Vol 5 No 2 Dec 2008-Mar 2009 - Bundaberg Regional Libraries

The CharactersThe mysterious leader of TorchwoodCardiff is apparently ageless andimpossible to kill, although no cluesare given as to why and how. In thewords of Barrowman, his character isa combination of “..hero, swashbuckler,rogue and dark horse, with a mysteryat his heart.”. Harkness appears to liveat the Hub, in Torchwood, and have nofriends or relatives, just his work.Newcomer Gwen Cooper is the‘eyes’ of the show – the viewer seesher perspective on the events thathappen, and there’s a good reason forthat. The writers wanted the viewer toexperience the feelings of someonewho had just discovered that fantasy isreality – or, as Producer Richard Stokesputs it “… how would you feel if youdiscovered the Batcave, or JurassicPark? There would be a combinationof joy, wonder, fear and terror andexcitement – that’s what we wereaiming for.”.The DVDThe first series set is comprised ofseven discs, with 13 episodes and arunning time of approx. 15 hours. Atthe end of each episode is a 10 minutedocumentary Torchwood Declassified,which interviews the cast and writersabout the storyline.Given the plot lines of some ofthe episodes, the rating is of courseMA15+, with strong violence, sexscenes and adult themes. Don’t letthat put you off though, if you likean addictive, thought- provoking,humourous and slightly scary show.Executive Producer Russell Davies putsit best when he describes Torchwoodas ‘adult, paranormal, strange, urbanstorytelling…’Torchwood – the First Season isavailable for loan from the BundabergRegional Library Service.Sue GammonBundaberg Regional LibraryTORCHWOOD TORCHWOOD TORCHWOOD TORCHWOODDVD: REVIEW 23