The following contains MODERATE SPOILERS for "Adam," the fifth episode from the second season of BBC?s "Torchwood."
It?s always good when television shows try something different to shake things up a little. In most cases, it gives the series a chance to try something fresh and new. Unfortunately, it takes almost 20 minutes for "Adam" to come together.
With a new member in the Torchwood Hub, Adam, the entire team finds themselves reliving moments from their past and also forgetting those closest to them. The entire story lacks the same punch that the other episodes this season have had and instead lumbers along from scene-to-scene ? and the intrusive Adam forces himself into the action at every turn.
It?s only when the familiar re-asserts itself that the story finally begins to knit together and form a very compelling and emotional roller coaster for the entire cast.
What Worked
Jack?s (John Barrowman) monologue on the last time he saw his brother, Grey, was incredibly powerful. Barrowman?s tear jerking performance shows exactly why he is the lead of the series, containing all the raw emotion of a wounded soul and the cold-hearted determination of someone trying to forget and move on. Beneath it all is a vulnerability that you don?t normally see from his character ? this isn?t an alien entity he?s sensitive to and he?s not hunting for his personal physician -- this is part of his past and if it is one thing Jack likes to keep in the dark its that.
The infinitely cool flashback also provides some much-needed back-story for the 51st Century Jack, and further reinforces Capt. John?s (James Marsters) cryptic message the end of the season premiere -- I know what happened to Grey.
There were also some very nice character moments as each of the team recount their own memories from the most influential and character-defining experiences of their lives. Torturing of Ianto (Gareth David-Lloyd) via fake memories was an intriguing notion. He may be misguided in some of his judgments (for example, his attempts to save former Cyber-girlfriend Lisa) but he is a good person and so filling his mind with some of the most violent and sinister memories is a fate worse than death.
Tosh (Naoko Mori) in particular provided some fantastic water-works as she gives up someone that loves her (again) to save herself. It is a genuine mystery why someone with such clear talent is constantly reduced to a second-rate romance for a ?rodent? that would never look at her twice. Ah well, I guess ?Torchwood? can?t work all its kinks out at once. Can it?
What Didn?t Work
Adam doesn?t quite carry the story along enough, and until Ianto is mind-raped the alien entity nothing of great entertainment value really happens.
One of the most annoying and detracting character dynamics of ?Torchwood? is Tosh?s unrequited love for Owen (Burn Gorman), and although in this episode she isn?t exactly swooning over him, the re-invented relationship is even worse than the original. Tosh?s exclamation of ?How dare you?!? as Owen spills his guts on his feelings for her is completely out of place and out of character and is another missed opportunity for some genuine drama for poor Toshiko.
Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due
"Torchwood" stars John Barrowman, Eve Myles, Burn Gorman, Gareth David-Lloyd and Naoko Mori and airs Wednesday nights at 9 p.m. GMT on BBC 1, and then on at Saturday nights at 9 p.m ET on BBC America. "Adam" was written by Catherine Tregenna and was directed by Andy Goddard.
Alan Stanley Blair is the assistant news editor for Airlock Alpha and its sister site Rabid Doll. Contributing from his home country of Scotland, he is currently studying for a diploma in freelance journalism and can be reached at anytime at
About the Author:
Alan Stanley Blair is the news editor for Airlock Alpha and assistant news editor for its sister site, Inside Blip. Contributing from his home in Scotland, he is currently studying for a diploma in freelance journalism and feature writing.
