Analysing Torchwood - Part Three
Onwards we go, into Gwen's first real day at work. It's fascinating doing this, actually, because I've been picking up on things I've never noticed before. Anyway, lets continue looking at Gwen, Jack, Ianto and Rhys...
Anaylysing Torchwood - Part Three
Previously: Gwen joins Torchwood in "Everything Changes"
Day One
Here we are, Gwen's first official day on the job. Hence the title "Day One". It’s interestingly though that we begin the episode with Gwen and Rhys out doing what couples do. We see them bowling, enjoying themselves with that minor rivalry that all couples have - the kind that has nothing in it but the pleasure of showing each other up. We see this with Rhys' smugness at his bowl, and then Gwen's jubilance as she takes the lead - Rhys' expression says he isn't thrilled by it, but his eyes betray that he is slightly proud and awed by her.
We then see them coming out of a movie, Gwen holding onto his arm as they lean into each other. Gwen isn't happy about his choice of film, Rhys defending himself while Gwen quickly tells him that she fell asleep. By the dialogue it would seem that Gwen usually decides what they see, and that Rhys is no longer allowed to choose.
Then we see them at dinner, again leaning into each other with love in their eyes as Rhys tries to find out exactly what "special ops" is. Rhys is excited for her, and Gwen is trying to brush it off like it's nothing. It will be interesting to compare this meal to one later in the series.
Gwen and Rhys are flirting heavily, happy in their relationship. Gwen suggests an early night, to which Rhys jumps on. "Everything Changes" showed that they were comfortable in their relationship, so comfortable that it would seem that their sex life had declined to a level most commonly associated with a married couple, so Gwen's suggestion of an early night ends what seems to be an almost perfect date.
And then, in true Torchwood nature, their night is ruined by an alien. Gwen instantly wants to go check out the fireball in the sky that Rhys thinks is a plane, and when Gwen begins to leave the restaurant Rhys reminds her that they are yet to pay. Rhys is more grounded, still remembering what is right at a time even when something extraordinary is happening, whereas Gwen is easily distracted.
Even as they run, their hands are linked and when they stop Rhys instantly moves into a guarding position, holding onto Gwen ready to protect her if needed. Gwen is completely focused on the fireball and seems to have forgotten Rhys is there, whereas Rhys still has hold of her, turned into her, ready to shield her. He only lets go when Gwen gets her text message, and we are not shown Rhys' reaction to her saying she has to go to work. However, by Gwen's tone and expression, she is clearly excited by the prospect of her first Torchwood job.
After the opening titles, we see the team climbing into the SUV and heading out, Ianto not with them. Jack is in his position as leader but allowing Owen to drive. In the backseat Gwen is visibly nervous, taking in the new surroundings and still not considering herself part of the group. Clearly she is still uncomfortable with what they do, distancing herself by referring to Torchwood as "you", something Jack repeatedly calls her on throughout the episode by reminding her that she is now one of them.
Gwen is disgusted by the way they work in this scene, not happy with their level of power and access. She is awed by their equipment, but still doesn't like how they work. There is an invisible barrier around her - they are a team that have been doing this for a while, and she is the new girl who is still adjusting.
Interestingly, Gwen is first out of the SUV when they arrive. Jack seems to pause, bracing himself up on the SUV so that he can take in the scene before him from a height and judge what is needed to be done, while Gwen moves out behind him. When Gwen stops in front of the SUV and Jack takes charge, he doesn't look at her, instead glancing toward Owen and telling them to take usual formation. When Gwen questions this and Owen replies that it varies, Gwen is left confused - evidently the team is still playing with the new girl, testing her out and teasing her while maintaining a straight face.
Gwen then makes her first mistake - she leaves her kit behind. Behind them you can see two PCs have noticed this, and are looking from the kit to her wondering if they should say something. Gwen realises and goes back for it, becoming separated from the team in the process. If they did notice, they don't wait for her, again testing her to see how she reacts. Will she wait by the SUV? Or will she come ahead? Gwen being stubborn, she goes ahead.
When Gwen stumbles in on the military and they try to kick her out, Jack comes to the rescue. We see him compliment her figure, looking her over and in the process drawing the attention of the military to it as well. This is the first time we really see Jack show any form of attraction toward Gwen, who, under the circumstances, does not seem impressed. She looks away, ignoring the comment, and clearly uncomfortable by the attention
Gwen, in a sense, become the "little girl" the military accused her of being, eyes down as she clutches her kit, trying to fade into the background. She only looks up with Jack offers her his hand, Gwen instantly grabbing it and allowing her "hero" to escort her out of the embarrassing situation.
Jack doesn't let go of her hand until they reach the site of the crash, a small smile of amusement on his face while Gwen continues to move along behind him, allowing herself to be led. She still isn't confident, still the follower, and he has recognised this. He only drops her hand once they get to the site and he once again becomes her boss.
Gwen's lack of confidence remains throughout the scene as she stands back, watching them work. She is lost, wanting someone to tell her something or give her something to do, as everyone else seems to know exactly what is required. It is Owen that finally calls on her, but any jubilance of being given a task is overridden by the fact he has just called her sweetheart.
Gwen, apparently, does not approve of pet names. She tells him directly "not sweetheart. Gwen. One syllable. I'm sure you can manage it". No doubt this rule also applies to Rhys, and to anyone else she has been with. She prefers to be called by her name, not allowing herself to be reduced to something like 'sweetheart', although we do on occasion hear her using that word and "darling" on occasion to calm someone down (eg. Tosh in “Fragments” and Ianto in “Lost Souls”).
Owen won't let it slide, teasing Gwen about her rule. Gwen, not to be outdone and finally gaining a little more confidence, makes an innuendo comment about Owen in reply. Jack, who seems to be completely focussed on his work, is listening in on the conversation and is amused by Gwen's comment. Gwen, once she gains enough confidence and has been trained, is going to fit in well with the others.
Then Gwen stuffs up - too confident with herself and worked up about her minor squabble with Owen, she throws a tool. Jack and Owen instantly know she shouldn’t do it, but Gwen had seen them doing it earlier and assumes that this is what you do. Jack goes straight back into leader role, throwing around the gas masks as the gas escapes.
Jack is not pleased, turning to look at Gwen with a "see what you've down with your carelessness" expression. All amusement and flirtation is gone, because his new recruit has made a big mistake within an hour of starting work. Owen is equally not pleased, and Tosh is too far away for Gwen to see. Gwen knows she has stuffed up, and her confidence vanishes as she reverts back into the "little girl" mode of earlier.
When we see them again back at the Hub, Gwen continues to uphold the little girl persona. She is repeatedly apologising, and the way Jack reacts tells us that she is beginning to get on his last nerve. Despite this, when Owen starts getting short with her we see Jack move up behind her, resting a supporting hand on her back with a resigned look on his face - he clearly doesn't blame her, and knows she's going to be the target of blame from the others.
Gwen doesn't follow the others down into the autopsy bay, instead remaining at the top of the steps. The railing become a visible representation of the barrier that still remains between her and the others, a barrier made up of her inexperience, their anger, and the way she has been verbally excluding herself with the "you" comments earlier.
After her pause, Gwen eventually joins them and trying to find some way to make it appear like it wasn't a big mistake, Jack once again allowing Owen to answer, silently agreeing with him. This is our first instance of Gwen making a mistake and not being reprimanded for it, something that becomes a reoccurring theme throughout the show.
When Jack does speak he is doing like Gwen - looking for the positives in the bad situation. When Owen turns it against him, we see Jack roll his eyes, obviously used to the way Owen works. Gwen is slowly feeling worse about the situation, and you can see her heart sinking with every moment within her eyes. This time, it is Tosh that comes to Gwen's rescue.
Gwen knows she's stuffed up big time, and when she comments about it being "worst first day ever" Jack brushes it off and tells her to get over it. He is mad with Gwen, but it is not because of her error, but rather the fact she won't let it go and it is her that is dragging it out. Jack pulls them back onto task, and the awkward and uncomfortable situation is broken by a new arrival.
Making his first appearance nearly 11 minutes into the episode, Ianto arrives with their major lead. Again, we se Jack looking slightly pleased and at full attention, while Gwen is quick to pounce on the new information, rushing up the stairs. It is now Ianto that is separated from the rest of the team by the railing, but where for Gwen it had been a barrier, for him the elevation of his placement makes him the centre of attention if only for a moment.
Gwen is by his side in an instant, evidently now paying attention to Ianto because not only does he have useful information, but he has information that could save her behind. We see him send a knowing look down toward Jack - Ianto knows he just saved the situation and Gwen, and there is a hint of smugness to him.
When Gwen stops to talk to Andy at the crime scene, we again see a disapproving Jack. Gwen, when she isn't losing confidence, is too easily distracted from her job. It would seem that Jack has made it his task to keep her on track until she catches on herself, and stopping to talk to Andy is yet another thing he considers a mistake. Gwen then tries to take charge over Andy, he responds negatively and puts Gwen off, the friendly moment lost as she hurries off to join the others. She tries to save the moment by asking Andy to say "hi to everyone", before once more becoming the little girl.
Inside the club they become professional, although when Jack makes the "came and went" comment and Owen laughs, we see Gwen not amused by the fact they are joking over someone who has died. She remains professional, whereas the others are making a light-hearted moment of something terrible. Even Tosh joins in, earning a calculating look from Owen as Gwen tries to ignore them.
Gwen then shifts into her element - investigation. She starts asking questions, interrogating the club owner with piques Jack's interest. When the owner becomes defensive, Jack steps in to end the situation before it starts. Gwen is not pleased, Jack letting out a long sigh at her reaction and walking away as he takes out a device. Gwen is once more getting on his nerves, but he moves away without saying anything.
Jack goes straight into leadership mode, issuing his orders to Tosh and Owen. Again, we see Gwen placed behind a railing as she almost accuses Jack who is closest to us "you have a stash of bodies". She has separated herself from the team again with the "you" plus the positioning of Gwen in relation to Jack with the railing. Jack ignores her, more interested in the results of a scan and Gwen quickly follows him as he traces the source of the results.
Then, for the first time in Torchwood, we see Gwen slipping into "bleeding heart" mode. Rather than the professional coldness we have seen before, Gwen is concerned about the family of the boy. This could be interpreted as her being wanting things done by the book and her professional integrity will not allow her to allow them to cover up the murder, or it could be genuine concern for the family (who would want to know the truth). Jack counters her argument by reminding her of the nature of their job, and Gwen counters it again by reminding him they "don't know for sure".
Jack brings Gwen's attention to the readings on his scanner, still professional, and we see Gwen is interested but still confused about what's going on. Jack spots the CCTV, and this is when the team realise what has happened. Jack's face is expressionless as he watches, standing just behind Gwen who is upset.
As Jack takes the tape, Gwen half turns to him, saying "it's my fault" and blaming herself for the boy’s death. When Jack tells her to stop thinking like that, his voice quieter than normal as he regards her. He focuses her back onto the task as Gwen shifts around him toward the door, a thousand thoughts running through her mind and it is clear she is thinking about what could happen next. Jack has his back to us, so we don't see his reaction as Gwen says "we can't let her kill again".
Back at the Hub we see Jack trying to track the path the meteor has taking, using big words to explain it before Tosh simplifies it for the confused Gwen, which doesn't amuse Jack. Then Gwen, who is again standing to the side watching, likens what Jack's doing to something she understands - Rhys' job.
This is the first time the team learn about Rhys, and Gwen learns that the others aren't in relationships. Gwen speaks of Rhys with a proud tone, Jack chuckling when she says what Rhys does in on a smaller scale. When Gwen asks everyone, you see her face slowly fall as she realises she is the only one with a partner.
You see Jack taking an interest even as he keeps working, slightly surprised by the fact the others have no one having probably not paid much attention. Jack only turns around when Gwen says "not being rude or anything", a set look on his face, turning away again when Gwen asks how they switch off, Jack glancing over at Owen and allowing him to answer.
Jack doesn't seem to have really thought about this, and Gwen is becoming more shocked as she learns about her co-workers, but finds Owen's answer disturbing. Interestingly, Ianto is nowhere to be seen during this conversation. This is most likely not a coincidence.
When we next see the team, they are back at work analysing the information they collected at the crash site and since then. Ianto appears for the second time, arriving with the coffee as Gwen, once again, does the "you can't have this", verbally separating herself yet again.
Jack is very pleased to accept his coffee, standing back and observing his team. He corrects Gwen on her "you instead of we" before sipping from his coffee, Ianto having moved over to stand behind Gwen.
Jack glances toward Ianto with an amused look at Ianto's contribution to the search, Ianto reminding them in his own way that the old fashioned way is just as effective as the technology, if not better. His comment even earns a smile from Gwen before she looks back at the screen.
We see Gwen still trying to revert to what she knows, with fingerprints and evidence that are used by the police department which doesn't impress her new colleagues. Gwen gets snappy, Jack finally moving over to join them, his eyes on Gwen as he gauges her mood and tries to break up any fight before it begins, offering his own suggestion to finding Carys, Gwen leaping onto his suggestion and adding her own, finally winning Owen's approval of her methods.
Gwen is still trying to find her place, and it is evident that she is still nowhere near accustomed to a) the technology they use, and b) the way they work. Like Gwen, Ianto finds obvious ways of analysing the information, and Gwen is able to analyse what has been said and find other ways of using the information, using the lingo of the PD.
When they do track Carys down, Gwen notably is lacking a gun, yet comes in before Owen who is armed. Jack takes charge, issuing orders and keeping track of the others. Gwen, despite being a beat cop, still isn't used to making arrests and takes her eye of the suspect, almost allowing Carys to escape, then is shocked by the cell Owen uses to capture Carys. Even as Jack tells off Owen, Gwen cannot get her eyes off the cell and is completely fixated. It's only when Jack switches off the cell Gwen moves, taking Carys into custody, a role she is familiar with.
We then see Jack assuming Gwen knows all forms of police work, leaving it up to her to question Carys. Gwen protests, having expected help from the others but being left on her own. Gwen is not impressed but still does it, still managing to shoot an unimpressed glare after Jack.
Jack really sits up and takes notice of Gwen when Gwen and Carys start making out in the cells. Jack cannot keep his eyes off the footage, eyes wide and mouth open. It is clear he is shocked - he never expected that of Gwen - and he is quietly impressed. And, just like Tosh and Owen, he thinks it is as hot as hell.
Interestingly, Jack's hands go straight into his pockets at the first sight of it, before he catches himself and crosses his arms over his chest. While he is impressed, he isn't quiet sure what to make of it. It takes him a while to register what Tosh says before he realises the danger Gwen is in and he and Tosh run to save her. I do think, though, that Jack will be looking for a copy of Owen's recording once the mission is over.
We also, in this episode, have our first case of Rhys' inappropriately timed phone calls. He seems to have a sense for calling at exactly the wrong moment, but at the same time when things start getting tense or strange, we have Rhys on the phone providing a link back to reality.
Gwen also bends the truth a little when talking to Rhys, but now she actually has something to lie about whereas in "Everything Changes" it was more done for thrill. Rhys is already feeling neglected, but at this point in time is still able to joke about being "a special ops widow". You can hear the resignation in his voice. He misses Gwen, and already seems to know this is going to be a frequent thing. When she hangs up you can see the guilty look on Gwen's face - she knows Rhys isn't happy and wants to be there for him. Then, like Rhys brings us back to reality, Janet banging on the cell door crashes Gwen back into the world of Torchwood.
After Gwen attacks Owen, we yet again see Jack stepping in to break them up. His comment is light-hearted, but underlying his overall tone there is a hidden warning as he gives both Gwen and Owen a hard look. Gwen is too focused on glaring at Owen to notice, not ready to let it go. Before it can start again though, right on cue, Ianto appears with the Chinese food, Gwen still lost in her own thoughts to notice and not looking up as Jack steps away.
The next scene is interesting. As has already been pointed out in other analysis, this is one of the rare times we see Ianto actually laugh. He is clearly amused by what has just been said, joining in with the other members of the team, while Gwen is again isolated - she is sitting back, a smile on her face, but clearly not getting the joke.
We find that Ianto looks directly at Gwen as he continues the story, no doubt the team are relating past cases to Gwen to fill her in on what Torchwood life is like, and picking some of the more light-hearted stories so not to turn her off the job.
Jack's commenting about needing to use the bathroom is also one that is reserved to be used among people you are more familiar with. In most cases, you would not comment about where you are going, or say you need to go toilet, but Jack's "gotta pee" is more familiar. The team brush it off and keep eating, while Gwen continues to sit back with a tight smile on her face, still not comfortable as the tightness to her posture suggests.
Then things get more series, with Owen and Tosh interrogating Gwen on what she knows about Jack. Ianto shoots her a look, also curious but there is also a guarded look on his face. Gwen is intrigued that they don't know anything, while Ianto continues to become increasingly uncomfortable with the questioning. Ianto doesn't seem to want Jack's secrets out, although we aren't sure at this time what he knows given he has only been at Torchwood Cardiff for a limited time himself, but at the same time wants to know if Jack is more open with Gwen, whereas Gwen can't believe that the others know just as much about Jack as she does.
Gwen does respond quickly to Owen's comment about Jack being gay, disputing it, then you can see her questioning the suggestion with a slight disappointed look on her face and tone in her voice. Tosh reassures her that she doesn't agree, while Ianto's "I don't care" rules him out of any speculation and his tone suggests he wants the topic dropped, now, something Gwen picks up on given the look she gives him.
When Owen comments about Jack's choice of outfit, Gwen gives a pleased look. Evidently she loves the way he dresses, and this is our first real indication of any attraction Gwen has toward Jack. It is interesting to watch Ianto when she says it and explains why she likes it. He slowly straightens, a fixed look on his face as he looks at Owen, not Gwen, not pleased with the turn of the conversation.
Gwen, by now, is fully caught by the conversation, still not believing the same questions she has been asking herself are being asked by her other colleagues. She is enjoying the speculation almost as much as Tosh is, and it is only now that we see her reach for something to eat, at last comfortable enough with the others as the tension seems to have eased in her posture.
Then Ianto contributes his line about the CIA, playing on Gwen's comment about Jack's identity being classified. There is a slight smirk on his face as he says it - he already knows Jack is from the 51st Century and is sending them on a wild goose chase. Already we see Ianto being protective of Jack, and we see Gwen then agreeing with Ianto that "he must have his reasons to keep things secret", in her own way following Ianto in protecting Jack even though she doesn't know the answers, but agreeing with Owen about wanting to know what Jack's secrets are.
When Gwen hears Carys crying and asks what the sound is, we finally see Ianto and Gwen look at each other directly, something they seem to have been avoiding since their initial encounter in the Tourist Information Centre in “Everything Changes”. It is now that Jack returns, everyone fixated on the screen and not noticing.
It has been pointed out to me that when Gwen makes her comment "what are we doing eating when a girl fights for her life", we are given an almost foreshadowing close-up on Ianto's face. We see his mask fall back into place as a guilty look flashes over it - but is it Carys he is thinking of, or is it Lisa down in the basement, fighting for her life, that Ianto has temporarily forgotten about as he has been caught up in the conversation over dinner.
It is Jack that answers Gwen, rattling off all the things that have been happening while they were eating. Again Gwen is caught up in her old ways, forgetting about the technology of Torchwood that she does not yet fully understand. The look Gwen gives him is slightly disapproving, not happy with the situation and still thinking that they shouldn't be eating but working, something Jack clearly reads as he asks "is that enough?" and chuckles at the end.
Gwen is not impressed at all, finally speaking her observation of the team out loud. While Jack has been observing her, Gwen has been observing them and lets them know she finds them disconnected and cold, something that insults Jack. Its interesting that she thinks that, given that the first time we see Gwen she is having a coffee and talking about Friday night drinks, not caring about a dead body lying just up the road because its just another murder.
Jack is short with his comment back, almost glaring at her as he says "tell me what it's like to be human in the 21st Century", his way of showing his disapproval and insult to her comment, and also dropping a hint that this isn't his time period, a comment overlooked. Gwen, being Gwen, rises to his unspoken challenge.
When Gwen shows Jack the reports, he is at first intrigued and confused by what she has done, cluing in the fact that no one had done this before in Torchwood, at least while he's been there (at least, not that he’s noticed). Gwen is open and sincere with him as she reminds Jack that it’s not about the alien here, it’s about the girl, Gwen practically begging Jack with her voice and her eyes for Jack to help her.
Again we see Jack awed by her, but at the same time he is still confused and not sure what to make of this interesting new turn of events. This wasn't what he as expecting of Gwen at all, and he is seeing her in a new light. Gwen breaks him out of his thoughts, causing Jack to cover himself.
He is impressed by it all, letting Gwen know it although she just brushes the praise aside, more concerned about Carys at that moment than anything else including high praise from her boss. The moment is lost, though, when Gwen suggests bringing in Carys' father, Jack putting his foot down. Gwen counters him, and Jack makes the comment "are you always this awkward?".
Clearly he knows Gwen is going to be an issue for him, because it is hard for him to counter her arguments, especially when she is making sad puppy dog eyes at him which he seems to be having trouble resisting - he is trouble saying "no" when she does it. Luckily for him, he is saved by an intercom from Tosh asking him to come see new findings.
As Tosh reads out her findings, we find Jack and Gwen standing side-by-side listening in. Gwen doesn't seem to be excluding herself as much after the boardroom conversation, and is slowly growing more comfortable. When she lets them know she snogged Carys, Tosh and Jack tell her they know, and we see Jack smile down at Gwen, faint amusement and a hint of attraction in it while Gwen looks up sharply. Jack goes back to business, reminding Gwen of her plan and Gwen now knowing it’s a bad idea. Then they realise Owen is missing.
When Carys makes her escape and ends up in the tourist information office, we see Ianto hesitate, looking to Jack for instructions. Jack, who has just spent the last little while fighting and chasing Carys, holsters his weapon and asks Ianto to open the door, a request Ianto doesn't hesitate to follow.
Jack and Ianto don't look at each other, eyes firmly on Carys, Jack only looking away when he goes after the Doctor's hand. Ianto is clearly confused, not quite sure what just happened as Gwen and the others arrive. Gwen is not impressed when she sees Jack more concerned about a hand than Carys, and takes matters into her own hands as she leads Tosh out after her. This is Gwen's first real decision she has made on her own, following her instinct, although it doesn't pay off.
Gwen is disgusted by Jack's decision, and we see an almost role reversal here. Jack is the quiet one, body language closed off and completely fixated on the hand as Gwen tells him off. Jack, for his part, is pissed off about what just happened. He tells Gwen to prove herself and use the PD to find Carys, his displeasure for them evident in his voice.
Gwen, for her part, goes with the idea and tells him she will do it. Jack nods his head, happy she is following orders and completely missing the sarcastic and annoyed edge to her voice until she says "woman posses by an alien knobbing aliens to death", earning an eye roll from Jack, although he has to laugh at the idea.
During Owen's rat jam presentation, we again see Jack and Gwen standing side-by-side, completely serious and focussed on Owen. When the rat explodes they are taken aback, but Gwen seems to automatically picture what was going to happen to Carys instantly. Where Jack is in disbelief, Gwen is concerned.
As they try to work out how to find Carys, we now find that Gwen only has a railing separating her from Owen, while Jack and Tosh are on the same side as her. It is only Owen she is having trouble connecting with, while she is starting to bond with the other two (Ianto is notably absent yet again).
Gwen, Jack and Tosh are bouncing ideas off each other, something that has slowly become easier for them over the course of the episode. When Owen makes his joke about shagging Gwen, we find he gets disapproving looks from both Gwen and Jack. Gwen isn't impressed, while Jack sends a warning look toward Owen - Tosh makes no movement to begin with but is the one to comment and tell Owen off. Jack uses Owen's joke against him, Owen smirking as Jack puts them back on topic.
When they go to Carys' ex-boyfriends place, it is again Gwen that goes with Jack, not the more experienced rest of the team. We also have Jack throwing in his "back catalogue" comment at Gwen, which earns him a look before Jack walks out the door and we have Gwen running after him yet again. Clearly she's not tired of following him yet.
In the SUV we get another instance of Gwen not approving of Torchwood tactics. She makes a joke about drugging the water, and Owen and Jack answer seriously which causes yet another shocked/disapproving look from her as she uncovers another dirty little secret - especially given she would have drunk the water in question.
Jack and the others look to Gwen for the answers, something that shocks and throws her. Gwen gets defensive, not winning points with the team as Owen comments to Jack about Gwen working under pressure, cluing us in on the fact it’s not just Jack assessing Gwen's usefulness to Torchwood. Gwen closes herself off again, looking out the window of the SUV and excluding herself, only answering Jack when he gives her a direct question about Carys’ job.
Then Gwen is given another shock - Owen hands her a gun. She looks to Jack, fear evident on her face at the prospect of using it, Jack obviously not aware of the training the beat cops have (or don't have, in this scenario). He reassures her that they will make sure she won't have to use it, but Jack is distracted by the task at hand, no doubt planning how to approach the situation.
As the others work out the plan, Gwen is not happy with the idea of them killing the alien, but is more concerned with Carys. Meanwhile, Jack, Owen and Tosh are more interested in how to handle the alien itself rather than its victim before more people die, once again separating themselves from Gwen in terms of their outlook, only there is no time to argue at the moment.
As they search the clinic, Gwen doesn't stray far from Jack. Gwen keeps her gun down by her side, dropping it when Carys goes down. Jack remains serious and set, Gwen automatically going to Carys’ side while the others hold back. Gwen later watches on with hope when Jack does his part to try and help Carys.
When Gwen proposes to use herself, we see Jack grab her. He says her name with an infliction of a warning, reading to tell her straight out "no", but she pulls those eyes on him again. Gwen isn't clear about what she wants to do, but Jack already has a plan.
When Jack says "like she said: she's responsible for this" we see the pain in Gwen's eyes. Jack's words have wounded her, even as Jack walks away and leaves her, supposably abandoned, to deal with the situation by sacrificing herself. Owen and Tosh do not approve, but do not stop it.
Jack stands back, hands in pockets watching impassively as beside him, Gwen stares terrified at the alien. She closes her eyes, waiting for the inevitable as once again Jack saves her. As Gwen watches the alien, Jack watches her, judging her reaction to the events.
Gwen is shocked by the death of the alien, looking at Jack in surprise but he is still impassive, kneeling to inspect the dust. Gwen looks at it, then him, randomly reaching out and catching him by the chin and kissing him in thanks (no doubt for saving her, and for helping Carys). Jack is shocked, mystified by the move but clearly not opposed to it. Gwen has surprised him again, and when they return Carys to her father there is a proud smile on Jack's face - she past the test.
When Gwen says back to clean up, we are again given a hint that just as the team don't know Jack, Jack doesn't know much about his team (something that comes back to bite him big time in "Cyberwoman"). It is in this scene that Jack tells Gwen for the first time not to lose contact with her life outside of Torchwood, because that is what makes her different from the others.
Gwen turns to him, hands on hips as she sizes him up. At this moment Gwen is on a higher step, giving her more power and authority in the scene. She asks who he is, Jack frowning and asking for clarification - he doesn't seem to get asked this question often. The others think it, but none of them have ever had the nerve to ask him, but Gwen does have the nerve.
There is a railing between them, and even as Jack moves up the step he leans against it, keeping him slightly lower than Gwen. She has picked up on his hints, but he isn't giving anything away. Like the episode before, Gwen seems to be fixated on him - he is her main case, and she wants to work him out. She is trying the direct approach, but is doesn't seem to be working.
Jack looks at her, and yet again you can see that he is aware that she is going to be trouble. She's stubborn, and he knows she won't quit. Instead of answering he tells her to go home, reminding her of Rhys and telling her to "be normal". His expression softens, and there is a hint of affection there. Gwen still fascinates him, but he is pushing her away back to Rhys.
Interestingly it isn't until he tells her to do it "for me" that Gwen backs off, her own expression softening as she smiles faintly.
The next shot is of Gwen home with Rhys, not listening to him though, her mind still on what had happened. She does as Jack asked her: she eats lasagne, kisses Rhys and is normal.
Rhys is every part the understanding boyfriend, but in Gwen's eyes you can see that her mind is elsewhere, a hint of sadness as she knows she can't "be normal", but still asks Rhys to go to bed. If anything has come about from Gwen joining Torchwood, her sex life with Rhys has definitely improved.
Gwen comes a long way in "Day One", as does the relationship between Jack and Gwen as they lose some of the awkwardness and distrust, Gwen becoming more comfortable with Torchwood and Jack's fascination with her increasing. At the same time, we see Gwen starting to become distant from Rhys. There isn't enough Ianto in the episode to make any real comments on his relationship with anyone, but his barrier with the team (and Gwen) still exists, and he doesn't like people questioning Jack.
Next Up: The team go Ghostbusters in "Ghost Machine"
Anaylysing Torchwood - Part Three
Previously: Gwen joins Torchwood in "Everything Changes"
Day One
Here we are, Gwen's first official day on the job. Hence the title "Day One". It’s interestingly though that we begin the episode with Gwen and Rhys out doing what couples do. We see them bowling, enjoying themselves with that minor rivalry that all couples have - the kind that has nothing in it but the pleasure of showing each other up. We see this with Rhys' smugness at his bowl, and then Gwen's jubilance as she takes the lead - Rhys' expression says he isn't thrilled by it, but his eyes betray that he is slightly proud and awed by her.
We then see them coming out of a movie, Gwen holding onto his arm as they lean into each other. Gwen isn't happy about his choice of film, Rhys defending himself while Gwen quickly tells him that she fell asleep. By the dialogue it would seem that Gwen usually decides what they see, and that Rhys is no longer allowed to choose.
Then we see them at dinner, again leaning into each other with love in their eyes as Rhys tries to find out exactly what "special ops" is. Rhys is excited for her, and Gwen is trying to brush it off like it's nothing. It will be interesting to compare this meal to one later in the series.
Gwen and Rhys are flirting heavily, happy in their relationship. Gwen suggests an early night, to which Rhys jumps on. "Everything Changes" showed that they were comfortable in their relationship, so comfortable that it would seem that their sex life had declined to a level most commonly associated with a married couple, so Gwen's suggestion of an early night ends what seems to be an almost perfect date.
And then, in true Torchwood nature, their night is ruined by an alien. Gwen instantly wants to go check out the fireball in the sky that Rhys thinks is a plane, and when Gwen begins to leave the restaurant Rhys reminds her that they are yet to pay. Rhys is more grounded, still remembering what is right at a time even when something extraordinary is happening, whereas Gwen is easily distracted.
Even as they run, their hands are linked and when they stop Rhys instantly moves into a guarding position, holding onto Gwen ready to protect her if needed. Gwen is completely focused on the fireball and seems to have forgotten Rhys is there, whereas Rhys still has hold of her, turned into her, ready to shield her. He only lets go when Gwen gets her text message, and we are not shown Rhys' reaction to her saying she has to go to work. However, by Gwen's tone and expression, she is clearly excited by the prospect of her first Torchwood job.
After the opening titles, we see the team climbing into the SUV and heading out, Ianto not with them. Jack is in his position as leader but allowing Owen to drive. In the backseat Gwen is visibly nervous, taking in the new surroundings and still not considering herself part of the group. Clearly she is still uncomfortable with what they do, distancing herself by referring to Torchwood as "you", something Jack repeatedly calls her on throughout the episode by reminding her that she is now one of them.
Gwen is disgusted by the way they work in this scene, not happy with their level of power and access. She is awed by their equipment, but still doesn't like how they work. There is an invisible barrier around her - they are a team that have been doing this for a while, and she is the new girl who is still adjusting.
Interestingly, Gwen is first out of the SUV when they arrive. Jack seems to pause, bracing himself up on the SUV so that he can take in the scene before him from a height and judge what is needed to be done, while Gwen moves out behind him. When Gwen stops in front of the SUV and Jack takes charge, he doesn't look at her, instead glancing toward Owen and telling them to take usual formation. When Gwen questions this and Owen replies that it varies, Gwen is left confused - evidently the team is still playing with the new girl, testing her out and teasing her while maintaining a straight face.
Gwen then makes her first mistake - she leaves her kit behind. Behind them you can see two PCs have noticed this, and are looking from the kit to her wondering if they should say something. Gwen realises and goes back for it, becoming separated from the team in the process. If they did notice, they don't wait for her, again testing her to see how she reacts. Will she wait by the SUV? Or will she come ahead? Gwen being stubborn, she goes ahead.
When Gwen stumbles in on the military and they try to kick her out, Jack comes to the rescue. We see him compliment her figure, looking her over and in the process drawing the attention of the military to it as well. This is the first time we really see Jack show any form of attraction toward Gwen, who, under the circumstances, does not seem impressed. She looks away, ignoring the comment, and clearly uncomfortable by the attention
Gwen, in a sense, become the "little girl" the military accused her of being, eyes down as she clutches her kit, trying to fade into the background. She only looks up with Jack offers her his hand, Gwen instantly grabbing it and allowing her "hero" to escort her out of the embarrassing situation.
Jack doesn't let go of her hand until they reach the site of the crash, a small smile of amusement on his face while Gwen continues to move along behind him, allowing herself to be led. She still isn't confident, still the follower, and he has recognised this. He only drops her hand once they get to the site and he once again becomes her boss.
Gwen's lack of confidence remains throughout the scene as she stands back, watching them work. She is lost, wanting someone to tell her something or give her something to do, as everyone else seems to know exactly what is required. It is Owen that finally calls on her, but any jubilance of being given a task is overridden by the fact he has just called her sweetheart.
Gwen, apparently, does not approve of pet names. She tells him directly "not sweetheart. Gwen. One syllable. I'm sure you can manage it". No doubt this rule also applies to Rhys, and to anyone else she has been with. She prefers to be called by her name, not allowing herself to be reduced to something like 'sweetheart', although we do on occasion hear her using that word and "darling" on occasion to calm someone down (eg. Tosh in “Fragments” and Ianto in “Lost Souls”).
Owen won't let it slide, teasing Gwen about her rule. Gwen, not to be outdone and finally gaining a little more confidence, makes an innuendo comment about Owen in reply. Jack, who seems to be completely focussed on his work, is listening in on the conversation and is amused by Gwen's comment. Gwen, once she gains enough confidence and has been trained, is going to fit in well with the others.
Then Gwen stuffs up - too confident with herself and worked up about her minor squabble with Owen, she throws a tool. Jack and Owen instantly know she shouldn’t do it, but Gwen had seen them doing it earlier and assumes that this is what you do. Jack goes straight back into leader role, throwing around the gas masks as the gas escapes.
Jack is not pleased, turning to look at Gwen with a "see what you've down with your carelessness" expression. All amusement and flirtation is gone, because his new recruit has made a big mistake within an hour of starting work. Owen is equally not pleased, and Tosh is too far away for Gwen to see. Gwen knows she has stuffed up, and her confidence vanishes as she reverts back into the "little girl" mode of earlier.
When we see them again back at the Hub, Gwen continues to uphold the little girl persona. She is repeatedly apologising, and the way Jack reacts tells us that she is beginning to get on his last nerve. Despite this, when Owen starts getting short with her we see Jack move up behind her, resting a supporting hand on her back with a resigned look on his face - he clearly doesn't blame her, and knows she's going to be the target of blame from the others.
Gwen doesn't follow the others down into the autopsy bay, instead remaining at the top of the steps. The railing become a visible representation of the barrier that still remains between her and the others, a barrier made up of her inexperience, their anger, and the way she has been verbally excluding herself with the "you" comments earlier.
After her pause, Gwen eventually joins them and trying to find some way to make it appear like it wasn't a big mistake, Jack once again allowing Owen to answer, silently agreeing with him. This is our first instance of Gwen making a mistake and not being reprimanded for it, something that becomes a reoccurring theme throughout the show.
When Jack does speak he is doing like Gwen - looking for the positives in the bad situation. When Owen turns it against him, we see Jack roll his eyes, obviously used to the way Owen works. Gwen is slowly feeling worse about the situation, and you can see her heart sinking with every moment within her eyes. This time, it is Tosh that comes to Gwen's rescue.
Gwen knows she's stuffed up big time, and when she comments about it being "worst first day ever" Jack brushes it off and tells her to get over it. He is mad with Gwen, but it is not because of her error, but rather the fact she won't let it go and it is her that is dragging it out. Jack pulls them back onto task, and the awkward and uncomfortable situation is broken by a new arrival.
Making his first appearance nearly 11 minutes into the episode, Ianto arrives with their major lead. Again, we se Jack looking slightly pleased and at full attention, while Gwen is quick to pounce on the new information, rushing up the stairs. It is now Ianto that is separated from the rest of the team by the railing, but where for Gwen it had been a barrier, for him the elevation of his placement makes him the centre of attention if only for a moment.
Gwen is by his side in an instant, evidently now paying attention to Ianto because not only does he have useful information, but he has information that could save her behind. We see him send a knowing look down toward Jack - Ianto knows he just saved the situation and Gwen, and there is a hint of smugness to him.
When Gwen stops to talk to Andy at the crime scene, we again see a disapproving Jack. Gwen, when she isn't losing confidence, is too easily distracted from her job. It would seem that Jack has made it his task to keep her on track until she catches on herself, and stopping to talk to Andy is yet another thing he considers a mistake. Gwen then tries to take charge over Andy, he responds negatively and puts Gwen off, the friendly moment lost as she hurries off to join the others. She tries to save the moment by asking Andy to say "hi to everyone", before once more becoming the little girl.
Inside the club they become professional, although when Jack makes the "came and went" comment and Owen laughs, we see Gwen not amused by the fact they are joking over someone who has died. She remains professional, whereas the others are making a light-hearted moment of something terrible. Even Tosh joins in, earning a calculating look from Owen as Gwen tries to ignore them.
Gwen then shifts into her element - investigation. She starts asking questions, interrogating the club owner with piques Jack's interest. When the owner becomes defensive, Jack steps in to end the situation before it starts. Gwen is not pleased, Jack letting out a long sigh at her reaction and walking away as he takes out a device. Gwen is once more getting on his nerves, but he moves away without saying anything.
Jack goes straight into leadership mode, issuing his orders to Tosh and Owen. Again, we see Gwen placed behind a railing as she almost accuses Jack who is closest to us "you have a stash of bodies". She has separated herself from the team again with the "you" plus the positioning of Gwen in relation to Jack with the railing. Jack ignores her, more interested in the results of a scan and Gwen quickly follows him as he traces the source of the results.
Then, for the first time in Torchwood, we see Gwen slipping into "bleeding heart" mode. Rather than the professional coldness we have seen before, Gwen is concerned about the family of the boy. This could be interpreted as her being wanting things done by the book and her professional integrity will not allow her to allow them to cover up the murder, or it could be genuine concern for the family (who would want to know the truth). Jack counters her argument by reminding her of the nature of their job, and Gwen counters it again by reminding him they "don't know for sure".
Jack brings Gwen's attention to the readings on his scanner, still professional, and we see Gwen is interested but still confused about what's going on. Jack spots the CCTV, and this is when the team realise what has happened. Jack's face is expressionless as he watches, standing just behind Gwen who is upset.
As Jack takes the tape, Gwen half turns to him, saying "it's my fault" and blaming herself for the boy’s death. When Jack tells her to stop thinking like that, his voice quieter than normal as he regards her. He focuses her back onto the task as Gwen shifts around him toward the door, a thousand thoughts running through her mind and it is clear she is thinking about what could happen next. Jack has his back to us, so we don't see his reaction as Gwen says "we can't let her kill again".
Back at the Hub we see Jack trying to track the path the meteor has taking, using big words to explain it before Tosh simplifies it for the confused Gwen, which doesn't amuse Jack. Then Gwen, who is again standing to the side watching, likens what Jack's doing to something she understands - Rhys' job.
This is the first time the team learn about Rhys, and Gwen learns that the others aren't in relationships. Gwen speaks of Rhys with a proud tone, Jack chuckling when she says what Rhys does in on a smaller scale. When Gwen asks everyone, you see her face slowly fall as she realises she is the only one with a partner.
You see Jack taking an interest even as he keeps working, slightly surprised by the fact the others have no one having probably not paid much attention. Jack only turns around when Gwen says "not being rude or anything", a set look on his face, turning away again when Gwen asks how they switch off, Jack glancing over at Owen and allowing him to answer.
Jack doesn't seem to have really thought about this, and Gwen is becoming more shocked as she learns about her co-workers, but finds Owen's answer disturbing. Interestingly, Ianto is nowhere to be seen during this conversation. This is most likely not a coincidence.
When we next see the team, they are back at work analysing the information they collected at the crash site and since then. Ianto appears for the second time, arriving with the coffee as Gwen, once again, does the "you can't have this", verbally separating herself yet again.
Jack is very pleased to accept his coffee, standing back and observing his team. He corrects Gwen on her "you instead of we" before sipping from his coffee, Ianto having moved over to stand behind Gwen.
Jack glances toward Ianto with an amused look at Ianto's contribution to the search, Ianto reminding them in his own way that the old fashioned way is just as effective as the technology, if not better. His comment even earns a smile from Gwen before she looks back at the screen.
We see Gwen still trying to revert to what she knows, with fingerprints and evidence that are used by the police department which doesn't impress her new colleagues. Gwen gets snappy, Jack finally moving over to join them, his eyes on Gwen as he gauges her mood and tries to break up any fight before it begins, offering his own suggestion to finding Carys, Gwen leaping onto his suggestion and adding her own, finally winning Owen's approval of her methods.
Gwen is still trying to find her place, and it is evident that she is still nowhere near accustomed to a) the technology they use, and b) the way they work. Like Gwen, Ianto finds obvious ways of analysing the information, and Gwen is able to analyse what has been said and find other ways of using the information, using the lingo of the PD.
When they do track Carys down, Gwen notably is lacking a gun, yet comes in before Owen who is armed. Jack takes charge, issuing orders and keeping track of the others. Gwen, despite being a beat cop, still isn't used to making arrests and takes her eye of the suspect, almost allowing Carys to escape, then is shocked by the cell Owen uses to capture Carys. Even as Jack tells off Owen, Gwen cannot get her eyes off the cell and is completely fixated. It's only when Jack switches off the cell Gwen moves, taking Carys into custody, a role she is familiar with.
We then see Jack assuming Gwen knows all forms of police work, leaving it up to her to question Carys. Gwen protests, having expected help from the others but being left on her own. Gwen is not impressed but still does it, still managing to shoot an unimpressed glare after Jack.
Jack really sits up and takes notice of Gwen when Gwen and Carys start making out in the cells. Jack cannot keep his eyes off the footage, eyes wide and mouth open. It is clear he is shocked - he never expected that of Gwen - and he is quietly impressed. And, just like Tosh and Owen, he thinks it is as hot as hell.
Interestingly, Jack's hands go straight into his pockets at the first sight of it, before he catches himself and crosses his arms over his chest. While he is impressed, he isn't quiet sure what to make of it. It takes him a while to register what Tosh says before he realises the danger Gwen is in and he and Tosh run to save her. I do think, though, that Jack will be looking for a copy of Owen's recording once the mission is over.
We also, in this episode, have our first case of Rhys' inappropriately timed phone calls. He seems to have a sense for calling at exactly the wrong moment, but at the same time when things start getting tense or strange, we have Rhys on the phone providing a link back to reality.
Gwen also bends the truth a little when talking to Rhys, but now she actually has something to lie about whereas in "Everything Changes" it was more done for thrill. Rhys is already feeling neglected, but at this point in time is still able to joke about being "a special ops widow". You can hear the resignation in his voice. He misses Gwen, and already seems to know this is going to be a frequent thing. When she hangs up you can see the guilty look on Gwen's face - she knows Rhys isn't happy and wants to be there for him. Then, like Rhys brings us back to reality, Janet banging on the cell door crashes Gwen back into the world of Torchwood.
After Gwen attacks Owen, we yet again see Jack stepping in to break them up. His comment is light-hearted, but underlying his overall tone there is a hidden warning as he gives both Gwen and Owen a hard look. Gwen is too focused on glaring at Owen to notice, not ready to let it go. Before it can start again though, right on cue, Ianto appears with the Chinese food, Gwen still lost in her own thoughts to notice and not looking up as Jack steps away.
The next scene is interesting. As has already been pointed out in other analysis, this is one of the rare times we see Ianto actually laugh. He is clearly amused by what has just been said, joining in with the other members of the team, while Gwen is again isolated - she is sitting back, a smile on her face, but clearly not getting the joke.
We find that Ianto looks directly at Gwen as he continues the story, no doubt the team are relating past cases to Gwen to fill her in on what Torchwood life is like, and picking some of the more light-hearted stories so not to turn her off the job.
Jack's commenting about needing to use the bathroom is also one that is reserved to be used among people you are more familiar with. In most cases, you would not comment about where you are going, or say you need to go toilet, but Jack's "gotta pee" is more familiar. The team brush it off and keep eating, while Gwen continues to sit back with a tight smile on her face, still not comfortable as the tightness to her posture suggests.
Then things get more series, with Owen and Tosh interrogating Gwen on what she knows about Jack. Ianto shoots her a look, also curious but there is also a guarded look on his face. Gwen is intrigued that they don't know anything, while Ianto continues to become increasingly uncomfortable with the questioning. Ianto doesn't seem to want Jack's secrets out, although we aren't sure at this time what he knows given he has only been at Torchwood Cardiff for a limited time himself, but at the same time wants to know if Jack is more open with Gwen, whereas Gwen can't believe that the others know just as much about Jack as she does.
Gwen does respond quickly to Owen's comment about Jack being gay, disputing it, then you can see her questioning the suggestion with a slight disappointed look on her face and tone in her voice. Tosh reassures her that she doesn't agree, while Ianto's "I don't care" rules him out of any speculation and his tone suggests he wants the topic dropped, now, something Gwen picks up on given the look she gives him.
When Owen comments about Jack's choice of outfit, Gwen gives a pleased look. Evidently she loves the way he dresses, and this is our first real indication of any attraction Gwen has toward Jack. It is interesting to watch Ianto when she says it and explains why she likes it. He slowly straightens, a fixed look on his face as he looks at Owen, not Gwen, not pleased with the turn of the conversation.
Gwen, by now, is fully caught by the conversation, still not believing the same questions she has been asking herself are being asked by her other colleagues. She is enjoying the speculation almost as much as Tosh is, and it is only now that we see her reach for something to eat, at last comfortable enough with the others as the tension seems to have eased in her posture.
Then Ianto contributes his line about the CIA, playing on Gwen's comment about Jack's identity being classified. There is a slight smirk on his face as he says it - he already knows Jack is from the 51st Century and is sending them on a wild goose chase. Already we see Ianto being protective of Jack, and we see Gwen then agreeing with Ianto that "he must have his reasons to keep things secret", in her own way following Ianto in protecting Jack even though she doesn't know the answers, but agreeing with Owen about wanting to know what Jack's secrets are.
When Gwen hears Carys crying and asks what the sound is, we finally see Ianto and Gwen look at each other directly, something they seem to have been avoiding since their initial encounter in the Tourist Information Centre in “Everything Changes”. It is now that Jack returns, everyone fixated on the screen and not noticing.
It has been pointed out to me that when Gwen makes her comment "what are we doing eating when a girl fights for her life", we are given an almost foreshadowing close-up on Ianto's face. We see his mask fall back into place as a guilty look flashes over it - but is it Carys he is thinking of, or is it Lisa down in the basement, fighting for her life, that Ianto has temporarily forgotten about as he has been caught up in the conversation over dinner.
It is Jack that answers Gwen, rattling off all the things that have been happening while they were eating. Again Gwen is caught up in her old ways, forgetting about the technology of Torchwood that she does not yet fully understand. The look Gwen gives him is slightly disapproving, not happy with the situation and still thinking that they shouldn't be eating but working, something Jack clearly reads as he asks "is that enough?" and chuckles at the end.
Gwen is not impressed at all, finally speaking her observation of the team out loud. While Jack has been observing her, Gwen has been observing them and lets them know she finds them disconnected and cold, something that insults Jack. Its interesting that she thinks that, given that the first time we see Gwen she is having a coffee and talking about Friday night drinks, not caring about a dead body lying just up the road because its just another murder.
Jack is short with his comment back, almost glaring at her as he says "tell me what it's like to be human in the 21st Century", his way of showing his disapproval and insult to her comment, and also dropping a hint that this isn't his time period, a comment overlooked. Gwen, being Gwen, rises to his unspoken challenge.
When Gwen shows Jack the reports, he is at first intrigued and confused by what she has done, cluing in the fact that no one had done this before in Torchwood, at least while he's been there (at least, not that he’s noticed). Gwen is open and sincere with him as she reminds Jack that it’s not about the alien here, it’s about the girl, Gwen practically begging Jack with her voice and her eyes for Jack to help her.
Again we see Jack awed by her, but at the same time he is still confused and not sure what to make of this interesting new turn of events. This wasn't what he as expecting of Gwen at all, and he is seeing her in a new light. Gwen breaks him out of his thoughts, causing Jack to cover himself.
He is impressed by it all, letting Gwen know it although she just brushes the praise aside, more concerned about Carys at that moment than anything else including high praise from her boss. The moment is lost, though, when Gwen suggests bringing in Carys' father, Jack putting his foot down. Gwen counters him, and Jack makes the comment "are you always this awkward?".
Clearly he knows Gwen is going to be an issue for him, because it is hard for him to counter her arguments, especially when she is making sad puppy dog eyes at him which he seems to be having trouble resisting - he is trouble saying "no" when she does it. Luckily for him, he is saved by an intercom from Tosh asking him to come see new findings.
As Tosh reads out her findings, we find Jack and Gwen standing side-by-side listening in. Gwen doesn't seem to be excluding herself as much after the boardroom conversation, and is slowly growing more comfortable. When she lets them know she snogged Carys, Tosh and Jack tell her they know, and we see Jack smile down at Gwen, faint amusement and a hint of attraction in it while Gwen looks up sharply. Jack goes back to business, reminding Gwen of her plan and Gwen now knowing it’s a bad idea. Then they realise Owen is missing.
When Carys makes her escape and ends up in the tourist information office, we see Ianto hesitate, looking to Jack for instructions. Jack, who has just spent the last little while fighting and chasing Carys, holsters his weapon and asks Ianto to open the door, a request Ianto doesn't hesitate to follow.
Jack and Ianto don't look at each other, eyes firmly on Carys, Jack only looking away when he goes after the Doctor's hand. Ianto is clearly confused, not quite sure what just happened as Gwen and the others arrive. Gwen is not impressed when she sees Jack more concerned about a hand than Carys, and takes matters into her own hands as she leads Tosh out after her. This is Gwen's first real decision she has made on her own, following her instinct, although it doesn't pay off.
Gwen is disgusted by Jack's decision, and we see an almost role reversal here. Jack is the quiet one, body language closed off and completely fixated on the hand as Gwen tells him off. Jack, for his part, is pissed off about what just happened. He tells Gwen to prove herself and use the PD to find Carys, his displeasure for them evident in his voice.
Gwen, for her part, goes with the idea and tells him she will do it. Jack nods his head, happy she is following orders and completely missing the sarcastic and annoyed edge to her voice until she says "woman posses by an alien knobbing aliens to death", earning an eye roll from Jack, although he has to laugh at the idea.
During Owen's rat jam presentation, we again see Jack and Gwen standing side-by-side, completely serious and focussed on Owen. When the rat explodes they are taken aback, but Gwen seems to automatically picture what was going to happen to Carys instantly. Where Jack is in disbelief, Gwen is concerned.
As they try to work out how to find Carys, we now find that Gwen only has a railing separating her from Owen, while Jack and Tosh are on the same side as her. It is only Owen she is having trouble connecting with, while she is starting to bond with the other two (Ianto is notably absent yet again).
Gwen, Jack and Tosh are bouncing ideas off each other, something that has slowly become easier for them over the course of the episode. When Owen makes his joke about shagging Gwen, we find he gets disapproving looks from both Gwen and Jack. Gwen isn't impressed, while Jack sends a warning look toward Owen - Tosh makes no movement to begin with but is the one to comment and tell Owen off. Jack uses Owen's joke against him, Owen smirking as Jack puts them back on topic.
When they go to Carys' ex-boyfriends place, it is again Gwen that goes with Jack, not the more experienced rest of the team. We also have Jack throwing in his "back catalogue" comment at Gwen, which earns him a look before Jack walks out the door and we have Gwen running after him yet again. Clearly she's not tired of following him yet.
In the SUV we get another instance of Gwen not approving of Torchwood tactics. She makes a joke about drugging the water, and Owen and Jack answer seriously which causes yet another shocked/disapproving look from her as she uncovers another dirty little secret - especially given she would have drunk the water in question.
Jack and the others look to Gwen for the answers, something that shocks and throws her. Gwen gets defensive, not winning points with the team as Owen comments to Jack about Gwen working under pressure, cluing us in on the fact it’s not just Jack assessing Gwen's usefulness to Torchwood. Gwen closes herself off again, looking out the window of the SUV and excluding herself, only answering Jack when he gives her a direct question about Carys’ job.
Then Gwen is given another shock - Owen hands her a gun. She looks to Jack, fear evident on her face at the prospect of using it, Jack obviously not aware of the training the beat cops have (or don't have, in this scenario). He reassures her that they will make sure she won't have to use it, but Jack is distracted by the task at hand, no doubt planning how to approach the situation.
As the others work out the plan, Gwen is not happy with the idea of them killing the alien, but is more concerned with Carys. Meanwhile, Jack, Owen and Tosh are more interested in how to handle the alien itself rather than its victim before more people die, once again separating themselves from Gwen in terms of their outlook, only there is no time to argue at the moment.
As they search the clinic, Gwen doesn't stray far from Jack. Gwen keeps her gun down by her side, dropping it when Carys goes down. Jack remains serious and set, Gwen automatically going to Carys’ side while the others hold back. Gwen later watches on with hope when Jack does his part to try and help Carys.
When Gwen proposes to use herself, we see Jack grab her. He says her name with an infliction of a warning, reading to tell her straight out "no", but she pulls those eyes on him again. Gwen isn't clear about what she wants to do, but Jack already has a plan.
When Jack says "like she said: she's responsible for this" we see the pain in Gwen's eyes. Jack's words have wounded her, even as Jack walks away and leaves her, supposably abandoned, to deal with the situation by sacrificing herself. Owen and Tosh do not approve, but do not stop it.
Jack stands back, hands in pockets watching impassively as beside him, Gwen stares terrified at the alien. She closes her eyes, waiting for the inevitable as once again Jack saves her. As Gwen watches the alien, Jack watches her, judging her reaction to the events.
Gwen is shocked by the death of the alien, looking at Jack in surprise but he is still impassive, kneeling to inspect the dust. Gwen looks at it, then him, randomly reaching out and catching him by the chin and kissing him in thanks (no doubt for saving her, and for helping Carys). Jack is shocked, mystified by the move but clearly not opposed to it. Gwen has surprised him again, and when they return Carys to her father there is a proud smile on Jack's face - she past the test.
When Gwen says back to clean up, we are again given a hint that just as the team don't know Jack, Jack doesn't know much about his team (something that comes back to bite him big time in "Cyberwoman"). It is in this scene that Jack tells Gwen for the first time not to lose contact with her life outside of Torchwood, because that is what makes her different from the others.
Gwen turns to him, hands on hips as she sizes him up. At this moment Gwen is on a higher step, giving her more power and authority in the scene. She asks who he is, Jack frowning and asking for clarification - he doesn't seem to get asked this question often. The others think it, but none of them have ever had the nerve to ask him, but Gwen does have the nerve.
There is a railing between them, and even as Jack moves up the step he leans against it, keeping him slightly lower than Gwen. She has picked up on his hints, but he isn't giving anything away. Like the episode before, Gwen seems to be fixated on him - he is her main case, and she wants to work him out. She is trying the direct approach, but is doesn't seem to be working.
Jack looks at her, and yet again you can see that he is aware that she is going to be trouble. She's stubborn, and he knows she won't quit. Instead of answering he tells her to go home, reminding her of Rhys and telling her to "be normal". His expression softens, and there is a hint of affection there. Gwen still fascinates him, but he is pushing her away back to Rhys.
Interestingly it isn't until he tells her to do it "for me" that Gwen backs off, her own expression softening as she smiles faintly.
The next shot is of Gwen home with Rhys, not listening to him though, her mind still on what had happened. She does as Jack asked her: she eats lasagne, kisses Rhys and is normal.
Rhys is every part the understanding boyfriend, but in Gwen's eyes you can see that her mind is elsewhere, a hint of sadness as she knows she can't "be normal", but still asks Rhys to go to bed. If anything has come about from Gwen joining Torchwood, her sex life with Rhys has definitely improved.
Gwen comes a long way in "Day One", as does the relationship between Jack and Gwen as they lose some of the awkwardness and distrust, Gwen becoming more comfortable with Torchwood and Jack's fascination with her increasing. At the same time, we see Gwen starting to become distant from Rhys. There isn't enough Ianto in the episode to make any real comments on his relationship with anyone, but his barrier with the team (and Gwen) still exists, and he doesn't like people questioning Jack.
Next Up: The team go Ghostbusters in "Ghost Machine"