RDC-Torchwood:Everything Changes

Martyn, Chris and Abi discuss the first episode of Torchwood. 

In the first episode, aptly titled “Everything Changes,” viewers are introduced to a universe that exists alongside Doctor Who.

“Everything Changes” begins in the bustling city of Cardiff, where a chance encounter thrusts Gwen Cooper, a dedicated police constable, into a clandestine world beyond her wildest imagination. As Gwen investigates a puzzling murder case, she stumbles upon Torchwood, an enigmatic group led by fan-favourite Captain Jack Harkness.

Captain Jack Harkness and his team operate outside the conventional boundaries of law and order, dedicated to protecting humanity from extraterrestrial threats and supernatural occurrences. Torchwood’s diverse ensemble cast includes the tech-savvy Toshiko Sato, the medical expert Owen Harper, and the resourceful Ianto Jones. Together, they form an unconventional yet formidable team with unique skills and their own complex dynamics.


Through Gwen’s eyes, viewers discover a hidden side of Cardiff, where extraordinary events and unexplained phenomena are woven into the fabric of everyday life. The episode immerses audiences in a city filled with secrets, blurring the lines between the ordinary and the extraordinary.


As Gwen becomes entangled with Torchwood, she grapples with the shocking revelation that aliens exist among us. “Everything Changes” unveils the covert battles fought by Torchwood, exploring the complexities of their mission and the sacrifices made to protect humanity. Friendships are forged, loyalties are tested, and the very nature of reality is questioned.

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5 reasons why Doctor Who fans should watch Torchwood

Doctor Who has been one of the most popular science fiction TV shows in the world for decades. With its time-traveling adventures and quirky characters, it has captured the hearts of fans of all ages. However, many fans of the Doctor may not be aware of another amazing show set in the same universe: Torchwood.

Torchwood is a spin-off from Doctor Who that first aired in 2006. The show takes place in Cardiff, Wales and follows a team of investigators who work for the Torchwood Institute, a secret organisation that investigates extraterrestrial phenomena and defends the Earth against alien threats. The team is led by Captain Jack Harkness, a charming and enigmatic time-traveler who first appeared in Doctor Who.

For Doctor Who fans who haven’t yet given Torchwood a chance, here are a few reasons why you should:

  1. Torchwood expands on the Doctor Who universe

One of the best things about Torchwood is that it explores the Doctor Who universe in more depth. While Doctor Who focuses on the adventures of the Doctor, Torchwood takes a closer look at the impact of the Doctor’s actions on the world around him. The show also introduces new creatures and technologies that haven’t been seen in Doctor Who before.

  1. Torchwood is more mature and darker than Doctor Who

Doctor Who is known for its family-friendly tone, but Torchwood takes a darker turn. The show tackles more mature themes like sex, death, and politics, making it more suitable for an older audience. Torchwood also isn’t afraid to take risks, with unexpected plot twists and character developments that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

  1. Torchwood has a diverse and dynamic cast

The Torchwood team is made up of a diverse group of characters, each with their own unique personalities and backgrounds. Captain Jack is a pansexual time-traveler who can’t die, while Gwen Cooper is a former police officer who becomes embroiled in the world of Torchwood. The team also includes Toshiko Sato, a brilliant scientist, and Ianto Jones, a former coffee boy who becomes an integral part of the team.

  1. Torchwood has some of the best writing and acting on TV

The writing, although there are some clunkers in series 1, and acting on Torchwood are mostly top-notch. The show’s writers weren’t afraid to tackle complex and controversial issues, and the actors bring their characters to life with nuance and depth. John Barrowman’s performance as Captain Jack is particularly noteworthy, as he brings a sense of humour, charm and a real darkness to the role while also portraying the character’s emotional depth.

In conclusion, Torchwood is a must-watch for any Doctor Who fan. The show expands on the Doctor Who universe, takes a darker and more mature tone, has a diverse and dynamic cast.

Here are some outstanding Torchwood episodes:

  1. “Countrycide” (Season 1, Episode 6) – The team investigates a series of brutal murders in a rural village and soon realises that the culprits are not human.
  2. “Children of Earth” (Season 3, Episodes 1-5) – In this five-part miniseries, an alien race demands that Earth gives them 10% of its children or face annihilation. The Torchwood team must make impossible choices to save the world.
  3. “Adrift” (Season 2, Episode 11) – Gwen investigates the disappearance of people who have been snatched by the Rift and discovers the heartbreaking truth about what happens to them.
  4. “Captain Jack Harkness” (Season 1, Episode 12) – Captain Jack and Tosh find themselves stranded in 1941 during the London Blitz and must find a way back to the present.
  5. “Exit Wounds” (Season 2, Episode 13) – The Torchwood team faces their deadliest enemy yet as Captain John Hart (played by James Marsters) returns with a plan to destroy the team and the entire city of Cardiff.

These episodes showcase the diverse themes and storytelling that make Torchwood such a standout series in the Doctor Who universe.

Big Finish review-Torchwood: We always get out alive

In “We always get out alive,” Gwen Cooper and Rhys Williams are faced with a cataclysmic event and must flee as fast as they can. As Torchwood operatives, they’re no strangers to danger and uncertainty, but this time there’s something else in the car with them, heightening the tension and suspense.

The audio production is a testament to the perfect synergy between writer Guy Adams and director Scott Handcock. While the premise of two characters sitting in a car for 98% of the audio may sound dull, Adams and Handcock have crafted an imaginative and captivating story that is both epic and intimate in scope.

Through the course of the audio, we gain deeper insight into the personal lives of Gwen and Rhys, and their struggles to balance their duties as Torchwood operatives with their responsibilities as parents. The natural chemistry between actors Eve Myles and Kai Owen shines through, adding to the authenticity and emotional resonance of the story.

Adams skillfully uses the audio format to his advantage, leveraging the constrictive nature of the car and the medium of audio to create a gripping and immersive experience for listeners. The audio is a strong character-driven piece, with well-crafted dialogue and superb acting that draws you in and keeps you engaged.

“We always get out alive” is a must-listen for fans of the Torchwood series and audio dramas in general. It is a well-crafted and engaging production that showcases the talents of everyone involved, earning it a solid 5/5 rating.

Big Finish Review-Torchwood:Believe

The Church of the Outsiders is on a mission to lead mankind to a new era of evolution, one that takes them beyond the stars. But Torchwood’s Owen Harper believes they must do everything in their power to stop them. With the original Torchwood team back together in full-cast audio, fans have been eagerly awaiting this moment. Despite the actors recording their parts separately, the result is flawless. You won’t be able to tell the difference, and it’s a joyous reunion.

Set before the end of series 2, Guy Adams has perfectly captured the era, creating an episode that feels like it was plucked straight from 2008. The performances are outstanding, with John Barrowman, Eve Myles, Burn Gorman, Naoko Mori, and Gareth David-Lloyd all shining. Each character is given the opportunity to develop, but the Owen/Tosh relationship is a particular highlight. Owen pushes Tosh to do unspeakable things while attempting to prove himself as a capable leader.

John Barrowman’s performance in this audio is absolutely fantastic. Despite recording his parts separately from the rest of the team, his chemistry with his co-stars is still palpable. He effortlessly slips back into the role of Captain Jack Harkness and delivers a performance that is both charming and commanding. Barrowman’s energy and enthusiasm for the character and the series shine through in every line, making it a real treat for fans to hear him back in action as the iconic Torchwood leader.

Prequel stories can be challenging, but Guy Adams’ script and Gareth David-Lloyd’s performance are so compelling that there’s one moment in particular where you’ll be genuinely concerned for Ianto’s fate. With such high quality, 2018 is shaping up to be an excellent year for Torchwood on audio. This is a must-listen, earning a 10/10 rating.

Review-Torchwood: The Death of Captain Jack

Torchwood: The Death of Captain Jack is difficult to review, without spoiling. So, I won’t be discussing the storyline.

This is a very ambitious audio, from David Llewellyn who once again proves himself to be one of the greatest writers Torchwood has ever had. He perfectly manages to encapsulate the history of Jack and John and give the Torchwood franchise a fresh new spin, all within an hour-long adventure. It’s an absolute joy. James Marsters absolutely shines as Captain John Hart and, instantly reminds us why he was so popular amongst Torchwood fans. He’s the perfect foil to John Barrowman’s Captain Jack.

There’s also a slight dig at Torchwood: Miracle Day.

Director Scott Handcock and producer James Goss have their awesomely unique style all over this release. Torchwood on Big Finish is the best Torchwood has ever been. They just get it, it’s ambitious, it’s loud, it’s sexy and over the top. Which is just how it should be.

10/10.

Torchwood contains adult material and may not be suitable for younger listeners.

Big Finish Review-Aliens among us: Part 1

Torchwood is back, and this time it is on audio with a brand new boxset, Aliens Among Us. The first volume of Aliens Among Us sets the stage for the new Torchwood, introducing us to new characters, and old favourites.

  1. “Changes Everything” by James Goss “Changes Everything” opens up the new Torchwood, introducing us to the new team of Jack, Gwen, Mr Colchester, and Orr. Mr Colchester, played brilliantly by Paul Clayton, is a grumpy civil servant who has been tasked with managing the new Torchwood. Meanwhile, journalist Tyler Steele, played by Jonny Green, is questioning him. Tyler is a great new character, both likeable and unlikeable at the same time. Through his eyes, we meet the new Torchwood, and this is a really well-written story that sets up the future of Aliens Among Us while remaining self-contained.
  2. “Aliens and Sex and Chips and Gravy” by James Goss This episode takes us on a funny, fast-paced romp that tackles murderous aliens who’ve invaded a hen night. It focuses on Gwen and Colchester and hints about where Gwen is headed in future box sets. What distinguishes this episode from TV Torchwood is that it has a more mature approach to mature subject matters. The title will no doubt remind you of the first series, but this episode deals with adult themes throughout. It is another really strong entry for Aliens Among Us.
  3. “Orr” by Juno Dawson “Orr” introduces us to the titular character, an alien sexual psycho-morph. Similar to “Changes Everything”, this episode is focused almost entirely on Orr’s introduction. The character is played excellently by Samantha Béart, who manages to make the character feel believable. This episode also tackles an adult subject matter with a level of maturity that was unfortunately never seen on TV. This is another stellar episode.
  4. “Superiority Complex” by A.K. Benedict The final episode of the first volume of Aliens Among Us gives the new Torchwood team a chance to shine. A new luxury hotel has appeared in Cardiff, with refugees right outside. The script highlights the problem with another script that, apart from the aliens, feels like it could be a true story. Every member of the team gets a chance to shine here, including Tyler, who keeps popping up. This is a brilliant way to end a brilliant box set, and it ends with an excellent cliffhanger for the second volume.

Overall, Aliens Among Us 1 is a great introduction to the new Torchwood. The boxset shows that Torchwood is at its best on audio. The stories are very politically charged, but each of the three writers on this set delivers amazing stories that feel natural and real. The characters are all well-written, and the new Torchwood team is a great mix of old favourites and new characters. With its compelling storytelling and excellent performances, Aliens Among Us is a must-listen for any Torchwood fan.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

A message from Eve Myles 

Yesterday Eve Myles met Dewi, a 3-year old with CP (Cerebral Palsy), his amazing family are trying to raise money to get him to USA for surgery. Bellow is a message from Eve.  

I met the most brave and beautiful family today. Their story absolutely broke my heart. Please take a few minutes to read this.

Dewi is a 3 year old boy with Cerebral Palsy from Pontypridd South Wales. Just like any other 3 year old he dreams of being able to jump, run and ride a bike without pain. Unfortunately Dewi has diaplegia spacicity cerebral palsy. His parents perform daily physio therapy and he has treatment once a week from a physiotherapist but now his parents have discovered an operation called SDR which would help but with limited availability in the UK he’ll need to go to the USA for treatment.
The challenge now is to raise £60,000 to make this happen. Dewi’s brave parents and 8 year old sister (pictured above with young Dewi) are doing what they can to raise money.

Please donate to help this family raise funds for an operation in the USA to help him. Anything you can give will be so gratefully received and can make such a difference.

Go to http://www.justgiving.com/DewisDreams and give what you can and tell your friends. Follow them on twitter @dewisdreams and help spread the word.

Thank you so much!

Love Eve Myles

Torchwood is coming back….on audio

During a press conference for the CW show Arrow, John Barrowman, who is now a series regular on the show, announced that the BBC is producing “three or four” audio dramas based on the popular series Torchwood. Barrowman, who portrayed Captain Jack Harkness on the show, also revealed that he and his sister Carole E. Barrowman are considering writing one of the dramas. The siblings have previously co-written Torchwood novels and comics together.

Barrowman didn’t provide any details about the timeframe or plot for the audio dramas, or whether they take place before or after the events of Miracle Day. However, he did mention that at least one of the stories will feature the original Torchwood team and that Torchwood producers Russell T Davies and Julie Gardner will also be involved. With the last Torchwood episode airing four years ago, fans of the show will undoubtedly be thrilled to hear about these upcoming audio dramas.

Our reviews of the previous Torchwood audio plays can be found
here.

Frankie episode one-spoiler free review

A few years ago in America, there were a series of commercials featuring Cavemen advertising GEICO car insurance. A TV exec Frankiesaw the ads and thought “this would make a great TV show” (It didn’t).

After watching Frankie, it’s clear that an exec at the BBC saw the Boots “here come the girls” commercials and had the same thought.
Luckily, Frankie is a good show. It’s written by Lucy Gannon (Soldier Soldier) and stars Eve Myles (Doctor Who/Torchwood) and Dean Lennox Kelly (Doctor Who/Shameless).

Frankie (played by Myles) is a nurse with a heart of gold, often putting the care of her patients ahead of her own. Her long-term partner Ian (Kelly), a police officer is starting to feel the strain of her being so caring.



The episode starts off a few days before Frankie’s 36th birthday. Ian is planning a surprise party for her, she knows. He does it every year.
Frankie is so caring, that she misses her own birthday in order to care for one of her patients. Which, is the straw the broke the camels back for Ian.

Eve Myles puts in another great performance, it’s as if the part was written for her. She injects humour and emotion and gives us a fully formed character, that we often don’t see in a series opener.
The supporting cast is also great, Kelly puts in an endearing performance as Ian, in the hands of a lesser actor, he could have come across as unlikeable, but you genuinely feel his pain when Frankie lets him down.

Be prepared to fall in love with Eve Myles all over again.

Frankie starts on the 14th of May at 9 pm, BBC1.

Have a listen to the chat the Pharos project and I had with Eve Myles last year.

An Evening With Eve Myles

Along with Paul and Chris from The Pharos Project, I travelled to North Wales to catch up with Torchwood’s Eve Myles. We got drunk by an open fire, talked Doctor Who, Torchwood, carpeted bathrooms and working with Zach Braff. Eve also told us about the time she went “Bongo’s up”.

Eve Myles is a Welsh actress from Ystradgynlais. She graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in 2000. Later that year, she began portraying Ceri Lewis in the BBC drama series Belonging, a role she would play until the end of the series in 2009. Myles’ early UK-wide television credits included the 2001 miniseries Tales from Pleasure Beach and the 2003 television drama Colditz. In 2005, she auditioned for a part in the revived series of Doctor Who, and landed the role of servant girl Gwyneth, in the Series 1 episode “The Unquiet Dead”, alongside Billie Piper and Christopher Eccleston.

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