TW 203: To the Last Man

Torchwood has grown up! A very decent Toshiko episode.

There will be comparisons to two season one episodes. Firstly, for content, to Captain Jack Harkness. Once more the past and the present are getting mixed up, but Helen Raynor doesn't repeat last time with having Toshiko stuck in the past, this time it's the past getting unstuck into the present. The plot is kept light as it is very much a character based episode, but it doesn't need a lot of bangs and whistles because it is so character focused. Call it seemlessly integrated if you will, but I didn't spot any real special effects, other than the odd flash, so I'm sure the production office saved some money on this episode.

But that isn't to say this episode is mere filler. The other S1 episode that this will be compared to is Greek Baring Gifts, as Toshiko is given the meat (oo-er) of the episode. However, unlike that earlier episode, this is very much a grown up Toshiko, far more sure of herself, and a far better character because of it. Finally Helen shows she can write a decent script (unlike a certain two-parter) and delivers great character development that makes 50 minutes effortless slip by as the viewer gets engrossed in what's unfolding on the screen. (Even Owen is treated as an actual adult.) While there isn't humour, this is very much matured Torchwood, and all the better for it.

Is this an episode I actually like, then? Well... Tosh isn't that great a character to completely captivate me, but so far this episode rates highly in the current season.



Next week: Ah, the episode where the boyfriend finds out!

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