Customer Reviews

Torchwood Children of Earth

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Torchwood had trouble carving out its own niche after becoming a major Doctor Who spinoff. After all, it's hard to build a reputation after branching out from a series that has been around since the 1960s. Seasons (or make that Series for you U.K.'ers) 1 and 2 followed the same serialized structure as Doctor Who, and followed the exploits of the immortal Captain Jack Harkness and a team of specialists that formed a branch of Torchwood, a secretive U.K. organization well above the government and MI5 who investigate and defend against alien and paranormal activities.

Children of Earth swapped the 13 episode formula for that of a 5-part mini-series, and the result is much more effective. The Torchwood narrative is better streamlined as it tells the story of an alien race known as the 456, which have returned to Earth after initial human contact to claim 10% of the world's children. As the story progresses, we learn of the horrific conspiracy regarding the 456 and why the government is trying to cover it up. This culminates with the attempted assassination of the Torchwood team and the betrayal of Jack Harkness who is now on the run from his own government. As the story continues to unfold, the darkest parts of human behavior are dragged into the light, creating a stomach-turning revelation that must be seen to be believed.

The series deserves its accolades and praise. This is not a show that is written haphazardly or irresponsibly. The sheer weight of the "what-if" scenario depicted in the series is enough to stimulate even the most average of minds. For perhaps the first time in a long time, Torchwood forces the viewer to consider the ultimate question. "What would you do?" And when you're forced to answer that question, you can't help but feel guilty and helpless all at the same time. It's literally that intense.

That however, is hard to prove unless the story is spoiled for you. That won't be happening here. This is a colossal experience for a TV show, and once again proves that Russell T. Davies' writing skills weren't exhausted on the smartly written Doctor Who. This is a VERY adult program so brutal in tone that it's impossible to feel good after watching it. Should you avoid it? Absolutely not. It's a riveting experiment in storytelling that is now being expanded upon with Torchwood: Miracle Day. It seems the spinoff has finally found its niche. Now all it has to do is flourish.

Very well done. Intrigue till the end, must see all, each sub story holds on its own. Very realistic concerning gouverment attitude towards population. Was very delightfully surprised! For science-fiction fans that also want to get knowledgeable on british perspectives and humour. Story all the way not just special effects.

As a big Doctor Who fan, I dutifully watched the first two seasons of Torchwood without ever really getting hooked: good but not great sci-fi. But this five-part season three is among the best sci-fi on TV: ever!

You'll be hooked in the first ten minutes, when all the children on earth stop -- I'm getting chills just writing this -- at the same time. And when they start to speak together. . . I can't think of anything more terrifying. And the series just gets better from there, exploring loss and sacrifice, scary new aliens, the corruption of governments and the frightening compromises of civil servants, and even more horrible ways to kill poor Jack. Barrowman, Myles, and David-LLoyd are at their best, Russell Davies' writing is as good as it's ever been, but the most extraordinary performance is Peter Capaldi's as the civil servant who kept his head down and . . . well, I can't tell you more than that.

Much darker than Doctor Who, this is a series that will really appeal to fans of the morally and politically complex Battlestar Gallactica.

For those that thought the first two seasons of torchwood was good, but not sensational their opinions of the series will be changed by watching these five episodes. The pace is very quickly found, all the characters get enough screen time and plot, it has some very well executed twists and there will be parts that have you cheering or crying (all in five hours). I totally recommend this for any fans of the series, and even those that aren't. It completely steps up as the best arc of the entire show.

I loved Seasons One and Two of Torchwood, but I was blown away by Children of Earth. It is utterly brilliant, beautiful and tragic. It is set over five days, and each day has an edge of your seat ending. If you are the sort to sit around and nitpick, there are plot holes, but taken as a whole, it is stunning. It made me laugh, and it made me cry. It also made me think, which is what it is designed to do. If you've never seen the first two seasons, you can still watch this, as all you need to know is provided for you.
The only flaw? Not enough goodies. I would have enjoyed a blooper reel at the very least.

I love this series and hope it hasn't ended!! The Children of Earth created many varying emotions and makes you wonder if this ever happened how Governments would react. The traumatic decision Jack had to make at the end was heartbreaking. I anxiously await the return of Jack Harkness and wonder if the chemistry between the two remaining members of Torchwood will ever develop into a serious relationship. Please continue into a Season 4!!!!!

We set aside the day to watch Torchwood: Children of the Earth. It's around 5 hours long so it's the perfect length for making it a day long event. This is like a 5 hour movie as put's it's focus on one plotline. Luckily they have talented writers who manage to create something that can sustain interest across 5 hours. The temptation here is to tell you some of what happens, but instead, go into this knowing little of the plotline and allow yourself to be swept away by the story. On our little breaks throughout the day we chatted about what was going to happen, we worried about the characters, we actually CARED about what was going on. Now, that's good writing. Amazing, amazing work.

I have seen alot of mini-series's over the years and up till this point the best i'd ever seen was "Taken" by Steven Spielberg. Now I have to say this is the absolute best I have ever seen. It has everything from action to drama, it literally addicts you to the series.

I started on Day 1 and only dare shut it down when i was forced to go to bed cause of work the next morning.

Anyone who was into torchwood or Doctor who will love this series. It is worth every penny you pay for it.

This is one of those stories that just runs well. After watching it twice, I still marvel at the fact that both times we ended up watching straight through without a break. The characters and plot are compelling and drive the story. While the ending is a bit Deus Ex Machina, this is de rigeur for Torchwood. Fans of Russell Davies's other creations will perhaps miss the gratuitous sexuality which would be out of place in this setting.

The characters remain unresolved and complex - like life - think "remains of the day" but in a sexy stylish Welsh sort-of-way.

The best season on Torchwood, Reminds me of 24 series, fast paced with new ideas, i love it and cannot wait to see new Torchwood series coming as joint production of BBC and US. If you like action suspense and science fiction , this is for you.