WE...WE ARE...WE ARE COMING.
As a huge fan of Doctor Who, I've been somewhat predisposed to watching Torchwood for the crossovers. With all the hype surrounding Children of Earth, I couldn't wait to experience it for myself. So, I eagerly awaited Monday, July 6th for the premiere. Now, I still I find myself thinking about the finale long after it aired.
It began in Scotland, 1965 when the government handed over 12 children to a mysterious alien threatening the world, known only by the wavelength they've used to contact us: The 456. Around 45 years later, on a day like any normal day, every child in the world stops. In unison, they begin to scream and chant "We Are Coming," using the 456 wavelength. As always, our ever shrinking Torchwood team (Jack Harkness, Ianto Jones, and Gwen Cooper) quickly jumps on the case, but this time they face new obstacles. The government, eager to hide their misdealings with the 456, put a bounty on their heads. Now hunted by the government, they have to find a way to stop the 456 and stay alive.
John Barrowman, Eve Myles, and Gareth David-Lloyd, as always, shine in their roles as Jack, Gwen, and Ianto. We are also re-introduced to some familiar faces: Gwen's husband Rhys, and PC Andy Davidson. Joining them are several newcomers, including Cush Jumbo as Lois Habiba, Lucy Cohu as Alice Carter, and Liz May Brice as the enigmatic agent Johnson, as well as an array of other new characters.
With this miniseries, Torchwood defines it's role as the adult, dark spin-off from Doctor Who. After Day Three, you begin to get the dark feeling of hopelessness, which doesn't let up for the rest of the series. Many fans will be shocked by yet another death of a major character, joining the ever growing list of deceased: Suzie Costello, Owen Harper, and Toshiko Sato. The government shows their humanity, making selfish and unwise decisions regarding their predicament. And by the end of the series, you will find yourself emotionally spent, and if you're like me, needing time to decide whether you liked it or not.
Even long after the final credits roll, I still find myself thinking about some of the questions that it raises. Given a world-wide crisis, how would the government respond? How would you react? What lengths would you go to to save the world? What costs would you consider too great?
The verdict: After much deliberation, I think that I liked it more than I didn't like it. Would I recommend it to another Torchwood fan? Maybe. Would I recommend it to anyone else? Probably not.
