TORCHWOOD:MIRACLE DAY
By Steve Taylor Bryant
TheCultDen
It's time to go on the offensive again and stick up for a work of genius that
is much maligned, even by avid fans of the show...Torchwood:Miracle Day.
Season 3 of Torchwood saw the show branch out into long story arc territory;
surprisingly what Russell T Davies replacement on Doctor Who Steven Moffat got
vilified for and, with Children Of Earth, the bar was raised in Torchwood and
in sci-fi drama itself. Following the best that the show had ever offered, Children
of Earth, was always going to be a tough task. You had to do something
different, go somewhere new with it, and therein lies everyone's problem...
They don't like change!
Using a ten episode format was considered a risk, as was pretty much moving
lock, stock and barrel to the States. Ten episodes may have been slightly long
but I don't agree with those that say the story dragged. I honestly think
it's a quick and easy insult to say that and, if there is a problem, it lies
elsewhere.
People moaned about the casting before the show was even on our screens.
Doubt built up to enormous levels that just weren't fair and I'm sure
this harmed enjoyment and viewing figures. The thing is, in a world of 24 hour
social network opinions, everyone is a casting agent or director. If they
weren't, I'd be out of work and I am as guilty as others of thinking I could do
a better job. The difference is that I will give everything a go and judge it
on its own merit.
I knew it wouldn't be "Children of Earth" again but wasn't expecting
people to view it as a two headed dragon either. My colleague here, Rick
Austin, likened it to the reaction that a third series of Fawlty Towers set in
Jamaica would garner and, whilst the point is valid, it saddens me that people
are so judgemental before a show's release.
I have long called for a Torchwood/X-Files crossover. I thought an F.B.I link
up with Captain Jack would be an exciting proposition so, when the concept for
Miracle Day was announced, I for one was over the moon and was already
defending my opinion to the naysayers.
One day, nobody dies. All across the world, nobody dies. And then the next
day, and the next, and the next. People keep ageing. They get hurt and sick,
but they never die. The populace of the planet dub this "Miracle Day"
for the immortality they now seem to have. However, this leads to a negative
result: a population boom, overnight. With all the extra people unable to die
and continuing births, resources have become limited. It’s suggested that in
four months’ time, the human race will cease to be viable. But this can’t be a
natural event – someone must have caused "Miracle Day". It’s a race
against time as C.I.A. agent Rex Matheson investigates a global conspiracy. The
answers lie within an old, secret British institute. As Rex keeps asking “What
is Torchwood?", he’s drawn into a world of adventure, and a threat to
change what it means to be human, forever.
The casting was strong. Alongside the always great John Barrowman (Captain Jack
Harkness), Eve Myles (Gwen Cooper), and Kai Owen (Rhys Williams), was a strong
support ensemble with two massive highlights. Among the great support
cast were Alexa Havins as Esther Drummond and Lauren Ambrose as the dastardly
Jilly Kitzinger. But the stand-outs every time they were on screen were Bill
Pullman and Mekhi Phifer.
I thought Mekhi Phifer as Rex Matheson was inspirational casting. He shook off
his 8-Mile Eminem shackles, built a chemistry that he seemed to lack in E.R.
and played really well alongside John Barrowman's often quirky Captain.
Bill Pullman as Oswald Danes played a psychotic like he really was, whilst
exploring depression, redemption and fame hunger with such style.
The story concept was believable and shocking in equal measure. The writing
itself was of a level unseen in Sci-Fi drama before. Russell was head
writer and brought with him John Fay (Torchwood:Children Of Earth/Mobile) and
filled the creative room with the best of American TV writers. Jane Espenson
(Buffy/Angel/Eureka), John Shiban (X-Files/Breaking Bad), and Doris Egan (House
M.D/Numbers) between them produced a complex but slick plot and told the story
extremely well.
Not everyone will agree with me and that's their entitled opinion. But before
you join the bandwagon of haters, ask yourself one question "Do I hate it
because it's intelligent and I like my shows dumbed down and celebrity
based?"
When "Made in Chelsea" is winning Bafta’s and people are moaning
about the story arcs in Doctor Who and Torchwood being too complicated, then we
live in sad times. I say to those fans wanting a series five of Torchwood - you
should have been more receptive to the changes in series four. When your
screens are filled with fake tan wannabes you only have yourself to blame.
