Why Torchwood Can Only Get Better

Tomorrow BBC America airs the first of two episodes marking the end of season one of Torchwood, a show that has had many ups and downs. I think I “officially” gave up on Torchwood about halfway through the season. Like many critics have already commented, the show seemed so determined to prove itself as an adult show rather than Dr. Who’s younger sibling. With lots of sex, and morally ambiguous characters, along with overall weak storylines, even John Barrowman’s dashing good looks couldn’t seem to save this one. Never mind the fact that the Captain Jack Harkness we all knew and loved from Dr. Who seemed nowhere to be seen. That said, I’m excited for tomorrow’s episode and for future episodes of Torchwood. Tomorrow’s episode is titled Captain Jack Harkness, and will feature a stint back in the blitz where we will get to meet the real Jack Harkness. That episode and earlier episodes all seem to be building towards a season finale which will hopefully be worth checking out. But ultimately why I still have hope for Torchwood is two main reasons. Firstly, everything that we’ve seen of Torchwood so far has been while Jack has still been looking for the Doctor. He believes Rose dead, and he’s frankly a little miffed at the Doctor for ditching him. I’m hoping that season two’s Jack will be a little more lighthearted which should translate into much less angst in Torchwood. Secondly, while Torchwood might not have had the first season success of shows like Heroes and Lost, which have since spent their time trying to live up to the hype of the first season, it seems to me that things can only go up for Torchwood. After spending the first season finding their feet, I’m hoping that the writers will be coming into the second season with no fear of having anything to prove, and will concentrate on solid, enjoyable storylines