10 days left and we're continuing on my countdown to Miracle Day, Torchwood re-watch! ONLY 10 DAYS LEFT (in the US)!!! How did we get here?! Anyway,  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: From Out of the Rain (Series 2 Episode 10)

Written By: Peter J. Hammond

Original Air Date: 12 March 2008

Sentence Sum-Up: The "Night Travelers", a traveling company, escape from an old film reel and terrorize Cardiff stealing people's last breath.

Notable New Characters:

Ghostmaker (Julian Bleach): Head of the traveling show, not the nicest of people. Carries around a silver flask containing the last breath of his victims. Has a great mustache.

Pearl (Camilla Power): Member of the "Night Travelers" billed as the closest thing to an actual mermaid. She really likes water and sequins.

Favorite Quote:

Jack: "Ianto, you're with me. I need your local knowledge."
Gwen: "Oh, is that what you're calling it these days?"

Never Noticed:

The waitress, one of the Ghostmaker's victims, is wearing a flashy patterned sweater. I am about 80% sure it's a hand-me-down from Gwen's wardrobe in season one.

The nurse at the hospital mentions another patient of hers, a psychiatric case at "Providence Park". Ianto says he knows of the place. Pretty odd that I never caught that moment before especially because fans that like to fabricate Ianto's history (mostly via fanfic) often mention it as a place he knew from his childhood. The most common ideas being that his mother was institutionalized or he was. So I wonder is this fans reading too much into a simple, "I know it"? Do you guys think Ianto knows it because it's a tie to his past or do you think maybe he just knows it, cause he knows everything?

WTF Moments:

This episode is one of the rare instances we get to see Jack in his waistcoat and pocket watch look. It's a great look. I'm bringing it up because at one point Jack wants to know the time, so he pulls out his pocket watch and checks the time. Nothing wrong with that. What irks me slightly and I've touched on this before is why go for the pocket watch? He wears a normal watch. Also he has his Vortex Manipulator which can do prety much anything so I refuse to believe it doesn't have a time function. I guess I get it. When I wear a pocket watch I always check it instead of the clock on the wall or my cell phone. I think maybe it's just because it's fun to check your pocket watch. Still a bit silly.

When Ianto catches the Ghostmaker's flask, the last breaths start flying out before he catches it. When he gets it he puts it to his ear and determines that there is only one left. Listen, I am all for, 'Ianto is a super genius and he knows everything' but REALLY? He mentioned he heard the voice cry out to him, what if the other voices where just not feeling chatty? I don't know, seems a little too easy that he could just know.

Random Rants:

This episode marks the second time in as many episodes that Ianto has mentioned his father. The general consensus is that Ianto made up everything about his father because we know he made up at least some (the bit about him being a master tailor). But why assume that? He doesn't talk about him constantly so it's not like he's often romanticizing the notion of his father. Maybe the Electro really does mean something special to him because of memories with his Dad. It's assumed, again, because of one comment that Ianto had a very bad relationship with his Father and maybe he did. But what if, this was the one good memory he has? I don't think we should discount the possibility that Ianto had a genuine moment with his team-mates.

There is a scene with Jack and Ianto in hospital visiting one of the Ghostmaker's victims. He leans over the woman who is unconscious in bed to check if she's breathing. This scene is worth mentioning because every time I watched it, in fact since the first time I saw it I makes me giggle. I cannot help but think, that woman 'lady in bed' is one hell of an actress! How do you have John Barrowman leaning over you, lingering and not burst into a fit of nervous giggles? I couldn't do it. I wonder if it took a few takes...

MVC (Most Valuable Character):

I would have to say Ianto Jones. It is a particularly Ianto-centric episode. Well, not exactly. it's really cool because it's simultaneously about Jack and Ianto. Bits of both of their past coming together in the present. It was really cleverly plotted. My point, Ianto did sort of steal the show. The same way got to experience eager doe-eyed Jack in Captain Jack Harkness we get see a childlike Ianto in this episode. I love it. Plus, Ianto in that suit, talk about a 45 minute distraction, I think I may have missed half the dialogue!

MVA (Most Valuable Actor):

LADY IN BED!! She wins! Other than 'lady in bed'? Well then, let's say Gareth. For all the lovely moment we had with Ianto. He really went through a lot. He drudged up a lot of his past and had brilliant quiet moments supporting Jack. It's absolutely true that the hardest part of acting is reacting and Gareth does it wonderfully. He also had some very emotional moments towards the end. Ianto struggled with failing to save everyone and was on the verge of tears when one child lived. It was intense and beautiful and Gareth was almost as good as 'lady in bed'. Though to be fair he's also had experience getting...close...to John and keeping his cool. Maybe it's a tie.

Episode Grade:

A
I want to give this episode an A+ but I just can't. For the same reason as previous A grades, I cannot award an A+ to an episode that isn't a contender for my favorite. This episode really is phenomenal though. Check back to my WTF moments section, my only complaints were nitpicking and completely trivial. There is nothing negative that stands out and a lot of positive. This episode is a bit difference, a bit unlike what we're used to but I think it's genius. It sort of feels like one of the Torchwood novels, not darker, not sadder, but more detached? And really I mean that in a good way. I do love this episode. Well done.

Tomorrow's Episode: Adrift (Series 2, Episode 11). 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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11 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: Something Borrowed (Series 2 Episode 9)

Written By: Phil Ford

Original Air Date: March 5, 2008

Sentence Sum-Up: Gwen gets impregnated by an alien the night before her wedding to Rhys.

Notable New Characters:

Brenda Williams (Nerys Hughes ) - Rhys' Mum. Hates Gwen, as any future mother-in-law is expected to.

Banana Boat  (Jonathan Lewis Owen ) - Rhys' best man, fancies Tosh.

Favorite Quote:

Banana: "So do you fancy a little drink later?"
Tosh: "I'm sorry. I'm intolerant to vasoactive amines."
Banana: "Huh?"
Tosh: "Bananas make me vomit."

Never Noticed:

Nothing worth mentioning.

WTF Moments:

The night of Gwen's Bachelorette party she turns up to a gaggle of girls waiting with alcohol and a stripper. W.T. serious F. I get that the idea is Gwen has a normal life outside of Torchwood but this was too much. Issue 1 was that we've never heard thing one about any of these girls let alone seen them. No reason to think they would be at her party or that they even existed. She's not had time for Rhys since Torchwood, why would she be able to sustain relationships with her "friends". This scene should have been totally different. It should've been a sad statement about how Torchwood has changed her life in some ways. It should have been Gwen and Tosh, very uncomfortable and poor Tosh trying too hard. It should've been pathetic with Gwen and her one remaining girlfriend who she's not even particularly close to. If not, at the very least shouldn't Tosh have been invited to the big party? I am offended on her behalf for her invite that got lost in the post! And if it was a case of Tosh not wanting to go they could've mentioned it in a simple Gwen: "I'm heading off, you sure I can't persuade you to come?" Tosh: "Not really my thing". It was just silly.

And another thing about the instant-bridesmaids. Gwen convinces them she wasn't pregnant the night before? No. Just no. I don't care how drunk they were or how much they remember, this is just stupid. I do not buy it, stupid solution to this problem. No!

All the Gwack. Granted, most of the Gwack was fake out Gwack and not actually what they made it out to be. That's fine. I much prefer them faking us out to actually doing it. What I want to know is the writer's motivation in including those scenes. The way I see it, Phil either is really into Gwack or he really isn't. If he's really into Gwack he's giving us all these almost moments because he wants to support the viability of the couple. If he's conversely part of the GwackIsWhack club then he's doing it to give the Gwack crowd false hope…and then crush their spirits. I'm hoping it's the latter, because I like it when people cry. Not really. Maybe just a little.

This is a WTF coupled with a big thank you to Phil Ford who I am assuming included this moment of hilarity. Why is Ianto the DJ at Gwen's wedding? Is there a better answer than 'because'? Do I need one? Absolutely not. That image is permanently ingrained in the happy lobe of my brain. I wish it wasn't just a blur in the background but let's all take a moment to appreciate this quick bit of brilliance:

You guys! The headphones!! Stop it! I can't take it. It's too much. Please can we come up with Ianto's DJ name? Oh if only I were clever. I bet he has one in mind. Moving on...

Random Rants:

Before I begin this section, I would like to point out that today's Gwen bashing takes place in the 'Random Rants' section as opposed to the 'WTF Moments'. That alone is testament to two things: First: Her outrageous disregard for any concept of morality or consideration for others, particularly in the case of Rhys, has stopped surprising me and Second: I must hate her a little less if it's not in the fully negative category. Great let's get on with it, in a rant I like to call "Gwen why'd you do that? Oh, I guess you're not so bad."

Lets get the bashing out of the way. Gwen is a lose lipped whore and I cannot believe after everything she's put Rhys through she would have kissed Jack on their wedding day! Bad Gwen!  Ready to be surprised? That's all. I have nothing else negative to say about Gwen in this episode even if she's a bit on the self-centered side. I'll excuse her as she's getting married and impregnated by an alien baby. Happy wedding Gwen, you get a free pass!

How about what I loved about Gwen in this episode? I know it surprised me too! I love that she woke up the day of her wedding thrilled and seemingly in love with Rhys. I say seemingly cause Gwen still needs to rebuild my trust in her. I love that for the first time the attributes I generally find annoying about Gwen are appealing to me. Yes she's pushy and over-emotional but you know what? I'm on her side today! If she needs to get passionate about something at least it's finally something I feel like supporting. I love Gwen and Rhys and if all she wants to do is marry him, then I'm all for it. Know what else? I felt bad for her once or twice! Waking up in a panic and pregnant, trying to confess your secret life to your Dad who thinks you're crazy. She is genuinely going through some stuff. And while weaker women would have crumbled under the emotional strain our Gwen Cooper rose to the challenge.  I really had, I think, maybe, almost, positive feelings towards her!

But one more thing. When Jack gives them the option of Retcon at the end of the episode she turns him down saying, "There will be no secrets in this marriage". Now. I want to believe her, I want to think she's capable of acting like a human being with a conscience, but the past does concern me. I'm going to pay attention now, see how long it takes before we catch her in another lie. Any bets? And even if she is truthful from now on, is she really, given that she hasn't told Rhys about her past transgressions? Does telling him about Owen and then drugging him get her off the hook for that? I mean, she was honest right? No, I'm not buying it either. But it's fine, as I've said before, I want to like Gwen. I want to see everything that Russell T Davies see's in her. I adore Eve Myles and it would be great to not want to slap her character at every turn. I am keeping an open mind, I'm giving Gwen a second (or thousandth but whose counting) chance. If she can keep her slutty, lying ways at bay from here on out, maybe I'll forgive her in time for Miracle Day!

MVC (Most Valuable Character):

I'm going to say Rhys. Rhys who is the most adorable, wonderful, fabulous fiance and almost husband to Gwen shines in this episode. He's pitch perfect in his emotional outbursts. Love seeing him vocal about his anger as well as intensely protective of Gwen. Not to mention it is sexy on Kai Owen. Rhys steps it up in a big way, proving himself to be a competent provider for Gwen when she needs support or saving from aliens. He never signed up for any of this madness but he shines when the pressure is on. Rhys is a winner and Gwen needs to take notice.

MVA (Most Valuable Actor):

This episode it goes to the truly incomparable Eve Myles, for a number of reasons. First, because whenever I blatantly Gwen bash it's worth reminding that I adore Eve, she's absolutely brilliant and the fact that I can hate Gwen so much means she's very convincing in the role. Second, because she was really spectacular this entire story. She had a lot of story to work with a lot of emotions to get through and she pulled it off without a hitch. She is annoyingly wonderful at her craft. I have a talent crush on her. Well done Eve.

Episode Grade:

B+
I am knocking it shy of perfection because the implied Gwack makes me ill and because the bridesmaids from nowhere are really just too much. That being said, not a bad showing. I had a really hard time picking a favorite quote on this one because there were a lot of excellent moments. A great deal of funny slipped in with some solid drama. There was also a nice bit of horror to it without it keeping me up all night. A nice blend of all the things that make Torchwood the show we love. And on a final note, I love Phil Ford, he's just an incredible writer and a top notch gent. Phil Ford gets an A+.

Tomorrow's Episode: From Out of the Rain (Series 2, Episode 10). 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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12 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: A Day in the Death (Series 2 Episode 8)

Written By: Joseph Lidster

Original Air Date: 27 February 2008

Sentence Sum-Up: Owen finds a woman on a roof and they reflect on his life since his death.

Notable New Characters:

Maggie Hopley (Christine Bottomley): The woman on the roof. Considering killing herself. Sad story but really she's just a plot devise.

Henry Parker (Richard Briers): Old man who collects alien artifacts. Another plot devise in the telling of Owens life after his death.

Favorite Quote:

Owen: We all assume life's going to be shit, don't we? That it's all just darkness.
But you know what? Sometimes, it's not.

Never Noticed:

When Owen is sneaking into Henry's house and he's stopped by the guard they exchange words. The guard asks, "what are you" Owen responds "I'm wrong.". That's necessarily a nod to the Doctor calling Jack wrong in Utopia. I love the parallel between Jack and Owen and the way their relationship has changed since Owen's return.  I'm really glad it was Owen too. When they first planned to kill a team member and bring them back with the glove it was supposed to be Ianto. I think having it be Owen is a lot better because the dynamic between Jack and Owen is phenomenal. Owen is angry and cold as usual, but to the extreme. Everything that made Owen Owen with the added drama of his situation. Ianto similarly  would have gone on being Ianto, numb and sad and distancing himself. I think the story arch is better suited for Owen. And I like the way it forced Jack and Owen closer. Ianto and Jack are already close. this was the right choice.

WTF Moments:

None. This was a fully unobjectionable episode. I really didn't have a strong reaction to this episode overall. It's just sort of depressing.

Random Rants:

A while ago someone asked me about this episode. There's a part where Jack throws Owen a Tintin shirt and it's obvious there is significance in the gesture. This person said they've watched the episode a few times and couldn't figure it out. I said I didn't know and honestly it wasn't an episode I watched a lot but I'd look into it. First attempt was to google. That did absolutely nothing but I did read the entirely of the Wikipedia entry on Tintin. There is an awful lot to that character! I read through it a few times trying to figure out a connection between Tintin and Owen. If I squint really  hard there's one and it gave me a headache. My next plan of action was to re-watch the scene in question. That proved useless.

What I never did until today was watch the episode in it's entirely. You'd think it would be the obvious answer. Watch the episode see if that scene was referring to something that happen earlier. Well I've watched it now and I think I've got it sussed. Maybe. It starts earlier in the episode when discussing Henry. Owen says, "We've been monitoring Parker for ages. There's nothing to be scared of is
there?" and Ianto responds, "Unlike, say, Tintin?". So I thought about it, this discussion that got it started. Then I went back and read the Wikipedia entry again. This is what jumped out at me: "Despite his generally delicate and unassuming appearance, Tintin is athletic and possesses great physical strength, being able to knock out enemies much larger than him in combat with a single blow.". So I got to thinking about why Jack would toss Owen the shirt which to me, was likening him to Tintin. I think he was saying he believed in Owen's ability even though he was being treated as someone "delicate and unassuming" since his death. I think it was Jack trying to be supportive without being too mushy. OR I am reading way too much into this and Jack is just being an ass. Owen mentioned he hated Tintin, so Jack get's him a Tintin T-Shirt. Who knows. Either way it is an interesting point of the episode.

MVC (Most Valuable Character):

Owen I suppose. I mean really this is all about him. His life, his death, his reflection on the after-afterlife. He's the focus to be sure and it's a really interesting look into the twisted mind of a thoroughly messed up character. Burn does a bang up job and we get more of the Owen and Jack relationship I am so intrigued by.

MVA (Most Valuable Actor):

I'm going to say John. He might not have had as big a part as Burn did but he was just as important to me. The point of fascination in this episode as well as the last, for me at least, was the change in relationship between Owen and Jack. For Dead Man Walking I gave it to Burn but just barely. This episode I think John sort of won the match up between two brilliant actors. This side of Jack, so conflicted and unsure is difficult to watch. It's hard to watch and I think it should be. We should be uncomfortable seeing Jack like this and we should feel helpless as he does. There's some brilliant writing that aids in that but I think it's mostly John's performance and he deserves to be singled out.

Episode Grade:

B
It wasn't bad and it wasn't phenomenal. I can see a lot of good points and no particularly bad points. But inoffensive hardly amounts to perfection. It's not an episode I watch a lot. Not because it's bad but because it's sort of forgettable and because it's so depressing. It's hard to say much about it. You just sit, watching, devastated. It's fine. It's a B. But not a B I need to revisit often.

Tomorrow's Episode: Something Borrowed (Series 2, Episode 9). 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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Hey All.

I started writing a comment on Mickie's Two Versions Blog and it occurred to me that it would make more sense to just write it as a response blog so I could post my thoughts on the issue as well.

For those in the UK who have previously been unaffected by the editing of BBC television for other parts of the world, let me fill you in. There are always multiple versions of BBC shows. You guys are just noticing it now because it may affect you for the first time. Every episode of Doctor Who or Torchwood we see in the US is cut down for time because we don't have the same run times in the US as in the UK. We only get to see the full episodes once the DVDs come out. And content, well, you're not the only one struggling with that either. When we had Torchwood on BBC America they've had to censor some things because it's not a pay channel like Starz. Particularly I think we lose the swearing. But we don't get the worst of it. Other non-UK countries have it much worse. If they get it at all  on TV, they get these shows delayed by WEEKS, MONTHS or even YEARS and when they do get them they are vastly different. All the questionable language and sexual content is cut. This is not a new issue this is just the first time it might affect the UK.

As for the BBC censoring some of the content of the show I don't know the details I assume there is stuff that is OK to show on Starz that isn't OK to show on BBC. Mickie mentioned the show Rome having aired on the BBC and having strong sexual content as well as being very violent. I've not seen this show so I cannot vouch for how extreme it is but let me give you a little insight into Starz. The pay channels in the US, specifically Starz, HBO and Showtime are known for their caution-to-the-wind adult programs. That's not to say they push the envelope just because they can, they have a lot of beautifully done shows that are improved or only possible because they don't have restrictions. But let's be clear. These channels and what they are allowed to show is one step down from porn. In fact, I think there are tamer "adult films" out there than some of the things I've seen. I don't know if that puts it into perspective for you all in terms of what the BBC usually sees fit to show but I imagine they have restrictions that Starz does not, even after watershed.

Mickie took issue with the two companies creating a show together that neither could air in it's entirety. I get that, I don't want to have to compare notes with my friends across the pond and try to track down the UK versions to get the whole story but that might just be the case. I hope they at least give us the full unedited episodes on the DVDs.

In defense of the networks let me say this. If I had the chance to create Torchwood without restriction. Or if I was creating any show really I would never dream of holding back. I think the executives of both networks came to the conclusion that they needed to make the best show possible and worry about editing later. There's nothing wrong with that. And if all goes as I hope we will all eventually see the full versions.

I feel bad for my UK friends, struggling with this for the first time. Until now they never had to worry about losing any content because the shows have been tailor made for BBC television. This year with Torchwood taking on the US trying to be noticed globally (as it should be) they really want to make it the best series yet. As much as neither of us wants to have edited versions I would hate it more if the shows was simultaneously shorter and more toned-down to meet the needs of the networks. We have to take a hit for the team here. Accept that we might not get the full version until the DVDs but know that all the versions airing around the world are going to have a higher entertainment quality. This is a bigger picture scenario. We're all in love with this show but if the rest of the world really grabs on that could mean 7 more years of Torchwood and then everyone wins.

I think there has been a lot of negativity amongst fans surrounding this new series of Torchwood and I'm not saying I am entirely innocent but I do try to keep positive. At every turn fans are questioning what that networks are doing and really complaining about every decision we're not even privy to yet. I'm not sure why fans seem to think this series was doomed from the get-go but I suspect it mostly has to do with it being a US/UK co-production. I think people need to take a step back. What's the point of worrying about an outcome we really don't know about and certainly have no control over? It's unnecessary stress about something that should be bringing fans joy. We get more Torchwood! Isn't that what we've wanted all along? Why speculate about all the things that can go wrong when we can look forward to all the things that can go right?

I may be a huge fan of the show and of John but guys, it's just a show. It's fiction and at the end of the day it's for entertainment purposes and it doesn't actually matter. It should be a happy thing in our lives, it certainly is in mine. Everyone has spent this whole wait expecting the worst and now my friends who saw the BFI screening have nothing but positive reviews. Have a little faith. I do. I don't think any of the people involved would have agreed to this collaboration if it was going to make Torchwood worse. From the start John Barrowman has been saying it's going to be the best series yet, and you know what? In Barrowman I trust. I am excited and I am going batty waiting the last 12 days until it's on my TV.

I've said my peace, feel free to say yours. I would love to hear people's opinions even if you don't agree with me. And I hope that after you read this you can anticipate the return of Torchwood with a smile and leave all the network politics to the networks. xx

<3Dana

13 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: Dead Man Walking (Series 2 Episode 7)


Written By: Matt Jones

Original Air Date: 20 February 2008

Sentence Sum-Up: Jack goes to extreme measures to resurrect Owen and the team has to deal with the consequences of that choice.

Notable New Characters:

None.

Favorite Quote:

Jack: "Only in suffering do we recognize beauty".
Owen: "Yeah, yeah! Who said that?"
Jack: "Proust."
Owen: "You've read Proust?"
Jack: "Yeah. Well, no. We dated for a while, he was really immature."

Never Noticed:

When Jack initially brings Owen back with the glove, he asks him about the code for the alien morgue. Owen says the number out loud and you can see Ianto on the side repeating it silently to himself, committing it to memory. Good thing he thought to do that because, no one grabbed a pen. Then again I suppose they could always just play back the CCTV of that moment.

WTF Moments:

When Martha goes to begin Owen's autopsy she looks through the medical instruments and grabs THIS:

What is the meaning of that?? A simple scalpel like everyone else uses wouldn't have worked? No one says anything, but I found this all a bit curious. I guess the only other Doctor isn't there to question her. It made me giggle though, how unnecessarily large!

When they decided that Owen was turning into something dangerous and they had to eliminate the threat by getting rid of him. Why did they not at that point think about the glove? Wouldn't it be the logical first attempt to destroy the glove and see if that changes anything? And why did they just leave it lying around in the Hub? It's crazy technology that they can't even begin to understand, didn't occur them to secure it? Someone didn't have their thinking cap on.

Random Rants:

Gwen had a breakthrough!! Hooray I hate her a little less! Gwen was struggling with everything going on with Owen and she was sad. So what did she do? Did she throw herself at Owen or Jack? No! She called Rhys! Thank God! She's learning I think! She had a hard day and she turned to the man she loves for comfort. How normal of her. I am actually praising her now for reacting like a normal human being instead of a morally bankrupt crazy person. Cookie for Gwen.

When Jack and Owen are locked up and they have their heart to heart. Aside from the fact that this is the best scene of the episode there was a moment that made me smirk especially. Owen asks Jack why he brought him back and Jack says, "I guess I was hoping for a miracle. And I still am." Ha!! Jack won't be hoping for a miracle for long! Totally made me think of miracle day and how he'll be eating those entirely unrelated words. 

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

The MVC and MVA goes to Owen and Burn. It was obviously and Owen-centric episode and he kept us interested in his story. The array of emotions Owen goes through from shock to terror to confusion to anger is really authentic feeling. How would you react to coming back from the dead and coming back wrong? I am obsessed with the underlying story between Owen and Jack. Jack not being ready to give up on him and Owen being connected to Jack in a way that is unique to the two of them. It's interesting seeing Jack react to someone else cursed to seemingly eternal life or in this case eternal death. It's a great dynamic and the pair play off each other so well. The best part of the whole episode is the back and forth between Owen and Jack while they are locked up. Burn really lets us see a vulnerable side of Owen that doesn't come out often. He brings humanity to a character who is faced with no longer necessarily being human. It's how a lot of people would react, it's just very well portrayed. Well done Burn and honorable mention to Jack/John.

Episode Grade:

B+
I actually really liked this episode. It's another one I don't watch often and I think it's because it's both rather sad and scary. I don't do well with scary and most people don't like to repeatedly have their hearts broken. It's something to revisit every so often but seeing Owen struggle, while well done and entertaining, is a bit emotionally draining. The fact that I don't want to watch it a lot speaks to how effective it is at being a honest representation of human nature. That's not an easy accomplishment. This episode had a lot to praise but it's short of an A because it's shy of perfection and not one of my favorites, for the reasons I mentioned.

Tomorrow's Episode: A Day in the Death (Series 2, Episode 8). 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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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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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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