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Written by: Chris Chibnall
Directed by: Mark Everest
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The One Where: Gwen looks into the disappearance of a 15-year-old boy called Jonah and discovers that the Rift is responsible for scooping away dozens of missing persons. Her investigations lead her to a secret Torchwood base on an island, where those who’ve been returned by the Rift are cared for - including Jonah, now 40 years older, and horribly scarred, both physically and mentally...
Verdict: There were times in season one where Jack spoke about having to make hard choices (like letting fairies take a little girl in “Small World”). This episode pulls the same trick without turning you against his character so much. It also does something Doctor Who’s had success with: it shows how every SF-related casualty is more than just a statistic - it’s also someone’s life-destroying tragedy. This highly effective tear-jerker, has a few logic gaps, but chances are you’ll be too preoccupied with “something in your eye” to notice them first time round.
Highlight: When an angry Rhys tears a strip off Gwen, then reminds her what Torchwood is fighting for.
Nitpick: Why is the care home so grim? Couldn’t Torchwood afford a lick of paint?
LMAO: Gwen walking in on Jack and Ianto frantically having it off: priceless.
Trivia: The island is Flat Holm in the Bristol Channel; a nature reserve that’s home to thousands of gulls. If you fancy a visit, there are daily boat trips from Cardiff Bay.
Best Line:
Rhys (to Gwen): "If you’re starting to think that your shit is more important than real life then we’re not going to last very long."
Ian Berriman
Next Torchwood review: "Fragments"
Previous Torchwood review: "From Out of the Rain"
