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Part 1: The Best Things about Torchwood series 1:
  1. Captain Jack Harkness. The character is in every way a pièce de résistence by Russell T. Davies and Steven Moffat. A character who takes on attributes of archetypes - the superhero, the cowboy, the Wandering Jew, the unknown soldier, and so on - but does so without being stereotypical. Bonus points for his costume design - I don't know who came up with the greatcoat, the braces, and the floppy hair, but it's perfect. Add to this the Barroman looks, the dimples, the style...


  2. The Pterodactyl. Myfanwy, at the risk of anticipating canon. How many fantasy-sf teams have a pterodactyl nesting in the ceiling? Okay, some others do, but they aren't as good!


  3. The handling of sex and gender matters. Part of the story, part of the characters, part of the story.


  4. Rhys, the perfect boyfriend. The mundane, the outsider. Occasionally something of a damsel in distress, but that's okay, they didn't overdo it.


  5. Bilis. First-class mysterious time-travelling villain.


  6. Detective Swanson. Kathy. We need more like her.


  7. Catherine Treganna. Best writer on the show.


  8. "Captain Jack Harkness" - best episode by far. Okay, so I'm a romantic, but it had the things all the episodes should have had: focus on the protagonist, a tightly written plot, a build-up of action and suspense in two connected plotlines, and great characterization. Yes, the best part was when Jack kissed Jack. But the second best part was when Ianto shot Owen. Go, Ianto!


  9. Any and all references the show had to the Doctor, or to the continuity of Doctor Who: the Cybermen (and Cyberwoman) and the Battle of Canary Wharf, the chameleon circuit of the TARDIS making the invisible lift possible, the references to "the right kind of Doctor", and - especially - the ending of "End of Days".


  10. The stopwatch scene.




Part 2: The Things I would have liked to have seen done differently in Torchwood series 1:
  1. The character and deaths of Suzie Costello. Indira Varma is terrific, and Suzie, as she pretended to be in the beginning of "Everything Changes", was personable and intersting. So she became a crazed killer zombie. I'd have liked to have learned that she was simply possessed by the glove, and when the glove was destroyed, she was okay, and still on the team for the show. This would of course have rendered the plot of "They Keep Killing Suzie" impossible, but I didn't much like that plot anyway. (Even though I loved Swanson, and the stopwatch, and the Gwen/Suzie interplay.)


  2. The team were a bunch of screw-ups. No offense intended, I truly love them all, but almost every plot had them doing something stupid or criminal or both. I wanted them to be smarter, sharper, more honest, and particularly more loyal to Jack. (The parts about them lusting after Jack were okay.)


  3. Abaddon. Godzilla in drag. Really, there are hundreds of better ways to feature life-sucking monsters. This just didn't cut it.


  4. I'd like to have had more of the Jack/Ianto relationship. We got so close to nothing.


  5. More aliens. Really, for alien-catchers, they didn't seem to be going after, or even meeting up with, many aliens. This is why the 'eye' in Random Shoes was kind of fun, and th conversation with the boring watery people. But for every sex-crazed alien or mysterious gadget, we got several human cannibals, terrestrial fairies, and ordinary murderers. If they'd argue that the CGI or prosthetics cost too much, I'd argue that this isn't what I want: perfectly human-looking aliens (like Mary) are fine with me.


  6. Gwen should have been more honest, and have shown hereself to be smarter, and have had more integrity. She showed her fear too easily.


  7. Owen was always problematic, but he had his place in the story. I would perhaps have been much happier if he'd been played by someone other than Burn Gorman.


  8. I wanted to see something more of Jack's life - his living quarters, for example. We saw Jack only from his team's point of view, and since they don't even know who or what he is, that's a very limited view! I liked this element of 'secret identity', but would have liked to have seen more about how Jack spends his time, and where. Workoholic? Hanging out on rooftops? More of that, please! A nice counter-example is the beginning of "Combat", where Jack regrets giving the others the evening off - because he's chasing Weevils alone, and gets clawed.


  9. I'd have liked to have seen better writing generally. More wit, tighter pacing, better plots, more fliud continuity. The best writers were Noel Clarke and Catherine Treganna.


  10. I wanted fewer sex scenes with Owen. Not fewer sex scenes, goodness knows - more with Jack - well, any with Jack - or Tosh or Gwen (or Tosh and Gwen) or Ianto - not so much with Owen. Not that I didn't like Owen's sex scenes conceptually, but they were a bit of a waste.




Date: 2008-01-15 04:04 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] teenygozer.livejournal.com
I really cannot argue with a thing you said. I can't even think of anything to add, except, "AMEN TO THAT, SISTER!"

Okay, I can add that I do like that they say they are approaching this season with a lighter touch or a lighter heart, as I like the humorous moments the best on the show.

Date: 2008-01-15 04:54 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] fajrdrako.livejournal.com
I hope they aren't turning it into a comedy, but from everything I've seen, they've got the tone right. Good!

I liked the darker, more serious side of Jack, but sometimes seeing him so depressed was painful. I'd much rather see the Jack with a bright exterior and dark moments.

Date: 2008-01-15 04:23 pm (UTC)
ext_6615: (Default)
From: [identity profile] janne-d.livejournal.com
Abaddon. Godzilla in drag.

*dies laughing* That is too true.

I agree with most of those, except the Suzie Costello one. I'm fine with her being only in those eps.

Date: 2008-01-15 04:50 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] fajrdrako.livejournal.com
As Suzie was, I didn't want to see more of her. But as she might have been - !

Maybe I have a misguided sense that she could have been efficient, brave, resourceful and honest. Silly me. Mostly I just like Indira Varma.

It would have been even better if they'd give Tosh a stronger role.

Date: 2008-01-15 11:20 pm (UTC)
ext_6615: (Default)
From: [identity profile] janne-d.livejournal.com
Hmm. I'm not very good with might-have-beens of characters. I'll agree Indira Varma was fabulous though. But she also got picked up for a US series pretty much simultaneously with filming Everything Changes as far as I could tell from the commentaries - they kept talking about her flying back and for They Keep Killing Suzie they had six days total for her to fly to the UK, film it and fly back - so she is available in something else!

Date: 2008-01-16 02:19 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] fajrdrako.livejournal.com
I would like to see her again - and maybe I will, in something!

Date: 2008-01-15 08:40 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] star-momma.livejournal.com
I would perhaps have been much happier if he'd been played by someone other than Burn Gorman.

Anyone else. Something about that guy just bugs me... which meant that most of Owen's stuff bugged me. And that Gwen being attracted to Owen bugged me. And... well, you get the picture.

I also agree that Gwen should've been more intelligent and more capable. That the whole team should have been. And far more loyal to Jack after all that they've apparently been through together even before the bits of the series that we saw.

Date: 2008-01-15 09:34 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] fajrdrako.livejournal.com
Something about that guy just bugs me....

It didn't help me that the only other thing I have ever seen him in was Bleak House, a novel I absolutely love, and he played one of my favourite characters in it, Mr. Guppy, and he did such an awful job of it that I cringed in horror whenever Mr. Guppy came on the screen. It wasn't really Gorman's fault, it was the director's fault, but that didn't make it any easier for me to watch.

I never did get over the cognitive dissonance between Burn Gorman's physical unattractiveness (to my eyes) and his sexual successes in the show. Rhys, for example, was far more attractive - though I can understand Gwen's complex feelings about the two men; but it made so much more sense to me that she'd be attracted to Jack, and fixate on him. And to turn to Owen as an alternative? I just can't see that.

It was another case of a TV show where what I was seeing, and what I was being told I was seeing, didn't match up at all. Tosh's love of Owen was particulary a mystery to me.

It all came clear when I learned that Russell T. Davies found Gorman sexy, and he's the big decision-maker.

Pity.

Yeah, we're in agreement about all those characters - let's hope they do better next season!

Date: 2008-01-15 11:25 pm (UTC)
ext_6615: (Default)
From: [identity profile] janne-d.livejournal.com
You know, watching all the DVDs again, I've decided I actually really like Burn as Owen. I think he's pretty darn good (despite occasionally looking like a monkey). On the subject of Owen's sexual success, I've known plenty of guys who were to my eyes totally unattractive but could pull with the greatest of ease - apparently it's all about confidence.

a TV show where what I was seeing, and what I was being told I was seeing, didn't match up at all

I have to say, I may not understand quite why Tosh and Gwen find him attractive, but they do totally sell it to me in the show. I see it, from both of them.

Date: 2008-01-16 02:18 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] fajrdrako.livejournal.com
I think he's pretty darn good (despite occasionally looking like a monkey).

His looks are the least of it. I agree that he's good: Owen is one of the most well-developed and conceived of all the characters.

I've known plenty of guys who were to my eyes totally unattractive but could pull with the greatest of ease - apparently it's all about confidence.

That could be. Burn Gorman hasn't convinced me; Gwen and Tosh didn't convince me; the script hasn't convinced me; but it's there so I take it as it comes. There's no accounting for taste, and I've certainly seen people fall for other people I found most unpalatable. (And others would probably say the same of me.)

Date: 2008-01-16 05:33 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] ffarff.livejournal.com
I think Burn Gorman is fantastic.
I dislike the character of Owen but he's supposed to be dislikeable [i hope!] and he plays it incredibly well. I think he's my favourite actor in this apart from Gareth David-Lloyd which we didn't get to see much but what he did was so clever.

I guess they are attracted to his confidence and his lack of fear? he's not good on the eyes but he has 'presence'.

Date: 2008-01-16 02:03 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] fajrdrako.livejournal.com
think Burn Gorman is fantastic

I think he's a very good actor.

And yes, I think Owen is supposed to be... not unlikeable, but difficult to like. I think we are supposed to think Jack likes him - or maybe 'like' is the wrong word there, too, but Jack respects him and appreciates him and loves him while being well aware of his flaws.

But this being said - and agreeing that Burn Gorman does a very good job of portraying Owen - I don't think he's quie right for the part. I don't find the reaction of Gwen and Tosh to Owen convincing; the obviously find him sexy, and I'd like to see an actor in the role that I could also perceive as sexy. I accept for the sake of the story that Gwen and Tosh do find Owen sexually interesting, but I just can't see it. I guess I don't see the 'presence' or even a lack of fear - I see bluster and defiance.

Ianto, on the other hand, didn't get a lot of scenes or lines, but what he got was terrific. I have problems with Ianto too, but they are entirely different from my problems with Owen, and are largely due to the underwriting. But not entirely. There's a streak of something... immaturity? indecision? lack of self-confidence? - in Ianto that I still haven't worked out - that keeps me from loving him fully.


Date: 2008-01-16 02:49 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] magika83.livejournal.com
Abaddon. Godzilla in drag.

Haha! I was so disappointed with Abaddon. The build-up to it all had been terrific, and so when the monster finally showed itself I assume it was supposed to frighten you, not make you laugh. Kind of ruined the moment for me.

Date: 2008-01-16 02:58 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] fajrdrako.livejournal.com
Sadly, the monster was the low point of an episode that should have been climactic but instead was mostly silly and confusing. On the other hand, it had some brilliant scenes - a real hodge-podge of an episode.

It would have been so much better if Abaddon hadn't looked idiotic. I personally liked the Beast in The Satan Pit, maybe because he was static? The lurching of Abaddon just made him seem sillier.

I think I'd have been happier if Bilis had become Abaddon - there's no need for a demonic creature to be huge or non-humanoid.

Date: 2008-01-19 04:31 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] lady-ganesh.livejournal.com
Oh, I know. Um. Wait, that's it?

Date: 2008-01-20 03:42 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] fajrdrako.livejournal.com
Too bad the evil entity turned out to be a goofy cartoon. They'd been doing well, up to then!

Date: 2008-01-20 03:45 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] lady-ganesh.livejournal.com
It's like, "no, no guys. Don't you understand the crap special effects are why I can't watch Dr. Who? Don't go all Dr. Who on me."

Date: 2008-01-20 04:03 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] fajrdrako.livejournal.com
Yes - exactly - that sums it up! Don't inerrupt my belief in the story with this stuff - !

Date: 2008-01-16 04:09 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] toraks.livejournal.com

Apparently it's starting up again tonight on BBC -- I think I may watch it... between you and kikibug, I've got an urge. :-)

Date: 2008-01-16 04:18 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] fajrdrako.livejournal.com
What, are we leading you astray?

Bad us.

I think I can speak for both myself and [livejournal.com profile] kikibug13 in saying: We're so proud!

Hope you enjoy it.

Date: 2008-01-16 04:22 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] toraks.livejournal.com

well, the number of shows/books I've watched/read and loved due to knowing people on lj or on the lmb list love them is uncountable. so if I've heard of something a lot on lj or the lmb list, I do tend to drift that way eventually. :-)

Date: 2008-01-16 04:26 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] fajrdrako.livejournal.com
the number of shows/books I've watched/read and loved due to knowing people on lj or on the lmb list love them is uncountable.

Yes - it's the best way to get recommendations.

Certainly the Bujold list has introduced me to books, things and ideas I'd never have encountered otherwise. Just as the Dunnett list has.

Date: 2008-01-19 04:34 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] lady-ganesh.livejournal.com
Nice list!

I often thought Burn Gorman was the only thing selling me on Owen's...lesser actions. I haven't seen him in anything else, though. And I was happy with Suzie's character arc, but I can understand your frustration if you like Indira Varma. I did like her in her episodes.

Date: 2008-01-20 03:41 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] fajrdrako.livejournal.com
I'm looking forward to the changes in Owen this series, not so much because I think I'll like him better, but because of all the characters, Owen has had the most development and change and it looks as if that will continue to happen. Tosh has been entirely static, Gwen mostly so. Ianto has changed, but not as much as Owen has.

Date: 2008-01-20 03:46 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] lady-ganesh.livejournal.com
I keep hoping we'll get follow up on "love suited you" with Tosh. That would make me so happy. And yeah, I like that the characters do change.

Date: 2008-01-20 04:02 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] fajrdrako.livejournal.com
I love Tosh but don't so far like the idea of a Tosh/Owen relationship. Still. I can't pair everyone with Jack and/or Gwen, much as I would like to.

Date: 2008-01-20 04:06 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] lady-ganesh.livejournal.com
Oh, no, not Owen/Tosh. She could have someone-- gasp!-- outside Torchwood, which would be interesting; we did have Gwen but she was established with Rhys before Torchwood. Or maybe another hot alien who wasn't slightly evil this time.

Date: 2008-01-20 04:25 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] fajrdrako.livejournal.com
Yes, Tosh with a nice (hot) alien of either gender would be terrific. And I've always rather hoped to see Gwen/Tosh but I'm not holding my breath. I'd certainly like to see Tosh have a good relationship - I thought she was absolutely adorable with Mary. I'd love to see her less lonely.

I like the idea of Tosh/Jack too, of course, but he's already kind of busy.

Date: 2008-01-20 04:26 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] lady-ganesh.livejournal.com
Yes, exactly!

I like the idea of Jack/pretty much everyone, heh.

Date: 2008-01-20 04:27 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] fajrdrako.livejournal.com
I like the idea of Jack/pretty much everyone, heh.

Yup. Really, who wouldn't he suit?

Date: 2008-01-20 02:58 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] lady-ganesh.livejournal.com
I'm thinking....

I'm thinking....

Yeah, I got nothin'.

Date: 2008-01-20 07:54 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] fajrdrako.livejournal.com
That's Jack for you. Lovability without limitations.

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