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"Everything Changes: Torchwood Steps Out of the Shadows"

The success of Doctor Who’s 2005 revival inspired Russell T Davies and the BBC to launch its first spinoff, Torchwood. Introduced during Series 2 of Doctor Who, the spinoff follows Torchwood 3, a small Cardiff-based team led by Captain Jack Harkness. Their mission: to investigate alien activity, collect remnants of invasions, and protect the city in the Doctor's absence.

The opening episode, Everything Changes, effectively establishes the show’s darker, more mature tone while firmly grounding it in the Doctor Who universe. It also introduces the cast of characters, from Gwen Cooper, a sharp and determined police officer who stumbles upon Torchwood, to her boyfriend Rhys, and the rest of the team—Captain Jack, tech-savvy Toshiko, cynical Owen, secretive Ianto, and the enigmatic Suzie.

Davies crafts a compelling mystery that balances intrigue and action, giving a taste of the show’s character-driven storytelling. Through Gwen’s eyes, we gradually learn about Torchwood’s purpose and its flawed, very human members. These moments lay the foundation for long-term storylines and emotional arcs.

Eve Myles shines as Gwen, the perfect audience surrogate. Her quick wit, courage, and compassion make her an easy character to root for. John Barrowman’s Captain Jack is equally magnetic, blending charisma and mystery, even for viewers unfamiliar with his Doctor Who appearances.

The supporting cast also impresses. Burn Gorman’s Owen stands out with his sarcastic humor and cynicism, though his use of a “love potion gas” to get laid in one scene feels ethically dubious. Naoko Mori’s Toshiko is clever and resourceful, though her role here is more subdued.

The series’ mature tone is immediately evident, with bloodier action, tenser interactions, and darker themes than its parent show. The climax delivers a memorable twist, revealing Suzie as a weak link and unexpected villain, leaving the episode on a bleak, impactful note.

📝Verdict: 8/10

With Everything Changes, Torchwood carves out its own identity while staying firmly rooted in the Doctor Who world. It’s a thrilling start to a spinoff that promises plenty of intrigue, drama, and moral complexity.