Thworping through time and space, one adventure at a time!

“Day One: A Sex Gas Alien and Gwen’s First Big Test’

With the groundwork for Torchwood laid in the pilot episode, Day One gives the team their first mission: hunting a sex gas alien. While the mature themes align with Torchwood's aim of exploring darker, more adult sci-fi, the concept is so over-the-top that it borders on parody. The idea of an alien that feeds on orgasmic energy and turns its partners into dust is more bizarre than compelling, and the awkwardly executed sex scenes only add to the absurdity.

Despite the strange premise, the episode is a showcase for Gwen’s evolution within the team. Still adjusting to Torchwood’s unconventional world, she begins to find her footing, balancing her natural empathy with a growing understanding of her new role. The charming, slightly flirtatious rapport between Gwen and Jack remains a highlight, while Owen’s cynical humour and Tosh’s technical brilliance provide contrast. However, Ianto remains underutilised, still relegated to the background.

The midsection, which focuses on the team discussing the alien and Torchwood’s moral ambiguities, serves as a chance to flesh out the characters. Gwen’s guilt over accidentally releasing the alien adds emotional depth, but the slower pace saps some of the episode’s energy. The ethical questions raised about Torchwood’s methods are intriguing but feel underexplored in favour of the main plot.

The alien’s motivation—feeding on orgasmic energy rather than seeking domination—offers a refreshing twist on typical alien invasions. The revelation that excessive feeding could cause the host body to explode adds a tragic layer to the creature’s predicament. However, the execution often leans too heavily into humour, diluting the potential emotional impact.

The episode regains momentum in the final act, with Gwen stepping up to save the day. Her heartfelt plea to the alien shows her growing confidence and her ability to lead with compassion, making her victory feel earned.

📝Verdict: 6.86/10

Day One highlights Torchwood’s willingness to push boundaries, but its outlandish premise and uneven pacing undermine its potential. While the episode offers strong character moments and a unique alien threat, it struggles to balance its mature themes with a coherent tone. Still, it’s an important step in Gwen’s journey and a memorable, if polarising, entry in the series.