Directly after the end of Everything Changes, viewers were treated to Day One, the first episode in which Gwen officially becomes part of Torchwood. So we move away from discovering an outsider's point of view to discovering an insider's point of view. Does the episode manage to properly explore Gwen Cooper's first steps within the Torchwood team?

Well, obviously, Gwen is the central part of this episode and she's a very big positive. Indeed, even though she's part of Torchwood, it's interesting to show her awkwardness through her words and actions. I think it creates a bond between the viewer and Gwen, because she's like us, she's not a perfect person who succeeds at everything, no, she makes mistakes and blames herself for them. The episode even plays on our own beliefs, when Gwen thinks that the aliens are here to enslave us, when the reality is quite different.

The relationships between Gwen and the other people are pretty good, although not much to note, but the dialogue about the partners was great for showing that Gwen's personal life is in danger too. Knowing that everyone is alone and struggling to separate their work from their private lives plants a seed in the viewer's mind that being part of Torchwood isn't just a job you can forget about when you get home. In just one dialogue, stakes are set for the whole season, which is great. The dialogue is really interesting and full of foreshadowing, like the team not knowing anything about Jack, it's just a little conversation that could have been cut, but it adds so much to the episode. Also, a small mention for Gwen who humanises the team with her much more altruistic approach, we realise why we're following Torchwood the moment Gwen joins the team: she's going to change things, she'll be like a beacon reminding others how a human being with a heart should behave.

As for the antagonist... There's been a lot of talk about her. The concept is certainly immature, but I think it fits Torchwood rather well because we're faced with a mature concept altered by science fiction. It may be in bad taste to make an alien who feeds on orgasms, but you can't deny that the intention is there. Now, in reality, I have to admit that I'm disturbed to see sexual assault on screen as something humorous with all the jokes made by the characters. I don't think it's something that should be shown on television because of the influence it could have, taking all the gravity out of tragic events.

There's one character I really can't see and that's Owen. In my previous review, I wasn't kind to him and it's certainly not with this kind of episode that he's going to rise in my esteem. What stands out about him in this episode? That he's a pervert who enjoys seeing Gwen sexually assaulted. It's terrible, because that's two episodes in a row where we've seen him have a really disgusting mentality and nothing in the episode shows us that what he's doing is wrong.

I'd like to remember this episode for the way Gwen is treated which I think is really good. However, the story is really marred by these issues of consent being diminished for some reason. It's silly, the episode had potential, but preferred to stop at immature jokes disrespectful to victims of sexual assault.

Oh hey, it’s the infamous Sex Gas Episode!!

Hot take, but the Concept of the “Sex Gas” itself is not bad. Does it border on being a bit too edgy and just well… feeling like something slightly trying too hard? Yes, for sure, but on paper such a concept could work. Do I think it works here? No not really, with stuff such as that you have to balance it somewhat so it doesn’t come off as immature and well this Episode just kinda doesn’t do it, in my Opinion.
The Highlight here is easily Gwen, who kinda needs to find her place in Torchwood and I think it’s done rather well for the most. We also get some lovely Moments, but ehhh… I simply don’t like it, it feels a bit too much.

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.

Look, I like laughing. And this episode is a great comedy for an asexual person. Don't trying to offend anyone but I just can't imagine the same happening to me. Although, again, this is too funny for me and I simply can't give anything this hilarious a rating lower than 10/10

Sex gas episode. What more is there to say?

Oh dear. This episode is an embarrassment for the Whoniverse. The first ten/fifteen minutes are great, as you see something zooming across the sky and Gwen accidentally release alien gas, but soon as it's revealed to be a sex alien it just becomes laughable.

It's basically just a fifty minute excuse to shout 'Hey, we're an adult show! We can do adult things that Doctor Who can't!', when in actuality how adult a show appears comes from how mature it is rather than because it explores adult topics.

S1E2

Day One

4/10

This is where I could see a lot of people turning off Torchwood after this episode. It's not very good. I like the bits with it being Gwen's first day on the job. But the alien and their motivation? Ugh... Kind of painful to sit through. It's honestly not that interesting to follow either, feels like a waste of a plot for the 2nd episode. Though the Doctor Who spinoff can now be "mature", this is more juvenile if anything. Skip this one.

This one is pretty rough in certain regards, but I don't know if it fully deserves the infamous reputation it gets.

It isn't the best story in the world but it is made competently enough and I actually really like the "Day One" aspects of Day One. When we're dealing with Gwen getting to know Torchwood and the types of adventures ahead of her, all while she gets to know the team a bit more, I'm having fun. The sex gas stuff definitely comes across as Torchwood showing off how adult it can be in relation to Doctor Who, but I find it more underwhelming than anything else. I don't doubt that the subject matter doesn't come across as weird though, and sets the tone of the series in a rather unfortunate way.  Not a great episode overall but it does vaguely have its moments.