Torchwood

[Next Big Thing]

Is it any good? Thanks to Netflix, I just got into Doctor Who (I'm on Season 4 no spoilers please) and heard today about the Torchwood spin off and was wondering if you guys thought it worth watching.

[Kane Knight]

If only you could look it up on Netflix or something.

Seriously, weigh it on its own merits. I think it takes Jack and makes him needlessly whniy until series 2, but I guess that's what you get when you make a "dark" "adult" show.

Also, Spoilers:

http://images-mediawiki-sites.thefullwiki.org/07/6/1/3/4127674065341658.jpg

[The Destroyer]

It gets better as it goes on.

Series 1 is a very mixed bag. Series 2 has more hits than misses. Series 3 (aka Children of Earth) is great.

[loopydate]

I'm actually watching it as we speak, and I like it. It's not nearly on the same level as the Doctor, but it has its moments. The stories are interesting, but what I don't like is that I don't really care about any of the characters in the same way I care about The Doctor and cared about Rose, Martha, and (to a much lesser degree) Donna.

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

I enjoy it. I would do the Japanese chick.

Just bought Vol. 3 of season 1 and the complete second season for my Mum, for her birthday. I was too cheap to buy Children of Earth.

[Next Big Thing]

I'm actually watching it as we speak, and I like it. It's not nearly on the same level as the Doctor, but it has its moments. The stories are interesting, but what I don't like is that I don't really care about any of the characters in the same way I care about The Doctor and cared about Rose, Martha, and (to a much lesser degree) Donna.

A bit off topic but I really really hate Donna as a main character.

[Kane Knight]

I'm actually watching it as we speak, and I like it. It's not nearly on the same level as the Doctor, but it has its moments. The stories are interesting, but what I don't like is that I don't really care about any of the characters in the same way I care about The Doctor and cared about Rose, Martha, and (to a much lesser degree) Donna.

I cared Gween Cooper in about the same way I cared about Rose Tyler.

That is to say, "Not at all."

Not to bash Doctor Who, because I've liked most of the Doctor's companions in the new series. But seriously, fuck Rose. Fuck her in her emo, bland, bleach blond ass.

[Kane Knight]

A bit off topic but I really really hate Donna as a main character.

Oh, I can't have that. You will not insult Donna noble in my presence!

...I kid, but I like her. Possibly even more than Martha Jones. She's got the best character arc of any companion yet. Going from a self centered cunt to becoming....

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h114/mt59715ng/s4_08_river-song.jpg

"Spoilers...."

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

I didn't care for Martha Jones one bit. The character and the actress' performance was bland.

[Kane Knight]

Martha>You.

[Fignuts]

So what dr. who series are on netflix, and what oreder should I watch them in?

[PapaGeorgio]

All about Donna. Agree with KK that Rose was a bore fest. Martha wasn't much better than Rose either.

[Kane Knight]

So what dr. who series are on netflix, and what oreder should I watch them in?

There's a ton of Who on Netflix. If you're talking the new series, they;re labeled 1-5. Specials go between 4 and 5. otherwise, Not entirely sure the order.

[XCaliber]

Liked it but not to the same degree as DW and ps Martha > Amy > Rose the Overrated > Donna but she was funny at least I will give her that.

[loopydate]

Martha > Rose > Donna

Haven't made it to s5 yet to be able to make any comparisons to any of Smith's companions.

[Next Big Thing]

I liked Martha better than Rose plus Rose wasn't nearly as annoying as Donna.

[Kane Knight]

Liked it but not to the same degree as DW and ps Martha > Amy > Rose the Overrated > Donna but she was funny at least I will give her that.

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Too lazy to find a better version.

Donna rules, though. Characters getting character development? A companion who learns from the Doctor? A heroic sacrifice of epic proportions when....

http://doctorwhotv.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/River-Song-Kiss.jpg

"Spoilers, Sweetie."

And to a large extent, they do what they did with Rose except, you know, better because of all that silly stuff like having a character arc and depth and shit.

And speaking of "like Rose, but...."

Martha > Rose > Donna

Haven't made it to s5 yet to be able to make any comparisons to any of Smith's companions.

Amy is actually pretty good. Still, she's a bit more of a stray he picks up than anyone since Rose. And even Rose was technically more useful, if only due to Davies Ex Machina.

Rory is "Like Mickey, but" somewhat more autonomous and it's certainly more reasonable that he hangs on to Amy. Plus, he gets to deck the Doctor.

He's still "the tin dog," though. He goes through the series largely as comic relief. But he gets some real development by the end, and maybe the next series will do more with him.

Amy also gets a pass solely because she's the companion I second most want to bone. The first being Wilf, of course. :shifty:

Speaking of which, Wilf is a great character and it's a shame he doesn't get more time.

And while I'm running off companions:

Jack: Needs more time in Doctor Who. It amazed me how his character changed with Torchwood, then he does a guest spot on Doctor Who when NOTHING'S CHANGED yet and he's back to his old self. That's just shit writing, guys.

Mickity Mick Mickey: At the beginning of the show, I just feel bad for him. It's obvious Rose is a cunt and he'her bitch. But everything after the Cybermen first show up makes him grow, and he's better for it.

River Song: Man, they screwed the pooch with the Doctor changeover, but I like the way they did her up in the new series. She always has one up on the Doctor in some way, and she should: She's his future.

And good old Wilfred (Fuck the rest): I felt bad at the end of the End of Time more because Wilf felt bad than because of anything te Doctor says or does. Poor bastard needs a hug. And a radiation suit.

I was expecting Wilf to get a ride on the TARDIS for at least one adventure. Mostly because it fit the character. I mean, seriously, dude spends his life looking at the stars. Not to mention, he's probably more loyal to the Doctor than most of the companions in the new series.

Ah well. Why write stories that fit the characters when you can force them to fit the stories?

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

Martha>You.

Sascha>You.

[Kane Knight]

You're only saying that because he puts out.

[Next Big Thing]

Okay just finished season 4 of Doctor Who and I must admit, Donna grew on me. Matha's still #1 for me though.

I hated Torchwood. Children of Earth couldn't even save it. I liked the premise of the show, but I think it's the way the supporting characters were portrayed that kinda turned me off to the show.

[Kane Knight]

Largely bland delivery doesn't hurt, either.

[Outsider]

I fucking loved Children of Earth.

Plus, I live like two minutes from where most of it was shot, which helps.

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

When is the fourth season coming out?

I hope they don't bring back that welsh bint. She annoys me.

[Next Big Thing]

Gwen is back. Hated how she turned whore and started sleeping with annoying ass Owen two episodes in. Was kinda hoping her bf would find out and kick the shit out of him. They're also adding Mekhi Phifer to play some hotshot CIA agent. The premise for this season is that no one on Earth can die. I think I'll be passing.

Can't wait for Doctor Who though. More River Song damn it!

[Kane Knight]

When is the fourth season coming out?

I hope they don't bring back that welsh bint. She annoys me.

It's supposedly in filming.

Gwen Cooper is back, because nothing says "Torchwood" like "Useless bitch."

Apparently, Jack's love for Gwen is the only thing that can bring him back. Fucking Russel Davies. You can tell he's a fag.

On the plus side, Ernie Hudson's gonna be involved in the show.

[Next Big Thing]

They kind of dropped the ball on Gwen by not tying her character into the character from that Doctor Who episode with Charles Dickens. They kind of alluded to it, but didn't go all the way. If they tied some of the storyline into things/characters that correspond with the Doctor Who timeline I'd be inclined to care a bit more.

Instead it was pretty much just weevils and Jack turning dudes gay.

[Kane Knight]

I think they did a little more than allude to it.

Only way they could make it more obvious is have Gwen torch Gelph with psychic power.

I think they more dropped the ball by making her fairly pointless. At best, she's the heart of the group, but we're given no reason for her to be. I think if

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g4hpZkL3W6M/TNv0YUFjxAI/AAAAAAAABJk/-4_oC-U4KwQ/s1600/Series5riversong.jpg

"Spoilers, sweetie,"

Gwen had died instead of Ianto, there would be dancing in the motherfucking streets. Actually, pretty much every other member of Torchwood 3 had been given roles as actual sympathetic characters I could believe the team would rally around.

Gwen? She's kind of like a stand-in.

Plus, what kind of lame power is heart, anyway? (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ptitleydhc2awm)

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

I still miss Tosh. Not exactly an exciting character, but she was cute.

[Next Big Thing]

I wasn't a fan of Ianto. I hated how he suddenly went from the guy trying to save his GF to Jack's bottom boy. It was a bit much for me.

[Kane Knight]

It's only sudden if you ignore the build before.

Granted, Torchwood dragged enough that's doable, but....

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

Good news is that Dr Who starts again at the end of April... for those of us who live in the UK.

[PapaGeorgio]

Good news is that Dr Who starts again at the end of April... for those of us who live in the UK.

and for those of us who know how to download.

[Next Big Thing]

BBC America gets it on April 23.

[Kane Knight]

BBC America gets it on April 23.

About the only reason I miss cable. :'(

[Boondock Saint]

I thought it was on Starz this year?

[Kane Knight]

I thought it was on Starz this year?

It's a co-production, but he was talking about Who, not Wood.

[Boondock Saint]

AHH

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

Anybody been watching the new series: "Miracle Day"?

My interest in it began to perk up when Lauren Ambrose appeared in the second episode. But in general, they need to move on from constantly reminding people that nobody can die (except jack), and actually get the story going.

[Next Big Thing]

I downloaded the first two episodes but haven't bothered to watch. The premise that no one can die except Jack doesn't really excite me. The reviews seem to be decent for it though so I might give it a look tonight.

[Downunder]

The new Torchwood, has Capt Jack and Gwen Cooper in it, but it isn't Torchwood.

It's been "Americanised" I'll watch it because I've seen 3 episodes, but it's a fairly bland scifi show now.

[XCaliber]

Gonna check it out anyway but hopefully it has less male on male romance.

[Downunder]

Don't count on it mate

Capt Jack gets it on with a bartender.

[The Destroyer]

Not that we'll see it here in the UK, it's been cut due to being far too explicit.

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

Baird weeped at this news. He was hoping to see some hot man-on-man action.

[Kane Knight]

The new Torchwood, has Capt Jack and Gwen Cooper in it, but it isn't Torchwood.

It's been "Americanised" I'll watch it because I've seen 3 episodes, but it's a fairly bland scifi show now.

It was pretty bland beforehand.

Also, fuck Russel T Davies.

Also, I thought they "de-gayed" Jack?

[Next Big Thing]

I like this go of Torchwood much better than the last two seasons.

[XL]

Ditto.

I'm really hooked by this 'people can't die' angle.

[Next Big Thing]

Last night's episode was damn good.

[XL]

Watched the latest episdoe with 'The Missus'. She went from :roll: to :drool: in the space of 45 minutes.

[Next Big Thing]

Another great episode for Torchwood. RTD is bringing it.

[XL]

How long does this season run for? Started killing the cast off already!

[XL]

Anybody watch these?

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[Next Big Thing]

It runs into September. Didn't like this most recent episode.

[XCaliber]

So I caught my first complete episode of Miracle Day called End of the Road which followed DW and I must say I rather enjoyed it also I was not aware that Bill Pullman was in it.

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

It appears the gay sex scene had people complaining to the BBC. But I suspect Baird quite enjoyed it. Now, if only we could get that cute CIA chick to do a nude scene....

[The Destroyer]

Nah, it did nothing for me. I don't like either of them.

[Next Big Thing]

I haven't liked the last two episodes at all.

[PapaGeorgio]

I found the last two episodes to be more enjoyable than others actually. More focus on Cpt Jack is good thing for me. Overall this season kind of been meh for me. Will see how it finishes up, but not huge on it overall.

[XL]

Wasn't keen on last week's show. Great for character exposition but really it was just a setup for the next run of episodes.

[Next Big Thing]

Interesting season finale. Actually has me looking forward to the next installment.

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

Have to wait until Thursday for the final ep. I feel like this series could have been condensed into 5-6 episodes. With the exception of Lauren Ambrose, Bill Pullman and Q, I have found the american actors rather bland. In all it doesn't match Children of Earth; hopefully next season will be an improvement.

[PapaGeorgio]

This may contain some spoilers: Yeah wasn't huge on this season at all. Was a huge fan of the Children of Earth format, but this one just lacked that charm. Hated majority of american characters. Glad to see some people die, though hating the idea of a New Jack guy. He lacks the charm of Jack, pretty obvious he'll join Torchwood and to have two of them running around is weak. Also felt like the whole season took away from how Jack became immortal via Doctor Who, made it less meaningful in some ways. Hopefully they bring it next season. Perhaps this was a way to introduce Torchwood to an american audience in a wider way, and now that that has been done, it can go more old school.

[Next Big Thing]

My intrigue for the next season is partially based on how they resolve or work with the dual immortality issue. Rex and Jack are very different in personality and ideology so that could make for interesting exchanges and plot lines.

I hated the American characters initially, but towards the end I really came to enjoy the dynamic between Rex and Vera and Rex and Esther.

I hate to say it, but I feel like Torchwood will continue to be darker in tone and will probably have even less of an association with Doctor Who next season. Especially if Starz broadcasts it again. That was the one thing that frustrated me. There were plenty of opportunities throughout the season to explain how Jack came to be immortal and the role the Doctor played in that, but they never did. Rex and Esther having no clue who the Doctor was also makes me think that RTD wants to distance Torchwood from Doctor Who since most people on Earth at that point would have some knowledge of the Doctor based purely on previous Doctor Who and Torchwood storylines. Plus Moffatt said the Doctor would never be on Torchwood due to the shows more mature content.

All in all I'd say it was a good season overall and decent finish. Much better than the pedo aliens from Children of Earth.

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

I can't remember what happened to the character, but I always wanted James Marsters' Captain John Hart back in the series.

James Marsters = ratings.

[Boondock Saint]

What a massive disappointment this season was. Jack and Gwen (primarily Jack) were made to be almost secondary characters until the last few episodes. I didn't like the American characters at all.

There was not enough material for 10 episodes. Should've been shorter.

Season 1 was better than this. I hope if it does come back its more a mixture of Season 2 and 3. Darker I don't mind, but either have it more of a monster-of-the-week season ala Season 1/2, or one overarching story but don't stretch it out so long.

I love Jack Harkness and Gwen, so I do want the show to come back, but this season was a chore to sit through.

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

The humour seems to have disappeared out of the show, except for the occasional gay joke to the chagrin of the american agent.

[PapaGeorgio]

I think a nice mixture of season 2/3 like suggest would be good. Make it almost like X-Files/Doctor Who was/is set up. Where there is an overall story arch, building to something bigger. But still the monster-of-the-week episodes mixed into it all. I think a nice blend like that could possibly work.

[Downunder]

What a massive disappointment this season was. Jack and Gwen (primarily Jack) were made to be almost secondary characters until the last few episodes. I didn't like the American characters at all.

There was not enough material for 10 episodes. Should've been shorter.

Season 1 was better than this. I hope if it does come back its more a mixture of Season 2 and 3. Darker I don't mind, but either have it more of a monster-of-the-week season ala Season 1/2, or one overarching story but don't stretch it out so long.

I love Jack Harkness and Gwen, so I do want the show to come back, but this season was a chore to sit through.

Pretty much my thoughts as well.

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

Nunder wanted to see more of John Barrowman's naked arse.

[Kane Knight]

Anybody been watching the new series: "Miracle Day"?

My interest in it began to perk up when Lauren Ambrose appeared in the second episode. But in general, they need to move on from constantly reminding people that nobody can die (except jack), and actually get the story going.

Finally getting around to this, and yeah, the problem is between the high points, there's a lot of dragging. Several people have commented that this should have been a five episode miniseries, and I'm inclined to agree.

But then, the last couple eps are so pissing me off.

Also, you can tell this is an American show. Agent Black Stereotype is definitely enough for that.

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

I am hoping we get some more hot Lauren Ambrose action next season (whenever that appears), and they create a story arc that can be sustained over a prolonged period, if they choose that route again.

[Kane Knight]

I am hoping we get some more hot Lauren Ambrose action next season (whenever that appears), and they create a story arc that can be sustained over a prolonged period, if they choose that route again.

We probably won't see a prolonged story arc. There's not going to be a season in 2012, and while Starz evidently wants to do another, it's unclear whether Russel T Davies will want to, since he seems to be moving on to greener pastures.

I'm not sure I'll care one way or another. Oh, I'll probably watch a new season, I'm just not clamoring for it, or even particularly excited.

Though I was amazed that the series made Rhys not completely suck. I'm not in love with him, but fuck was he annoying in the first two seasons and kind of (but less so) in CoE. Even Gwen wasn't a complete Mary Sue in this one.