Torchwood: Border Princes...
Nov. 18th, 2007 09:31 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
fajrdrakoToday I read the third of the Torchwood novels, Torchwood: Border Princes, by Dan Abnett. I'd been saving it up till one of those days when first series Torchwood was long gone, second series was a glimmer in the distant future, and I was feeling desperate for new Torchwood material. Besides fanfic.
Of the three novels (the others being Another Life by Peter Anghelides and Slow Decay by Andy Lane), this is not the strongest. But I loved it still.
Its weaknesses are that it gets less into the personal viewpoint than the other two novels - especially Another Life, which has some magnificent passages about Jack. In fact, Jack is featured much less in this book, and not in any depth, and he seems to be in a bad mood most of the time. At least he's there.
The novel's strengths: well, I loved the plot. It's a slow reveal, though I guessed what we were dealing with before it was explained. I thought it was a wonderful bit of sleight-of-hand suspense, SF adventure and beautifully sustained action.
Don't read on if you don't want spoilers.
Basically, Torchwood is dealing with four situations:
- an alien puzzle that affects minds;
- an alien warrior-robot that an old man keeps in his garden shed;
- a door-to-door salesman who is way too persuasive;
- alien bodyguards who appear to be human, but who have superpowers and are bent on protecting their Principal:
The answer of course is that he is the Principal and that he is a Border Prince, and no, he doesn't know. This reminded me of the Cylons on Battlestar Galactica, infiltrating humanity undetected. But the Border Princes are not enemies. They are, so to speak, neighbours: aliens who live on one of the many other sides of the Rift, who patrol the Rift to protect their worlds just as Torchwood does to protect ours, except that they have far greater technology. And a higher sense of honour. And technologically enhanced superpowers.
So cool.
I did wonder why the Border Prince (i.e., James) knew our culture well enough to pass as a native and outdo Gwen on actor-and-music-recognition trivia, when his soldiers/protectors got concepts and terminology wrong and were unfamiliar with ice cream. (But make no mistake - they liked it. Frozen flavoured animal fats. Yum.)
There were passages I loved and wanted to quote, but I didn't take notes this time and won't find them again till I reread. I did love the running gag about "twenty-seven" that starts right on page one:
'Scale of one to ten?' Owen asked...
'One being slightly pressing and ten being insanely urgent?' Jack wondered from the passenger seat.
'Yeah.'
'About twenty-six, twenty-seven,' Jack replied mildly.
I also particularly liked some of the incidental characters, like Davey Morgan, and Shiznay. Too bad we didn't get more about Ianto or Toshiko. Owen, as in all the novels, was quite fun.
So now... I have to wait. Till there's another series aired. Till more books are written and published. I see there are more advertized on amazon.co.uk: not, sadly, by the same authors. There's "Torchwood": The Twilight Streets by Gary Russell, and Torchwood": Horaizan by David Llewellyn (who at least sounds like the right nationality to get the locale right), and Torchwood: Something In the Water by Trevor Baxendale. Will they be as good as the first three Torchwood novels? I doubt: I really thought they were far superior to most novels based on Tv shows, and superior also to many which aren't.
None of the others will be out to March at least - probably much later in Canada, as they aren't even advertised on amazon.ca yet. And what is Torchwood by Jill Magi? Or Torchwood: back Stories by David Llewellyn?
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2007-11-19 04:34 am (UTC)And I know it wasn't intentional, because Torchwood is a anagram of Doctor Who, but some of the death-themes on the show are influenced by the torchwood family containing the trees that produce frankincense and myrrh.
no subject
Date: 2007-11-19 12:18 pm (UTC)Seems likely. Nice title, though.
Could you clarify about the death themes? Were frankincense and myyrh used for embalming? How do they influence the TV show?
no subject
Date: 2007-11-20 01:04 am (UTC)I was thinking of a more vague life/death themes that run though Torchwoood an awful lot, and how maybe that since the show has the same name as a series of things that are strongly tied to life/death/afterlife.
I am not entirely sure were I am/was going with this.
no subject
Date: 2007-11-20 01:08 am (UTC)It's an interesting idea, or association of ideas. We don't know how the Torchwood Estate got its name in the first place.
There certainly is a life/death/afterlife theme in Torchwood, and a theme of religion/irreligion/anti-religion too. I don't know where this train of thought leads, but it's interesting.
no subject
Date: 2007-11-19 12:24 pm (UTC)From what I can tell comparing Amazon.co.uk to Amazon.ca, "Back Stories" and "Horaizon" are the same book. No idea why the Canadian version would have a different title.
Are you familiar with the audiobooks? There are going to be three "exclusive" Torchwood audios (no print version) coming out early next year.
no subject
Date: 2007-11-19 01:47 pm (UTC)Just to confuse Canadians? I imagine it's some sort of copyright thing - though why that should occur, I've no idea. Someone's whim? The Canadian title is so comparatively colourless.
I am familiar with the audiobooks. And I guess I'll have to get, and listen to, the Torchwood audiobooks, too! I like audiobooks but have trouble making time for them. In this case, I'll make an exception.
I like your icon! I just watched another episode of The Sarah Jane Adventures last night and my love for Sarah Jane is running high.
no subject
Date: 2007-11-19 02:29 pm (UTC)On the other hand, it makes sense. "Horaizon" just looks like a typo to me.
Thanks on the icon. I'm completely nuts for Sarah Jane!
no subject
Date: 2007-11-19 04:58 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-11-19 06:42 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-11-19 07:30 pm (UTC)As for SJ fandom - maybe it's a matter of time? Or even geography - I've yet to hear a hint that Canada or the US will pick up on the show. Or have I just not been paying enough attention?
no subject
Date: 2007-11-19 08:26 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-11-20 01:05 am (UTC)Sarah Jane Canada, BBC Kids
Date: 2007-12-17 09:26 am (UTC)I saw it on a post on imdb.com, I think in the Doctor Who 2005 board. Anyway, checking for the kids version of it here should eventually let you know if I'm right.
*gazes lovingly at your icon* Yes, please, may I have at least one of him, wrapped in a bow? ;)
I suppose you saw we're not getting the rest of TW S1 until at least January? *sigh*
Re: Sarah Jane Canada, BBC Kids
Date: 2007-12-17 02:42 pm (UTC)I've never had a reason to get the kids' BBC channel before. In fact, I didn't even know there was a BBC kids' channel, but it makes sense.
Yes, please, may I have at least one of him, wrapped in a bow? ;)
Aw, go ahead, take two!
I suppose you saw we're not getting the rest of TW S1 until at least January? *sigh*
I think the CBC should treat that show much, much better than they do.
On the other hand, it's nice to think I have an excuse to watch "Captain Jack Harkness" again in a few weeks.
Re: Sarah Jane Canada, BBC Kids
Date: 2007-12-17 08:09 pm (UTC)Here you go: http://www.bbckids.ca/
And no, I won't be getting it, just to see Sarah Jane.
Yes, please, may I have at least one of him, wrapped in a bow? ;)
Aw, go ahead, take two!
Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo... thank you!
Heh, love your icon today, too, the Dear Santa letter. I was just thinking last night, as I was shovelling the snow, that if the TARDIS showed up, I'd run in to avoid doing more, even if it meant trying to run for my life! *grin*
I suppose you saw we're not getting the rest of TW S1 until at least January? *sigh*
I think the CBC should treat that show much, much better than they do.
I do too. I don't think they even recommend the other show, on each page on CBC (ie., if you like TW, you might like DW, if you like DW, you might like TW).
I guess you also saw that in the U.K., they'll air the "adult" version... and a few days later, an edited "family friendly" version? WTF? I thought TW was supposed to be the so-called "adult" and "edgy" spin-off? If it was, you'd think it'd be kind of hard (or impossible) to edit it, so that there's a family friendly version (ie., take Pulp Fiction, think that could be edited down and make sense?). To me, it makes a mockery of all the 'oooooooooooooooooh, we're so adult and edgy and sexy!' promotion for S1. Otoh, I can see that BBC2 would want to get as high ratings as possible for TW, and that it'll need high ratings to be picked up again. If I could edit S1, all shots of naked!Owen and naked!Rhys would be gone (well, maybe the naked!Owen hands cuffed in front of him in the 2nd ep would survive).
On the other hand, it's nice to think I have an excuse to watch "Captain Jack Harkness" again in a few weeks.
Heh, when a friend was watching that ep on BBC America, I watched it, too. It still packs the most emotional wallop for me, and is the most watchable (ie., don't fast forward anything). I was agreeing with my friend, when she wanted Ianto to do it again, and this time, take a headshot at Owen. *grin*
Re: Sarah Jane Canada, BBC Kids
Date: 2007-12-18 01:14 am (UTC)I am able to substitute one channel for another without extra charge, and since I'm rarely watching anything on life TV these days, it wouldn't cost me anything to get it - I think. I don't expect the DVDs will come out in Canadian or American editions - but you never know.
I don't think that they plan any version of Torchwood to be exactly kiddy-fare, it's just that they'll have a version without the sex scenes. I'm not sure what I think of that. As long as we can still get a grown-up version, I suppose I'll be happy. Especially if it's well written. That's what I hope and pray for.
It still packs the most emotional wallop for me
For me too. I think it's the only episode of Torchwood that is very well written - lovely pacing and structure, and all the characters well-drawn.
When it comes to Ianto drawing the gun and threatening Owen, all my friends were shouting. "Shoot him! Shoot him!" and were of course very glad when Ianto pulled the trigger. We need more of that. Owen target-practice. Owen, the character I love to hate. Though I do hope he'll be a little more bearable in series 2.
Re: Sarah Jane Canada, BBC Kids
Date: 2007-12-18 01:45 am (UTC)Oooooooooooooo... I hope you'll be able to! That would be very cool. :)
"I don't think that they plan any version of Torchwood to be exactly kiddy-fare, it's just that they'll have a version without the sex scenes. I'm not sure what I think of that. As long as we can still get a grown-up version, I suppose I'll be happy. Especially if it's well written. That's what I hope and pray for."
I think it's drop the sex scenes, and drop the f-bombs, and cut down on the violence. Here's a bit from one of the latest articles I've seen, mentioning the family version:
Spin-off
Last series' Dr Who companion Martha Jones will be appearing alongside Captain Jack in spin-off show Torchwood next year.
Young fans will be able watch this series because there will be a special version of the show for a family audience.
"This year there's a pre-watershed repeat - that means before 9pm. We take the episode, we edit it down. But it's safe for younger viewers to watch."
"For me too. I think it's the only episode of Torchwood that is very well written - lovely pacing and structure, and all the characters well-drawn."
Mine are "They Keep Killing Suzie", which was then bumped out of place by "Out of Time", I enjoyed Jack a lot in "Combat" and that everyone had something to do so I'm totally willing to give Noel Clarke a chance to write more, if I liked Gwen "Random Shoes" would also be near the top. And yes, CJH wins hands down, no contest. I hope I'll love her S2 eps.
When it comes to Ianto drawing the gun and threatening Owen, all my friends were shouting. "Shoot him! Shoot him!" and were of course very glad when Ianto pulled the trigger. We need more of that. Owen target-practice. Owen, the character I love to hate. Though I do hope he'll be a little more bearable in series 2.
Heh, when two friends were watching it on BBCA, and I was chatting online, both of them wanted Ianto to take a headshot. *grin*
I hope Owen'll be more bearable (and Gwen too, for me) in S2. At this moment, I'm totally willing for both characters to disappear, never be seen again.
Re: Sarah Jane Canada, BBC Kids
Date: 2007-12-28 03:35 pm (UTC)There was a time I wished Owen would just disappear. Or be shot in the head by Ianto. So satisfying. Or maybe by Jack, who sometimes puts up with too much. I actually believe that some of Owen's misbehaviour is an acting-out thing to get Jack's attention.
Still, I thought his character was very well written.
And I love Gwen with an unjustifiable if woobly love. But "Random Shoes" looses a lot of points because of Jack's absence. I like Gwen best when she's interacting with Jack. Come to think of it, I like everybody best when they're interacting with Jack.
Another problem with Gwen and Owen is that they tended to overshadow Ianto and Tosh with both screen time and character development - not to mention taking time away from Jack himself, who is the character I really want to see.
I'd love to know Ianto and Tosh better.
Border Princes
Date: 2007-12-17 09:42 am (UTC)I wasn't surprised (disappointed, yeah) that the continuing theme of TW either being ineffective or downright liable for the messes was evident in the book. Owen turning on James at the beginning (and James ruining the gun), Owen and Ianto in the Hub and letting the Amok out, the Serial G killer robot had to be disposed of by Mr. Dine, and Mr. Dine had to outwit the Amok and destroy it, TW were helpiess with it.
I felt sorry for Davey Morgan. I would have liked to have seen Jack's reaction to what the killer robot did to the yobbos who were tormenting Davey.
Gwen annoyed me and I found myself wishing even at the beginning, that Jack hadn't saved her (stopped her from falling into the river). Enjoyed Jack reaming them out, hated that Jack apologized and said he was sorry to Gwen later on. I wish either Gwen/James or Gwen/Owen hadn't happened, both set in the first series, both had her cheating on Rhys. I also would have liked some more information about Gwen/James, had he somehow influenced her into wanting to be with him? She was thinking about Rhys, when she saw the article in the open magazine when she was on the train.
I also like the idea that Jack would try to remember what had happened, with the black box and James, even if the rest would forget.
Another bad thing: no consequences for Gwen (either in the show or this book). I would have liked a scene at the end with Rhys having to be convinced to take Gwen back. I suppose he'd forget about her and James as well as Gwen forgetting?
I liked the line about Jack being the rock and soul of Torchwood. I also liked that Jack was aware of Owen running the extra tests on James, and talked with Owen about it. They need more of that in the show, Jack appearing to be aware of what's going on around him, and not oblivious to most of it.
Owen didn't annoy me as much as he does in the show.
Feel free to post the good Jack bits from the other two books, neither of which I have. If I find them I might get them or I might not.
Re: Border Princes
Date: 2007-12-17 02:39 pm (UTC)Which isn't to say I didn't enjoy it, just that I wish it had featured Jack more, including his point of view, and the thoughts of others about him.
As for TW creating their own messes, or making things worse - Yes, enough of that! It may be a motif of the show (certainly has been so far) but I don't like it in the least. Can't they have a crisis they didn't make themselves, and a major triumph over it?
I talked quite a bit on LJ when I first read those books.... the question is, can I find the comments? One is here (http://fajrdrako.livejournal.com/596548.html?mode=reply), but that's just a shortie.
A very brief comment about Another Life here (http://fajrdrako.livejournal.com/663123.html), but it's one I smile to remember.
Then there's Slow Decay (http://fajrdrako.livejournal.com/673945.html?mode=reply) on May 13.
Re: Border Princes
Date: 2007-12-17 07:48 pm (UTC)You know, that's another problem with TW that I have... it feels to me like Jack is marginalized to feature Gwen. Yo, dudes? I tuned in for Captain Jack, not for Gwen Bloody Cooper! It was like James was the new Gwen Cooper (in terms of getting the lion's share of the story), but competent.
Which wasn't entirely satisfactory - I wanted much more of Jack, and, as you say, of Jack's viewpoint. Moreover, because of the James' story, we didn't get Gwen's focus on Jack (because she was busy thinking of James). And it wasn't just Jack who was marginalized; in fact, we got more about the young waitress, I think!
I'd go so far to say that it was unsatisfactory! Gotta wonder why Jack was even featured on the cover, instead of Gwen who was paired with James in the story (mind you, for the other two books, that would have meant either two books featuring Gwen on the cover [which wouldn't have surprised me], or putting Jack on the cover of one of the other two books, and Gwen would have graced the cover of this one). I also would have liked to have gotten more with the others, especially Ianto who just got to hang out in the Batcave and serve coffee mostly, except for the bit with the Amok.
As for TW creating their own messes, or making things worse - Yes, enough of that! It may be a motif of the show (certainly has been so far) but I don't like it in the least. Can't they have a crisis they didn't make themselves, and a major triumph over it?
Yes, it's too predictable! Mix it up a bit, and have TW triumph (without seeming to make it worse/causing it in the first place) some of the time, and lose some of the time, then we, the viewers, won't know what to expect from week to week (heh, I seem to recall making this same kind of point elsewhere in the last few days, re: a soap opera and how mobster always triumphs over the police chief, so no wonder the actor playing the police chief is bored).
Thanks for the links. :) I'll be reading them after.
Re: Border Princes
Date: 2007-12-18 03:18 am (UTC)Yes, me too. I happen to love Gwen - and I know most fans don't - but if Jack wasn't there, I wouldn't be turning on the TV to see her. I'm there for Jack, and pretty much for Jack alone. I do like the concept of the show, but I don't think the concept, so far, has been well-realized. There's nothing stopping me from loving the show with enthusiastic passion, and griping about what's wrong with it at the same time!
So: we need more about Jack, more stories with Jack at their centre, and more of Jack's point of view. Oddly enough, we get more of Jack's actual point of view in Doctor Who.
I also would have liked to have gotten more with the others, especially Ianto who just got to hang out in the Batcave and serve coffee mostly
Ianto is sadly neglected in all the novels. It's as if they were told not to feature him any more than they had to - perhaps because all the books are set during the period before "Cyberwoman" when he still has Lisa in full-body traction in the storage rooms. They didn't want spoilers. At least Another Life has some Jack/Ianto innuendo - but still not enough of it!