Children of Earth: Day Three

"We are now living in fear of our children."

Writers: Russell T Davies & James Moran

Format: TV

Broadcast: 08 July 2009

Series: Torchwood 3.03

Featuring: Captain Jack, Gwen, Ianto

Synopsis

The eyes of the world turn to Britain as the 456 announce they are there; a pillar of fire descends upon London and the members of Torchwood must battle to protect their own families when the fight gets personal. 

Verdict

Day Three was another excellent episode to continue our way through the Children of Earth third series of Torchwood! We're really getting into the nitty gritty of the series now with the arrival of the 456 after their promise of arrival in Day Two. It was a fine cliffhanger and more than enough to bring the viewer back, and it's just incredible to see how dramatised this series is. The huge involvement of British and now international politics in the series makes things feel very real world and I love that. It feels so much bigger than a normal alien invasion and it was made clear that even UNIT were out of their depth. John Frobisher is played brilliantly by Peter Capaldi and I like how he is the one chosen to be in contact with the 456. He's a terrific politician and his reaction to being told of the news by the Prime Minister was hilarious. Shit was an adequate description of his predicament for sure. The way he reeled off the number of countries part of the ambassadorial discussion was quite something, although I have my doubts that the likes of Russia and Iran would take part in something led by the UK and the USA being close behind. All of the children pointing towards the UK was fun and it was quite a daunting way to announce their impending arrival. I thought their appearance behind the poison gas of their carefully instructed chamber was creepy and that works well. I like the mystery behind them and barely being able to see them adds to the anticipation. Gemma alongside me was banking on them being the Slitheen and I can see her logic there, but I had to break the unfortunate news that this was not a returning villain or monster. It was something completely new. I think getting the Torchwood team back together and somewhat back on track in a makeshift hub. That was fun. Ianto wanting to dive back into some sexual relations with Jack despite the world being close to an end was brilliant, but the beans were nearly done. Sex would have to wait. I thought the slow burner for Jack in remembering what had happened in 1965 and his own involvement being revealed was fantastic. It's harrowing to think that he was involved in giving twelve children to the 456 and it certainly explained why he was on the British Government's hit list. I loved his conversation with Frobisher and wanting to get into Thames House, and calling from his wife's phone was superb. Frobisher being able to counter with having Alice and Steven in custody was fantastic too and Jack's threat of going for his wife was futile as he was a better man than the politician. A fantastically frosty exchange. Seeing the Torchwood team delve into being criminals was good and they certainly picked a good day for it with the promise of the 456's arrival. Clement remembering Jack from when he was to be given to the 456 was excellent and I love the ordeal he's going through because of how compelling it is. He's a key part in the connection between now and 1965 and I love that Jack is shocked by the 456's return. One bargain was made and now they've come back for more. Considerably more. 10% of the child population of the planet is obviously not something that is even negotiable, and I'm quite surprised that it even seems to be under consideration. But that's politics. They really will cover anything up! The cliffhanger being that Jack was involved in giving the children as a gift with three others he didn't know by name but were revealed as those others on the kill list was fantastic and really enticing to lead into the next episode! And boy it's a big one. Overall, excellent stuff! 

Rating: 9/10