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show: Torchwood

episode: Adam

The Bottom Line: "Superb"

I'm hoping this episode has finally convinced a few people about Ianto. He's smart, funny, reliable - you can't beat him. But because he's generally in the shadows, in the background: he seems to get thought of as "not a proper member of the team". But this episode, Gareth David-Lloyd really proved his worth as an actor. The attention to detail with which he played the frustration, the grief, the hopelessness, was incredible, and after that, I doubt anyone will forget Ianto again.

Adam, however, had me at a loss. Who was he, where did he come from, why was he there? The storyline itself was fantastic, but could have done with a little fine-tuning.

The episode was acted very well by all of the main characters: I want a return for geeky Owen! The contrast after the RetCon was amazing, it made me realise how much I'd (sunconsciously) missed the "real" characters. Was nice to see Tosh with some confidence, though..

show: Torchwood

episode: Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang

The Bottom Line: "Good"

The trailers for this episode had made me enthusiastic about the start of the new season. Admittedly, the team didn't seem to be in the Himalayas (as referenced in Doctor Who previously), but the team looked great as ever - certainly slicker than the thrown-together individuals of last season. They functioned well as a team without Jack, finally proving their worth as members of the team. Owen's shooting was incredible! - just the kind of stunt we'd expect when chasing a blowfish down a street at high speed.

The humour was definitely there, but to me it felt like the entire episode had been modeled around James Marsters. There were so many unnecessary "comedic" lines which seemed thrown-in to me.

Despite the criticism, there were positives. I felt the scene where the blowfish was playing with the teams' minds, was incredibly powerful; the internal struggle of the "office boy promoted above his station" was beautifully acted. This episode showed progressive character development with Ianto. The way it was left up to him to find his colleagues, the way he was underestimated, the way he coped with Jack's promiscuity - finally, some Ianto! The chemistry between Captains' Jack and John was undeniable and I liked the posturing between them. However I didn't appreciate the impact his arrival had on some members of the team. It may just be me, but I don't see "He's cute!" as Toshiko-style language. And I felt that it was unlike Gwen to ignore Jacks advice while fully aware of the dangers; it was obvious that she was not fully trusting of John. The jealousy displayed by Ianto was touching, I found myself whispering "Oh Ianto.." at one point. Owen was a sympathetic character in this episode. I couldn't help wondering whether his "I'm done with that routine" was for real - I believe it is. He seems to have finally settled down and grown some morals; although saying that, Toshiko needs to move on. I don't believe he'd be good for her.

I'd expected a more flawless episode for the first of the second season - but to be fair, it combined consequences and character development. It can only get better.

show: Heroes

episode: How to Stop an Exploding Man

The Bottom Line: "Perfect"

With all of the characters journey's reaching a similar point, it was inevitable that this season would go out in style. With Peter, or Sylar - or both - threatening to explode, not to mention the reappearance of radioactive Ted Spraque, the finale was certain to be just as spectacular as the rest of the season.
For me, the highlight of the finale was Claire taking a running jump out of the window. That Petrelli mother needed taking down a peg or two - no-one calls Peter Petrelli weak and gets away with it.
Which brings me, of course, to Peter and Nathan's explosion over New York. Suffice to say I didn't see it coming. Having detested Nathan for the whole of the first season, having him turn round right at the end and accompany his brother to what certainly seems to be his death, redeemed him a lot - but not quite fully - in my eyes. I still haven't quite forgiven him for how he acted towards Claire and the rest of the Heroes.
Mohinder's actions turned out to be eerily similar to those of the future-Mohinder. I wasn't really surprised by this, but proud of his actions in the face of danger. In the battle of good and evil, mainly depicted by Peter and Sylar, we could be forgiven for thinking that good had won. But could a man so powerful and driven as Sylar, really be destroyed by a simple sword? Doubtless he'll be back in the future, to terrify us all with his hypnotising voice and mesmerizing smile. Of course, Hiro had to be the one to do it, even if it wasn't fully successful. And what training he had! Who would ever have suspected that the Nakamura legacy would have involved arms training? I'm just wondering what secrets his sister is hiding. Of course Hiro could never have done it without his sidekick Ando, who stuck with him through thick and thin, fulfilling destiny by his side.
After the first season, full of explosions, drama and "YA-KA!", I'm sure that seasons to come will be even more stunning. With spot-on casting - for example Zachary Quinto and Masi Oka, not to mention cameos from Christopher Eccleston and Malcolm McDowell - it can only get better.

show: Doctor Who (2005)

episode: The Sound of Drums (2)

The Bottom Line: "Superb"

The second part of the Masters three-part story saw the Doctor and his 'gang' back in London, where Mr Harold Saxon had just been elected. I wasn't expecting much after the first installment but wow I was surprised.
Inspired casting saw John Simm as the Master, definitely an equal to Tennant's Doctor. It was easy to believe that he'd hypnotised a country into voting for him, with his interwoven drumbeat and hazy eyes. The dialogue between the two was perfect as was the balance between honesty and pure, unhinged madness.
The Doctors need to fix and look after civilisations, particularly Earth, was explained by his self-chosen name - "The man who makes people better." Yes, perhaps a little sanctimonious, but he fulfills it, and it bears up against 'the Master'. Although give me a laser screwdriver anyday,
First mention of Torchwood this season and it appears that they're in the Himalayas. I'm hoping RTD'll let us see that next season. Understandably the Doctor isn't pleased that Jack's in charge, although wouldn't he already have known somehow? Seems unlikely that could have happened without him knowing, is all. Only this episode realised how much I actually do like Martha. In earlier epi's her unrequited love for the Doctor was openly irritating, but really empathised with her this time as the Doctor inadvertedly stuck the knife in with a casual 'It’s like when you fancy someone and they don’t even know you exist.' From the start I was anticipating the return of Tish, and there she was. The entire family stars, with Leo the only one out of harms way (for now). Always knew there was something weird about Francine, but thankfully Clive proves his worth in warning Martha what's going on. I like how right from season 1, Saxon's had his sights set on her family, while the Doctor isn't even aware he's still alive. Loving the relationship between Martha and Jack, plus excellent stunt-driving from Freema, too. Jack may only have a space hopper - and an uncomfortable one at that - but it got them out of there and, by default, back to the centre of the action. I'm hoping the chaos in the future is revisited, 'cos I want to know what happened to the people with the teeth!
The cliffhanger end was quite disappointing, I felt, simply because of the aged Doctor. In 100 years he would surely have regenerated at least once and as he doesn't seem to age usually, it was quite weak. Added to that the lack of speech on his part - has he lost his voice? Older or not, the Doctor is not going to stand by silently while his nemesis ends the world, that's for sure. Still, can't wait for next week - the trailers look intriguing!