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This review contains spoilers.

We are … here.

Having "Torchwood" retooled as a miniseries gives the show the extra reach that a full season does not – a five-part series is the perfect medium to crank up the tension and tell a carefully crafted story to clearly define "Torchwood" as a series in its own right and step out of "Doctor Who's" shadow on the BBC's primary channel.

"Day Three" is the first part of the "Children Of Earth" saga that exceeds the steep expectations set by the BBC, effortlessly gliding from family-themed laughs, the crime wave of the century and butt-clenching levels of intensity.

The objective is clear. Establish the helplessness of Team Torchwood. Rebuild the unit. Have some laughs. Continue to build tension. Gasp. Reveal the 456. Gasp. Show no signs of releasing the tension or slowing down in anyway. It is a formula not to be trifled with as the lighthearted overtones given to the rebuilding of Torchwood easily create a false sense of security that makes the final ten minutes so gripping.

Beyond the reformation of Torchwood inside an abandoned warehouse there are no messages (hidden or otherwise) of hope, optimism or unquenchable inspiration (the very antithesis of all things "Doctor Who"), the episode can be seen as a cautionary tale that toys with the darker themes of the genre … specifically, the dangers of ambition and cold calculation.

Not only does John Frobisher (Peter Capaldi) find himself on the front line to an alien incursion but Capt. Jack (John Barrowman) sets his sights on the Civil Servant for his part in the 1964, incidentally forcing the good Captain to look at himself in the same light. The casual nature of the Prime Minister's stating that Frobisher is expendable also generates a small degree of sympathy for the man whose family life has made him so accessible, and whose patriotic ambitions have painted him as such a target.

In much the same way, Clement (Paul Copley) also evokes a great deal of sympathy designed to transform Jack into the villain of the story … and by his own admission, he is the villain.

What Worked

The crime wave montage was brilliantly constructed, packed with a lot of humor at watching our heroes descend to the ranks of petty street criminals in order to save the day. Gwen (Eve Myles) becomes a modern day Fagan in the battle to rebuild the secret institute, offering tips on pick pocketing, silver collared crimes, fraud, and car Jacking (excuse the pun). Meanwhile, Rhys leads up the marketing department by branding their new secret headquarters as "Hub 2." But it all goes towards a good cause - what is Jack without his army coat anyway?

And it is also clear that Jack's daughter (Lucy Cohu) and grandson will have a much larger role to play in the final two days of this crisis (fending off the SWAT team by means of a clothesline was classic), as will Lois (Cush Jumbo) who is now serving as the eyes and ears of Torchwood. Both characters are now clearly established as integral parts of the extended team and their lives will directly impact the outcome of the 456 plan, not to mention the future of the series.

What Didn't Work

It may be the most intense part of this miniseries but they are here and we still don't know what happened in 1964, why it occurred or what the 456 even look like (the rare glimpses given are reminiscent of something from the Jim Henson creature shop). Keeping the secret this long may keep the suspense flowing, but also raises the bar for the final two installments.

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

"Torchwood: Children Of Earth" stars John Barrowman, Eve Myles and Gareth David-Lloyd. "Day One" was written by Russell T. Davies and James Moran, and was directed by Euros Lyn.

“Torchwood: Children Of Earth” airs this week on BBC One, and then launches on July 20 on BBC America.