Hey, so remember when John was awesome enough to send me the first season of Torchwood? Well he did. And I finished watching it over the weekend. And it was marvelous! Let me rundown some of my thoughts:
It’s Versatile: This show has it all. It’s geeky, as in: a secret organization keeping watch over a rift in time and space. It’s funny, as in: laugh-out-loud, bust-a-gut funny. It’s sexy, as in: everyone has sex with everyone else and everyone’s a bit bisexual. And it’s sweet, as in: you can pretty much guarantee that I’ll cry at least once an episode.
The Gay Stuff: This goes along with the whole “everyone’s a bit bisexual” business. I appreciate how nonchalant all the gay stuff is handled. Oliver Stone was really proud of himself for allowing his Alexander movie to handle Alexander the Great’s relationship with Hephaestion so prominently. But there was a hypocrisy in the way he handled it. He had the two men ramble on for fifteen minutes at a time about how much they loved each other and gave each other big solid manly hugs. All of this was done in order to avoid showing any kissing or any kind of normal romance. So instead of having them make out for 10 seconds, you have them ramble on for half an hour. And while straight guys might not want to see guys kiss for 10 seconds, I’m gonna guess they aren’t crazy about the long dialogues of mushy gooey love either. Heck, I’m not crazy about long dialogues of mushy gooey love crap either. Torchwood just goes there and treats is like it’s nobody’s business, which I love. Like this scene:
I’ve actually never seen two men slow dance before. I guess part of me never thought it was possible. Plus I always just assumed the first dance at my wedding would be to Celebration by Kool and the Gang so I wouldn’t have to worry about a man-on-man slow dancing conundrum. But then again, seeing two men slow dance and it being all sorts of wonderful doesn’t really change that because how awesome would it be to have Celebration as your wedding song? Celebrate good times, come on!
The Music: The music is fantastic. I loved it so much that I even downloaded the soundtrack off of iTunes. The slower themes (like in the above clip) are just beautiful, and reminiscent of the great musical montages from Lost. And the faster themes (like the opener) are really fun too.
The Characters: Good chemistry between actors and characters in an ensemble cast doesn’t come around too often, but I’d say that Torchwood has it on the same great level as Star Trek: The Next Generation, or Alias. Captain Jack is a wonderful leading man, while Gwen and Rhys are a great pairing that ground the show in a believable and touching reality. Owen, Tosh, and Ianto, who would be throwaway characters in less capable hands, manage to work their charms and make us care about them as much as the more central characters, especially in their character-centric episodes.
Standout Episodes: I loved the way each episode was like a mini-movie. I could really say wonderful things about all of them, but I will limit myself to a few. Countrycide was awesome because it was scary as hell. Day One was awesome because it had an orgasm monster. Out of Time and Captain Jack Harkness were great because they made me cry a whole heck of a lot. And End of Days was great, because it wasn’t afraid to go there.
I could keep going because the show is just that good, but I’ll save the further discussion for the comments section. But now the question is: Who wants to send me Season 2?
Sounds like a very cool show – I’ll have to check it out.
The first time I saw two men slow dance was Philadelphia and I remember saying that to Mom at the time. Many people were upset that it didn’t go far enough by showing kissing & stuff. But considering it was made at a time when there was still a great deal of fear of being gay, it was still a breakthrough.
And honestly, the slow dancing had more of an effect on me because it showed that the two men were deeply in love, and that being gay wasn’t just about sex. I cried during much of the movie but that scene made me cry the most because I realized I lived in a world that was afraid of showing two men simply dancing with each other.
The movie is dated but it will always move me because of those reasons. Have you seen it?
Celebration? Seriously? As the first song? IMHO you really have to work up to that song or else everyone is just going to stand around smiling awkwardly and doing the cautious head-bop while you and new hubby flail on the dance floor, futilely trying to get people to join you. That’s just my take.
Celebration was one of the first songs we played at our wedding and it totally set the mood for the evening, poeple danced all night. IT was fun.
Craig: What about They Keep Killing (spoiler withheld to protect the innocent)? I loved that episode!
I can hook you up with Season 2. I’ll try to get it out to you after the holiday.
Michelle: No, I’ve never seen it. I’ll have to check it out.
David: Fine, maybe you’re right. How about “The Hustle” instead? Do do do do do do do do do!
John: Yes, that was a great episode too. It really solidified it’s mythology by going back and addressing old issues rather than just leaving the past in the past. And she was crazy!
Yeah. Wasn’t that slow dance really touching. I cried. Damn that was a sad episode. *sniff* I’m so glad you loved it. Hope you enjoy season 2 as well. If only Season 3 wasn’t so far off.
John: I can’t believe you guys know all the episode names. I’m always like “The one when so-and-so did such-and-such. You know, when she was wearing those really kick-ass boots?” Seems to work for me. But now I remember the “They Keep Killing” one you are referring to.
I just realized that Ianto looks a bit freaky in that pic at the top. Like he’s drunk or something. His eyes look goofy. Still cute but kind of goofy.
Oh I should mention there is more boy-on-boy slow dancing in Season 2, towards the end of the season at a wedding. Not as touching as with Capt. Jack, but still nice and romantic.
Tam: I don’t remember them all, just the very memorable ones.
Craig: She was *totally* nuts! I love why she came back! Creeeeeepy.
By the way, I know there is a joke in here some where about Dancing Queen being an appropriate first song, but it’s early and I’m still a little sleepy.
Damn! I’m totally slammed today here at work and I wont’ be able to comment much, but I really do love this show. It’s completely intriguing and, Craig, you’re right — this level of ensemble cast is rare indeed.
Anyone who’s not watching this thing should do so!
No thanks needed Craiggers, I was PROUD to nag you incessantly until someone sent it to you and you watched it and loved it.
I must say I do not cry at every episode, although the men-slow-dancing episode you mentioned did bring a tear to my eye. And I will admit to ‘clutching the pearls’ a few times in other episodes.
Never saw men slow dance???? Man, the local gay bar, when I went to it every weekend, would end the night with a slow song, and I slow danced with many guys over the years.
There’s nothing I can add to Countrycide other than it creeped me the fuck OUT!
One other thing I like about the cast, in addtion to the chemistry you mention, is that none of them, really, are traditionally ‘good looking’. Not that ANY of them are quasimodos, but none of them look like aspiring fashion models or faces off the covers of magazines. They look like normal people. Something you’d NEVER see in an America TV show.
Get Season 2 quickly, my friend, the awesome ride that is Torchwood continues!
HUGS…
The episode that got me all teary-eyed was “Random Shoes.” What an amazing episode.
Polt: That’s what I like about British shows. Actors who look like normal people not models.
P.S. Happy birthday!
Tam: It is nice to see normal people.
But I still think Owen looks like a frog.
Polt: The big 4-1!! Well, okay, I guess it’s not that big, but celebrate like a rockstar anyway!
Dave: Okay, so Owen pushes the boundaries of “normal” looking and he’s rather amphibian-like, but I still liked his character even though he could be thoroughly unlikeable at times. Hope that made sense. Oh yeah and “Random Shoes” was a great episode (although I had to google it because I couldn’t remember what it was about).
I always thought you’d start off your wedding reception with the Electric Slide…….
My favorite Season 1 episode is Out of Time. It was a nice turn on the time travel story and brought a tear to my eye.
Season 2 is mostly better than Season 1, there’s one giant clunk of an episode, but otherwise I found it to play much better, with some really good plot turns.
I would agree with the Owen looks like a frog sentiment; luckily, all the male guest stars in Season 2 seemed to be booked from some modeling catalog.
Owen looked like a frog, but Jack’s brother gray looks like an underwear model. So it all balances out in the end.
Celebrate like a rockstar…sure. I’ll be passed out by 10:00, rockstars are from the alcohol/partying/drugs, I’ll be out cause I’m asleep.
HUGS…
Owen totally looks like a frog, but I think part of it is because he is so thin.
I think I’ve bored you all with my like of Countrycide, but I also loved They Keep Killing, Random Shoes and Captain Jack Harkness. I may or may not have welled up during that episode.
Owen is definitely frog-like. I think it’s his mouth.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY POLT!
I can’t wait to see your birthday pics! Sadly they are all blocked here at work.
Polt, happy birthday, are you wearing your special suit?
Thanks guys. Craiggers, the photos are just embarrassing school pictures.
And Bernd , I am NOT wearing my “special suit”, however, should someone offer to stop by and celebrate my birthday with me in a….festive manner, I’ll have my ‘special suit’ ready to go. 
HUGS…
My special suit needs to be taken in around the waist.
Mine too. It could also use a little time in the sun.
My special suit is 41 years old…ya think I could trade it in for a 20 and a 21 year old ones? I believe I might enjoy them more…
HUGS…
I’m not sure about trading it in, but I’m sure you could at least borrow one for the night.
Where’s Dave S. when you need him? He’s much better at this….
I’d say you shouldn’t worry about trading in your suit unless it needs a good strong ironing.
What’s that old saying? 20 goes into 40 (or 41) a lot more than 40 (or 41) goes into 20……
HAPPY HAPPY Polt! 
And if you don’t have an ironing board, just dim the lights.
I am so glad you love this show! I got the first season because it was listed here and now I am hooked. It’s intriguing, dynamic and full of energy. It’s a wonderful show. I like the fact that there is a batch of drama, but it’s never campy. Very well executed show!
That scene is my favorite for both M/M dancing and kissing. I could watch it over and over and over……[getting a grip here]—and my #2 fave is from the 1st season of Queer as Folk, final episode, Brian and Justin dancing at Justin’s prom.
Oy….it is so sweet and hot at the same time….if you’ve never seen it (what planet are you on?), STOP the DVD immediately after Justin starts walking away from Brian’s jeep in the garage. Trust me. You should first soak in the splendor of Brian and Justin’s love a few times, before watching the end of the scene. Don’t want to spoil it.
BTW, I’m wearing argyle kneesocks today! I’m such a fashionista!
I will have to check out this torchwood all you young kids are talking about…is it out on beta or vhs?
Hayden: You’re funny. We actually had a beta back in the day. It’s definitely worth checking out though. Unless you want to check out Supernatural. Then you can be one of my BBFs since Polt and John seem to have done a bang-up job of recruiting for Torchwood. Unfortunately the Supernatural boys don’t do any m/m dancing so I can’t use that to entice the readers here. Well for the straight boys there’s some boy/girl action periodically.
Tam: I’ll take boy/girl action every time and leave m/m dancing for Polt and Dave S…
bernd: “just dim the lights” BWahahah….outSTANDing…
irisgirl: Oh, I was wathing the QasF episode in 2001 with two friends and all three of us were like clutching our pearls and tearing up when they were dancing, and then we all three gasped and/or shouted at the part you mention to skip! Oh, we were infuriated!!!
Tam: Maybe, if the writers of Supernatural are smart, they WILL have some m/m dancing?
hayden: Well, while Dave S. and i did technically dance together when I was there, it was more like dancing in a crowd together? You know? Just like facing each other, no touching or stuff (mores the pity too.)
HUGS…
I just started watching the show. I have had Series 1 & 2 for quite awhile on my AppleTV just never got around to watching them. Capt Jack is just such an awesome character. Of course I am sure that is because I fell in love with him back in Doctor Who’s The Empty Child.
Crap, why do we never get anything this good on regular cable! I think we might be getting digital, but when who knows. I guess I will be renting Season 1, looks like something I would like!
I haven’t watched Series 1 since they first came out in the UK. Thanks for reminding me of a lot of good parts.
@Steven: Series 1 and 2 both played on BBC America and SciFi which I know for us is a standard cable channel. Currently it is not playing on either channel while they wait for Series 3 to come out in 2009. Both series are available on Netflix though. That is how I got my hands on them.
It is a great show. I found it inspirational. I actually watched the episode with the m/m slow dancing with my (increasingly less) homophobic mother. That episode helped inspire me to be more out to her. She actually asks about how my gay friend’s boyfriends are doing now. Both of my parents went to see a gay friends concert and have met many of my gay friends.
I think shows like Torchwood help to humanize gay people. It is easier to be homophobic when you focus on differences and see gay people as alien. It is hard to retain irrational hatred once you are open to seeing them as part of a shared human experience.
The third season will be shorter and have one main story line split across the episodes. I have heard that this is due to money issues at BBC. Hopefully the economy will improve and we will have a more full fourth season.
Chris
Seriously, who doesn’t love Ianto.
And Season Two!!! I can’t wait for you to see it.
Torchwood became one of my favorite shows after just an episode or two. I watched and watched and watched. As much as I could in an evening.
I loved that episode. Also the one where Jack comes back to life, and grabs Ianto and plants one one him. Awesome.
I’m afraid I’ve never watched it. Radio Times has great microsites for UK shows and here is the one for Torchwood, which you may like.
http://www.radiotimes.com/shows/torchwood/
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