S02E01: 'Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang'

Published Wednesday, Jan 16 2008, 21:46 GMT | By Ben Rawson-Jones | 6 comments

"Bloody Torchwood," seethes the pensioner in the delicious pre-credits sequence. It’s a view unlikely to be mirrored by the viewers, as the second season premiere is slicker, faster and funnier than previous efforts - but not without its flaws.

The humourous slant to proceedings is evident from the beginning with the wonderfully realised ‘blowfish’ chase that instantly propels us into the action, equipped with a beaming smile. The laughs start flowing with the self-consciously iconic arrival of James Marsters’ Captain John, full of swagger, innuendo and a wonderful Star Wars reference in his answerphone message. It does edge dangerously close to parody at times, which threatens an attempt to take the narrative seriously and feel the potential danger, but Marsters is such a joy to watch, in a similar vein to his role in Buffy.

The change in Ianto Jones’ general demeanour is symbolic of the apparent change in tone for the show. Once a brooding misery guts whose idea of fun entailed stashing away his mangled cyberwoman girlfriend, he now seems to be equipped with the best one-liners and serves as the object of sexual attention from both Captains Jack and John.

However, there’s a certain something that leaves a feeling of unfulfillment as the end credits role, despite the tantalising "Gray" revelation. For the actual plot throughout the episode feels very disposable and non-engaging. Until the denouement, where Captain John finds himself bound to both explosives and Gwen, the storyline feels like more of an excuse to put certain characters together and watch them interact, with a distinct lack of urgency. Still, at least the camerawork helps to propel the action along, being fairly American in its adoption of the ‘MTV Aesthetic’ - packed full of quick zooms and fast cuts.

Although the episode feels like a passive viewing experience, it’s still enjoyable and generates a great deal of fun, mainly through the witty and smutty dialogue and confident performances.

> Click here for our in-depth recap of this episode

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6 Comments

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Christine from Wales, on January 17th, 2008
It is good to see a production team listen to the concerns of their audience and actively correct flaws from series one. Series 2 has upped the game in terms of characterisation, writing and production. The guest star also boosted the episode several notches with Marstersn his best role since Buffy. Still slightly too much lovey dovey stuff as you end up caring less emotionally when it is overdone. But it was a tad more discreet and humorous at times so not grating provided that every episode is not going to be awash with it. As subtext to the main plot - great - but not as substitute for a main plot. All in all a promising stride in the right direction.

Robert, London UK, on January 17th, 2008
I loved how they turned night into day! The last scene on the roof begins in full daylight and ends in darkness (the explosion inside the Rift having turned day to night, I assume). Continuity - who needs it! Pah! Ianto is morphing into serious deranged sexiness. And who needs a plot when you've got great characters and pace.

Carolyn Oxon, on January 17th, 2008
OK start to this series (I know is post watershed but a few too many sex references), but the wonderful James Marsters made it worth watching. Yes he was very Spike like, but that's the major reason why I watched it. Hope he's back in future episodes.

Lou,Wiltshire, on January 17th, 2008
I enjoyed the first episode, althought the sex references were getting a bit annoying, and also, at the end in the carpark, Jack muttered along the lines of, now we will have to avoid our other selves, well they would have to do that forever wouldn't they, as they wont merge back together because they will be in different places at different times, aaarrrgghhh my head hurts,lol. I just thought it was lazy writing by ( I assume) RTD. On the whole though, an enjoyable romp.

Sharon, Warrington, on January 16th, 2008
This episode was fantastic in terms of storyline, acting and well, just about everything! I thought James Marsters done an excellent job, a bit 'Spike' like mind you. I loved the banter between John and Jack and the fighting! A lot of sexual references though, thought it would be toned down slightly, but still enjoyable. Looking forward to next week! 9/10

Andy, London UK, on January 16th, 2008
I quite enjoyed tonight's episode. It almost feels like their starting again, and series 1 was a test bed. I like how they've added more humour to it. I'd definitely watch next week.

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