S02E06: 'Reset'

Two familiar faces guest star in this sturdy Torchwood episode, although their presence has decidedly mixed results.

There are slightly too many references, both overt and veiled, to the previous events of Doctor Who as a result of Martha Jones' appearance. Crucially though, Martha doesn't add much to the dynamic of the Torchwood team. Her medical expertise means that she is given lines usually given to Owen, while Gwen feels distinctly sidelined and redundant due to Martha's presence. One can't help but have the feeling that the script was initially written without Martha's presence, only to be rejigged at the last minute.

That aside, the plot is clever and uses science fiction as a way to critique all the ethics of the pharmaceutical industry. Alan Dale is superb as Copley, never turning him into a one-dimensional villain. There is enough depth to the character to suggest that he believes he is working for a good cause, possibly fuelled by the loss of a loved one to an incurable disease.

Owen's sudden death rounds off the slow-burning narrative with a much-needed bang, although the impact is slightly lessened by the fact that not everyone in Torchwood stays dead for long.