Torchwood (UK)

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Season 3
Season #: 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 77 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 61 out of 77
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 77
  3. Negative: 10 out of 77

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User Reviews

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  1. KenM.
    Jul 23, 2009
    8
    Great fun to watch but the writing could have been a bit tighter -- the miniseries is 5 hours long and really should have been 4 hours long max. Several 2ndary characters just dont matter and would have been best cut out. Also, no spoliers here but the ending seemed rushed and lacked the dramatic effect it should have had. These are minor crits though -- it was good sci-fi fun.
  2. RandyP
    Jul 22, 2009
    5
    The series leaves Jack as a saintless savior having sacrificed his grandchild to save 10 percent of the worlds children. (Perhaps, given the show's storylines with gay/bi characters, Davies choice of percentage serves as commentary on society's homophobia -- or aliens just like nice round numbers). Jack's sacrifice, one could argue, allows us to see that he is no longer the The series leaves Jack as a saintless savior having sacrificed his grandchild to save 10 percent of the worlds children. (Perhaps, given the show's storylines with gay/bi characters, Davies choice of percentage serves as commentary on society's homophobia -- or aliens just like nice round numbers). Jack's sacrifice, one could argue, allows us to see that he is no longer the cold hearted callous man as he was in 1965, when he agreed to play a part in starting the whole mess. Going further, insofar as he is responsible for feeding 456's addiction in the first place, without any moral regard, it is fitting that this unforgivable act would cost him his own grandchild's life in the end, and leave him a broken man. Call me judgemental. Indeed the whole repugnant mini series, filled with allusions to child violence with a child sacrifice at the end, fits together very well as a cogent story. However, It's still a repugnant story that I wish Davies had done differently. Obviously, the Doctor can't come to the resuce in every crisis, even if Jack is at the center of it -- and this is made clear in the final episode, but using children in fiction this way -- well it's something the 456 would do.… Expand
  3. BenM.
    Jul 23, 2009
    10
    This is deffo the best Torchwood series to date.. But it also sadly looks like the last. But i recommend this to anyone with an interest in this genre.
  4. GrahamL.
    Jul 25, 2009
    10
    Absolutely gripping, more political thriller than sci-fi. Even if this kind of thing isn't your usual taste this is worth a try - it was a massive, mainstream hit in the UK. And Peter Capaldi is outstanding.
  5. SteveA.
    Jul 28, 2009
    9
    As a Brit currently in California I was interested to watch the new Torchwood 'miniseries'. Torchwood has disappointed me in the past; (poor) CGI effects driven episodes failed to impress me but the well written character driven performances have been excellent. Children of Earth, for me, was probably the best Torchwood I've seen and clearly different to other science As a Brit currently in California I was interested to watch the new Torchwood 'miniseries'. Torchwood has disappointed me in the past; (poor) CGI effects driven episodes failed to impress me but the well written character driven performances have been excellent. Children of Earth, for me, was probably the best Torchwood I've seen and clearly different to other science fiction and drama currently on TV. One reviewer called the show 'repungnant'. Perhaps this reaction is why networks shy away from television that provokes the audience to consider difficult and unpleasant morality choices and why I'm thankful the BBC still has the funding that allows them to create programming that is not reliant on the backing of advertising and viewing figures. Torchwood CoE is not perfect, but is is a thoughtful and thought provoking show that deserves the high rating it's received.… Expand
  6. TomL.
    Jul 24, 2009
    10
    Apart from a few plotholes, best sci fi series I ever watched.
  7. ms
    Jul 29, 2009
    9
    Just watched the run last night off iTunes -- makes Daleks and Cybermen look like buckets of sunshine by comparison.
  8. EdwardR.
    Jul 29, 2009
    8
    Amazing, considering how bad the first two series were, that this is actually quite good. It really benefits from good pacing and a bleak tone throughout with grey areas ethics, which makes the story interesting. Far by the best instalment is the fourth, with the government conspiring to actually give away 10% of all the world's children (not the ministers', mind), which is a Amazing, considering how bad the first two series were, that this is actually quite good. It really benefits from good pacing and a bleak tone throughout with grey areas ethics, which makes the story interesting. Far by the best instalment is the fourth, with the government conspiring to actually give away 10% of all the world's children (not the ministers', mind), which is a far more compelling notion than Barrowman sorting everything out. There are problems though, for one, it's not really made for people who haven't watched Torchwood - sure, you'll figure out who everyone is pretty quickly but the relationships are a bit under developed (especially the gay relationship, although I liked the idea of "it's not men, it's just him") and lacked the impact they could of had with a little effort. Plus, Barrowman dies so many times throughout the series it's approaching farce, which I suppose could be seen as a good thing. And then there's the ending, quite simply, it's atrocious. Not giving too much away, the captain may of been bothered by the sacrifice he made at the end, but I wasn't. It was way too easy, and if you didn't like that, you'll hate the cheesy ending. It's like Davies was getting bored towards the end of the script. Despite these problems, it's worth watching - just remember it isn't perfect. Did I mention I was amazed that this is any good?… Expand
  9. MatthewM.
    Jul 21, 2009
    10
    Some of the best TV I have ever seen, science fiction or otherwise. Darker and stronger than previous seasons, it won around many who had previously not cared for Torchwood. Its uncompromising story did cause some kerfuffle among a small sub-group of fans and I've a feeling they're making it down in this poll. Better to trust the reviewers above and the British public Some of the best TV I have ever seen, science fiction or otherwise. Darker and stronger than previous seasons, it won around many who had previously not cared for Torchwood. Its uncompromising story did cause some kerfuffle among a small sub-group of fans and I've a feeling they're making it down in this poll. Better to trust the reviewers above and the British public (Appreciation Index figures for the six million viewers ranged from 88 to 91 out of 100, over the five days) and give it a chance, you won't regret it.… Expand
  10. EliasC.
    Jul 28, 2009
    10
    Torchwood has always been a very good British series. The decision to limit the third season to 5 episodes instead of the normal 10-13 has forced the story arc to be told in a very compact fast paced format making this season the best one yet. A welcome change from the normal overlong stretch of American series television designed to fill up a 24 episode season.
  11. ScottVanL
    Sep 1, 2009
    3
    Dull, dull, dull, goes nowhere and doesnt really do anything apart from kill off another cast member! Too much build up to a poor finale! Go back to a full proper season with well crafted episodes please!
  12. whatever
    Sep 18, 2010
    1
    While visually OK and well acted, this abbreviated season snuffed out my love for the show.
    I am very disappointed, it was so dark and depressing and frankly completely out of character. After I finished episode 5 I wished I hadn't bothered. With plot holes big enough to fill a TARDIS, the storyline will leave you bitter and angry.
    If I wanted to see endless political deception, suicide    While visually OK and well acted, this abbreviated season snuffed out my love for the show.
    I am very disappointed, it was so dark and depressing and frankly completely out of character. After I finished episode 5 I wished I hadn't bothered. With plot holes big enough to fill a TARDIS, the storyline will leave you bitter and angry.
    If I wanted to see endless political deception, suicide and murder I could just watch the news. This story brings out the worst in everyone, especially the writers. A textbook case of destroying a great television show.
    When you liked Torchwood and its characters in the first two seasons I can assure you there is no need to watch this third season of the show. It was badly written and plotted and not worth anyones while.    … Expand
  13. BarryM.
    Jul 27, 2009
    7
    Not as good as season 1&2 but still very very enjoyable.
  14. KateV
    Oct 25, 2009
    1
    Derivative tosh, as ever. After 3 years, this series has failed to bring anything even slightly original to television sci-fi, and Children of Earth is no exception as it shamelessly plunders Quatermass and The Midwich Cuckoos. The only good thing I can say about it is that it wasn't quite as childish as the first two seasons.
  15. ChelseaA
    Oct 1, 2009
    10
    Very Very action packed this time, I would give it a 9.5 as i was sad when we lost Ianto but still a 10 cause i loved the story line and how it all fitted together at the end. they packed soo much in so little time and i think thats what makes it more advantages and differted as they took a chance i think. It turned out great and very thilling Rhys had way much more to do in it. X
  16. MikeG.
    Oct 1, 2009
    6
    Eh. I liked Torchwood - particularly the second season - but this mini-series fell a little flat. The set up and the scenario were both great, but the ending was both somewhat heavy handed and unbelievable even for a show like Torchwood. It certainly has its moments, but the ending really felt thrown together and hasty.
  17. lizh
    Jul 23, 2009
    10
    I am only on the third episode, and i have seen reviews saying that it does not keep up in this way, but I still think this is the best television i have seen in a long time.
  18. JoeL.
    Jul 24, 2009
    10
    This is what makes the BBC so bloody good and the best TV station in the World
  19. SlobodanH
    Jul 28, 2009
    10
    Intriguing. Different. Action packed. And bit too much pathetic... And not so unexpected if you have seen previous seasons. Torchwood at it's best. And one of the bravest endings I have seen in SF so far... I'd like to give it 9,5 due to a bit excessive lenght, but since it's not possible, there goes 10 :)
  20. TrevN.
    Jul 20, 2009
    9
    Seen in the UK 2 weeks ago...Watch and enjoy.
  21. LeahT.
    Jul 20, 2009
    9
    I thought the deaths of Tosh and Owen (in particular) last season would ruin the series. I have been proven wrong: CoE is engaging and evocative, if a bit slow in sections. It's nice to see the team (or half of it) n action once more. Although the writers are consistently making their jobs more difficult with these excessive casualties, they've begun to write really well.
  22. RodericR.
    Jul 20, 2009
    10
    Brilliant. Amazing. Any fan of sci-fi will absolutely love this show. Non-fans of sci-fi will undoubtedly recognize it as a great show they would certainly watch.
  23. LeventeS
    Sep 4, 2009
    6
    A superb lead-up of four hour-long episodes with exquisite emotional tension by way of an impossible moral dilemma reminiscent of the Star Trek franchise is ultimately let down by an unfulfilling conclusion that is similarly evocative of Star Trek's trademark cop-out endings. Children of Earth fails to capitalize on the full range of human emotion involving a government's A superb lead-up of four hour-long episodes with exquisite emotional tension by way of an impossible moral dilemma reminiscent of the Star Trek franchise is ultimately let down by an unfulfilling conclusion that is similarly evocative of Star Trek's trademark cop-out endings. Children of Earth fails to capitalize on the full range of human emotion involving a government's betrayal of the people, specifically our children, and full-scale revolution, trying instead to replace it with a single personal dilemma, which falls far short of what the audience had come to expect and fails to produce the same emotional response because we haven't spent enough time with that character(Steven) to care about him. Points for effort and for the masterfully portrayed 456, but the disappointing ending and unnecessary epilogue traps Children of Earth within the same insubstantial dross that the world has come to expect of science fiction.… Expand
  24. GernickK.
    Jul 21, 2009
    9
    This is pretty provocative stuff for TV, the acting is sterling (as usual on Torchwood) and some of the choices are surprising. Gripping stuff! Highly recommended.
  25. aonghusbm
    Aug 3, 2011
    9
    I really didn't think that Russel T Davis would ever redeem himself for some of his later penned episodes of Doctor Who, but man does this renew all the faith that was lost and then some. This really is one of the best sci-fi dramas I have ever watched. Torchwood has come so very far from that hideously awful early episode with Ianto's cyborg girlfriend. A dark, sinister, thought provokingI really didn't think that Russel T Davis would ever redeem himself for some of his later penned episodes of Doctor Who, but man does this renew all the faith that was lost and then some. This really is one of the best sci-fi dramas I have ever watched. Torchwood has come so very far from that hideously awful early episode with Ianto's cyborg girlfriend. A dark, sinister, thought provoking and intense edge of your seat thriller that never once loses the human factor. I really cannot express how much better this is than all previous installments of the series (and personally, I thought the second season was excellent). Chilling and gripping. I had hoped that RTD would have grown out of his "techno-babble fixes things last minute" crutch that plagued his Doctor Who scripts but unfortunately, it rears its ugly head, if only ever so slightly, in the finale. This however, is by no means a deal breaker and no other criticisms seem worth mentioning (even mentioning that feels like nitpicking). This series is incredible and oh so nearly perfect. I'd give it 9.5 if metacritic would let me.… Expand
  26. ermac
    Dec 19, 2012
    6
    Italiano:
    Alcuni episodi sono privi di senso e noiosi ma nel complesso è guardabile

    English:
    Some episodes are meaningless and boring but overall it's watchable
  27. mrwho
    Jan 3, 2013
    10
    This was easily one of the greatest things I have ever seen on TV. It's sad to see it's so lowly rated. It was utterly, utterly fantastic. I must give it a re-watch, my memory of it is weakening, but it is again some of the best TV I have ever seen.
  28. shoeinabucket
    Jun 27, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Children of Earth is some of the best TV I have ever seen. The only thing that stops it from being a 10 is the ending, in which Jack sacrifices his grandson whom we didn't really get to know. A little bit more development beforehand would've easily make this season a 10/10. Other characters, however, were brilliantly casted and acted. Peter Capaldi as John Frobisher is easily one of the highlights here, delivering an excellent performance as the ambassador to the 456. The British PM was brilliantly played, as was the US representative. Both of these characters became as dislikeable as each other by the end of the series, with the US representative being logical yet brash and the PM being strategic yet selfish.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Best TV Season of 2009
43
#43 Most Discussed TV Season of 2009
55
#55 Most Shared TV Season of 2009

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    88
    Amid the emotional crescendoes of the final hour (which the cast pulls off beautifully), in the pell-mell race to the finish line, there is some rushed storytelling and there are more than a few gaps in logic. But aside from those issues, Children of Earth is, as the Brits would say, bloody brilliant.
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  2. Orlando Sentinel
    Reviewed by: Hal Boedeker
    80
    Extraterrestrials are communicating through the young. But what do the visitors want? The answer and mankind’s response transform Children of Earth into an epic that should bring Torchwood to a wider audience. (The miniseries, a high point for summer television, will be available on DVD July 28.)
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  3. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    80
    This first episode has brief nods to the deaths last season of two series regulars--Owen and Toshiko--and it acknowledges advances in the relationship between bisexual Jack and Ianto (Gareth David-Lloyd). But more than anything it's a propulsive action-adventure.
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