(Originally written 12/8/13)
I started out quite
enjoying this episode, but after a while it became apparent that the atmosphere
is very much based on the idea of not knowing what the monster is. Since I did
know what the monster is, that feeling of anticipation was kind of ruined.
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In fact, there was, I feel, quite an early clue that the monster was closer to
being human – the body on the road, whose head was just a soccer ball in a
hoodie. This sort of disguise seems like something a human – someone more
familiar with our ways – would do, as opposed to a savage alien beast. Of
course, the diegetic music from the car radio, singing, “Is it a monster?”, is
meant to subtly lead us in the other direction.
I was pleased that all the characters got a good amount of screentime in this episode. Jack probably got the least, but he was able to come across as quite scary when he was threatening the guy with torture, and his slow-mo shooting was, it has to be said, pretty awesome. I was confused about his glaring at Ianto early on though, after Lisa was mentioned – isn’t the guy allowed to grieve for his girlfriend? Especially since Gwen (unintentionally) brought it up with her stupid kissing game. This reminded me of her bemusement at the idea that no one else had a “partner” in Day One; that same idea of superiority because she has such a great love life.
And yet, this is the episode in which she officially hooks up with Owen. This is after he acted like a complete arsehole at the beginning, ranting about how much he hates the countryside and getting uncomfortably rapey when he pushed her up against the tree (I thought Ghost Machine made you change, Owen!). But later, he saves her life with his Amazing Doctor Skills, so that apparently counters how he acts the other 90% of the time.
And it’s implied that they get together so they (mainly Gwen) can be open about their experiences (presumably because Gwen was so disturbed by this latest outing), but I don’t quite buy this. It’s pretty well established that Owen wants to shag her – that’s what the whole tree conversation was all about (I think we all know the line). Does he actually stop and talk about his feelings with her? Does she do so with him? They’re not in love, it’s more or less a purely physical relationship (as far as we can see), so unless I see evidence to the contrary, it seems like Gwen is just looking for excuses and Owen is taking advantage of her.
Meanwhile, Ianto takes on the role of the Torchwood rookie, openly asking Tosh how she can enjoy the danger so much. I can't remember if he has any more character development along these lines as the season progresses. I hope he does.
I was pleased that all the characters got a good amount of screentime in this episode. Jack probably got the least, but he was able to come across as quite scary when he was threatening the guy with torture, and his slow-mo shooting was, it has to be said, pretty awesome. I was confused about his glaring at Ianto early on though, after Lisa was mentioned – isn’t the guy allowed to grieve for his girlfriend? Especially since Gwen (unintentionally) brought it up with her stupid kissing game. This reminded me of her bemusement at the idea that no one else had a “partner” in Day One; that same idea of superiority because she has such a great love life.
And yet, this is the episode in which she officially hooks up with Owen. This is after he acted like a complete arsehole at the beginning, ranting about how much he hates the countryside and getting uncomfortably rapey when he pushed her up against the tree (I thought Ghost Machine made you change, Owen!). But later, he saves her life with his Amazing Doctor Skills, so that apparently counters how he acts the other 90% of the time.
And it’s implied that they get together so they (mainly Gwen) can be open about their experiences (presumably because Gwen was so disturbed by this latest outing), but I don’t quite buy this. It’s pretty well established that Owen wants to shag her – that’s what the whole tree conversation was all about (I think we all know the line). Does he actually stop and talk about his feelings with her? Does she do so with him? They’re not in love, it’s more or less a purely physical relationship (as far as we can see), so unless I see evidence to the contrary, it seems like Gwen is just looking for excuses and Owen is taking advantage of her.
Meanwhile, Ianto takes on the role of the Torchwood rookie, openly asking Tosh how she can enjoy the danger so much. I can't remember if he has any more character development along these lines as the season progresses. I hope he does.
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