"Torchwood"'s Russell T Davies Discusses Jack and Gwen, Casting John Barrowman and More!

When a television show moves from network to network and changes its format along the way, it's often a sign that something isn't working and that the show isn't long for the world. 

Then there is Torchwood which proves such isn't always the case. After getting its start on BBC3 back in 2006, the show posted strong enough ratings to move to BBC2 for a second season. That was followed by a jump to BBC1 for the five episode miniseries Children of Earth which drew both huge numbers and intense fan reaction around the world.

The series has changed yet again with a fourth season now scheduled for the summer of 2011, but not only will much of the action now take place in America, but U.S. cable network Starz is providing financing and will broadcast the show for American viewers. 

Russell T Davies

Torchwood's creator Russell T Davies and co-executive producer Julie Gardner recently appeared at the Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour in Los Angeles to reveal new details about the fourth series Torchwood: The New World. Afterward, AfterElton.com chatted with Davies and Gardner about what's in store romantically for Captain Jack (John Barrowman), how the show has changed over time and much more. 

And for those of you not familiar with British vernacular, to be "poncy" is, according to Peevish.co.uk, an online dictionary of British slang, to be "1. Effeminate, with an implication of homosexuality.  2. Snobby, ostentatious." As used in the following interview, the second meaning is probably more likely.   

AfterElton.com: How long after the death of Ianto and the events of Children of Earth do we kick off and what is Jack's frame of mind at that point?
Russell T. Davies: It's probably about two years after. It'll have been two years by the time it gets to screen. As for Jack's state of mind, you'll have to wait and see. That's far too early to give away vital details to give away like that.

AE: So no idea where he starts off at?
RTD: Well, I know.

AE: But you're not going to give me a clue?
RTD: No.

AE: Is there a theme of the series? And if so, might it have anything to do with Jack coming to terms with what happened in Children of Earth?
RTD: No. There is a theme, but no drama would start with simply living out the past like that. It's onwards and upwards, brand new story. Loads of reflection on the past, but that's like any drama. Just onwards. There is a theme. It’s a very good theme. It'll become clear once we let the story be known.

AE: So with events being two years in the past, not, that Jack has moved on and forgotten everything that happened, but it's not about redemption?
RTD: Nobody said it's forgotten. You did.

AE: No, I was just asking a question about possible redemption. What can you say about what we're going to see of Jack's romantic life on the new series?
RTD: Plenty. You will definitely see plenty.
Julie Gardner: He definitely will have one.