Kai Owen – The Bad Wilf Network

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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Big Finish Review-Torchwood: Thirst Trap

In the heart of Cardiff, a new dating app has taken the city by storm, offering users the chance to find their perfect match in just 20 minutes. But there’s a twist – once the time is up, they may never see their date again.

As more and more people try out the app, something strange begins to happen. Everyone seems to be going on the same dates, with the same activities, conversation topics, and even jokes. It’s almost as if the app is controlling their every move. Normally, Sgt. Andy Davidson would be the first to investigate, but he’s busy with his own date.

Torchwood has often been praised for its dark and gritty tone, exploring themes of loss, trauma, and alien invasion. However, this particular episode takes a different approach. It’s a lighthearted romp through the world of dating apps and the strange things that can happen when people put their trust in technology.

Despite the departure from the show’s usual tone, the actors still deliver standout performances. Tom Price and Kai Owen, who play Sgt. Andy Davidson and Rhys Williams respectively, are particularly impressive in their portrayal of two men caught up in a whirlwind of romantic comedy hijinks. Their chemistry is palpable, and their lightning-fast shifts from serious to lovesick are both hilarious and heartwarming.

The supporting cast also shines, with Natalia Hinds, Sunjay Midda, and Rebecca Trehearn each bringing their unique flair to their roles. Whether they’re playing matchmakers, hard-working council workers, or hapless police officers, they all add to the story’s infectious energy and sense of fun.

Tom Price, who also stars in the adventure, shows his versatility as a writer with a fluid and brilliant script that perfectly complements his acting skills. The writing captures the humorous and whimsical aspects of the story, while also exploring deeper themes of human connection and the perils of relying too heavily on technology.

David O’Mahony’s direction keeps the story moving at a brisk pace, while Blair Mowat’s music and Shane O’Byrne’s sound design help to create an engaging atmosphere.

Overall, this is a well-crafted and enjoyable story. A must-listen for any Torchwood fan looking for a fun 45-minute adventure.

Torchwood contains material, that may not be suitable for younger audiences.

Torchwood: Thirst Trap is available for purchase from Big Finish.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

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.

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-Torchwood: Aliens Among Us-Part 2

Torchwood: Aliens Among Us 2 is a bold and gripping addition to the Torchwood series. Picking up where Miracle Day left off, the Torchwood team finds themselves in a Cardiff that’s darker and more dangerous than ever before. The four episodes included in this set explore complex storylines and pack an emotional punch, leaving the audience eagerly anticipating what comes next.

The first episode, “Love Rat” by Christopher Cooper, sets the tone for the rest of the set with a complex storyline that brings Captain Jack back from the dead with a surprising twist. The subsequent episodes, “A Kill to a View” by Mac Rogers, “Zero Hour” by Janine H Jones, and “The Empty Hand” by Tim Foley, continue to up the ante with a mix of action, drama, and suspense.

The addition of Yvonne Hartman to the mix adds a layer of intrigue and excitement, with the Torchwood team facing their toughest challenge yet. The writers skillfully weave together the various storylines, and the performances by the cast are top-notch.

The standout episodes of the set are “A Kill to a View” and “Zero Hour,” which delve into the mysterious rift and bring back fan-favourite character Bilis Manger. Murray Melvin’s performance as Manger is nothing short of exceptional, adding depth and complexity to the character and the story.

Overall, Torchwood: Aliens Among Us 2 is a must-listen for fans of the series and newcomers alike. With its intricate plotlines, strong performances, and cliffhanger ending, it leaves the audience eagerly anticipating the next instalment of the Torchwood saga.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

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.

“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

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.

Behind the Scenes of Torchwood: An Interview with Kai Owen

In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Welsh actor Kai Owen, best known for his role as Rhys Williams in the hit science fiction series Torchwood. Kai shares with us his experiences working on the show, his thoughts on the character of Rhys, and his career in acting.

We start the interview with a discussion of Kai’s background and how he got started in acting. We explore his early roles in Welsh television and theatre, and how he eventually landed the role of Rhys Williams in Torchwood. We also talk about the audition process and how Kai prepared for the role.

We then dive into a discussion of Torchwood, and Kai shares his insights on the show’s unique blend of science fiction, action, and drama. We explore the evolution of his character, Rhys, throughout the series, and how he developed a strong bond with lead actress Eve Myles, who played Gwen Cooper. We also touch on some of the show’s most memorable moments, and how they affected the cast and crew.

Throughout the interview, Kai is warm, engaging, and candid, sharing his thoughts and reflections on his career and the world of acting. He also offers some advice and encouragement for aspiring actors, and talks about some of his upcoming projects.

Overall, this episode offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at Torchwood, one of the most beloved science fiction series of the past decade, as well as an intimate glimpse into the life and career of a talented and passionate actor.

The podcast is available from all good podcast services, such as but not limited to Amazon Music, Podchaser, Player FM, Stitcher, and Apple Podcasts.

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Episode 40: Torchwood: Miracle Day-Immortal Sins

In this episode of our Torchwood: Miracle Day deep dive, we take a closer look at the sixth episode of the season, “Immortal Sins.” Join us as we explore the complex relationship between Captain Jack Harkness and Angelo Colasanto, the man who turned Jack into a fixed point in time. We examine the themes of love, betrayal, and forgiveness that run throughout the episode and discuss how they tie into the larger themes of the season.

We also delve into the character of Esther Drummond, who takes centre stage in this episode as she investigates the mysterious organisation known as the Families. We analyze Esther’s motivations and character arc, as well as her relationship with Rex Matheson, who continues to be a controversial figure among fans.

As always, we discuss the episode’s standout moments, including the haunting flashbacks to Jack’s past in 1920s New York and the shocking revelation about Angelo’s fate. We also examine the episode’s flaws, including some clunky dialogue and pacing issues.

Join us as we break down “Immortal Sins” and explore the deeper meanings and implications of this pivotal episode in the Torchwood: Miracle Day saga.

Pete and Martyn also review the Big Finish audio Robophobia.