Combat

"Oh, I understand this better than you. 'Cos I know how this is going to end - we're going to hunt you down. We're going to ensure that you're punished for what happened here. And we're going to make you surrender that creature that you kidnapped. Is that clear enough?"

Writer: Noel Clarke
Format: TV
Broadcast: 24th December 2006
Series: Torchwood 1.11

Featuring: Captain Jack, Gwen, Owen, Tosh, Ianto

Synopsis

Savage aliens are being kidnapped from the streets of Cardiff, and Torchwood want to now why. Owen is sent undercover to find out who's behind it and soon befriends the charismatic Mark Lynch. Beneath the veneer of city life, Owen discovers a shocking subculture: can he avoid being sucked in?

Verdict

Combat was yet another brilliant episode of Torchwood and this was action packed and just pure excellence. I really liked the idea of alien kidnappers in Cardiff, but the treatment by Mark Lynch of the Weevils is just disgraceful. No matter what species, nobody should be treated as a slave, punch bag or just to be mocked at. I liked how we learnt a bit more about the Weevils and their origins and the action packed and pace filled start to the episode really got my interest right away. With Gwen again being taken away from quality time with her boyfriend, Rhys, the development of the relationship is going to be interesting. The continuation on from Out of Time was great and Owen was still clearly affected by her leaving. Mark's house was typical of a man of his doings, too much money from an illegal gain and just smug was sprayed all over. He was a despicable man. The combat in the episode was shocking but excellent. Who in their right mind would willingly pay a large amount of money to be locked in a cage with a Weevil just to win some more money? I would figure that life is invaluable. But when Owen entered the cage, that was a tremendous scene. Explicit, Owen was ripped apart and suffered numerous injuries and wounds. Jack and the team, distracted Owen to allow the Weevil the upper hand, but surely the attack was inevitable? Anyway, his life was saved. And from it - he had the Weevils afraid of him now. That really was fascinating. I now look forward to the final two episodes of what has been an incredible debut series!

Rating: 10/10