. Does anyone have theories?

Small curiosity. Why did the team leave to go get coffee at the end? Was the coffee machine a victim of the end of the world shenanigans? Also, why did so many go? Hardly seems like a 3 person job and wouldn't they want to stay with Jack who was just more dead than they've ever seen him? Maybe they thought he needed time alone. I guess we'll go with that.

One more giant WTF. And this one is fully directed towards RTD. He was at this time running both Doctor Who and Torchwood he had ultimate control so it irks me when things do not line up. Continuity should be easy as pie and even little slips ups should be avoided. THIS IS NOT A LITTLE SLIP UP! I have heard explanations as to why this isn't a mess up but I don't buy it. At the end of End of Days the TARDIS appears in the Hub. We don't see it but we hear it and we see papers flying around. Then at the beginning of Utopia (in Doctor Who) we see the same event but the TARDIS appears on the Plass above the Hub. It's inconsistent. It just is. Watch for yourself.

Random Rants:

As an obsessive Janto fan I love this episode. I love the way in every episode he writes Chris Chibnall pays special attention to them and gives them great moments even if they're not always big moments. Let's go over just a couple moments.  When the team turns against Jack. Owen goes off and Jack turns to Ianto. Jack: "Make sure you stop him" Ianto: "No." That moment had my jaw on the floor. Holy crap. And the look on Jack's face he never expected Ianto would side against him. He knows Ianto would challenge him but never turn against him. It was an emotional slap in the face. When Jack goes off on the team and is calling them all out  he condemns Ianto for the events of Cyberwoman but then he tries to tell him that he shouldn't trust the others. He's actually still looking out for him even though he's so angry. Then when Owen shoots Jack, Ianto falls to the floor beside him horrified. He pushes those feelings aside trying to remain on task but the look had me gutted. Later the team is in the streets and Abaddon descends. In that moment Jack grabs onto Ianto. He sure does. When Jack dies again and the team is in the morgue Ianto is silent and crushed, the look is absolute agony. Not to mention that lovely moment with him cuddling Jack's coat when he thinks he's gone for good. There are so many little moments, silent moments that are really telling of how much they mean to each other. Lastly, who could forget the magic moment when Jack comes back and they have the adorable kiss of adorableness. Lets all pretend we've forgotten, so I have an excuse to post the video, deal?

MVC (Most Valuable Character):

You know I don't actually have one. I think this episode was very equal. All the characters had great moments and I really wouldn't know how to choose a standout. This is going to be like the award for best ensemble, but with characters. Go with it.

MVA (Most Valuable Actor):

This one I can choose. Eve Myles for sure. She had a lot of really tough scenes. She had breakdowns and moments of rage and she even successfully pretended to hate Jack! She was outstanding, in every moment. Of course Gwen I have less that positive feelings for but Eve nailed it. The way she clinged to Rhys, all those moments she really made me believe that Gwen loves him. Even if she's a skanky cheater. Gwen, not Eve. She had more than one great scene with John as well, great pair work. Eve is insanely talented. Fact.

Episode Grade:

A
I'm giving it an A and not an A+ even though it's an incredible episode. The fact of the matter is this episode is amazing but it is just a little less amazing that my favorites. It's not the episode I watch over and over again. It's just missing that intangible something that would've awarded it the +. But it's a hell of a season closer. So much happening, so intense and what a depressing ending! I can't imagine what it was like watching live, seeing Jack take off and not knowing what's going to happen to Torchwood the whole time between series. I would have gone mad. Great cliffhanger.

Tomorrow's Episode: Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang (Series 2, Episode 1). Remember I'll be live tweeting my re-watch on the @BarrowmanDay twitter at 12:00am PST (US - West coast) and 8:00am GMT (UK). Hope you all can watch with me and chat.

That's it for today! Hope you enjoyed my run down. What did you all think of this episode? Did you notice anything new? What grade would you give it? xx

<3Dana

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21 days left and we're continuing on my countdown to Miracle Day, Torchwood re-watch! I'll be watching an episode a day and blogging bits and thoughts. With any luck this is gonna read like an episode guide and commentary. Let's dive right in!

Episode: Captain Jack Harkness  (Series 1 Episode 12)

Written By: Catherine Tregenna (Who also wrote Out of Time)

Original Air Date: 1 January 2007

Sentence Sum-Up: Jack and Tosh get trapped in 1941 where they meet the real Captain Jack Harkness.

Notable New Characters:

Captain Jack Harkness, Real (Matt Rippy): RAF Captian who has one more day to live in 1941. The chap whose name our Jack stole. We didn't expect him to be so hot.

*To avoid confusion we're gonna refer to our Jack as Jack and the Real Captain Jack Harkness as Captain Harkness from now on. And yes I stole that from Wikipedia*

Bilis Manger (Murray Melvin): Caretaker of a dance hall from the 40s. He can travel through time. He causes a lot of trouble in this episode and the next. Wears a cravat.

Favorite Quote:

Tosh: "I'm not used to writing with these things!"
Jack: "Don't press so hard."

Never Noticed:

Jack is wearing his dress shoes out for when they get trapped in the dance hall. Not his boots as he usually does. I s'pose he could have put them on because he was going to a dance hall. Doesn't really bother me.

When the alarms go off at the hall and Jack finds Tosh they grab each others hands and it's adorable. I have such a friendship crush on them. My favorite thing about this episode is it's a fully Jack and Tosh episode, what a great team. Oh and Jack being so protective of Tosh. Just love. So much love for them together.

As the episode progressed Ianto comes apart more and more. Obviously the panic sets in, the idea they might not get Tosh and Jack back and he's dealing with an irrational Owen. But I love that he also starts to show it in his wardrobe. He starts off with his dress shirt and waistcoat pristine. Then he rolls up his sleeves. Then his waistcoat is undone. It's so subtle and they never show him doing it it's wonderful. What a lovely touch.

WTF Moments:

I am confused by Jack. Jack starts the episode on the same page as Tosh. They are trying to send the equations to the Hub so that the rest of the team can open the rift and bring them back. But at the end of the episode Owen brings them back and Jack is furious that Owen opened it. In the next episode he goes off on him and says that they are never to open the rift ever but it seems like he contradicting himself. Some people suggest he's upset because he did it when the equations weren't complete but that doesn't seem to be his point. Jack is wishy washy on this point and it irks me at least a little.

Magic finding powers. Every time I watch this episode I wonder about why Gwen can find every clue Tosh left her and Owen can find the piece to make the rift manipulator work. I don't get it. It all seems too easy, why would either have thought to look in those places. I know it's not a hugely important point but it bugs me.

I talked in my They Keep Killing Suzie blog about this but Jack and Ianto's relationship confuses me. I love them, you all know by now I am team Janto but there is a lot to be desired with what is shown on screen. No, I am not just being a perv and demanding sex scenes but we seem to miss a lot of steps in their relationship and a lot of times what we miss makes it all seem out of order. It leaves things wide open for interpretation but it makes it hard to know if I should be upset or not. On the one hand we have Ianto in the Hub, who clearly is invested in Jack and is talking like something is going on. AND THEN we have Jack in 1941 who when asked if he has a girlfriend says "No, there's no one". NO ONE!? IANTO IS NO ONE!? And it's not like he was being vague or iffy, he wasn't saying he didn't have a girlfriend, he specified NO ONE.  I wonder what Jack is getting at! Is he just lying because he wants a shot with himself? I just don't know how to interpret this. It makes me sad and the whole thing wreaks of Jack leaving Ianto pining and cheating. I wish we had a proper explanation of the order of events between Jack and Ianto, Someone make an official time-line and fill in the blanks. RTD I'm looking at you!!

Random Rants:

When Jack is in the dance hall he specifically turns down a drink and says he'll just have water. We hardly ever see him drinking alcohol and it's almost always when he's really upset. It's accepted amongst fans that Jack hardly ever drinks and a lot of people have guessed as to why. Someone mentioned that there was an official account in a novel or something of that sort that said his FPP (Fixed Point Predicament) made it so alcohol doesn't effect him. If that's the case OK but why would he do it sometimes then? He seems to do it when he's down like others do, to try to numb the pain, which seems to imply he can be effected. I really don't understand the specifics. I don't know that there is a perfect explanation.

MVC (Most Valuable Character):

Ianto. Holy hell does Ianto step it up this episode! He takes charge of the situation and even though we see him falling apart he doesn't let the situation get away from him. He guides Gwen, he puts Owen in his place and he doesn't back down. He remains rational despite what he might want and he keeps true to his principles to the point where he shoots Owen to try to keep things together. Ianto handles business this episode.

MVA (Most Valuable Actor):

Of course Jack was a huge part of this episode and a big part of the story it tells. We find out more about Jack in this episode both factually and emotionally in this one episode that we have in all of Doctor Who and Torchwood to date. It is without a doubt a Jack episode and I don't mean to demean the characters contribution by giving the last category to Ianto but it felt right. That being said John is the outstanding actor in this. It's a great job by Burn, Gareth, Naoko and Matt as well, everyone was spot on and really I struggle choosing standouts every episode. This episode John Barrowman stole the show, absolutely without a doubt. He so suits the time period and the subtext of this story. Every single moment he's on screen you are effected, every line he delivers every look he gives you feel something. Most of the time you're heart is breaking for him and at times you are elated for him and what it's like for him being back in that time. You fall in 'love' with him. You feel every moment of Jack's journey. John Barrowman killed it. End.

This video. Best thing ever.

Episode Grade:

A+
You've heard my issues with this episode. They exist. This is not a perfect episode but it gets a perfect grade because despite any hangups I have it's is a beautiful episode with beautiful performances and I am weepy every watching. It's got something intangible that makes it perfect despite any flaws. It's perfect in it's own way. I love it. A+

Tomorrow's Episode: End of Days (Series 1, Episode 13). Remember, I'll be live tweeting my re-watch on the @BarrowmanDay twitter at 12:00am PST (US - West coast) and 8:00am GMT (UK). Hope you all can watch with me and chat.

That's it for today! Hope you enjoyed my run down. What did you all think of this episode? Did you notice anything new? What grade would you give it? xx

<3Dana

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