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Torchwood is a spinoff program of the BBC's long-running series Doctor Who. It concerns the activities of the Cardiff, Wales branch of The Torchwood Institute, whose mission is to track alien activity and obtain and exploit alien artifacts.

Taking center stage as the star of the program is John Barrowman, who reprises his role as former time agent Captain Jack Harkness. Other members of the team include (back row, from left to right):

• Gwen Cooper played by Eve Myles
• Suzie Costello played by Indira Varma, 2nd in command
• Ianto Jones played by Gareth David-Lloyd, logistics
• Dr. Owen Harper played by Burn Gorman, medic
• Dr. Toshiko Sato played by Naoko Mori, computer specialist

Because the organization describes itself as being outside of the control of any government and deals with aliens, the program has been compared to Men in Black. So far, however, it more closely resembles The X-Files in tone and content. Unlike its progenitor, Doctor Who, Torchwood is aimed at an adult audience. It is intentionally darker and does not shy away from violence or sexuality.

The program premiered October 22, 2006, on BBC 3. BBC America began airing the series on September 8, 2007. The program also airs in the U.S. in high-definition on HDNet, and started September 17, 2007.

Season 2 will start airing on January 16, 2008, on BBC 2 and will start airing in the U. S. on January 26, 2008, on BBC America. James Marsters will be guest starring this season as Captain John, a fellow time agent who has a history with Captain Jack. Also guest starring in three episodes this season is Freema Agyemen as Martha Jones before returning to Doctor Who in season four sometime in April. Eve Myles who plays Gwen Cooper, has stated that her character will remain monogomous this season with boyfriend Rhys as well.

Also in season 2, Torchwood's investigations into alien activity give the team glimpses of the 51st century and the First World War. They also encounter alien sleeper cells; save a stranded creature from human exploitation; meet a tragic soldier from the First World War; and encounter a memory thief who exposes long-forgotten secrets among the entire team.

Later in the season, Alan Dale (Ugly Betty, The O.C.) makes a star appearance. Richard Briers, Nerys Hughes and Ruth Jones (Gavin And Stacey) also appear in various roles.

Season 1 Episodes

• Everything Changes
• Day One
• Ghost Machine
• Cyberwoman
• Small Worlds
• Countrycide
• Greeks Bearing Gifts
• They Keep Killing Suzie
• Random Shoes
• Out of Time
• Combat
• Captain Jack Harkness
• End of Days

Season 2 Episodes

• Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang
• Sleeper
• To the Last Man
• Meat
• Adam
• Reset
• Dead Man Walking
• A Day in the Death
• Something Borrowed
• From Out of the Rain
• Adrift
• Fragments
• Exit Wounds

Popular Culture

• Entertainment Weekly listed Torchwood in its A List in the February 1, 2008 issue
• TV Guide put Torchwood on its Hot List in its January 21, 2008 issue, as well as interviewing James Marsters about his role as Captain John (and a part on Smallville)