Torchwood Episode 206 Recap: "Reset"

Okay, just so we’re clear up front:  Gwen needs to die and be replaced by Martha.

It’s no great secret that I hate Gwen (God knows I say so often enough).  But there were always questions.  Was I being unfair?  Was she really more sympathetic than I was giving her credit for being?  Was it just that I felt annoyed by the persistent threat she poses to Jack and Ianto?

Nope.

This episode cleared it.  I really just hate Gwen.

Martha was just such a fabulous addition to the team.  Unlike Gwen’s “It’s-all-about-me-so-get-out-of-my-spotlight” attitude, Martha fit in neatly and quickly, even with Owen who felt threatened by her presence at first.  Her interaction with everybody was so great.  It didn’t come off as preachy or nagging the way that Gwen does.  Martha is also an everywoman who got sucked into the world of the fantastic, but somehow she’s just more fun about it.

The way she handled Jack and Ianto’s relationship was great.  Somehow I would expect that Gwen (when she finds out) will end up dragging Jack off by the ear and shrieking at him for half an episode.  Martha is more of the fun fag hag.  And what the heck, we already know that Jack and Ianto are bisexual.  They can add Martha to the mix and make it threesome.  We all ready know Ianto likes chocolate.

Indeed, that makes for an ideal Torchwood Jack/Ianto/Martha (let’s come up with a portmanteau for that one!) and Tosh/Owen (if something can be done for his “situation”) with Gwen dying a horrible, tragic and painful death so that poor Rhys can find a proper mate.

By the way, interesting interrogation techniques they practice down there in Abu Gay-ib.  I’m very impressed by Ianto’s ability to handle crazed Weevils while wearing a suit without getting dirty.  Still, it seemed unnecessary.  You had a military guy held prisoner by three bisexual men.  Somehow I think they could have gotten info out of him some other way, although it would have been kind of gross had his chest exploded during the action (“Jack!  When I said f*ck him hard I didn’t mean THAT hard!”). 

All-in-all this was a really fantastic episode and I hope that this sets the standard from now on.  Unfortunately, we only have Martha for two more episodes and then it’s back to the Princess of Wales’s reign of terror...

Pity about Owen, because he really is showing beatufiul porcelain skin these days.

Fantastic recap!  Loved every minute!

And, as always, great recap! Especially loved the line about faking injury to avoid middle school gym class. Hee!!!

Martha really was a refreshing addition to the mix, and although I did feel some initial resentment coming from Gwen, Tosh and Owen, I really didn't get any of that from Ianto. I just thought he was being all professional with her (he smiled when Jack enthusiastically embraced her in the beginning, so didn't think he saw her as a threat, and he was pretty much the only one who didn't ask her about her connection to Jack). I really loved that cute exchange between the two of them about the UNIT cap. (of course I'd seen it on YouTube about 100 times prior...) I totally agree with you that the writer's treatment of Jack/Ianto this season is, well, almost as frustrating as last season. I kinda get the sense that things will get better (more clear), but who knows with this show.

I liked the story in this one as well--an interesting alien, creepy medical facilities, moral dilemma that Torchwood itself often has to face (good of few versus the good of many)--was one of the better stories of the season. And Alan Dale, you always give such good villian.

Oh Tosh. Jesus. She really is karma's punching bag, isn't she? Who'd she f-over in the past life to have her pining after Owen?

In other news, and since no one in my world has even heard of Torchwood, thought I would share. Went last night to see "Be Kind, Rewind" (cute, but gets a little too golly gee at times), and there was a commercal for Torchwood wedged in between the ad for Patron tequila and Doublemint gum in the previews. Just so totally random.

"Hence the need for stopwatches, measuring tape, and God knows what other office supplies." All that, and hockey stuff, or so Jack's quip to that officer in "Sleeper" leads us to believe.Clearly, Jack probably keeps a hockey stick in his bedroom.

Also just have to say. Ok, look all the fun amazing alien technology Torchwood has, you'd think they'd have access to Kevlar. I mean are you kidding me, they knew they were going into a situation where there were lots of people with guns, so someone might have suggested wearing bullet proof vests. Also, it isn't like its the first time someone from the Torchwood team has been shot, so you'd think after the first time someone got they'd invest in some vests.

 And another thing, Tosh is also a doctor, she has a medical degree, she's worked in  the medical field. She is Dr. Sato, and this is never acknowledged. 

Great Recap. Half the fun of this show is reading the recaps after watching it.

Thanks for the second set of eyes! I thought that was an old mayor of Cardiff from Doctor Who sign in the back ground. (Someone can correct me, but I think the correct term is Whovians not Who heads).

Got to love Naoki Mori's (Tosh) acting in the scene with Owen about the date. Its just so painful to watch Tosh (queen of low self esteem) be that desperate for him. Poor thing is a pure doormat, will let him still flirt with others. Have the thought that the writers were trying to make Owen seem like a nicer guy to Tosh so that there would be some sympathy for him when the end came. Even Jack's powers to live forever might be put to the test by a date with Tosh, poor thing.

Anyone else find it strange that even when they were alone together Martha and Jack would not come out and say "The Doctor" but did all that "him" business ? Love that Martha has gotten a job with UNIT. Perfect place for someone with her past experience and her brains and courage.

Really smart episode. Story moved along at a quick pace. Ok, Tosh's Weekend at Bernie's idea was a weak point and I too wondered about why things came to a crashing halt at the end so that Gwen could have a couple of minutes to stare at the bug in the tank. Whatever did they do with Ms Morgan ? Saved her from the killer but just leave her to die from the bugs ?

My "I hate Gwen" moment. When Martha first arrives at the Hub and Jack has to explain who / what UNIT is, Gwen made some comment about forgetting / not knowing which organization they were. You've been in the job how long now ??? You were in charge while Jack was away ??? Given the choice of swatting her or the bug, I'd vote Gwen. Stupid Stupid Stupid.

Having to search out and download the episodes from the web, I sort of knew the surprise at the end a head of time. Wish the writers had come up with better episode titles for the next two shows, they sort of give the plot away just a bit. Anyway, I'll try and refrain from watching them before rest of you stateside get to see them.

I loved this episode! Martha is pretty amazing and she needs to become a regular. Martha must be a Janto fangirl, cajoling Ianto into admiting he "dabbles" with Jack, then getting all giggly about it. And I loved the way Ianto kinda went off to Happy-Shagging-Jack-Land for a minute there.

Did anyone else want to shoot Gwen when she did the whole "Hand on the jar" thing with the mayfly? She is just so useless and this episode blissfully points that out.

I'll admit, Owen was never a big favourite of mine, but I couldn't help but be upset when he was shot. Who will make snarky comments, do doctory things, and DAMMIT HE WAS ABOUT TO GO OUT WITH TOSH!

By the way, I liked the very subtle reference to John's antics as revealed by the interview with Gareth David-Lloyd. Fanfiction manna, that was. (F.F.M.)

I want to be a hero like Captain Jack Harkness, kicking butt and snogging anything with a pulse! Besides, then I get a sexy receptionist of my very own.

gwen is sOoOoOo pathetiiiic. god, what was it? 2 episodes ago when she told everyone how much she loves rhys and how good a man he is??? raise your hand if you remember that episode.

but whaddya know? she is back again pining for jack! So pathetic. what next? they're gonna have her baby hungry?

...anymore. What is *really* pathetic is the non-stop psychotic "Gwen hate" ranting. You know what folks? We. Get. It. You hate the character Gwen. There is so much more to comment on in these fun shows. And given that Eva is a good friend of John's, I doubt she'll be leaving any time soon. Get over it.

I am 2 episodes ahead in watching this from the rest of you. Na na na na-na. May you writhe in anticipation. (ducking and running)

I say we take the warning labels off everything and let nature take it's course.

DennisI posted no comment last week because I missed that episode, I caught the rerun this week What a greeseball Adam was! He would never have been able to plant memories im me, I wouldn't have let him touch me! ewwwwwwww

I find it Hard to believe anyone put up with the touch from someone they had no memories of, especially when others said they did. That was a big red flag. Alien in the Hub, do something.

 Dennis

...Gwen hating has risen to new heights!! How long did it take you to compile that list? Ha ha! I should trip your wire on other topics, heh.

Liz, please calm down. I guess I should have written "teasing tone on/off". You don't have to get over anything if you don't want to. But I still have the right to write how what you say makes me feel. And I feel like ya'll should get over it! (teasing tone off again)

I say we take the warning labels off everything and let nature take it's course.

Still loving the recaps!

ok they lost me at the door. While I enjoyed the newspaper clipping from Jack's 1st Cardiff adventure, I couldn't believe the door it was posted on. No wonder Ianto doesn't have to literally "mind the store". Only the brain-dead or airheaded tourist would ever consider shopping/askinig for directions in what's essentially a storage area.
Also,if they wanted Martha to be a secret (the "visitor's pov), why included her in the "next week on.." ad at the end of Adam? So she walks right in and makes herself at home. okay, great. after having Adam "fit in" [at 1st], some tension would have been nice, oh, wait: 3 potential catfights... And nothing happens. such teases, those writers. promises, shmomises.

Campion - agree. How could Gwen NOT HAVE KNOWN. I've stated this before: She's still recovering from hitting her head 1st ep. We'll find out later that Torchwood was a dream like Oz or Dallas.

Agree. Lack of curiosity = a bit (only a bit)worrying - possible explanation is the Hubbies think that they did ask but forgot [Adam} -though can't explain why they didn't ask again. They ask about everything else but not the important stuff. To be fair: Jack hasn't asked them about the Himalayas trip Saxon sent them on.

Why haven't they used the contacts before? they're actually useful. I'd prefer them over the "invisible phones" they have. Forget Gwen (easy ain't it?) - the phones REALLY Annoy me. What do they do THINK at it?!? or Is it, 1 tap for Jack, 2 for Tosh, press & hold for Gwen?? Where can I get one?

Did anyone else start to wonder what the Hubbies dorm room must have been like? I doubt Ianto's would've been like Barry's. Gwen's might have been. Owen/Tosh: would they have had time to add homey touches?

Loved

• Ianto's 'lost-in-memory' moment But then I like any Ianto moment. 'course i'd prefer Janto moments but the writers aren't providing.
• The final act with Torchwood destroying the Pharm.
• Jack's "not listening to White Hall"
• End of World Survivors Club
• Tosh asked Owen out.
• Owen finally seems to be stepping up (Martha's Doctor-like influence?? 'course why Jack wouldn't/doesn't have such an influence baffles me)

• Why no Martha/Tosh time?
• the "him" references - i get that [you] want new viewers for Doctor Who but, unless the Hubbies have taken to eavesdropping/spying on Jack, why the secrecy?
• The Pharm security - dead-guy-at-wheel and they're let them in??
• agree: lack of bullet-proof vests. Stupidity 101. How could Jack have overlooked such a necessity?
• hCampion: Gwen's not knowing about UNIT - amnesia pill side effect, maybe? can't make up reason for her being in charge of team, though.
• Tosh loses yet another potential partner

Psionycx: a possible portmanteau is (get this) JANTHA
& enjoyed the "Why Gwen's pathetic" post.

Cameo: they haven't actually established that Doctor Toshiko Sato from Aliens of London/World War Three is this Tosh. Though, they also didn't establish that _That_ Tosh was actually a medical doctor. (at least as I remember it)

I can't believe I've just registered so that I can make this (mostly unimportant) comment, but here goes . . . As far as I know, this is the first mention of UNIT in the Torchwood series. I'm trying to think through the first season and am pretty sure I'm right in this. So, because there are those who watch Torchwood and have never seen Doctor Who, someone had to ask the "Who's UNIT?" question because it's one that the viewer may have been thinking as well.

This happens all the time in TV Land and while I'm no fan of Gwen, I think in this case her comment was necessary. Who else was going to ask it? Not Jack, and certainly not Ianto, who spent most of the "Sleeper" episode telling us he knows everything. Tosh and Owen have been in Torchwood for longer than Gwen so they are not as likely to ask the question either.

Since Gwen is supposed to be the "viewers eye" into the group, it seems she had to act unaware of Unit so that it could be explained to the viewer. Did she look stupid? Yes, and that's unfortunate because she does a good enough job of that on any given week on her own.

I'm the least likely person to ask anyone to cut her some slack, but to me, that was just one more way the writers are messing up. There were other ways to do that which might have required more creativity, but they went for the quickest solution yet again. They write Gwen differently in every episode and can't make up their mind about Owen either, which has frustrated me all season. He's nice to Tosh in one episode and mean in the next.

It's fairly obvious there is no one writer overseeing the tone of the show and the motivation of the characters and I think it's the one thing that is keeping this show from being consistently great every week.