Gally, Gally, Gally. Galllifrey One is the yearly Los Angeles based Doctor Who convention that makes me happy, happy, happy. This was my 3rd year in attendance and every year I have a lot of the same feelings and experiences coming out of it. First, I am thrilled that such a convention exists at all and that it's so close to where I live. Second, I marvel in the deliciousness of 3 days with like-minded geeks. Third, I enjoy the fantastic programming, guests and yes shopportunities. Finally, I leave the convention realizing something is missing. I've been debating how to best describe my weekend at Gally this year and come to the conclusion that overall it was very similar to my feelings last year. You can read all about last year in my blog Gallifrey One: Confessions of a BarrowFan. But this was a new year, with lovely new memories to share even if the final word sounds familiar. If you live in LA or can get there in February I highly recommend you attend this event. It's pretty rare as a US BarrowFan to get to talk to people about John Barrowman and have them know who you mean. Gallifrey One is primarily a Doctor Who event, but it does include creators and programming pertaining to Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures. My favorite thing to do during the weekend (and this works) is go up to a random stranger and without any introduction or preamble proclaim "I love John Barrowman" because more often than not they will reply "Me too!". Honestly that alone is worth the admission price. For 3 days you are surrounded by die-hard Whovians - and it's a bit like being in a brought to life message board - lots of opinionated fans that want to talk about every little thing to do with Doctor Who, the spinoffs and in fact anything remotely related. It's completely fantastic. As if shoving all us fans together wasn't enough, Gallifrey One also provides an opportunity for attendees to meet creators and actors and enjoy and array of celebrity panels, episode screenings and fan discussions. Among the guests this year - and relevant to Torchwood - were MATT RIPPY ( Captain Jack Harkness, Torchwood: Series 1: Captain Jack Harkness), JOHN DE LANCIE ( Agent Alan Shapiro, Torchwood: Miracle Day), DANIELE FAVILLI (Angelo Colasanto, Torchwood: Miracle Day), JANE ESPENSON (Writer, Torchwood: Miracle Day), DORIS EGAN (Writer, Torchwood: Miracle Day), and JOHN SHIBAN (Writer, Torchwood: Miracle Day). We got 3 writers and 3 actors, 2 of whom have kissed John Barrowman, not a bad showing at all. I'm sure various bits of panels and convention whatnot will be turning up online for weeks to come - but as for now and this blog, we've reached the recorded memories portion. Below are some enjoyable clips and pictures I collected over the weekend. I'm excited particularly to share a couple video moments with Matt Rippy and Daniele Favilli speaking briefly about working with John, so let's get straight to that! First was Daneile Favilli who was set up signing in the hallway leading to the dealers room. It's was sort of a blink-and-you-miss him placement but the great thing is you passed him on the way everywhere and he was there most of the weekend. A number of my friends met Daniele previously at the Hub 7 convention and told me how sweet he was and they were so right. He was very friendly and welcoming with all the fans, I really cannot say enough nice things about him. He was kind enough to tell me a story about filming Miracle Day with John so I could share it with you. There was also a picture with Daniele that I took, he looks adorable and I look a hot mess, so that one is staying in the vault - sorry kids. To soften the blow take a gander at this pretty pic of Daniele planting one on a fan's Ianto bear, what would Jack say? I can already imagine the fanfic to come - please please resist the urge to 'ship Angelo and Ianto Bear. As cute as this is, that's just not OK.
Daniele Favilli and Ianto Bear
Then there was the delightful Matt Rippy. That fellow has quite a smile and I'm not gonna lie I got a little giggly goofy talking to him - he's just so pretty! Enjoy the terrible embarrassment of girly titters accompanying his video about John.
Honestly Matt ended up being the highlight of my convention. I wasn't sure I'd get a chance to see him but I did and he was such a presence. In the same way John has a contagious happiness about him, it's impossible not to smile around Matt. What a darling man, seriously.
As great as the temptation was I resisted the urge to ask either gent about kissing John Barrowman. Why? Because I'm sure they've answered that question 1 million times and I was hoping to get something different out of them. I mean, who thinks it was a great hardship kissing John Barrowman? Matt mentioned it in his video but for those who are a little sad by my lack of inquiry, my friend David asked Danielle about it at the Torchwood panel. In addition to these videos I got a few pictures - with a shared theme…
I decided to go around to Torchwood creators and cast in my Team Barrowman shirt and get them to swear allegiance…no not really. In a slightly less psychotic request I found Torchwood celebrities to take photos with us pointing at my…Team Barrowman. Cause we're all Team Barrowman, right? (Disclaimer: the pointing of fingers and following captions are not binding and none of these celebrities are officially stating they are Team Barrowman. Also, I mean I am that I am Team Barrowman in the "I support John" way, not that I am in anyway officially affiliated with John's official team - why did the disclaimer feel necessary? Oh well. PICTURES!)
Lets get to the point:
Matt Rippy is Team Barrowman
John de Lancie is Team Barrowman
Daniele Favilli is Team Barrowman
Jane Espenson and Doris Egan are Team Barrowman
I also had a quick chat with Doris Egan about working with John and I got two magical quotes that should be constantly used. She managed in a 5 minute conversation to work in the following two thoughts:
When asked about working with John and writing for Jack she said:
It's a wonderful character, I was just glad to write ANY part of it. In person I made him look at pictures of my dogs.
While discussing John's singing Doris shared a funny story:
I have at home a Cole Porter CD and there's a part where Kevin Cline sings with someone and every time I would think that person sounds JUST like John Barrowman - it's amazing! It was like a year later when I found out.
Finally for our picture show I have two miscellaneous pictures that just make me smile.
Me with 3 Jacks
STILL needs more Jack. Next year I'm going to do a kick line with many, many Jacks and me in the middle. If I remember.
Me with the giant Adipose!
If I had one fangirl moment this was it. I was so excited, LOOK, we're holding hands! So cute. I had a really fabulous weekend but at the end of it all I had a bit of sadness too. Not only the sadness of leaving behind all the fun, but a sadness similar to last years, upon final reflection. There is no question that this is a great event. I will attend them as long as they are around; I already have my ticket for next year. That being said, there was still something missing. Or rather someone I was missing. In a convention filled to the brim with BarrowFans I again felt very little of a Barrowman presence. It's odd, really, there wasn't a total lack of Torchwood representation. As I said there were 6 guests from the show as well as a few panels. But, and it's something really sticking with me, at the end of the weekend I found myself wishing there was more John Barrowman. I count a total of 4 times I saw John Barrowman (in picture or on screen). The first was at a back-to-back screening of Doctor Who: The Stolen Earth and Journey's End which I specifically attended wanting more Barrowman time. Second was at Daniele Favilli's table, he had his miniature laptop set up playing his episode of Miracle Day. Third was a picture on the wall of Jack that was part of the weekend long scavenger hunt. Finally, they showed The Ballad of Russell & Julie clip at the year in review panel. It may seem weird that I remember each instance but I think the fact that I do is an indicator that it was a rare occurrence. I know I may be a bit biased, check the site you're on, and perhaps my Barrowman needs are greater than most, but I just wished for more. I think this year specifically part of the lack of attention had to do with the downplayed role Jack had in Miracle Day - there was simply less to talk about. This is off topic a bit and really a whole separate blog topic but whether you think Jack had a big enough role story wise, as far as actual scenes and screen time are concerned, he simply wasn't as prominent. I said last year I would contact those in charge of the convention about doing a John Barrowman panel and I'm an ass-hat for not getting around to it. This year, I'm going to make it a point. I would love to have even a brief time dedicated to John and his fans, like an in-person Barrowman Day. I have a couple of panel topics in mind or just a general BarrowAppreciation panel wouldn't be a bad thing. I'll let you know if that works out. I just keep thinking of the opening of "Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang" and Jack's entrance with "Hey Kids, did ya miss me?" and I feel like shouting "YES!". Final analysis: Gallifrey One is a heck of a convention but it needs more Barrowman. xx <3Dana
Hi #BarrowFans Mickie here. I said one of us would post a blog about the news! lol And as I already had my little Netbook booted and at the ready I thought that now was a good a time as any! Lol
As many of you know I am in the UK so with Torchwood starting here etc we UK peeps tend to have a strong opinion on what happens with torchwood, and rightly so, after all it was spawned from our beloved Doctor Who (DW) and for many of us has become more special to our hearts than DW. Not that I am saying our US friends don’t get as upset when someone starts to mess about with TW. When it was first announced that the BBC was looking to the US for funding for the series and so there for a US finger in the TW pie I think the US fans were more worried than the UK fans lol
So to the air date…It’s great that the date is when it is because July wouldn’t clash with my holidays (how selfish lol)…What worries me is that the rumours could be true and that Starz has the upper hand when it comes to airing and we in the UK see it later. Like I said it’s still largely UK owned and so it should be. I’m glad we found someone to put some extra money into it because Torchwood deserves to have money thrown at it.
If I was REALLY honest the fact that Starz has the upper hand when it comes to the money side I am concerned that A: they will put the US stars to the forefront over original cast (except John because he’s their star), as it is Kai (Rhys) and Tom (Sgt Andy) are rarely mentioned and THEY are original cast members who as important as Jack and Gwen in my opinion. I have, of late, seen Bill Pullman mentioned as the star of the BBC series Torchwood, it hasn’t even aired yet and he’s been put on the same level as the UK original cast. And then there’s B: I’m worried that if it works the US will become the new Torchwood Hub and the UK will be left out in the cold and if RTD does what he said he might who will have control over Starz? All this may seem picky by some, but I live in the UK and I see TW as part of our television history as I do DW! Yes I am being selfish when I see it as ours! But that’s my right as a UK fan and so I worry those things.
I have huge amounts of faith in RTD and of course John, that goes with out saying. And we ALL know how much both Captain Jack and TW means to John! He has turned down other work just so he could be in TW! So I trust in what he says when he says it’s brilliant! It’s the beyond 2011 that worries me some what…
But enough of my moaning lol…Now to the poster! Lol
Well no poster has ever sold me any film or TV show. It’s the content of the show that counts not the art work! Saying that, I have few real feelings for the actual work. As I said to Dana, when I look at it I instantly think Rock poster, not Sci-Fi TV show and I definitely don’t think Torchwood. Someone did mention in a tweet that the font was wrong, but I thought it was familiar, so I had a look around and it’s the same as Torchwood: Children Of Earth. I am disappointed that there are no cast members featured or at least to have Jack on their. But I do know they have been doing the usual cast promo work recently, so that’s something to look forward too. But still the poster leaves me feeling a tad chilly lol
Well I am VERY aware that my blog has become a small essay! Like our lovely John Barrowman, I rarely do things by halves!
Do please let us know what you think of the above subjects!
So this is Mickie signing off…*poof*
This blog will be vastly different from the other two that have been posted. I am sorry for that. I have spent a while debating on if I should write this, myself. After much debate and wise counseling from another BarrowmanGirl ,the choice was simple. Write it. There are times in life when our opinions are not always butterflies and rainbows, but sometimes just flat and realistic. For me, this one of those times. Please read the following blog with a grain of salt and understand that you may not agree or approve of my thoughts, they are my thoughts just as you have your own on the series. I do not want this blog to incite the same issue that faced Gillian on the Barrowman Boards. Please keep your comments to the blog and the opinions stated in the blog.
I am not a prude, Ianto hater or a newbie to this fandom.I state this only because the article in which you are about to read will make you believe that one or all of these stereotypes are correct upon me. Please take this article as what it is , a work of opinion. Something we all have and I am sure express it. I shall only do this once, so gather round my lovelies: I would like to apologize to anyone that sees this as A)- A hit at the sexual revolution B)- A I hate Ianto campaign ( Which must mean I have an issue with two men being in a relationship ) or C)- An attack at the fandom, to include but not limited to : Cosplay,Comics,RP,FanFic ...etc.... Now that, that has been said shall we continue down the road ?
The first question on everyone's mind is: "Are you happy,excited, thrilled, overjoyed that Torchwood is returning?" Of course I am enthralled with joy that 'Torchwood' will be returning to our screens.If you were a fan would you not be happy? The second that always follows that one is: "So, do you have any concerns?" Of course, I have concerns but I can tell you that my concerns are not mainstream concerns. This the part of the blog that the above mentioned statement refers to. You may stop at anytime along this journey.
My first concern, the channel in which 'Torchwood' has found a home and really not so much the channel as the fact that the channel is based here in the states. Please let me say this before the comments arrive, I am aware the lovely Russell T Davies will be on the staff as the main producers and handler -just like before. Now with that said let me explain my fear or rather the reasoning behind the fear. Americans see television in a different light or understanding than the British and in my opinion it is not a better light. First let me say this, I have no issue with sex nor do I have an issue with sex being placed in cinema and series when the moment or situation is correct.'Torchwood' was and always will be a show that has very strong sexual undertones. That is fine, in fact great. John Barrowman as Captain Jack Harkness is lovely and cheeky and no one wants to change him. Now back to the sex statement, American producers seem to use it as a filler. If a show lacks a story line or good character, or say our ratings are down -they will not think twice about filling their schedule block of time with mindless sex. There is currently a show on the 'Starz' network that is an example of this. The first thing you hear from so many when they find out that 'Torchwood' will be on 'Starz' is that there is no censor, mainly this is from Americans but I also assume it is said by those that wish to see a bit more of Barrowman. However, ladies and gentlemen it is rarely the leading gentleman that has the action, it is the supporting cast and add ons. Basically my fear on the channel and sex issue , boils down to this simple statement : I am afraid that 'Torchwood' will become another watered down, sad sexed up excuse of American television. I don't want 'Torchwood' to be lost to the mainstream grouping of an American network, simple as that. I want to see the series that has the same passion and heart that I fell in love on BBC.
Now that my biggest and worst fear of the new series is stated I can share with you some of the random thoughts I have in general to the new show. There are some in the fandom that believe without 'Ianto Jones' 'Torchwood' is a lost cause and refuse to watch the show . This has been displayed by the hate mail that the BBC has received as well as mass campaigns on social networking sites. Before you knew 'Ianto' you loved the show, or maybe you loved John Barrowman and followed him to the show. But there was a reason that you came to 'Torchwood'. Before 'Ianto' there was 'Captain Jack' and this is how it will be now. No, I am not saying that I didn't love 'Ianto' or I am glad he is deceased. That is not the case. But I will say, I understand why the character was killed. (Please post all hate mail in the comment section with subject line - "Ianto Hater". Thank you) I shall explain, for those that are curious as to my feelings, if you are not one of those followers you may fast forward to the next section. 'Jack' has grown in each series. Within series one, we see him struggle with who he is , his team as well as finding his place in the world. He is constantly searching for 'The Doctor' to fix him or to make him right. In the second series, we see 'Jack' deal with personal relationships. It is here in the second series, that we see 'Jack' understand who he really is.He learns toopen up and trust. Then to even love.. Once we learn to trust and love, what else is there to learn? Simple - loss. To truly understand how important something is we must understand great loss. Of course 'Jack' has dealt with loss before, but not once he knew and understood who he was. This is where series three enters, we see 'Jack' deal with loss and grief. What many people forget is that in addition to losing his partner, he lost something greater. ( Once again,please note the comment on hate mail. Thank you) 'Jack' was forced to make a decision that only he could make, to sacrifice something that he may never have again. 'Jack' sacrificed his family, for the good of the world as whole. Giving up his grandson, which in effect forced him to lose his daughter. The loss of 'Ianto' and his grandson allow 'Jack' to grow and experience loss. This moment in 'Jack's ' life allows for series four to show the true depth and growth of his character. Will it be darker and colder-maybe but then you might see a softer more understanding of life 'Jack' one that see and accepts that sometimes you only have this moment. With that being said, the fact that the show ,at it's current stage of production only has the characters of 'Gwen Cooper' and 'Jack Harkness' returning is not an issue for myself. Seeing that those two carried the weight and were in fact the center of the show. The character of 'Ianto Jones' was a way in which we could see 'Jack' grow and become the captain that we all love and care for. I am sorry for those that still mourn the 'death' of 'Ianto Jones', but it was a required action in the scope of the series.
I can see that some may take my views as a slap against the fandom. But it is important to realize that we all have different opinions and thoughts. It is these thoughts that make us a wonderful and diverse section of the human landscape. Yes, my views do not follow the mainstream idea of saving "Ianto" but that is what makes it,my view. The thought that I want to see Jack, suffer and grow into a deeper ,stronger man for it- does go against 90% of the viewers. But in the back of all of your minds, I am sure you all would like to see Jack grow also. Let's be honest, we all will never agree. Simple as that, but it is the fact that we won't agree that makes this fandom great. It allows for us all to have a creative and respective debates on the subject. At times there are some that lose sight of the bigger picture and it is those that create a less than flattering name for 'Torchwood' fans, but in the end it is our love for the characters and the story that unites us all. Let's try to focus our energy to promote a healthy and well rounded new chapter in the fandom with series four. At the end of the day, yes I am happy that 'Torchwood' is returning. But that doesn't mean I don't have fears and concerns that the series we all fell in love with will be changed forever. However, these fears are not enough to stop me from opening my mind and embracing a show that I care about. I hope that others, who for whatever reasons ( Ianto) were not going to watch the series, take a moment and think about what first brought them to the 'Torchwood'. That is the same reason you should embrace this series now. Don't turn you back on something that you loved and followed for three years, just because a character is not returning. We all experience loss in our life at one point or another, but do we stop living? No, embrace who they were and more forward. 'Ianto' would not want 'Jack' to stop living and being himself because of his death, just as Garth David Lloyd doesn't want you the fans to stop watching 'Torchwood'. '. I will be returning to the series, even with my fears of the network because I love characters. I love what they represent and who they are. I hope you will put aside your fears and hate, and allow yourself to at least give the series a shot with an open mind. Everyone was fearful when David Tennant left as "The Doctor" and Matt Smith arrived, but did everyone in the fandom stop watching? No! You embraced the change and moved forward. That is what we need to do with 'Torchwood'. Let's have faith in John Barrowman, Eve Myles and Russell T Davies to give us what we loved before but in a new and dramatic way.
I'm feeling some what frustrated. Somebody on Twitter is saying there is going to be a 4th season of Torchwood. If there is I have NO idea where this info has come from because there is NOTHING anywhere about it. I suspect they've got confused with a posting about Fox, who we all know has decided NOT to make TW!
Wish people would get their facts straight before saying stuff!!!
Mickie xxx
Well as you may have seen by the news section Fox has decided NOT to make Torchwood. To be honest I am some what miffed at BBC for not making it themselves. Has JB and cast dones something to upset them? Or is it that Moffat doesn't want anything to do with it? Given all the work he's putting into the new Doctor Who, I suspect the latter is the most true.
What really hacks me off is that the BBC decided, when things were hotting up, to move the series from BBC3 (available only on digital) to BBC2 for season 2 and then they moved it to BBC1 for season 3 and ONLY 5 episodes! Yes Children Of Earth WAS amazing! But I do, like many fans, feel cheated by the BBC. It's as if they planned to pass it on to someone else!
Someone said to me that maybe the BBC couldn't afford both Doctor Who and Torchwwod because of the effects, but Torchwood is based on Earth and doesn't anywhere near the special effects of Doctor Who. So no, I don't think that's it. I still think Steven Moffat has something to do with it, but hey, that's just my opinion, for what it's worth....
Mickie x
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