TV
'Torchwood's Day Two - The Verdict
Published Tuesday, Jul 7 2009, 22:00 BST | By Ben Rawson-Jones | 41 comments
Splitting up the Torchwood trio in the aftermath of the Hub's destruction works well, allowing the warmth and humanity of Gwen and Ianto's loved ones to shine through. Moments like Rhys's desperation for grub during Gwen's meeting with Lois provide welcome light relief from the gravity of the 456 situation, while also contrasting with the sinister dealings of the suited figures at Downing Street. It's also a pleasant surprise to have the hapless Deputy Andy back in the mix.
As the ruthless assassin Johnson, Liz May Brice dominates the proceedings with her sour demeanour and unblinking determination to complete her mission. "If I can't kill you, I can contain you," she tells Captain Jack - and you believe her.
Like Day One, this episode could easily be cut substantially down to stop the mind briefly wandering at times, while the subplot juggling means that the key child possession story strand - the main selling point - is frustratingly marginalised. Once again, everything rewardingly comes together in the Quatermass-inspired final minutes as we wonder what kind of creature is lurking in the government's gas chamber. On another note, what are the odds that Jack is the father of Gwen's baby? She's been a naughty girl before...
> What do you think of Day Two? Share your views
> Read our review of Day One
> Click here for our gallery preview of Day Three
Your Views
41 Comments
Your Responses
Tony, Hants, on July 8th, 2009
Agree - it should be on CBBC Channel. Typical RTD pap.
Agree - it should be on CBBC Channel. Typical RTD pap.
A Patel, on July 8th, 2009
Fantastic, gud storyline, I thought they were going to bring in Martha and Micky to replace Tosh n Owen, but they have done a fantastic job bringing more depth/history character development to Jack, Gwen, Lanto n Rhys instead of developing a role for Martha/Micky in Touchwood. Brillient, Keep it up.
Fantastic, gud storyline, I thought they were going to bring in Martha and Micky to replace Tosh n Owen, but they have done a fantastic job bringing more depth/history character development to Jack, Gwen, Lanto n Rhys instead of developing a role for Martha/Micky in Touchwood. Brillient, Keep it up.
Becky, Stoke on Trent, on July 8th, 2009
This season is shaping up to be the best yet. John , Eve, Gareth and Kai are as fabulous as ever. Fantastic : )
This season is shaping up to be the best yet. John , Eve, Gareth and Kai are as fabulous as ever. Fantastic : )
andrew, cardiff, on July 8th, 2009
i completely disagree with you, this was the perfect follow on from day one, you need to realise that its supposed to be slower as its five hours ong, its allowing us to get our teeth into the story and isnt just satisfying the people with the memory span of a goldfish who need non stop action such as yourself. brilliant episode, even better than yesterdays but for the slightly unbelievable thing with ianto ripping the concrete prison with a jcb
i completely disagree with you, this was the perfect follow on from day one, you need to realise that its supposed to be slower as its five hours ong, its allowing us to get our teeth into the story and isnt just satisfying the people with the memory span of a goldfish who need non stop action such as yourself. brilliant episode, even better than yesterdays but for the slightly unbelievable thing with ianto ripping the concrete prison with a jcb
Jordan, Halifax, on July 8th, 2009
I really do hope it's Doctor Who related :) Daleks or something....
I really do hope it's Doctor Who related :) Daleks or something....
Paul Kieley, Fulham, London, on July 8th, 2009
Ben are you a torchwood fan ? you seem very critical of episode 2, yes last night was good, but maybe you need to put it all into context of the whole story . I mean there were stories last series that were good and some not so great .
Ben are you a torchwood fan ? you seem very critical of episode 2, yes last night was good, but maybe you need to put it all into context of the whole story . I mean there were stories last series that were good and some not so great .
Janet Hall Scotland, on July 8th, 2009
Sorry but I totally disagree with the comments, I found the 2nd episode riveting and think that, so far, this is brilliant.
Sorry but I totally disagree with the comments, I found the 2nd episode riveting and think that, so far, this is brilliant.
Sam Liverpool, on July 8th, 2009
I highly doubt Jack is the father of Gwens baby, where the heck do you get that from?! The woman is bashful enough when he's naked, are you really suggesting they've slept togather? Plus that would make the character of Gwen definitly unable to like, she's done some awful things but that would take the biscuit.
I highly doubt Jack is the father of Gwens baby, where the heck do you get that from?! The woman is bashful enough when he's naked, are you really suggesting they've slept togather? Plus that would make the character of Gwen definitly unable to like, she's done some awful things but that would take the biscuit.
Jade, Staffs, on July 8th, 2009
I preferred this episode to the first. They took their time with plot, fleshed out the characters a bit more and there was certainly more emotion from everyone. Some very touching and funny moments, loved it.
I preferred this episode to the first. They took their time with plot, fleshed out the characters a bit more and there was certainly more emotion from everyone. Some very touching and funny moments, loved it.
Willie, France, on July 8th, 2009
Does Jack shave? I thought it neat that his resurrection gave him not only neat hair on his head but none on his face.
Does Jack shave? I thought it neat that his resurrection gave him not only neat hair on his head but none on his face.
Jenna, on July 8th, 2009
Ben Rawson-Jones, Cult Editor - can I have your job as you obviously don't understand anything! Last night eposide was the best yet .. it had laughter and horror, was well paced and there were no way the mind could 'briefly wandering'.
Ben Rawson-Jones, Cult Editor - can I have your job as you obviously don't understand anything! Last night eposide was the best yet .. it had laughter and horror, was well paced and there were no way the mind could 'briefly wandering'.
Dee, Suffolk, on July 8th, 2009
I don't understand how anyone could slate this programme, it's clearly the best thing on the box at the moment and I love the way this series is done. Everyone involved should be very proud of themselves. Shame it's not on longer.......
I don't understand how anyone could slate this programme, it's clearly the best thing on the box at the moment and I love the way this series is done. Everyone involved should be very proud of themselves. Shame it's not on longer.......
Gemi London, on July 8th, 2009
I liked it more than episode one - defo worth at least 4 stars.
I liked it more than episode one - defo worth at least 4 stars.
nick, uka, on July 8th, 2009
Does it mean that Habiba, if she survives, will be a new member for season 4 ? I hope eo
Does it mean that Habiba, if she survives, will be a new member for season 4 ? I hope eo
Matt, Edinburgh, on July 8th, 2009
My favourite part was "We want a pony....we want a pony...we want a pony..." I laughed out loud at that.
My favourite part was "We want a pony....we want a pony...we want a pony..." I laughed out loud at that.
Dave Cooper (daveac) Manchester UK, on July 8th, 2009
'to stop the mind briefly wandering at times' What are you talking about - the qwhole episode flew by - there was no 'wandering' whilst I watched it! Day One 9/10 - Day Two 8/10
'to stop the mind briefly wandering at times' What are you talking about - the qwhole episode flew by - there was no 'wandering' whilst I watched it! Day One 9/10 - Day Two 8/10
Holly UK, on July 8th, 2009
What show are you watching to give it only 3stars? Loved it!
What show are you watching to give it only 3stars? Loved it!
Brendan, Surrey, on July 8th, 2009
Hugely entertaining but as with the Hulk's trousers, Capt Jack's hair has the same product and root lift and style when reincarnated after being blown to bits. He should market whatever he uses to Nicky Clark or something!
Hugely entertaining but as with the Hulk's trousers, Capt Jack's hair has the same product and root lift and style when reincarnated after being blown to bits. He should market whatever he uses to Nicky Clark or something!
malkyj, birmingham, on July 8th, 2009
I enjoyed the episode but I am finding the totally implausible role played by Lois Habiba increasingly hard to take. OK, we all know government IT security is bad, but so bad that a PA on her first day can access above top-secret information including schematics of secure facilties? And would she really be taken along to what is currently the most sensitive location in the UK, one where an alien habitat is being constructed, just so she can stand behind some tarpaulin? I think not. It would have been much more interesting if it was a previously loyal member of staff, like Ms Spears, who went rogue and we could witness the torture of her torn loyalties. That said, the episode was a fun romp and the story advanced well enough. Can't wait for the reaction of the team when they realise Jack was deeply involved in the events of 1965 (along with the others on the blank page).
I enjoyed the episode but I am finding the totally implausible role played by Lois Habiba increasingly hard to take. OK, we all know government IT security is bad, but so bad that a PA on her first day can access above top-secret information including schematics of secure facilties? And would she really be taken along to what is currently the most sensitive location in the UK, one where an alien habitat is being constructed, just so she can stand behind some tarpaulin? I think not. It would have been much more interesting if it was a previously loyal member of staff, like Ms Spears, who went rogue and we could witness the torture of her torn loyalties. That said, the episode was a fun romp and the story advanced well enough. Can't wait for the reaction of the team when they realise Jack was deeply involved in the events of 1965 (along with the others on the blank page).
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this has got to be the best torchwood/Doctor who series everhar