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| Torchwood | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Genre | |
| Created by | Russell T Davies |
| Showrunners |
|
| Starring | |
| Theme music composer | Murray Gold |
| Composers | |
| Country of origin |
|
| Original language | English |
| No. of series | 4 |
| No. of episodes | 41 (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Executive producers | |
| Running time | 45–60 minutes |
| Production companies | |
| Original release | |
| Network | BBC Three |
| Release | 22 October 2006 – 1 January 2007 |
| Network | BBC Two |
| Release | 16 January – 4 April 2008 |
| Network | BBC One |
| Release | 6 July 2009 – 15 September 2011 |
| Network | Starz |
| Release | 8 July – 9 September 2011 |
| Related | |
| Torchwood Declassified Doctor Who The Sarah Jane Adventures Class | |
Torchwood is a British science fiction television programme created by Russell T Davies. A spin-off of the 2005 revival of Doctor Who, it aired from 2006 to 2011. The show shifted its broadcast channel each series to reflect its growing audience, moving from BBC Three to BBC Two to BBC One, and acquiring American financing in its fourth series when it became a co-production of BBC One and Starz. Torchwood is aimed at adults and older teenagers, in contrast to Doctor Who's target audience of both adults and children. As well as science fiction, the show explores a number of themes, including existentialism, LGBTQ+ sexuality, and human corruptibility.
Torchwood follows the exploits of a small team of alien-hunters who make up the Cardiff-based, fictional Torchwood Institute, which deals mainly with incidents involving extraterrestrials. Its central character is Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman), an immortal con-man from the distant future; Jack originally appeared in the 2005 series of Doctor Who. The initial main cast of the series consisted of Gareth David-Lloyd, Burn Gorman, Naoko Mori, and Eve Myles. Their characters are specialists for the Torchwood team, often tracking down aliens and defending the planet from alien and human threats. In its first two series, the show uses a time rift in Cardiff as its primary plot generator, accounting for the unusual preponderance of alien beings in Cardiff. In the third and fourth series, Torchwood operate as fugitives. Gorman and Mori's characters were written out of the story at the end of the second series. Recurring actor Kai Owen was promoted to the main cast in series three, in which David-Lloyd was written out. Subsequently, American actors Mekhi Phifer, Alexa Havins and Bill Pullman joined the cast of the show for its fourth series.
The first series premiered on BBC Three and on BBC HD in 2006 to mixed reviews, but viewing figures broke records for the digital channel. It returned in 2008 where it aired first on BBC Two, receiving a higher budget; its uneven tone, a criticism of the first series, was largely smoothed out, and the show attracted higher ratings and better reviews. The third series' episodes worked with a higher budget, and it was transferred to the network's flagship channel, BBC One, as a five-episode serial titled Torchwood: Children of Earth. Although Children of Earth was broadcast over a period of five consecutive summer weeknights, the show received high ratings in the United Kingdom and overseas. A fourth series, co-produced by BBC Wales, BBC Worldwide and US premium entertainment network Starz aired in 2011 under the title Torchwood: Miracle Day. Set both in Wales and the United States, Miracle Day fared less well with critics than Children of Earth, although it was applauded by some for its ambition. The series entered an indefinite hiatus after Miracle Day due to Davies' personal circumstances.
All four televised series have been broadcast in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and North America. Owing to the early popularity of Torchwood, various tie-in media were produced,[7] including audio dramas, novels and comic strips. From its inception, the BBC invested in a heavy online presence for the series, with an alternate reality game running alongside the show's first two series, and an animated Web series running alongside its fourth. The BBC continued to approve and commission licensed spin-offs after the show's conclusion, including an audio series continuation from Big Finish Productions (2015–present).
On 21 February 2020, all 41 televised episodes returned to the BBC's online streaming service, BBC iPlayer. In the United States, the entire series was made available on HBO's new streaming service, HBO Max, upon its launch in May 2020.
Production[edit]
Development[edit]
Before the revival of Doctor Who, Russell T Davies began to develop an idea for a science-fiction/crime drama in the style of American dramas, in particular those created by Joss Whedon like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel.[8][9] This idea, originally titled Excalibur, was abandoned until 2005, when BBC Three Controller Stuart Murphy invited Davies to develop an after-watershed science fiction series for the channel.[9] During the production of the 2005 series of Doctor Who, the word "Torchwood", an anagram of "Doctor Who", had been used as a title ruse for the series while filming its first few episodes to ensure they were not intercepted.[10] Davies connected the word "Torchwood" to his earlier Excalibur idea and decided to make the series a Doctor Who spin-off.[9] Subsequently, the word "Torchwood" was seeded in Doctor Who episodes and other media that aired in 2005 and 2006.
Because Torchwood is shown after the watershed – that is, after 9 pm – it has more mature content than Doctor Who. Davies told SFX:
We can be a bit more visceral, more violent, and more sexual, if we want to. Though bear in mind that it's very teenage to indulge yourself in blood and gore, and Torchwood is going to be smarter than that. But it's the essential difference between BBC One at 7 pm, and BBC Three at, say, 9 pm. That says it all – instinctively, every viewer can see the huge difference there.[11][12]
According to Barrowman: "I don't do any nude scenes in series one; they're saving that for the next series! I don't have a problem with getting my kit off, as long as they pay me the right money."[13] Davies also joked to a BBC Radio Wales interviewer that he was "not allowed" to refer to the programme as "Doctor Who for grown-ups".[14] The first series includes content rarely seen or heard in the Doctor Who franchise, including sex scenes and use of profanity in several episodes.[15][16]
BBC Three described Torchwood as the centrepiece of its autumn 2006 schedule,[17] and the successful first series led to a second series on BBC Two and a third on BBC One in 2009.[18]
Although Torchwood was originally intended to be sci-fi aimed at adults, the character Captain Jack Harkness, who had previously been introduced in Doctor Who, proved popular with young audiences. Davies decided to create alternative edits of the second series to be "child-friendly", removing overt sexuality and swearing. These edits to the shows enabled it to be broadcast at 7 pm (pre-watershed).[19][20]
The first three series of Torchwood were produced in-house by BBC Wales. The Head of Drama at the time of the first series, Julie Gardner, served as executive producer alongside Davies. The first two episodes of series 1 of Torchwood premiered on 22 October 2006 on BBC Three and BBC HD. Series 2 premiered on BBC Two and BBC HD on 16 January 2008.[21] The third series, Torchwood: Children of Earth, began shooting on 18 August 2008 and comprised a five-episode mini-series that aired over five consecutive days at 9 pm on BBC One from 6 July 2009,[22][23][24][25] and 9 pm on BBC America HD and BBC America from 20 July 2009.[26] Davies and Gardner stayed on as executive producers and Peter Bennett produced the series.[27][28]
Davies expressed concern that the third series was aired in a summer evening graveyard slot.[29] Lead actor John Barrowman felt that the show had been mistreated by BBC executives, despite what he felt was the programme's proven popularity and success.[18]
In August 2009, Davies stated that the fourth series was "ready to go",[30] and that he had the next series planned out, stating, "I know exactly how to pick it up. I've got a shape in mind, and I've got stories. I know where you'd find Gwen and Rhys, and their baby, and Jack, and I know how you'd go forward with a new form of Torchwood." At the time, he stated he would prefer for series four to be another mini-series, though he had no qualms about doing another thirteen-episode run.[31] A November 2009 article posted on Eve Myles's website stated that shooting for the fourth series was to begin in January 2011.[32]
Subsequently, Davies looked to US networks to finance future series of the programme. He was turned down by one of the United States' major television networks, Fox;[33] some had speculated the Fox project could have been a spin-off or a reboot.[34] Later, Davies succeeded in striking a deal with US premium cable network Starz.[35] The production of the fourth series was not officially announced until June 2010:[36][37] a ten-episode mini-series co-produced between BBC Wales, Starz and BBC Worldwide,[36] airing summer 2011.[38]
As with the third, the fourth series was given its own title: Torchwood: Miracle Day.[39] Shortly after the broadcast of Miracle Day in March 2012, the chief executive officer of Starz, Chris Albrecht, announced that he was remaining in touch with the BBC regarding a further series of Torchwood, though it would depend on Davies being free from his other commitments.[40] However, by 2012 the show had entered an indefinite hiatus due to Davies' return to the UK after his partner became ill.[41][42][43]
Writing[edit]
In the first series, the main writer alongside Russell T Davies was Chris Chibnall, creator of the BBC light drama show Born and Bred and future Doctor Who showrunner. Other writers include P.J. Hammond, Toby Whithouse, Doctor Who script editor Helen Raynor, Catherine Tregenna and Doctor Who cast member Noel Clarke. Of the first two series, Russell T Davies wrote only the première episode.[12][44] Helen Raynor and Brian Minchin were the programme's script editors.[45]
Series one of Torchwood was filmed from May 2006 until November 2006. For the second series,[21] lead writer Chris Chibnall wrote the opening episode and the three final episodes.[46][citation needed] Both Catherine Tregenna and Helen Raynor wrote two episodes for the second series.[47] The other episodes were written by James Moran, Matt Jones, J. C. Wilsher, Joseph Lidster, P.J. Hammond and Phil Ford. Russell T Davies was initially announced as writing two episodes, but due to commitments to Doctor Who, he no longer anticipated writing any Torchwood episodes.[48] For series three, Davies returned and wrote the first and last episodes, co-wrote episode three with James Moran and plotted the overall story arc himself.[28] John Fay wrote episodes two and four.[49]
For the fourth series, Miracle Day, Davies secured several popular US television writers, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer writer Jane Espenson; The X-Files, Star Trek: Enterprise and Supernatural writer John Shiban; and House writer Doris Egan. Additionally, both Davies and John Fay returned to write episodes.[39] In continuing the series Davies chose to keep Torchwood more focused on the human condition than its science fiction backdrop. He drew inspiration from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, noting that "the best metaphors in Buffy came down to, 'What's it like to be in high school, as a kid?'" He felt the fourth series of Torchwood to be "about us and our decisions and our lives, and how we live with each other and how we die with each other".[50] The depiction of human nature in the fourth series led to a sequence which many felt to be evocative of the Holocaust. Jane Espenson noted that as a series Torchwood "is willing to go to horrible places". She stated that in storylining Miracle Day, the writers "didn't want to flinch away from what mankind can do."[51]
Directing[edit]
The first block of series two, consisting of episodes by Raynor and Tregenna, was directed by Andy Goddard. Colin Teague directed the second block, which consists of episode two by Moran and episode four by Tregenna, with Ashley Way directing the third block, consisting of the series two premiere by Chibnall and the sixth episode of the series, by JC Wilsher.[46] Euros Lyn directed all five episodes of the third series, Children of Earth.[28]
In June 2010, a BBC News report confirmed that the fourth series would have 10 episodes.[52] Filming began in January 2011. Unlike the previous series, this series' directors did not direct in blocks but in specific episodes.[53] The series four directors included Bharat Nalluri,[54] Billy Gierhart,[54] Guy Ferland[54] and Gwyneth Horder-Payton.[54]
Crew[edit]
Richard Stokes produced series 1 and 2 of Torchwood; Originally, James Hawes (a Doctor Who director) was lined up as the producer, but he later withdrew from this project.[45][55] Series 3 was produced by Peter Bennett.[56] Series 4 was produced by Kelly A Manners,[57] with UK filming produced by Brian Minchin, producer of Series 4 and 5 of The Sarah Jane Adventures.[58][59] The series also shares Doctor Who's production designer, Edward Thomas.[60][61] Music for the series was composed by Ben Foster[62] and Doctor Who's composer Murray Gold,[63] with composer Stu Kennedy assisting on Series 4.[64]
Opening sequence[edit]
Episodes of the show's first two series are preceded by a voice-over monologue by Barrowman as Harkness, establishing the show's premise.[65] The show's theme tune plays over this monologue and the title sequence.[66] The theme was written by Doctor Who composer Murray Gold.[63]
The opening sequence was re-done specifically for series 2, episode 5 "Adam", adding the titular character to the existing scenes. This reflected the in-universe story of Adam psychically inserting himself into the team members' memories as a long-standing member of the team.[67]
For Children of Earth, a recap of the last episode was played at the beginning of each episode, followed by a title card. The theme was not featured in this, instead only featuring over the end credits.
A new theme arrangement and opening credit sequence was introduced with Series 4 (though a musical motif, or "sting", from the original theme is still audible in numerous scenes). Although each episode of Miracle Day has a published individual title, Torchwood: Miracle Day is the only on-screen title used.
Overview[edit]
The series is set in Cardiff, Wales, and follows a rogue covert agency called Torchwood which investigates extraterrestrial incidents on Earth and scavenges alien technology for its own use. This Torchwood, led by Captain Jack Harkness, is a small, independent organisation, but began as the Cardiff branch of the larger Torchwood Institute, then-defunct, which began in the Victorian era. (Its origins were outlined in the Doctor Who episode "Tooth and Claw", and Harkness's long connection to it is covered in flashback scenes in a Torchwood series 2 episode.) As the opening monologue explains, the organisation is separate from the government, outside the police, and beyond the United Nations. Their public perception is as merely a 'special ops' group. The events of the first series take place sometime after the Doctor Who series two finale, in which the Torchwood Institute's London headquarters was destroyed. This format was maintained for the first two series.
Series three, a miniseries, saw the Cardiff headquarters destroyed and the team temporarily operating as fugitives in England's capital city of London, its membership declining and the organisation thoroughly broken over the course of the serial. Series four starts with Torchwood fully disbanded. Jack has left Earth after the events of series three, and a pregnant Gwen has retired to be with her family. The group is then unofficially reformed, this time operating primarily in the United States, joined by two fugitive CIA agents who have been framed for treason, during Miracle Day.
Cast[edit]
| Actor | Character | Series | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | ||||
| John Barrowman | Jack Harkness | Main | |||||
| Eve Myles | Gwen Cooper | Main | |||||
| Burn Gorman | Owen Harper | Main | |||||
| Naoko Mori | Toshiko Sato | Main | |||||
| Indira Varma | Suzie Costello | Featured[b] | |||||
| Gareth David-Lloyd | Ianto Jones | Main | |||||
| Freema Agyeman | Martha Jones | Main[c] | |||||
| Kai Owen | Rhys Williams | Recurring | Main | ||||
| Mekhi Phifer | Rex Matheson | Main | |||||
| Alexa Havins | Esther Drummond | Main | |||||
| Bill Pullman | Oswald Danes | Main | |||||
Unlike its parent programme, Torchwood centres on a team instead of a single character with companions. The show initially depicts a small team of alien-hunters known as Torchwood Three, based in Cardiff. The team is made up of five operatives led by Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman), formerly a time-traveling "Time Agent" and con man from the distant future who has lived on Earth as an immortal since the 19th century. Gwen Cooper (Eve Myles), the female lead, joins the team in the first episode; she is originally an audience surrogate, but later grows into a more morally complicated character. The original cast is filled out by Torchwood medical officer Owen Harper (Burn Gorman), computer specialist Toshiko Sato (Naoko Mori), and general factotum-cum-administrator Ianto Jones (Gareth David-Lloyd). Toshiko and Owen are killed off in the second series finale, as is Ianto in the show's third series. Recurring characters are Rhys Williams (Kai Owen), Gwen's live-in boyfriend and later husband; and Andy Davidson (Tom Price), Gwen's former police partner. Kai Owen becomes a main cast member in the programme beginning with the third series; his character is initially unaware of Gwen's activities with Torchwood, but later becomes her close confidant and the team's ally. Price appears in all four series.
Prior to the programme's debut, publicity materials featured Indira Varma as Suzie Costello among the regular cast members, giving the impression that she would appear throughout the series. However, Suzie was killed off at the end of the first episode with Gwen taking her place on the team,[68] Suzie reappearing only once more as an antagonist. In the first two series, Paul Kasey regularly appears under heavy prosthetics, portraying, as in