Torchwood: Anyone still watching?

[packerfan]

I've been pleasantly surprised by this series. There hasn't been much talk about it here, but I think I'm hooked.

[cheesesteak]

I'm still watching. I'm not liking Capt. Jack's minions much any more, though.

[jones07]

Still watching. I'm a sucker for British science fiction

[dswallow]

By the time the US airing rolls around, I've mostly forgotten the details of the episode, and watching the cut-up version, especially after having watched the original unedited full-length version, just has no appeal.

I love the series and most of the characters though, flawed as they may be (which is partly why I enjoy them, even if at times what they may do is annoying).

[dianebrat]

By the time the US airing rolls around, I've mostly forgotten the details of the episode, and watching the cut-up version, especially after having watched the original unedited full-length version, just has no appeal.

I love the series and most of the characters though, flawed as they may be (which is partly why I enjoy them, even if at times what they may do is annoying).

:up:

Previously watched, can't discuss how, ;) but loved it, ordered it on DVD, and can't wait for it's return in Season 2 with the added Doctor Who crossover cast.

I suspect this is why you're not seeing a lot of the people that would normally comment on it being silent, we watched it a while ago.

[super dave]

I stopped after the third episode on HDNet, lost interest.

[Fl_Gulfer]

I think it's one of the better SciFi shows on TV. And the wife even likes it, I think because there is so much going on behind the episodes themselves. So you always trying to figure out all the secrets with Jacks past and things like that.

[LoadStar]

I've already seen them in the original airing, but when I think about it, I'll try and catch the episodes on HDnet just to see if there was anything that I missed by watching it in SD previously. Fortunately, the HDnet airings are as originally broadcast, uncut and unedited.

It's only OK for me. As I said previously, there's just no "heart" to the series really. Everyone is too self-absorbed and too deeply flawed, there's no lightness to really hook me. I'll probably still watch the next season, though, just to see how they resolve the season ending episode and the connection it made to... well, those who have seen it already know what I mean. I don't want to spoil it in this thread.

[bicker]

Word is that thing will get more "heart" in the second season.

[pantherman007]

I suspect this is why you're not seeing a lot of the people that would normally comment on it being silent, we watched it a while ago.

Ditto. I'm eagerly waiting for season 2...

[kaszeta]

It's not bad, but I'm not that excited about it either.

[acvthree]

I'm enjoying it. I watch it on UHD and it is now a "top 5" on my playlist.

[IndyJones1023]

It's funky. I like it. I'm watching the "real" versions on HDNet.

[tsings31]

I watch the show on HDNet and I'm really enjoying it.

[Idearat]

I watched it previously, but still watch the sliced and diced version to remind myself what happened. It's hard to participate in a discussion when you know how the rest of the season goes.

This past week was fun, I'd forgotten before how much "They keep killing Suzie" had in common with "Pushing Daisies".

[LlamaLarry]

It's funky. I like it. I'm watching the "real" versions on HDNet.I'm also hooked on the HDNet viewings; where are the sliced and diced up versions being shown that people are referring to? Surely not BBCA?

[MirclMax]

I'm also hooked on the HDNet viewings; where are the sliced and diced up versions being shown that people are referring to? Surely not BBCA?


Yes, BBCA ..

Out of curiosity .. does anyone know just how much is chopped ... any examples? Obviously the HDTV format is nicer .. but I'm just interested in content. Are we just talking about allowing an otherwise bleeped word . or are they chopping out a graphically violent scene.. or some nudity?

Again.. an example up until the currently aired US episode would be appreciated.

Thanks.

-MirclMax

[Craigbob]

I'm watching the HDNET version.

[LlamaLarry]

Are we just talking about allowing an otherwise bleeped word . or are they chopping out a graphically violent scene.. or some nudity?I would also be interested in this as well. I did not think that BBCA would hack up their shows for repackaging over here. I guess I'll TiVo the BBCA version before it shows up on HDN, which will be a double insult to see it in SD *and* edited.

[jones07]

I'm watching the HDNET version.

Ditto

[dswallow]

Yes, BBCA ..

Out of curiosity .. does anyone know just how much is chopped ... any examples? Obviously the HDTV format is nicer .. but I'm just interested in content. Are we just talking about allowing an otherwise bleeped word . or are they chopping out a graphically violent scene.. or some nudity?

Again.. an example up until the currently aired US episode would be appreciated.
We're talking about chopping it up so a ~48-50 minute show fits in a 40-42-minute "hour" slot with commercials; AND we're talking about bleeping out any remaining naughty words that cause Americans to drop dead if they hear them on television.

Even more stupid is there's no legal necessity at all to bleep or edit such things out; it's a cable channel. But they do anyway, like they're programming for two-year-olds. They don't even take the opportunity to offer it both ways so those two-year-old parents can let their kids see only the expurgated/bleeped version if they want, but those who want can see the full version.

Such promise, considering all the available source material, BBC America is a joke.

[MirclMax]

We're talking about chopping it up so a ~48-50 minute show fits in a 40-42-minute "hour" slot with commercials; AND we're talking about bleeping out any remaining naughty words that cause Americans to drop dead if they hear them on television.

Well.. see that's why I was asking for specifics .. I think it may just be an assumption that its airing as a 40-42 min "hour" slot .. BBCA doesn't necessarily have the same amount of commercials that other stations might.

I was actually watching the episode "Greeks bearing gifts" .. (The one wear Tosh gets a necklace ..) and after watching the BBCA airing .. I was able to view a BBC version of it .. granted, I skimmed through it .. listened in on a few scenes where I thought the language might kick up .. but I didn't notice anything new.

Thus, I was curious if anyone knew precisely (and could give some examples ..spoilerized if needed) what sorts of things were being changed.

The words being bleeped .. fine .. I can use my imagination as to what was supposed to be there... but I don't like actual content (of any kind) being removed .. so I want to know what I've been missing.

One of you out there must have some link to people who compare these things.. right?

-MirclMax

[pantherman007]

The words being bleeped .. fine .. I can use my imagination as to what was supposed to be there... but I don't like actual content (of any kind) being removed .. so I want to know what I've been missing.

-MirclMax

I watched episode 2 (the alien who lived on orgasmic energy) on BBCA and afterward went to watch my "alternate source" version. The early scene where the possessed girl goes at it with a random guy in the nightclub was <B>noticeably</B> edited. The BBCA scene was both shortened as well as zoomed in in places to avoid showing a few things.

[dswallow]

Well.. see that's why I was asking for specifics .. I think it may just be an assumption that its airing as a 40-42 min "hour" slot .. BBCA doesn't necessarily have the same amount of commercials that other stations might.
They might even be running more commercials than you'd find in a normal first-run network. But they're definitely editing out chunks of things to make room for them.

[bicker]

Well.. see that's why I was asking for specifics .. I think it may just be an assumption that its airing as a 40-42 min "hour" slot .. BBCA doesn't necessarily have the same amount of commercials that other stations might.Indeed. I'm pretty good at FF through the commercials on most channels, but most of the commercial breaks on BBCA are much shorter than normal -- there are significantly less commercials on BBCA than on a typical channel.

[dcheesi]

I had the unfortunate experience of starting this show on episode 4; I almost didn't go back after that stinker. Fortunately the other episodes are a bit better. There are some things that irk me about the show, but discussing them would involve spoilers for the BBCA run so I'll leave it alone.

[Anubys]

I don't find it very interesting...I'm recording the HDNet shows and watch them "when there's nothing better on"...heck, I've even watched Flash Gordon before Torchwood...

don't know why I'm not into it...I'm about 2 or 3 eps back...

[zand94]

I watched them previously from an "alternative" source as well - and would have to agree that the original BBC unedited versions are a bit more graphic (sex and language) the BBCA edited versions still are decently enjoyable. I ended up recording them for some friends that wanted to see them but dont get BBCA. We end up having a sat nigh get together every few weeks to have a mini marathon. I'm kicking myself for um..."misplacing" my alternative source to give to them to watch. Then again - not many people have a DVD player that will play HQV DIVX/XVID files so more than likely they'd have to watch them here anyway.

Now I can say I did get some payoff on Jack with the last eps of Doctor Who season 3. I just had to stop my friends from watching them until after we finish watching TW.

I'm sorta wondering how much butchering BBCA is going to do to Life on Mars. I just obtained the 2nd season as originally broadcast earlier this year. We liked the first season but we only saw the BBCA version

[Mr. Soze]

By the time the US airing rolls around, I've mostly forgotten the details of the episode, and watching the cut-up version, especially after having watched the original unedited full-length version, just has no appeal.Indeed. Waiting for Season 2.

[Fleegle]

I'm watching it on HDNet. From what I'm seeing, it's mostly uncut. And one of the best looking HD shows on the air at the moment...

[TivoSlinger]

This is a great series. Can't wait for the next season.

[sieglinde]

I find it watchable and the censorship is not as noticable as on some other shows I watch.

I do find it disconcerting that these supposed agents who are out to save the world are at times very unprofessional and incompetant.

[nirisahn]

I really like this show, but I don't get HDNet. Can someone with an alternate source PM me with it? I hate the way they cut the shows to add extra commercials for the US run.

In fact, I wish I could find a way to get the originals of all my favorite BBC shows. I always feel like I'm missing stuff. Sometimes I feel like I've missed whole episodes because something crucial was cut to add commercials. I know, I could buy the dvds. Unfortunately, my budget doesn't allow for such extravagances.

[dianebrat]

I find it watchable and the censorship is not as noticable as on some other shows I watch.

I do find it disconcerting that these supposed agents who are out to save the world are at times very unprofessional and incompetent.

I dunno.. sounds a lot like a many government agencies to me.. (even the RMV at times) ;)

[BobB]

I just started watching it recently based on some reviews out here, and have seen a few episodes up to and including Greeks Bearing Gifts. I have to say I'm undecided whether to keep the SP - while it is at times interesting, the acting is just so cheesy, and the writing not nearly in a league with anything from Joss Whedon (OK, that's a high standard) or the current Battlestar Galactica that I've already canceled my Keep Until I Delete instruction. Maybe if I were a Dr. Who fan it would be more appealing, but I haven't been into that good doctor in 30 years.

[bonscott87]

I just started watching it recently based on some reviews out here, and have seen a few episodes up to and including Greeks Bearing Gifts. I have to say I'm undecided whether to keep the SP - while it is at times interesting, the acting is just so cheesy, and the writing not nearly in a league with anything from Joss Whedon (OK, that's a high standard) or the current Battlestar Galactica that I've already canceled my Keep Until I Delete instruction. Maybe if I were a Dr. Who fan it would be more appealing, but I haven't been into that good doctor in 30 years.

Yea, it's a bit more serious then Dr. Who but being campy and cheesy is part of what those shows do. It will never be serious drama.

[bellvis]

I'm still watching, but the image quality leans too much toward the video end than film, which makes me feel I'm watching more of a soap opera than a drama.

[dianebrat]

I just started watching it recently based on some reviews out here, and have seen a few episodes up to and including Greeks Bearing Gifts. I have to say I'm undecided whether to keep the SP - while it is at times interesting,

A keyword for Torchwood season 1 is "uneven" the quality of the episodes vary from "pure trash", "mindless entertainment", to "brilliant!" The great episodes (especially the 3 final ones) are riveting. I found "Greeks" to be ok, but no more, but "Small Worlds" was wonderfully wicked and scary.

As a whole, I enjoyed the season, and it got me hooked on Doctor Who, so I give it :up:

[bengalfreak]

I like the show very much. Episode 4 (Cyberwoman) however, was one of the worst Sci-Fi episodes/shows I have ever seen on television. I have seen better effects (the robot suit) on H.R. Pufnstuf. Wow, I hope there aren't anymore that horrid.

[latrobe7]

meh - I have a season pass because I'm a Doctor Who fan, but I have not been blown away. I have not seen the uncut versions; but it doesn't sound like I'm missing a whole lot. I'll stick with it though, to see if it grows on me.

I liked Captain Jack much better on Doctor Who.

[packerfan]

meh - I have a season pass because I'm a Doctor Who fan, but I have not been blown away. I have not seen the uncut versions; but it doesn't sound like I'm missing a whole lot. I'll stick with it though, to see if it grows on me.

I liked Captain Jack much better on Doctor Who.

What's the connection to Dr. Who and Torchwood? I've never seen an episode of Dr. Who.

[latrobe7]

What's the connection to Dr. Who and Torchwood? I've never seen an episode of Dr. Who.
Captain Jack is/was a recurring character on Doctor Who before Torchwood.

Jack info:
The reason Jack is immortal is because of something that happened in a Doctor Who episode

[zand94]

Also - while latrobe's post is part of the connection - it's a bit deeper:

Torchwood is an anagram of Doctor Who

The founding of Torchwood, what it is(was) and does(did) goes back to an episode in the new Season 2 of Doctor Who (cant remember the name) that the Doctor encounters Queen Victoria. Throughout season 2 you get mentions and scenes that setup the Torchwood series. Capt. Jack shows up in Season 1.

Those that have seen S1 & S2 of Doctor Who would then have a much broader understanding of certain details in Torchwood that would be missed by the person that only see's Torchwood, but it is not necessary to have watched it. (if i remember correctly Doctor Who and Torchwood actually broadcast on different BBC channels due to the different audience focus)


And back to someone's remark about the last 3 eps of TW being the best - I would agree, we finally got payoff on a number of the questions that kept coming up all season. Capt Jack couldnt be played by a better actor than John Barrowman and that is very evident in these episodes. His range is amazing and he plays those last two episodes very honestly.

[cheesesteak]

I like the show very much. Episode 4 (Cyberwoman) however, was one of the worst Sci-Fi episodes/shows I have ever seen on television. I have seen better effects (the robot suit) on H.R. Pufnstuf. Wow, I hope there aren't anymore that horrid.
Yeah, the Cyberwoman epsiode was awful. Countrycide great, though.

[cvillacci]

I watched season 1 of Dr Who but did not see season 2. Could someone put spoilers on for the people who do not want to know and summarize the set up for Torchwood from Season 2 of Dr Who?

[latrobe7]

I watched season 1 of Dr Who but did not see season 2. Could someone put spoilers on for the people who do not want to know and summarize the set up for Torchwood from Season 2 of Dr Who?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recurring_themes_in_Doctor_Who_continuity#Torchwood

[cvillacci]

Thanks latrobe7. This is just what I was looking for.

[lmk911]

I am still watching. Some episodes are better than other, but I am enjoying the series. It looks gorgeous in HD on HDNet

[whitson77]

The sexual tension between the main girl and that spare ugly guy is disgusting me. I wish that part of the storyline would be OVER.

[bengalfreak]

The sexual tension between the main girl and that spare ugly guy is disgusting me. I wish that part of the storyline would be OVER.


One of the things that really attracts me to BBC series, is that not every single cast member has to be a beautiful person. Go find your hormonal jollies somewhere else.

[dianebrat]

One of the things that really attracts me to BBC series, is that not every single cast member has to be a beautiful person. Go find your hormonal jollies somewhere else.

I *heart* the fact that the BBC shows have what I consider "normal" people on them, they're not all models.

:up:

[dansee]

Watch the show on HDNET, and still enjoy it. It's a bit uneven, but still engages me most of the time.

[LlamaLarry]

One of the things that really attracts me to TCF is that not every single member has to agree - unless it is a question of physical attractiveness, then anyone that has an opinion is somehow lacking character, is a latent jackhole or the infamous "like s/he would give you the time of day IRL, so get over yourself". :::sigh:::

[emandbri]

I'm watching and have been reading old threads as I've been watching it, very funny stuff. I loved the thread where someone asked if being bi was job requirement! :p