The first two episodes broadcast at the launch of the series have their qualities, but unfortunately they also have their faults, which detract from the enjoyment of the series. So, a week later, how does Torchwood fare?

Well, the whole aspect of Gwen is still very well handled here. Discovering that her private life is impacted by her work brings a new dimension to the series as well as some interesting issues given that we're attached to Gwen. Like her, the viewer feels the dilemma: Torchwood or private life? This allows the episode to deal with several emotions in the same episode, bringing in passages where we feel sad for Gwen and making us feel some very touching moments in her intimate life with Rhys.

As for the story, I have to admit that I got really invested in the plot, which didn't involve an alien villain. It's great to establish from the third episode that Torchwood also means having to deal with cases where there isn't really a bad guy who can come out of the woodwork to cause trouble, but that a simple alien object in contact with humans is also capable of causing panic. As for the object that revives scenes from the past, here again it's interesting, because it reuses the feeling of déjà-vu, so it's part of the everyday life that everyone knows and it also allows the characters to feel very powerful emotions that modify their actions. It's a pretty strong concept that doesn't shy away from showing horrors that made a huge impression on me.

Owen, Owen, Owen... I don't like this character and I think that's going to come up in all my reviews of the first season. Here, even if his reaction fits in well with his character, I don't think it's the best idea to put a sexual abuser in a revenge situation because of a feminicide he witnessed. I might have liked it if it had allowed Owen to question himself, but I think we're dealing here with a writing problem from his era when we could tolerate very inappropriate behaviour from the main characters.

I don't have much else to say, unfortunately. While I enjoy the episode and it has some good ideas, it's not the most fleshed-out story in the whole series. However, I do have to mention the final scene, which for me totally wraps up the arc of Gwen discovering Torchwood. I won't spoil what happens at the end, but for me, this is when she stops being the new girl in the group and becomes a real member of Torchwood. Narratively, we see her enter the darkness of what Torchwood is and we're faced with a mix between the Gwen we know and the harsh reality of the field. A milestone is reached, so in my opinion this is where the introduction to the series ends, because Gwen becomes a fully-fledged member.

While there's still one big negative in the story, Owen's character once again, the story here manages to tell what it wants to tell to the end while bringing a new vision of Torchwood. For its treatment of Gwen and the power of the emotions delivered to the viewer, this episode is undeniably better than the previous two and I'm pleased to see an evolution in the quality of the series. Now I suppose we'll just have to wait for a story without Owen to get the first episode close to perfection.

BERNIE HARRIS. *sprints*

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

“Ghost Machine: Echoes of the Past, Shadows of the Future"

A haunting exploration of morality, memory, and the weight of time, driven by a character-focused narrative.

Time Travel with a Twist

In Ghost Machine, Torchwood takes a step away from its usual alien threats to explore a subtler, more poignant side of sci-fi. The alien artefact—a device capable of projecting apparitions of the past and future—provides a fresh take on time travel, focusing on emotional resonance rather than grand temporal stakes. This eerie and introspective approach creates a unique atmosphere, highlighting the consequences of meddling with forbidden technology.

Owen's Journey: From Avenger to Redeemer

This episode shines as a character study, particularly for Owen. Witnessing the tragic murder of a young girl from 1963 ignites a personal crusade for justice, revealing a deeper, more empathetic side to his abrasive persona. Burn Gorman delivers a powerful performance, capturing Owen’s internal conflict and determination as he confronts Lizzie's killer, Morgan, in the present.

Owen’s arc resonates deeply, asking whether righting past wrongs can truly heal old wounds—or whether it only serves to deepen them. His actions throughout the episode challenge our perceptions of him, hinting at a complexity beyond his usual brash demeanour.

Gwen, Jack, and the Weight of the Present

Gwen’s experiences with the device offer a more personal and relatable perspective. Her brief moment of introspection, as she reconnects with her boyfriend Rhys, underscores the emotional cost of her new life with Torchwood. These quiet moments add depth to Gwen’s character, making her struggles and sacrifices feel tangible.

Captain Jack, meanwhile, continues to mentor Gwen, with their weapons training scene providing both a moment of bonding and a glimpse into Jack's authoritative yet supportive leadership style. His presence remains enigmatic but grounding, allowing Gwen to shine while subtly guiding her development.

Balancing Tones: Hits and Misses

The tonal shifts in Ghost Machine are its most glaring weakness. The comedic chase scene involving Owen and Bernie feels jarringly out of place amidst the otherwise sombre narrative. While Torchwood often blends humour and darkness, this particular instance disrupts the episode’s pacing and emotional weight.

Supporting Cast and Minimal Sci-Fi

While Toshiko is used effectively to provide exposition, both she and Ianto remain underutilised, fading into the background as the narrative focuses on Gwen, Jack, and Owen. The sci-fi elements are understated, with the alien artefact serving more as a narrative device than a central focus. This approach works in the episode’s favour, allowing the character-driven drama to take centre stage.

A Poignant, Minimalist Finale

The climax ties the episode’s themes together beautifully. The future Gwen witnessed earlier plays out differently than expected, showcasing how knowledge of potential outcomes can alter our actions and perspectives. The subdued conclusion reinforces the idea that while we cannot change the past, we can still learn from it and strive to make better choices in the present.

Verdict: A Bleak and Thoughtful Torchwood Tale

Ghost Machine stands out as a deeply introspective episode, blending crime drama with emotional sci-fi. While its tonal shifts and underuse of certain characters detract slightly from the overall impact, the strong performances and poignant exploration of morality and memory make it a memorable entry in the series.

📝75/100

I actually enjoyed this! Doctor Who and Spinoffs can usually do one thing well, and that's a ghost story. Owen even approaches something that might be character development

This episode is more what Torchwood should be. It tackles adult themes in a mature rather than childish manner, and has a strong sci-fi premise regarding an alien device that projects echoes from the past. Powerful, gripping and moving drama.

S1E3

Ghost Machine

8/10

Now THIS should have been episode 2. The alien device is fascinating and used well throughout. We get some great moments for Owen this episode. I'd forgotten how it ended, but I really did like this ending. It's not quite how either Bernie nor Gwen expected it to go. Great episode, definitely watch.

A pretty solid way to soften the blow of Day One, I suppose. Not my favourite Torchwood episode, certainly, but I enjoy the stuff with Gwen and still think she is a solid part of the series' early days. Her onboarding with Torchwood is still what I take away most from these first few episodes. Owen's arc feels like we are still deep in the edge-lord tendencies of the show which is something I think a lot of the series would struggle with (outside of that one obvious exception). So it kind of left a mediocre impression on me, especially because it kind of fizzles out with an ending I found pretty silly.