If the 21st century is when it all changes for science-fiction entertainment, then the BBC is most definitely ready.

Focusing on the roguish character of Capt. Jack Harkness (John Barrowman), "Torchwood" tells the story of a unique group of alien catchers set in present-day Cardiff, Wales. Making use of salvaged alien technology, the team arms the human race against the future and the coming darkness.

Tough job, but when the series first aired in the United Kingdom, it did so with record-breaking numbers proving that the series is up to the task. Despite that, however, there were some who proclaimed the series as the most pointless television show of the year. And when you look at the opening episodes, it's not hard to see why they came to that conclusion. Instead of the quick-witted, intricate and utterly captivating storytelling of its mother series "Doctor Who," "Torchwood" begins with some very bland stories that lumber from scene to scene with fleeting references to "Doctor Who."

The show quickly hits its lowest point in "Cyberwoman," which relies so heavily on the events of "Doctor Who's" second season that it struggles to achieve its own identity. In the episode, the team discovers that Ianto Jones (Gareth David-Lloyd) has been hiding his half-assimilated girlfriend in the Torchwood basement with the hopes of one day freeing poor Lisa from her metal confines. Unfortunately, things don't work out as he expected, and very soon, the Cyberwoman awakens and runs amok inside the Hub.

However, after this episode, the series forms a complete U-turn and starts to show its true potential with adventures so entertaining that they rival that of the infamous Doctor himself. Sure, a few of the plot points seem just a little too reminiscent of the long-gone vampire series "Angel," but "Torchwood" does entertain and it does it with as much style and savvy as any other show out there.

From the get-go, "Torchwood" was heavily advertised as a sci-fi show for adults, and there are times where episodes display exactly that. You've got girls kissing girls, girls kissing guys, and also guys kissing guys. And more often than not, kissing is only the beginning. In "Doctor Who," there were never any real repercussions for the characters. At the end of the day, The Doctor and his companions would be setting off in the Tardis for another adventure. But in "Torchwood," the team is confined to Cardiff and are forced to face their actions on a daily basis where it is only a matter of time before someone goes mad, gets killed or loses a loved one.

"Small World," They Keep Killing Suzie" and "Out of Time" are some of the highlights of the series that introduces the kinds of moral dilemmas that other shows will try to avoid. And over the course of the first season, you'll see some very dark moments from all of the characters, building up to one hell of a finale.

So if after watching the first few episodes of the series you are ready to give up on "Torchwood," take my advice and stick with it. "Torchwood" is by no means a perfect series, but once you're through the early inconsistencies of the season, the show really picks up and "Torchwood" starts to find itself. And you will be impressed.

"Torchwood" is currently airing Saturdays at 9 p.m. ET on BBC America. The second season is currently in production, and is expected to air on BBC Two at the beginning of 2008. Airlock Alpha site coordinator Michael Hinman gives a weekly video blog with Meredith Hogan about "Torchwood" available at AfterElton.com.

Alan Stanley Blair is the assistant news editor of Airlock Alpha, contributing from his home country of Scotland. He can be reached at ablair@airlockalpha.com.