TV REVIEW Torchwood 2.11 "Adrift"

Written by: Chris Chibnall

Directed by: Mark Everest

Rating:

The One Where: Gwen looks into the disappearance of a 15-year-old boy called Jonah and discovers that the Rift is responsible for scooping away dozens of missing persons. Her investigations lead her to a secret Torchwood base on an island, where those who’ve been returned by the Rift are cared for - including Jonah, now 40 years older, and horribly scarred, both physically and mentally...

Verdict: There were times in season one where Jack spoke about having to make hard choices (like letting fairies take a little girl in “Small World”). This episode pulls the same trick without turning you against his character so much. It also does something Doctor Who’s had success with: it shows how every SF-related casualty is more than just a statistic - it’s also someone’s life-destroying tragedy. This highly effective tear-jerker, has a few logic gaps, but chances are you’ll be too preoccupied with “something in your eye” to notice them first time round.

Highlight: When an angry Rhys tears a strip off Gwen, then reminds her what Torchwood is fighting for.

Nitpick: Why is the care home so grim? Couldn’t Torchwood afford a lick of paint?

LMAO: Gwen walking in on Jack and Ianto frantically having it off: priceless.

Trivia: The island is Flat Holm in the Bristol Channel; a nature reserve that’s home to thousands of gulls. If you fancy a visit, there are daily boat trips from Cardiff Bay.

Best Line:
Rhys (to Gwen): "If you’re starting to think that your shit is more important than real life then we’re not going to last very long."

Ian Berriman

Next Torchwood review: "Fragments"
Previous Torchwood review: "From Out of the Rain"