TV
'Torchwood' Season Two Review
Published Sunday, Apr 13 2008, 07:00 BST | By Ben Rawson-Jones | 30 comments

A vast improvement over its debut season, this year's episodes have tickled many a rib, caused plenty of jaws to drop and probed the most defiant of tear ducts - all thanks to a winning blend of action, emotion and humour. Just witness the hilarious shapeshifting antics at Gwen's wedding, followed soon after by the powerful tale of a teenage boy whose trip through the rift has left him scarred, drastically aged and tortured by memories of his own pain.

Burn Gorman was consistently brilliant as Owen Harper, in both his live and unalive states of being. We occasionally despised Owen for his abrasive shunnings of Tosh when he swatted away her good natured come-ons. We pitied his impotence after his initial 'death'. We gulped when the truth about his fiancee's death was revealed... and we laughed when he was stripped of all cynicism due to the mind manipulation of Adam.

That's too harsh on John Barrowman of course, as while his ability to convey genuine anger is somewhat dodgy, he really bolstered the aforementioned fun element. Two such moments highlight this splendid quality. Just witness his Blowfish brainblowing return at the start of the series, armed with a cheesy quip - "hey kids, did ya miss me?" - and a grin that was pure Stilton. Weeks later, he equalled this with the "how's that for shapeshift?" line after blasting apart the alien invader at Gwen's wedding, again armed with that distinctive and disarming smirk. It was like Buffy Summers had been reincarnated and was still twirling her stake after dispatching a vampire.

Ultimately, the real power of Torchwood's strength became explicit with the deaths of certain characters - and the immediate impact on the viewer. In 'Sleeper', Beth's harrowing plight and discovery of her true self pushed precisely the right buttons in a very short space of time and compelled us to care about her wellbeing - thus her death deposited an instant lump in the throat. Similarly, the harvested squealing space whale in 'Meat' also hit a nerve.
More significantly though, the tragic demises of Owen and Tosh bore incredible impact and emotional intensity. It takes some quality writing, acting and directing to make us care and believe in these characters, given that they exist in a world full of Weevils, Sleeper Agents, Grim Reapers and where Jim Robinson from Neighbours has been reincarnated as a pharmaceutical boss. Above all, we can't wait to find out how Torchwood fares in its third season. "Bloody Torchwood" indeed.
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30 Comments
Your Responses
BECCA COUNTY DURHAM, on August 22nd, 2008
I thought the whole series was a major improvement from the last series.
I thought the whole series was a major improvement from the last series.
Vicki W, Buckinghamshire, UK, on August 14th, 2008
"Bloody brilliant Torchwood" is indeed right. The fantastic second series built on the success of the first, developing characters more fully and tugging at the heartstrings more. Although I look forward to a longer single story next year, I am sad that there will only be 5 episodes. I hated the character of Owen in the first series (not Burn Gorman's acting), but am now compelled to hope that Owen did not "die" a second time in the radiation leak. As for Captain Jack's world being "turned upside down" next time, I hope that is a reference to his 2 years' worth of missing memories...
"Bloody brilliant Torchwood" is indeed right. The fantastic second series built on the success of the first, developing characters more fully and tugging at the heartstrings more. Although I look forward to a longer single story next year, I am sad that there will only be 5 episodes. I hated the character of Owen in the first series (not Burn Gorman's acting), but am now compelled to hope that Owen did not "die" a second time in the radiation leak. As for Captain Jack's world being "turned upside down" next time, I hope that is a reference to his 2 years' worth of missing memories...
Don H, Bisbee, Arizona. USA (the SE corner), on August 5th, 2008
By the middle of season two, Torchwood had become "Must See TV", loved the finale and ache like a bad tooth each week it is not on BBCA. A Week without Torchwood is like a week with George Bush as President!
By the middle of season two, Torchwood had become "Must See TV", loved the finale and ache like a bad tooth each week it is not on BBCA. A Week without Torchwood is like a week with George Bush as President!
Glenda....South Australia, on July 23rd, 2008
Only seen it on DVD..as it hasn't and probably won't be shown in Australia. But I loved it. Okay...some of the acting was a bit wooden...not pointing any fingers here. But you know why it's a great show. Because it dares to be different. The crap that is on telly at the moment is so woeful that anything that has humour, aliens, and wildly different storylines is great. So much better than boring CSI's or realty shows.
Only seen it on DVD..as it hasn't and probably won't be shown in Australia. But I loved it. Okay...some of the acting was a bit wooden...not pointing any fingers here. But you know why it's a great show. Because it dares to be different. The crap that is on telly at the moment is so woeful that anything that has humour, aliens, and wildly different storylines is great. So much better than boring CSI's or realty shows.
Jo Gloucester, on June 16th, 2008
I Agree With Your Review! I Absolutly LOVED Season 2, From Start To Finish, & I Am So Excited For The Third Season :) I Really Hope Martha Comes In Full Time Next Year, I Love Her Character In Doctor Who & Torchwood!! Tosh & Owens Scene Where Heartbreaking, & All The Cast Deserve Awards For The Scene, Especially Naoko & Burn! Gosh I Love Torchwood
I Agree With Your Review! I Absolutly LOVED Season 2, From Start To Finish, & I Am So Excited For The Third Season :) I Really Hope Martha Comes In Full Time Next Year, I Love Her Character In Doctor Who & Torchwood!! Tosh & Owens Scene Where Heartbreaking, & All The Cast Deserve Awards For The Scene, Especially Naoko & Burn! Gosh I Love Torchwood
Thawn, Norwich, on June 8th, 2008
I thought the second season was great and I thought is was nice to see Martha Jones in the series. I agree with Mr Saxon about seeing more of Martha Jones in the next series of Torchwood. Also it was a shame that Tosh and Owen were killed off I thought they were great. I am looking forward to Season 3.
I thought the second season was great and I thought is was nice to see Martha Jones in the series. I agree with Mr Saxon about seeing more of Martha Jones in the next series of Torchwood. Also it was a shame that Tosh and Owen were killed off I thought they were great. I am looking forward to Season 3.
Sam Liverpool, on June 4th, 2008
I absolutely, LOVED it. I liked the first series but I did feel some episodes were hit and miss, some I adored and some I hated. In this series there were some I adored (Sleeper, Adam, Fragments) some I liked (Something Borrowed, Adrift, TTLM) and only one I didn't like which was From out of the Rain, purely as it seemed like it needed much more time spent on it. Jack was funny, in his over the top way, I loved his interaction with ianto and I completely disagree with whoever said his homosexual innuendo was over the top I mean COME ON. ITS TORCHWOOD. I think their flirting and smooches were some of the most fun bits. I certainly enjoyed Owen more this season, Tosh was fantastic and Gwen...well I hate Gwen still. But I can cope with her. I wish she'd died instead of Tosh but..so long as when they come back they haven't forgotten that Gwen is married and has basically ditched her crush for Jack. More Ianto though please ^^ GDL is amazing.
I absolutely, LOVED it. I liked the first series but I did feel some episodes were hit and miss, some I adored and some I hated. In this series there were some I adored (Sleeper, Adam, Fragments) some I liked (Something Borrowed, Adrift, TTLM) and only one I didn't like which was From out of the Rain, purely as it seemed like it needed much more time spent on it. Jack was funny, in his over the top way, I loved his interaction with ianto and I completely disagree with whoever said his homosexual innuendo was over the top I mean COME ON. ITS TORCHWOOD. I think their flirting and smooches were some of the most fun bits. I certainly enjoyed Owen more this season, Tosh was fantastic and Gwen...well I hate Gwen still. But I can cope with her. I wish she'd died instead of Tosh but..so long as when they come back they haven't forgotten that Gwen is married and has basically ditched her crush for Jack. More Ianto though please ^^ GDL is amazing.
Elz, London, on May 31st, 2008
I LOVED Torchwood all the way through- i was in floods of tears when owen and tosh died but i'm glad gwen survived.
I LOVED Torchwood all the way through- i was in floods of tears when owen and tosh died but i'm glad gwen survived.
Dobby, United Kingdom, on May 7th, 2008
LOVE TORCHWOOD!!!!! ep 13 had me in tears for hours RIP Owen and Tosh (even if i want to kill the pair of u coz u never went on that date) Martha rules fave Ianto moment was that bit with the hockey stick and the resurection glove can't wait 4 series 3!!!
LOVE TORCHWOOD!!!!! ep 13 had me in tears for hours RIP Owen and Tosh (even if i want to kill the pair of u coz u never went on that date) Martha rules fave Ianto moment was that bit with the hockey stick and the resurection glove can't wait 4 series 3!!!
Tracy Book Indiana USA, on May 5th, 2008
We loved it, my entire family watches it. I can't wait until next Season, when does it start? It is so awesome, I love it!!! Thanks
We loved it, my entire family watches it. I can't wait until next Season, when does it start? It is so awesome, I love it!!! Thanks
Dan in Tampa, on April 26th, 2008
OK, I'll be the lone dissenter here. I found the whole "kill off some characters" schtick very disappointing. It's way too overdone, at least on US TV, for sweeps weeks and season enders. It doesn't have any shock value anymore and, at least in my case, just ticks me off. I watch shows because I enjoy the cast, their interplay and how they work through the storylines. Lately, the directors, writets and other behind the scene personnel seem to think it's all about them and actors are "plug-and-play" props. This seriously lowered my interest level toward next season.
OK, I'll be the lone dissenter here. I found the whole "kill off some characters" schtick very disappointing. It's way too overdone, at least on US TV, for sweeps weeks and season enders. It doesn't have any shock value anymore and, at least in my case, just ticks me off. I watch shows because I enjoy the cast, their interplay and how they work through the storylines. Lately, the directors, writets and other behind the scene personnel seem to think it's all about them and actors are "plug-and-play" props. This seriously lowered my interest level toward next season.
crazydude, england, on April 20th, 2008
I thought it was an a amazing improvement on series 1, i cant wait for season 3 now!!
I thought it was an a amazing improvement on series 1, i cant wait for season 3 now!!
Janis USA: Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on April 20th, 2008
I am still drying my eyes from tonights episode. How can they replace Owen and Tosh. What an excellent season. I love Torchwood. I am a high school teacher and have been telling my students about this exciting series. I started watching in August, 2007 and I think I have managed to see most of season 1 and I have season two Tivoed. I have just read that there are novels based on the TV show. Are they any good?
I am still drying my eyes from tonights episode. How can they replace Owen and Tosh. What an excellent season. I love Torchwood. I am a high school teacher and have been telling my students about this exciting series. I started watching in August, 2007 and I think I have managed to see most of season 1 and I have season two Tivoed. I have just read that there are novels based on the TV show. Are they any good?
Destrii, Mars, on April 19th, 2008
Will people who don't like Torchwood please stop letting everyone know? It's a brilliant show, and i you don't happen to like it then don't put others off. I really enjoyed the series and I am hoping to see more of Martha next time. But I was really sad when they killed Tosh off! Owen didn't hit so hard, being dead already, and he'll probably be brought back sometime. Does anyone know who's going to replace the two? Gray was miscast and he's not hot! If you want hot people pay attention to the regulars, like Jack and the adorable Ianto.
Will people who don't like Torchwood please stop letting everyone know? It's a brilliant show, and i you don't happen to like it then don't put others off. I really enjoyed the series and I am hoping to see more of Martha next time. But I was really sad when they killed Tosh off! Owen didn't hit so hard, being dead already, and he'll probably be brought back sometime. Does anyone know who's going to replace the two? Gray was miscast and he's not hot! If you want hot people pay attention to the regulars, like Jack and the adorable Ianto.
Troy, on April 14th, 2008
Excellent show One of the best
Excellent show One of the best
chris: Ireland, on April 14th, 2008
Touchwood had two problems and i was so happy when they killed off those problems at the end.. I guess i was not the only person who could tell they could not act. I still watched the show though. The only two episodes stood out where the ones with James marsters in them. Hopefully season 3 will be better.
Touchwood had two problems and i was so happy when they killed off those problems at the end.. I guess i was not the only person who could tell they could not act. I still watched the show though. The only two episodes stood out where the ones with James marsters in them. Hopefully season 3 will be better.
Tanya Murphy, Slough, on April 14th, 2008
So agree with Mr. Saxon we need more Martha Jones in the next season. Season 2 was 70% a great season few bits and pieces dropped the ball and over all great finale but Jacks strange brother was not neseccary especially after the alien wrist things that had been all set up earlier in the season (if that wasn't a set up for a season finale I dont know what is). I would love to see Joss Whedon come on board for an episode of Torchwood or Dr. Who i'm pretty sure he would be game too!
So agree with Mr. Saxon we need more Martha Jones in the next season. Season 2 was 70% a great season few bits and pieces dropped the ball and over all great finale but Jacks strange brother was not neseccary especially after the alien wrist things that had been all set up earlier in the season (if that wasn't a set up for a season finale I dont know what is). I would love to see Joss Whedon come on board for an episode of Torchwood or Dr. Who i'm pretty sure he would be game too!
dsrichard, currently Brazil, on April 14th, 2008
It was very easy to see how the (and let's use the word as a convenient point of reference) actor who played Gray was cast. He is a total hottie. I for one didn't care that he couldn't act. I was hoping for a Torchwood-gratuitous shower scene with him.
It was very easy to see how the (and let's use the word as a convenient point of reference) actor who played Gray was cast. He is a total hottie. I for one didn't care that he couldn't act. I was hoping for a Torchwood-gratuitous shower scene with him.
Louise, Newcastle, on April 13th, 2008
I loved this Season and can't wait for more....Really really hope James Marsters is a regular in Season 3 I just adore him.
I loved this Season and can't wait for more....Really really hope James Marsters is a regular in Season 3 I just adore him.
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I enjoyed it a lot, except the whole 'Gray' thing could have been done a LOT better than it did. I hated the fact that we lost Owen and Tosh, Owen being my favourite character of the bunch, im going to miss them desperately. I didn't quite understand the sudden personality transplant of Ianto, not that it's a bad thing, he had some great lines, but it was a little wierd. REALLY, REALLY hope Martha isn't in season 3, i didn't mind her in the two parter because she was diluted by the other characters but if she's back, she's going to be central to it, and i'm going to have to turn off, like i had to turn off Doctor Who season 3