Torchwood: Children of Earth (DVD)

I hate shows like Dr. Who, and any really British action, suspense or comedy film really. The only reason I got all the seasons of this TV Series is because the main character is gay! And, that's pretty unheard of either in Britain, and especially in Hollywood!However, the show really surprised me, the writing was tolerable to good, the direction was acceptable to good, but the acting and character development was surprisingly excellent, most of the time anyway. Although a few of the extra's were kind of bad.But, OMG, a gay main character! And, who didn't even try to hide it, just ingrained into the story!In any case, the story kept me entertained and watching. My final judgment is that this is truly a really really good TV Series!

Torchwood: Children of Earth, is the proof that Russell T. Davies, finally can write his own work and not be derivative. True, Torchwood is technically a "Spin-Off" of "Doctor Who"... but with this mini-series event, he has proven that he can write a story that can show the true human spirit with the minimum of "gimmicks". True there was an "Alien" in this series. There were characters that were introduced to us in "Doctor Who" and on the first two seasons of "Torchwood", but this moves away from the "monster of the week" sort of show that the first two seasons of "Torchwood" on BBC became (a poor attempt at an "adult program for fans of Doctor Who"). This instead was pure high quality adult science fiction, that shows the human failings, without having to use "aliens and special effects" for a "crutch". We can see how our governments are all too ready to "give in" what is of most value, when we are put against "overwhelming odds". We can see where sacrifice can be too high of a price, when it is something we most value. Numbers are irrelevant, when it comes to what we hold most dear. What price is too high to "save our skins" from what may be seen as "total destruction". During World War I and World War II, especially, we saw how we had a choice to either allow a strong enemy overwhelm us... or we could fight and not surrender for the values that mean the most to us.This again is not the "monster of the week". It does not have some "space alien" from Galifrey, coming to save our poor defenseless human behinds because we are so weak that we can not do anything for ourselves. We can see where our worst enemy at times is ourselves, and it takes the courage of the average human being to FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL. Even if it means that we might lose everything. In World War I and in World War II, our fathers gave EVERYTHING in order to give this world safety and peace, even if it meant their own lives. In more recent moments of war, our brothers have given EVERYTHING to give this world some safety and peace in this world of terrorism, where we do not have a clearly defined enemy on a map. If anything, the wars we see in our world today are more a fight against "aliens" than any wars we have had in the past.Are we willing to give up our souls, just for the chance of having a few more days to breathe on this planet? Or are we willing to fight the good fight, even if it means we can have a chance to lose anything.I have read many reviews on this particular mini-series, and on the  Torchwood: The Complete Original UK Series  which includes this mini-series complain about it. About its strong "American Influences" (and that of the new Starz US Version of Torchwood... "Torchwood: Miracle Day"). But those who complain must be the British who are trying to compare the ORIGINAL "Doctor Who" with the "Russell T. Davies Doctor Who" which is a very Welsh production and especially "Torchwood" while technically a "spin-off" of the "Russell T. Davies Doctor Who" (but not really a spin-off of the ORIGINAL "Doctor Who")... and realize that this is a very well made Welsh drama series, that is trying to still feed those who love the classic Science Fiction of someone of the quality of a C.S. Lewis, H.G. Welles, Ray Bradbury, or Issac Asimov... which are "less monsters" and more "science" in their "fiction"... then you might be able to see the difference."Torchwood" was never meant to be aimed at the "Doctor Who" demographic, for the "very young to the very old". "Torchwood", deals with a lot more "adult issues" that are more typical of the previous work of Russell T. Davies. If anything "Doctor Who" is the ONE SERIES that does not really fit in the resume of Russell T. Davies, who is mostly a writer and producer of adult orientated programing (not talking pornography here by any means, I am talking about adult issues including more "regular violence" than "fantasy violence", more "sexuality" than is normal for "prime time programming", things that would not "float" on Network Television in the United States). On the BBC, much more profanity and sexuality is "okay" for a "prime time audience" (being allowed on the publicly paid for via television receiver license fees channels of the British Broadcasting Network, with minimal complaints on Ofcom in the UK which handles the FCC type complaints we have in the US). Here in the US, such programming would not be allowed on "Over the Air" broadcasts during "prime time" due to the very "Adult Nature" of even Seasons 1 and 2 of "Torchwood" (and "Doctor Who" is still a "Kiddie Show" compared to "Torchwood" even under the control of Mr. Davies).So if you have been a fan of the work of Russell T. Davies, between 1994 and 2004 (after he first started in television in "children's programming" moved into "Adult Programming" for that decade, then even with his "coming out of the closet" in such a BIG WAY (as his adult programming shows), being allowed by the BBC to take over their "Gold Standard" franchise of "Doctor Who"... then you should have known what to expect. He moved out of the "day to day" operations of "Doctor Who" because he wanted to go back into more "Adult Orientated Drama" (designed for a demographic of those who have graduated high school and beyond), which he has done with "Torchwood". With this mini-series he finally fine tuned what he needed to do to create great adult science fiction (without needing a "blue box", a "sonic screwdriver", an "alien of the week", or even with an "alien" being the "main star"). Unlike "Doctor Who" who has a "lead character" in "The Doctor", "Torchwood" had always been an ensemble cast, that has made it such a strong drama. It took a couple of years for it to fully "break off" from the "crutch" of "Doctor Who"... but now it is becoming a great drama.If you want to blame how "bad" this mini-series is, or praise how "good" this mini series is... you must lie it entirely at the FEET of Russell T. Davies. After all he is the one who CREATED "Torchwood", and "Torchwood: Children of Earth" was ENTIRELY HIS STORY, and he shares the writing credits on the scripts for the mini-series, but the story is entirely his. From the first word to the closing line. So if you do not like how "Torchwood" had advanced, the blame goes squarely on its creator and main writer. After all, it is a Welsh drama series created by a Welshman for an adult audience.

I'm going to preface this review by saying that I have had a love/hate relationship with Torchwood. I loved the character of Captain Jack in Doctor Who and I had huge expectations when it first came out, but was somewhat disappointed. It did seem to reach its stride mid-way through series one which, to me, seemed comic-booky and cheesy. Series two was a big improvement, with the writers fine-tuning the formula and the characters a bit.That being said, Torchwood: Children of Earth, is exactly what I had hoped for from the very beginning: dark, intelligent, mature, engrossing, well-written, and fast-paced. And I'll just say it, this ain't your run-of-the-mill Doctor Who story, with the grand hero sweeping in to save the day, and I truly applaud Russell T. Davies and the other writers for being utterly fearless with this third series. The choices faced and made by the characters are anguishing and heartbreaking indeed. Yes, there are some plot holes and inconsistencies, but the overall story and events are a harrowing experience from start to finish, and I happen to think this is one of the best, most effective stories in Davies' re-imagined Whoniverse. It's smart, thrilling ... but also, it's emotionally exhausting. You'll need a bit of a lie-down when it's all over.John Frobisher, who really is the central character in this story, is brilliantly portrayed by Peter Capaldi; he is a man whose entire life has been in civil service to his country, suddenly thrust front and center by a government who sees him only as a dispensable pawn ~ who happens to be very good at what he does. You may not warm up to him completely at first, but by the end you will be heartbroken over his character and the underhanded injustice that he has been served.The other performances were just as good. John Barrowman as Captain Jack gives us a nuanced, somewhat tortured portrayal of Jack that we have not seen before. In the first series, he was sort of a happy-go-lucky caricature that couldn't quite break free of the child-geared, Doctor Who mold, but matured a lot in the second series. With this third series, we understand the weight of his years lived, learn a little bit more about him, and feel a certain sadness every time he comes back to life, realizing what a miserable existence he's been cursed with.Eve Myles and Kai Owen are their usual, perky selves as Gwen and Rhys, with some much needed levity in an otherwise dire set of circumstances. Gareth David-Lloyd, as Ianto Jones, could be said to be the weakest of the bunch, but I found his performance to be rather touching and heartfelt, especially when he realizes just how little he truly knows Jack. And as far as his relationship with Jack, it's a shame we don't see more same-sex stories like this, because the same-sex-ness of it is completely transcended by their affection for one another.The story itself is downright creepy, especially with the manipulation of the children by the aliens, known only as the 456 (not to mention what the 456 actually want the children for), and humanity's inability to do anything about it. The political thriller side of this story is well-crafted and believable, as we watch the powers that be pull the strings and begin making decisions for the whole of humanity in the face of an unbeatable threat, whilst attempting to finagle their own lily-livered survival at the same time. And for me, watching the political posturing of these people made me wonder what our governments would do in an actual situation like this. Kind of a scary thought.The finale is one of the worst, most shocking I've ever seen ~ right up there with the finale of Blake's 7 back in the 80s ~ and yet, it is one of the very best, even though it is quite disturbing to watch. But Davies, whether you like him or not, and I know a lot of people don't, doesn't pull any punches here, he makes no apologies, and as a writer myself, I absolutely love and admire that. It takes guts and a certain arrogance to bring your own creation, beloved by many, crashing to its knees, and he chose not to take the easy, politically correct way out, but instead serves up an ending that people will either despise or be enthralled by, but which ultimately carries an unforgettable impact that will leave you breathless and in shock.It concludes leaving the future of Torchwood unresolved and in limbo, but I think all of us Whovians know exactly where Captain Jack will end up next ;). Where it goes after that is anyone's guess. But if this is the end of the series altogether, well, what a way to go!In closing, all I can say is: Bravo, Mr. Davies! THIS is the Torchwood I've been waiting for! So, tuck the kiddies in bed, grab your hankie and buckle up! 'Cause it's one helluva ride!

There have been 4 series of Torchwood, and it's unlikely that there will ever be a 5th. This DVD contains the entire 3rd series, actually 5 programmes broadcast on consecutive nights originally. It's not a DVD you can watch and understand without knowing what Torchwood is, how it is connected to Dr Who and why Torchwood has been reduced to just 3 people. However, for anyone who's seen Dr Who and not watched Torchwood, or has seen some of the earlier programmes, THIS is the one to watch. There's a single story line, involving powerful aliens, scared politicians, secrets from the past, and great performances from all the cast members.If this DVD doesn't move you or affect you in any way, then you're probably dead. When aliens can control all of your children, how do you say no when they ask for a 'Gift'? If you're a child, the idea of an alien taking you over will scare you, and if you're a parent the idea of having your children taken away from you is a nightmare. Torchwood 3 handles the concept with more sensitivity than you expect in a sci-fi prfogramme, and the deaths are real, present and moving.As a bonus, Torchwood 3 has Peter Capaldi in it as a civil servant caught in the middle of the whole mess. His performance is mesmerizing and bodes well for his stint as the 12th Doctor.If you haven't seen Torchwood 3 then you're in for a treat. Everybody else will relish a chance to see this story again.

I have some hilarious memories of my first encounter of this show - a young man I was supporting, who has special needs, would watch snippets of both "Torchwood" and "Doctor Who" in the morning as part of his waking-up routine. This particular series he seemed - as I was - particularly taken with. He would stop in the middle of the room, stare dead ahead, and suddenly come out with "We are coming!" He loved the series, I loved the series. Some that came before, and some that followed, were not as strong as this one!

I have long wanted a copy of this series - to my mind, the very best of Torchwood. The story is mesmerising, and I particularly liked the backstories of Captain Jack and Ianto - their final scene was heartbreaking. The series showed the Captain more as 'man' than 'superman', and the emotional side of him is finely drawn. All in all, one to treasure.

We had hoped it might keep our grandchildren entertained over the holidays- they are 12, 11, and 9 and 9 but there is no way we will let them watch it because of the appalling swearing and blasphemy.

Not scary because of the monsters (although they're nasty) but scary because in this day and age I can actually believe in a government that wants to take away our children so the aliens can use them as a drug. Not even to save our planet from a take-over but because the aliens are junkies.Cried so much.How can the critics say that this programme has never been quite right.