Children of Earth: Day Four

"You are in every nightmare I've ever had."

Writer: John Fay

Format: TV

Broadcast: 09 July 2009

Series: Torchwood 3.04

Featuring: Captain Jack, Gwen, Ianto

Synopsis

Torchwood finally learns the truth about the events of 1965; Britain is in danger of becoming a rogue state and everything pivots around John Frobisher, the Ambassador of the 456 destroys its old allegiances and reveals its true intent. 

Verdict

Day Four was an outstanding piece of television to continue our way through the Children of Earth third series of Torchwood! This episode is just sensational from start to finish. So much happens and it's quite the day that is for sure! There's only one place to start and that is at the end. This is obviously hugely significant for the death of Ianto which comes chronologically so soon after the deaths of two other team members in the form of Tosh and Owen in Exit Wounds just four episodes prior. The Torchwood team has been well and truly decimated! It's such an impactful death and I was taken back fifteen years when watching to how I felt on broadcast. I was obviously anticipating it this time around so I was waiting to see how my partner would react, but she has kind of already had it spoiled that Ianto would perish. She just didn't know when. My recent visit to Ianto's shrine probably didn't help with her avoiding information on the series! I thought the politics in the episode was nothing short of extraordinary as we genuinely see the pros and cons debated on what would happen for the children requested by the 456. Even offering up 6,700 'units' was abhorrent, but it was flatly rejected. The 456 really came into their own here and after cowering in the shadows for much of the series so far, this was where they showcased that they meant business. The release of the virus was shocking stuff and the personnel within Thames House were swiftly killed in emotional scenes. That was obviously not felt anywhere more than with Ianto, but it was a fine example of how they reacted when being threatened. Torchwood took over in sensational style but it soon backfired. I thought Nicholas Briggs getting an extended role in the story as politician Yates was magnificent and there's no way that surname was an accident! I think the debate on choosing the children was a disgrace and it's scary to think just how likely something like that would happen behind closed doors. I'll give it to them, the cover story that they came up with was superb and definitely something I think would be feasibly believed by the majority of the population. The scenes dating back to 1965 were excellent too and I was surprised that Jack was so callous and calm about handing over the twelve orphans to the 456. Rhys was clearly shocked by Jack's past here and what he'd done, but unfortunately he didn't get to do too much else in the story. Although he did get to take away the recordings on the laptop of the political negotiations. The way it was built into having that revealed was outstanding and I adored Lois Habiba's step up in the middle of the Cabinet meeting. She had a standout moment here and it's a shame she never gets to take up a role in Torchwood full time. She really steps up. The reaction of Green in particular when she says Torchwood to being asked about her and who's army was magnificent. Things ramp up massively and the way the 456 also disconnect Clem as the remnant is powerful stuff. It's such an impactful death, but on the sofa opposite me Gemma was actually quite pleased as she wasn't a fan of his! Ianto finding out about Jack's family being taken hostage was good and I must say I agreed with Gemma in wanting Jack to give Ianto more as he was on his deathbed. The life of an immortal, eh? It's an incredible ending as the 456 demonstrate their threat, Ianto perishes, and the plan to give up 35 million children begins. A staggering cliffhanger and lead into the finale! A simply magnificent episode. 

Rating: 10/10