Torchwood Miracle Day, episode 1: The New World...
After the depressing storyline of Torchwood: Children of Earth, I felt a certain trepidation about this one. Of course I want more Torchwood, but it could be a case of "beware what you wish for..." And a changeover to an American setting and storyline? It seldom bodes well when any show crosses the Atlantic.
Still: Russell T Davies. I have infinite faith in his writing skills, if not his judgement.
My reactions: a cautious thumbs up.
I was not thrilled with the story line, but I liked the action sequences, and the intriguing mysteries raised. How is Torchwood related to the sudden disappearance of death? How can Captain Jack now be the only mortal on Earth? Is Rose in the TARDIS somewhere, making wishes?
Specific comments:
- I wanted more focus on Jack. Still, his scenes were great. There just weren't enough of them.
- I look forward to watching this again, when I will, perhaps, feel less trepidatious.
- I loved, totally loved, the Gwen and Rhys scenes. With the baby. Little Anwen was just so cute - I loved the way she chortled at the helicopter chase. I loved seeing their house in the middle of nowhere, seeing them painting their walls, seeing Gwen fight with her mother.
- The reunion of Gwen with ex-PC Andy seemed a little impersonal or rushed or something. Are they giving him more dignity and stature with is promotion, playing down his charm and his love for Gwen? Or did someone feed him retcon? Might be kinder if they did.
- How and why does Gwen look different?
- Rex Matheson must be one of the most obnoxious characters I've seen of TV in a long time, if you discount George R.R. Martin villains. Too bad they can't kill him off!
- Is Oswald Dave and alien? There's got to be some alien menace, right? I love Bill Pullman. Loved his acting here.
- It wasn't as gross as I feared it would be.
- I rather liked Esther.
- I'd like to know more about what Jack has been doing off-planet, but I guess we won't be hearing about that.
- I really liked the graphics with the credits.
- Have I mentioned that I think the story should have had more scenes with Jack?
- I liked the helicopter chase on the beach, and the explosion as Jack and Esther fell into the fountain. I'm not usually a love of action scenes, but these were fun.
- It seemed to have a little less heart than usual.