Analysing Torchwood - Part Four
Okay, let's continue on with the analysis. It's been a while, but here's Part Four. There were a few scenes surprised me when i analysed them. For those who don't remember I'm looking at Gwen, Jack, Ianto and Rhys, and their relationships...
Analysing Torchwood Part Four
Previously: "Day One", and Gwen's first day on the job
"Ghost Machine"
Ghost Machine opens with us seeing the team at work, Gwen on foot with Owen chasing the alien, while Jack is driving the SUV. Gwen is now fully part of the team, the awkwardness of "Day One" now gone as Gwen finds herself slotting easily into Torchwood life, even though she thinks she is still failing again.
Gwen's naivety still means she makes mistakes, like activating the piece of alien tech and again likening what she has seen to what she already knows - she believes she has seen a ghost, although by both Jack and Owen's expressions they seem to think this is impossible.
Jack clearly wants to get to the bottom of what is going on, and at the same times has sensed how upset Gwen is by all this. He moves to her side, and you can hear the worry yet confusion in his voice. We also see Ianto hovering, entering the episode earlier than the two previous and we also see Jack doing a very rare thing - he turns down Ianto's coffee.
At this point in time Jack is too focused on trying to figure out the puzzle before him he will not allow himself to have something that will distract him. He gestures for Ianto to serve Tosh first, while he himself studies the emotional Gwen for some sort of clue as to what happened.
For her part Gwen is purely convinced about what she saw, and is using everything she can to try and convince the others although she knows there is no physical proof - Tosh has just shown that to her. Gwen's body language, voice and expression tell us she is slowly becoming more confused, which is not helping her case.
As he studies the device Jack steps away from Gwen, seeming to have worked out that it is all connected to it. We see Ianto stand by with his coffees, getting his own first look at the device although not contributing to the conversation - rather, he is the dutiful coffee boy, wanting to join in but unable just as Gwen was at the PD in "Everything Changes".
We again see Gwen and Owen clashing as Gwen becomes defensive, Jack distracting them by continuing his study of the device. Unlike before, he hasn't broken the "kids" up by a look or a comment, instead bringing them back onto task by pretending to press the button, and when the team quickly warn him against it, Jack throws looks at Gwen and Ianto as he says "as if", a "you really think I'd do that?" expression on his face.
Gwen jumps open what Jack has said, moving to stand just below him, pulling those sad eyes mixed with confusion on him, almost begging hm to believe her and to find out what happened. Jack seems to know better now as he doesn't look at her, instead moving away and asking Tosh as he knows she is the one most likely to give him answers as he doesn't know them, while Gwen seems to think he doesn't.
He has Tosh check every avenue to track the boy down, using information and methods similar to Gwen's check on Carys in the episode prior although Gwen makes no move to contribute. Owen finds their target first though, using a method more like Ianto's idea in "Day One" of using his eyes rather than the fancy technology - Owen finds them in the phone book, leaving Gwen stunned, and Jack quietly taken back.
After leaving the home of Thomas, Gwen receives a more appropriately timed phone call from Rhys, much to Owen's disgust. Again we see Rhys doing an ordinary everyday mundane task of doing the washing, but not knowing how to use the machine. Rhys, it would seem, is slowly having to take over the household chores as Gwen sinks deeper into the world of Torchwood, having to learn how to use things like the washing machine which is something he doesn't seem to have done before although he knows to separate the whites and darks.
Gwen is caught up in her world, unable to answer the simple question Rhys has asked and telling him to "leave it", a smile telling us she is glad to hear from him. Rhys tells her "it's no trouble", seeming to know that if he doesn't do it, it won't be done, especially given how large the pile of washing is. It's been, judging but how much there is, at least two weeks worth sitting on the floor.
Rhys then carefully slots the question "are you in or out tonight" into the conversation, his body posture relaxed but his disproval at her answer shocks even Gwen. Evidently Gwen not coming home is becoming a very regular thing and it is beginning to bother Rhys who has joked about being the "special ops widow" previously, only now it is becoming a reality.
He repeats his question, wanting a direct answer. Gwen is laughing it off, but Rhys' irritation is growing. The anger is creeping into his voice. He knows she can't tell him about her job, but he wants to know when she'll be home. Gwen, it would seem, has gone beyond lying to Rhys to not telling him at all, and it is getting on his nerves.
Gwen's amusement dies quickly as she detects his tone, telling him to stop nagging. Anyone who's been in a relationship knows that this is no-no territory, and Rhys instantly slams up his defences, almost not believing she has said that when all he wants to know is the simple question: are you coming home tonight.
Rhys is tired of waiting for Gwen to come home, and tells her that he's going to Daf's place for the night and hangs up before she can reply. Despite what Jack told her in the previous episode, Gwen is allowing Torchwood to consume her and is neglecting Rhys more than ever, not seeming to realise how good the life she considers "boring" actually is.
Owen beeps the horn dragging Gwen back into the Torchwood world, and Gwen stares at the disconnected phone contemplating. She's just been given her first clue that everything is not well at home and she needs to be there, while back at the flat Rhys suddenly realises that he never got the answer for the question he'd asked in the first place: how to use the washing machine. Even as Gwen goes back to work, Rhys has his own problems.
Back at Torchwood, Jack brings up the suspect on his computer as once again Gwen commandeers his window to stick information related to the case up on it just as the PD does. Gwen briefs the team on what she knows, a slightly distracted edge to her voice - her conversation with Rhys seems to have thrown her, but she is still doing her job.
Meanwhile, Ianto reprimands Jack about not alerting him to them coming to the Hub, cluing us to the fact the team are there at a time they would normally not be. or perhaps it is at a time when Ianto himself would be away. He again serves Jack first, although this time it is take-away coffee rather than his own blend that Jack turned away earlier in the episode. It has been raised by others that this store bought coffee is in fact punishment for rejecting his own coffee earlier.
Jack dives eagerly for the food even as Tosh takes over reading out the information about Bernie more enthusiastically than the distracted Gwen did, as Ianto serves Gwen second. They are all focused on the investigation without being focused on the investigation - Jack is preoccupied with stuffing his face, Gwen is brooding about Rhys, Owen is playing video games, and Ianto is serving food. Only Tosh is 100% completely focussed on the job.
At the mention of the machine Gwen again becomes focused on it, trying to work out exactly what had happened to her. Jack suggests they look into Bernie even as he stuffs himself, and we hear Ianto contribute to the investigation for the first time with his comment about how to pronounce "Splott" (aka "Sploe"), although the Captains Blog entry in the Torchwood Archives tells us that Jack isn't so sure about that. If it is the case Ianto is lying, he has deliberately used the opening to draw attention to himself after being vastly ignored by the team previously.
We see that Gwen has very easily slotted into the team now, getting along better with Tosh and Owen. As they eat by the river we see Jack once again seeming to be the disapproving father - his kids have given up on him, and he is ticked off.
Placement has them sitting down, lower than him, while Jack stands over them looking at them disapprovingly even as Tosh and Gwen give him "please forgive me" eyes and Owen impassive. Jack can't believe they have given up, letting out a heavy sigh to voice his disproval before stalking off.
The three automatically know they are in trouble and, as children do, rush after him trying to explain themselves and win back his love and support. Gwen asks where they are going, Jack explaining with a hint of anger while not looking at them, a tightness to his figure as he tries to keep down his anger although it can be heard in his voice.
Gwen instantly becomes defensive and shocked at the prospect of putting herself through the incident again, Jack finally turning to look at her although he selects Owen for the mission, no doubt because Owen argued harder than the others about why they gave up.
Jack is getting short with them, even as Gwen begins to try to reason with him with those eyes of hers, but Jack will have no bar of it. It's only when Owen points out some issues that Jack turns on them, reprimanding them about not being able to complete a simple mission. They don't reply, knowing they have annoyed him, as Jack has read the situation as being if it isn't alien related, they aren't interested, something backed up by Owen's comment about "door to door stuff".
When the device activates on Owen, Gwen is the first to rush to his side knowing exactly how traumatic the experience can be. Jack's anger seems to have been put on hold, a curious expression on his face as he observes Owen. Gwen is clearly concerned about how Owen has come out of his own encounter with the past, but is still reluctant to get too close - she still doesn’t know the team well enough, and this is no doubt the first time she has seen Owen so vulnerable. Gwen takes the device from him, then can only stand back and watch him as he breaks down.
Back at the Hub things have returned to normal - Jack is in charge going back over what has happened while Gwen continuing to stick pieces of the puzzle up on the glass window and filling in the bits Jack misses. The team are spread out - Jack is in his office, disconnected from Gwen and Owen since he hasn't experienced it and can only observe. Meanwhile, Owen has retreated to the couch as Gwen sympathises with him. Jack only joining in at a look from Gwen.
Even as the others go over Owen's experience and try to place it in time and connect it to the real event, Jack is quietly contemplating in the background, staring at the artefact trying to work out what it is. Then we see him have an epiphany as the computer flashes up the readings, working out what it is and exactly what is happening, something that has been bothering him and causing him to lash out at the team when they quit on him.
Now that he knows what's going on, Jack is able to explain it to the team. Seeing they don't quiet understand, Jack reduces it to what they know, much like how Gwen tries to understand things. He waits until they understand before moving off.
Not even a second later, Jack once again shifts into the father role as Owen begins to show signs of becoming a little too interested in the old Lizzie Lewis case, Jack reprimanding him, hands on hips and a warning look on his face, before sliding into boss mode by reminding Owen of the procedures.
Gwen and Tosh remaining silent as Jack dismisses Owen for the day, a "do not question my authority" look on his face. After Jack orders Gwen to come with him, she gives Owen a sympathetic look before following Jack out of the room, again not saying anything. Gwen has learnt there are times when not to get involved, and no doubt can sense Jack's mood.
Then we come to the most blatant scene to demonstrate the attraction between Jack and Gwen - the shooting range scene. As demonstrated in the previous episode, Gwen has no knowledge of firearms, something that had shocked her colleagues. Being the most senior officer of Torchwood (and the boss to boot) and there being no outer training facilities, It is Jack's job to make sure his team have all the necessary skills required including how to use firearms, having no doubt trained Owen and Tosh (and possibly Ianto) how to shoot when they joined the team.
Now it is Gwen's turn, Gwen overwhelmed by the discovery of the Torchwood shooting range, the sheer size and scope of it no doubt making her feel small. Jack has converted a section of the old railroad tunnel that had connected the branches of Torchwood, a safe place to learn the shoot and a way for the sound to echo out.
Gwen's expression of awe doesn't shift until Jack points to the guns, Gwen noticing them for the first time. Gwen is put on the back foot at the prospect of learning how to shoot. Jack reassures her there may not be a need to ever use the weapon, but it is still necessary to know how. Gwen becomes nervous as he laugh illustrates, not quite believing what is happening, Jack making a little joke to try and ease her.
We then slip into the training scene, Jack going through and showing her the basics, Gwen watching with a serious expression on her face. The jokes are over now, time to get down to business. Jack hands her the gun, watching her but instantly pushing it away when she brings it up, unintentionally pointing it in his face. Gwen is wide-eyed, obviously scared out of her wits and thus making little mistakes.
Again Gwen goes with what she knows, trying to imitate what she has seen in films, Jack most likely having expected this and stepping into correct her. He gently guides her into the proper shoot position, trying not to laugh as he falls into the role of mentor, Gwen no longer seeming to be adverse to his touch or perhaps just allowing it given the circumstances. Gwen looks sheepish as Jack guides her, knowing she'd done wrong and letting him correct her.
Then Jack does what Jack does best - he takes advantage of the situation to flirt a little. He brushes Gwen's hair back from her face, Gwen's eyes widening as she realises just how close he is. It seems to be this moment that Gwen really begins to realise her attraction to him, as previously she has suppressed any thoughts and Jack's hands on training is getting to her (can't blame her).
Jack is enjoying it, playing with Gwen a little and using the opportunity to be close to her, all the while keeping on topic of teaching Gwen how to shoot. Gwen is distracted now, hence her rush to bring up the weapon, now most likely not only scared by the prospect of learning to shoot a weapon, but by her thoughts about Jack.
Again Jack tries not to laugh at Gwen's little mistake, going back to training her. When he pulls Gwen back against him, a look of surprise flashes across her face. Gwen's mind is now clearly no longer on her fear of shooting but rather on Jack, perhaps Jack's intention as he encourages Gwen to bring up her gun and to relax, and even as Jack sets the gun Gwen's eyes (and no doubt thoughts) are on him rather than the weapon.
Jack braces Gwen against him, watching both her and the way she is holding the gun at the same time, judging her reactions to everything. He is studying her as he teaches her, as this is a new situation for her and a new opportunity for him to observe her.
When Gwen finally shoots the gun she is shocked, no doubt having been too distracted to notice. Jack pulls her back against him again, hugging her from behind in congratulation and this time allowing himself to laugh at her reaction. A fleeting look to the side from Gwen tells us that she is still slightly distracted by what has just happened, but Jack puts her back on task.
We are then given a montage of shots as Jack teaches Gwen how to use other weapons and we see her firing them, her initial fear of the guns slowly fading as she becomes used to them. Jack even has the opportunity to show off, and the hands on teaching goes onto the backburner as Jack's instruction becomes more serious. When Jack does touch her, it seems to be to brace her from the recoil of the weapon and prevent her from being knocked off her feet.
Then Gwen notices the time, but her mind is still on Jack. She asks him about when he gets to go home, and you see a fleeting look cross his face. It's almost a look of sadness, but at the same time a slight look of interest at Gwen - quite possibly no one has asked him that in a long time.
Jack brushes it off, telling her his always on duty and hates commuting to get her to laugh. This is our first indication that Jack lives in the Hub, Jack not telling her where his sleeping quarters are since he doesn't sleep. When Gwen says "doesn't it get lonely at night", a guarded look crosses Jack's face. Gwen's question is echoed in a comment made in Season Two by Ianto, but at this point Jack refuses to answer, Gwen sensing this and saying how she needs to get back to Rhys.
Jack dismisses her, Gwen almost rushing to get away as Jack goes back to clearing up the weapons. He glances back after her for a moment, the expression on his face one of mixed emotion. He is no doubt thinking about her last question, a hint of sadness at the answer mixed with anger at her intruding and awe at her asking, but he gets back to the job.
Gwen finally returns home to find the house empty, slightly surprised to find Rhys not there. She is saddened, no doubt realising for the first time how serious things are in regards to Rhys slipping away. She listens to Rhys' message he's left from Daf's place, Rhys at least having the kindness to call her. He lets her know what he's done - the washing and the bins out, but she needs to hang the clothes and do the washing up.
There is a telling line in Rhys' message, where he says about the washing up "But there's not much of that so... But you haven't done it in weeks anyway", backing up the idea that everything is falling back onto Rhys as Gwen is so caught up in Torchwood. Even now, as she listens t Rhys' message she is preoccupied by the alien artefact she has smuggled out of the Hub.
In "Everything Changes" Gwen had witnessed the consequences of what happens in a piece of tech is taken from the Hub, but still she has done it. She stops listening to Rhys' message, Gwen even going so far as to activate the device again.
We are given a series of flashbacks of Gwen and Rhys' relationship, from Gwen's graduation as a PC and getting ready to go out with Gwen's family. It is interesting how this scene is constructed, with Torchwood Gwen an observer, removed from her own reality. These are flashes of who she was and reminders of what Rhys was to her in her past life before she started lying and taking Rhys for granted.
They bring a smile to Gwen's face as she remembers what life once was, almost a reminder of just what she is risking with her games. These were happier times and she is losing touch with them, losing Rhys, because she isn't there anymore. She realises this as the memories fade, a conflicted look on her face as she turns away.
Then, right on cue Rhys appears with a tale about how "Daf and Karen had a barny", and how she made him sleep in the spare room and Rhys didn't want the sofa. It's hard to know if this is true, as Rhys could very well be using it as a description of the fight he and Gwen had earlier.
Rhys has no doubt had time to think about things, telling her he doesn't mind her hours just so long as she wants to come home. He clearly still loves and wants to be with her despite the way she has been treating him, and Gwen realises this. She reassures him that she does want still want to be with him, taking a load of Rhys' mind as they go about forgiving one another.
There is an interesting little moment in the bar after Owen has found Bernie and the team arrive. We see Gwen tossing Jack the alien artefact, which catches my eye for two reasons 1) it is a direct contrast to Gwen throwing Owen a tool in "Day One" and being told off for it, as Gwen now seems to know when it is appropriate to throw things, and 2) Gwen knew Jack wanted the artefact without Jack having to say a word.
When we go to Bernie's house, the team are in their professional roles, observing and investigating, confiscating alien artefacts. Gwen is more than prepared to remain with them up until the point Bernie catches her attention about seeing himself die, Gwen intrigued by this new mystery. Jack, meanwhile, remains the boss, once more annoyed by the fact Gwen has allowed herself to be sidetracked and very much sounding like a father telling his daughter to hurry up, Gwen picking up on the fact she is in trouble and quickly rushing after her "father" to bargain for a little more time.
When Gwen activates the technology, we see Jack half panic. They don't yet know what the technology is capable of now that it is in one piece - if one piece is the past and one is the future, what are both pieces together. He rushes over, but Gwen has already activated it. We can see by the flashing lights only one side as activated, but Jack doesn't know this.
Jack instantly confiscates the technology, his "Christ Gwen, what were you thinking?" betraying his panic and faint relief that nothing bad happened while all the while telling her off, although Gwen doesn't hear him - she's too busy staring at Owen.
It's not until they're back at the Hub that Gwen tells Jack about what she saw. Again, the staging of this scene is interesting, as you can see Owen through the window over Gwen's shoulder. Gwen's mind and suspicion is on Owen, and his image is hovering behind her, clouded and distorted by the glass, in full view of Jack who has recently had one member of his team go bad which would make him slightly paranoid about the others.
Despite this, Jack is more than willing to push the accusations aside by using his knowledge of time travel, the "the future is always in motion" argument that the Doctor often uses. Gwen, however, is putting the evidence together -Bernie saw himself die, and Gwen saw herself holding a knife, hands covered in blood, saying "Owen had the knife" and she "couldn't stop him".
Another interesting piece of staging is the fact we see Gwen playing with Jack's hourglass, and I don't mean that as innuendo. As she's asking Jack if there's anyway to know if the future is real and Jack tells her no, she is fiddling with it, although the sand is all resting in the bottom, not in motion at all - it's fixed, standing still. Gwen is not convinced by Jack's "possible futures" argument and he can see that, but he goes no future to reassure her.
Later, when Owen's visit to Ed Morgan is revealed, Jack calls Gwen to fill her in, thus filling in more pieces of the puzzle for Gwen although she is surprised by the news that Bernie was blackmailing Ed, despite her being the one to supposably do the background check on him. We also see Jack under the assumption Gwen had gone home, and ever so slightly put off by the fact she's still working but he covers himself well.
When Jack calls Gwen again later to let her know that Ed Morgan is coming, he doesn't get a chance as Gwen again become preoccupied by her little puzzle and runs off. Yet again we see a disapproving look on Jack's face, and the viewer knows from that look that Gwen is going to get told off for it later. Owen knows it too, given his reaction to the look on Jack's face and the fact he doesn't ask what happened when he normally would.
During the confrontation on the street, there is a silent exchange of looks between Jack and Gwen after Owen starts his advance on Ed. Gwen's look is of panic: "Jack, this is it, this is what I saw", while Jack has also worked it out from what Gwen has told him, and is quickly thinking of a way to change it, including pulling Ed away and warning Owen off.
When Ed does die and Gwen goes into shock, we can't see Jack's face but from his body language we can tell he is going through a mix of emotions - exasperation, disappointment, anger, and knowledge that he has a trial on his hands. We hear his heavy sigh, see him bring a hand to his forehead, all the while looking at Gwen who can't work out what has just happened and is looking to him for help, but Jack knowing he is helpless.
Jack now has a mini trial on his hands - this is the first person Gwen has been involved in killing, and Jack had told her earlier that episode he hoped she never would have too as he knew it would take away part of her innocence that helped set her apart from the rest of the team who knew death.
As the team try to comfort Gwen, Ianto appears again for the first time in ages, pouring out drinks for everyone except Jack. Ianto is like that person who has come into the theatre late and missed most the show, trying to slink around without interrupting it for anyone else. Meanwhile, Jack is in his own way telling the team off for their reactions about the past and future, warning them against trying anything in the future.
Jack then hands the artefact to the one person he seems to trust with it - Ianto - to put away into the vaults. As previously seen Ianto has full access to the vaults in archives despite his short time at the Hub, and Ianto also knows instantly what Jack wants without Jack saying a word nor looking at him.
Jack then takes Gwen outside to watch the sunrise, a symbol of the future and a new day, a new start, that everything that has been is now in the past. Gwen is still blaming herself, Jack trying his best to reassure her that it wasn't her fault if Ed wanted to die, instead bringing Gwen's attention to the sky and Gwen picking up on his meaning although Gwen still seems to be doing a Lady Macbeth - still able to see the blood despite washing it away, a symbol of a guilty conscience.
Jack is clearly fascinated by the thought of the energy around him, and reminds Gwen that no matter what, they cannot have any impact on it. By the look in Jack's eye it is clear he is concerned for Gwen, can see just how much this experience has impacted on her and worried about how much damage it has done. This is another trial for Gwen, and Jack wants her to pass it.
Jack reminds her that they can only learn to accept what is around them, and we can see by the expression on Gwen's face that it is all a little two much at that moment. Jack puts a comforting arm around her, turning her back toward the bay as Gwen leans against him, needing that comfort right now.
"Ghost Machine" proves to be an episode full of tests and trials for Owen and Gwen, both of whom make mistakes although it is Gwen who suffers the most for it. Where "Day One" is the learning curve, "Ghost Machine" is the loss of Gwen's innocence, and a change for the team to see a different side of Owen. For his part, Jack plays more the role of the father to the team, and we are given our first glimpse at Gwen's attraction for him. Again, not enough Ianto to make comments, aside from the fact he seems to be able to know what Jack wants without Jack needing to say a word.
Next Up: Ianto's secret is revealed in "Cyberwoman"
Analysing Torchwood Part Four
Previously: "Day One", and Gwen's first day on the job
"Ghost Machine"
Ghost Machine opens with us seeing the team at work, Gwen on foot with Owen chasing the alien, while Jack is driving the SUV. Gwen is now fully part of the team, the awkwardness of "Day One" now gone as Gwen finds herself slotting easily into Torchwood life, even though she thinks she is still failing again.
Gwen's naivety still means she makes mistakes, like activating the piece of alien tech and again likening what she has seen to what she already knows - she believes she has seen a ghost, although by both Jack and Owen's expressions they seem to think this is impossible.
Jack clearly wants to get to the bottom of what is going on, and at the same times has sensed how upset Gwen is by all this. He moves to her side, and you can hear the worry yet confusion in his voice. We also see Ianto hovering, entering the episode earlier than the two previous and we also see Jack doing a very rare thing - he turns down Ianto's coffee.
At this point in time Jack is too focused on trying to figure out the puzzle before him he will not allow himself to have something that will distract him. He gestures for Ianto to serve Tosh first, while he himself studies the emotional Gwen for some sort of clue as to what happened.
For her part Gwen is purely convinced about what she saw, and is using everything she can to try and convince the others although she knows there is no physical proof - Tosh has just shown that to her. Gwen's body language, voice and expression tell us she is slowly becoming more confused, which is not helping her case.
As he studies the device Jack steps away from Gwen, seeming to have worked out that it is all connected to it. We see Ianto stand by with his coffees, getting his own first look at the device although not contributing to the conversation - rather, he is the dutiful coffee boy, wanting to join in but unable just as Gwen was at the PD in "Everything Changes".
We again see Gwen and Owen clashing as Gwen becomes defensive, Jack distracting them by continuing his study of the device. Unlike before, he hasn't broken the "kids" up by a look or a comment, instead bringing them back onto task by pretending to press the button, and when the team quickly warn him against it, Jack throws looks at Gwen and Ianto as he says "as if", a "you really think I'd do that?" expression on his face.
Gwen jumps open what Jack has said, moving to stand just below him, pulling those sad eyes mixed with confusion on him, almost begging hm to believe her and to find out what happened. Jack seems to know better now as he doesn't look at her, instead moving away and asking Tosh as he knows she is the one most likely to give him answers as he doesn't know them, while Gwen seems to think he doesn't.
He has Tosh check every avenue to track the boy down, using information and methods similar to Gwen's check on Carys in the episode prior although Gwen makes no move to contribute. Owen finds their target first though, using a method more like Ianto's idea in "Day One" of using his eyes rather than the fancy technology - Owen finds them in the phone book, leaving Gwen stunned, and Jack quietly taken back.
After leaving the home of Thomas, Gwen receives a more appropriately timed phone call from Rhys, much to Owen's disgust. Again we see Rhys doing an ordinary everyday mundane task of doing the washing, but not knowing how to use the machine. Rhys, it would seem, is slowly having to take over the household chores as Gwen sinks deeper into the world of Torchwood, having to learn how to use things like the washing machine which is something he doesn't seem to have done before although he knows to separate the whites and darks.
Gwen is caught up in her world, unable to answer the simple question Rhys has asked and telling him to "leave it", a smile telling us she is glad to hear from him. Rhys tells her "it's no trouble", seeming to know that if he doesn't do it, it won't be done, especially given how large the pile of washing is. It's been, judging but how much there is, at least two weeks worth sitting on the floor.
Rhys then carefully slots the question "are you in or out tonight" into the conversation, his body posture relaxed but his disproval at her answer shocks even Gwen. Evidently Gwen not coming home is becoming a very regular thing and it is beginning to bother Rhys who has joked about being the "special ops widow" previously, only now it is becoming a reality.
He repeats his question, wanting a direct answer. Gwen is laughing it off, but Rhys' irritation is growing. The anger is creeping into his voice. He knows she can't tell him about her job, but he wants to know when she'll be home. Gwen, it would seem, has gone beyond lying to Rhys to not telling him at all, and it is getting on his nerves.
Gwen's amusement dies quickly as she detects his tone, telling him to stop nagging. Anyone who's been in a relationship knows that this is no-no territory, and Rhys instantly slams up his defences, almost not believing she has said that when all he wants to know is the simple question: are you coming home tonight.
Rhys is tired of waiting for Gwen to come home, and tells her that he's going to Daf's place for the night and hangs up before she can reply. Despite what Jack told her in the previous episode, Gwen is allowing Torchwood to consume her and is neglecting Rhys more than ever, not seeming to realise how good the life she considers "boring" actually is.
Owen beeps the horn dragging Gwen back into the Torchwood world, and Gwen stares at the disconnected phone contemplating. She's just been given her first clue that everything is not well at home and she needs to be there, while back at the flat Rhys suddenly realises that he never got the answer for the question he'd asked in the first place: how to use the washing machine. Even as Gwen goes back to work, Rhys has his own problems.
Back at Torchwood, Jack brings up the suspect on his computer as once again Gwen commandeers his window to stick information related to the case up on it just as the PD does. Gwen briefs the team on what she knows, a slightly distracted edge to her voice - her conversation with Rhys seems to have thrown her, but she is still doing her job.
Meanwhile, Ianto reprimands Jack about not alerting him to them coming to the Hub, cluing us to the fact the team are there at a time they would normally not be. or perhaps it is at a time when Ianto himself would be away. He again serves Jack first, although this time it is take-away coffee rather than his own blend that Jack turned away earlier in the episode. It has been raised by others that this store bought coffee is in fact punishment for rejecting his own coffee earlier.
Jack dives eagerly for the food even as Tosh takes over reading out the information about Bernie more enthusiastically than the distracted Gwen did, as Ianto serves Gwen second. They are all focused on the investigation without being focused on the investigation - Jack is preoccupied with stuffing his face, Gwen is brooding about Rhys, Owen is playing video games, and Ianto is serving food. Only Tosh is 100% completely focussed on the job.
At the mention of the machine Gwen again becomes focused on it, trying to work out exactly what had happened to her. Jack suggests they look into Bernie even as he stuffs himself, and we hear Ianto contribute to the investigation for the first time with his comment about how to pronounce "Splott" (aka "Sploe"), although the Captains Blog entry in the Torchwood Archives tells us that Jack isn't so sure about that. If it is the case Ianto is lying, he has deliberately used the opening to draw attention to himself after being vastly ignored by the team previously.
We see that Gwen has very easily slotted into the team now, getting along better with Tosh and Owen. As they eat by the river we see Jack once again seeming to be the disapproving father - his kids have given up on him, and he is ticked off.
Placement has them sitting down, lower than him, while Jack stands over them looking at them disapprovingly even as Tosh and Gwen give him "please forgive me" eyes and Owen impassive. Jack can't believe they have given up, letting out a heavy sigh to voice his disproval before stalking off.
The three automatically know they are in trouble and, as children do, rush after him trying to explain themselves and win back his love and support. Gwen asks where they are going, Jack explaining with a hint of anger while not looking at them, a tightness to his figure as he tries to keep down his anger although it can be heard in his voice.
Gwen instantly becomes defensive and shocked at the prospect of putting herself through the incident again, Jack finally turning to look at her although he selects Owen for the mission, no doubt because Owen argued harder than the others about why they gave up.
Jack is getting short with them, even as Gwen begins to try to reason with him with those eyes of hers, but Jack will have no bar of it. It's only when Owen points out some issues that Jack turns on them, reprimanding them about not being able to complete a simple mission. They don't reply, knowing they have annoyed him, as Jack has read the situation as being if it isn't alien related, they aren't interested, something backed up by Owen's comment about "door to door stuff".
When the device activates on Owen, Gwen is the first to rush to his side knowing exactly how traumatic the experience can be. Jack's anger seems to have been put on hold, a curious expression on his face as he observes Owen. Gwen is clearly concerned about how Owen has come out of his own encounter with the past, but is still reluctant to get too close - she still doesn’t know the team well enough, and this is no doubt the first time she has seen Owen so vulnerable. Gwen takes the device from him, then can only stand back and watch him as he breaks down.
Back at the Hub things have returned to normal - Jack is in charge going back over what has happened while Gwen continuing to stick pieces of the puzzle up on the glass window and filling in the bits Jack misses. The team are spread out - Jack is in his office, disconnected from Gwen and Owen since he hasn't experienced it and can only observe. Meanwhile, Owen has retreated to the couch as Gwen sympathises with him. Jack only joining in at a look from Gwen.
Even as the others go over Owen's experience and try to place it in time and connect it to the real event, Jack is quietly contemplating in the background, staring at the artefact trying to work out what it is. Then we see him have an epiphany as the computer flashes up the readings, working out what it is and exactly what is happening, something that has been bothering him and causing him to lash out at the team when they quit on him.
Now that he knows what's going on, Jack is able to explain it to the team. Seeing they don't quiet understand, Jack reduces it to what they know, much like how Gwen tries to understand things. He waits until they understand before moving off.
Not even a second later, Jack once again shifts into the father role as Owen begins to show signs of becoming a little too interested in the old Lizzie Lewis case, Jack reprimanding him, hands on hips and a warning look on his face, before sliding into boss mode by reminding Owen of the procedures.
Gwen and Tosh remaining silent as Jack dismisses Owen for the day, a "do not question my authority" look on his face. After Jack orders Gwen to come with him, she gives Owen a sympathetic look before following Jack out of the room, again not saying anything. Gwen has learnt there are times when not to get involved, and no doubt can sense Jack's mood.
Then we come to the most blatant scene to demonstrate the attraction between Jack and Gwen - the shooting range scene. As demonstrated in the previous episode, Gwen has no knowledge of firearms, something that had shocked her colleagues. Being the most senior officer of Torchwood (and the boss to boot) and there being no outer training facilities, It is Jack's job to make sure his team have all the necessary skills required including how to use firearms, having no doubt trained Owen and Tosh (and possibly Ianto) how to shoot when they joined the team.
Now it is Gwen's turn, Gwen overwhelmed by the discovery of the Torchwood shooting range, the sheer size and scope of it no doubt making her feel small. Jack has converted a section of the old railroad tunnel that had connected the branches of Torchwood, a safe place to learn the shoot and a way for the sound to echo out.
Gwen's expression of awe doesn't shift until Jack points to the guns, Gwen noticing them for the first time. Gwen is put on the back foot at the prospect of learning how to shoot. Jack reassures her there may not be a need to ever use the weapon, but it is still necessary to know how. Gwen becomes nervous as he laugh illustrates, not quite believing what is happening, Jack making a little joke to try and ease her.
We then slip into the training scene, Jack going through and showing her the basics, Gwen watching with a serious expression on her face. The jokes are over now, time to get down to business. Jack hands her the gun, watching her but instantly pushing it away when she brings it up, unintentionally pointing it in his face. Gwen is wide-eyed, obviously scared out of her wits and thus making little mistakes.
Again Gwen goes with what she knows, trying to imitate what she has seen in films, Jack most likely having expected this and stepping into correct her. He gently guides her into the proper shoot position, trying not to laugh as he falls into the role of mentor, Gwen no longer seeming to be adverse to his touch or perhaps just allowing it given the circumstances. Gwen looks sheepish as Jack guides her, knowing she'd done wrong and letting him correct her.
Then Jack does what Jack does best - he takes advantage of the situation to flirt a little. He brushes Gwen's hair back from her face, Gwen's eyes widening as she realises just how close he is. It seems to be this moment that Gwen really begins to realise her attraction to him, as previously she has suppressed any thoughts and Jack's hands on training is getting to her (can't blame her).
Jack is enjoying it, playing with Gwen a little and using the opportunity to be close to her, all the while keeping on topic of teaching Gwen how to shoot. Gwen is distracted now, hence her rush to bring up the weapon, now most likely not only scared by the prospect of learning to shoot a weapon, but by her thoughts about Jack.
Again Jack tries not to laugh at Gwen's little mistake, going back to training her. When he pulls Gwen back against him, a look of surprise flashes across her face. Gwen's mind is now clearly no longer on her fear of shooting but rather on Jack, perhaps Jack's intention as he encourages Gwen to bring up her gun and to relax, and even as Jack sets the gun Gwen's eyes (and no doubt thoughts) are on him rather than the weapon.
Jack braces Gwen against him, watching both her and the way she is holding the gun at the same time, judging her reactions to everything. He is studying her as he teaches her, as this is a new situation for her and a new opportunity for him to observe her.
When Gwen finally shoots the gun she is shocked, no doubt having been too distracted to notice. Jack pulls her back against him again, hugging her from behind in congratulation and this time allowing himself to laugh at her reaction. A fleeting look to the side from Gwen tells us that she is still slightly distracted by what has just happened, but Jack puts her back on task.
We are then given a montage of shots as Jack teaches Gwen how to use other weapons and we see her firing them, her initial fear of the guns slowly fading as she becomes used to them. Jack even has the opportunity to show off, and the hands on teaching goes onto the backburner as Jack's instruction becomes more serious. When Jack does touch her, it seems to be to brace her from the recoil of the weapon and prevent her from being knocked off her feet.
Then Gwen notices the time, but her mind is still on Jack. She asks him about when he gets to go home, and you see a fleeting look cross his face. It's almost a look of sadness, but at the same time a slight look of interest at Gwen - quite possibly no one has asked him that in a long time.
Jack brushes it off, telling her his always on duty and hates commuting to get her to laugh. This is our first indication that Jack lives in the Hub, Jack not telling her where his sleeping quarters are since he doesn't sleep. When Gwen says "doesn't it get lonely at night", a guarded look crosses Jack's face. Gwen's question is echoed in a comment made in Season Two by Ianto, but at this point Jack refuses to answer, Gwen sensing this and saying how she needs to get back to Rhys.
Jack dismisses her, Gwen almost rushing to get away as Jack goes back to clearing up the weapons. He glances back after her for a moment, the expression on his face one of mixed emotion. He is no doubt thinking about her last question, a hint of sadness at the answer mixed with anger at her intruding and awe at her asking, but he gets back to the job.
Gwen finally returns home to find the house empty, slightly surprised to find Rhys not there. She is saddened, no doubt realising for the first time how serious things are in regards to Rhys slipping away. She listens to Rhys' message he's left from Daf's place, Rhys at least having the kindness to call her. He lets her know what he's done - the washing and the bins out, but she needs to hang the clothes and do the washing up.
There is a telling line in Rhys' message, where he says about the washing up "But there's not much of that so... But you haven't done it in weeks anyway", backing up the idea that everything is falling back onto Rhys as Gwen is so caught up in Torchwood. Even now, as she listens t Rhys' message she is preoccupied by the alien artefact she has smuggled out of the Hub.
In "Everything Changes" Gwen had witnessed the consequences of what happens in a piece of tech is taken from the Hub, but still she has done it. She stops listening to Rhys' message, Gwen even going so far as to activate the device again.
We are given a series of flashbacks of Gwen and Rhys' relationship, from Gwen's graduation as a PC and getting ready to go out with Gwen's family. It is interesting how this scene is constructed, with Torchwood Gwen an observer, removed from her own reality. These are flashes of who she was and reminders of what Rhys was to her in her past life before she started lying and taking Rhys for granted.
They bring a smile to Gwen's face as she remembers what life once was, almost a reminder of just what she is risking with her games. These were happier times and she is losing touch with them, losing Rhys, because she isn't there anymore. She realises this as the memories fade, a conflicted look on her face as she turns away.
Then, right on cue Rhys appears with a tale about how "Daf and Karen had a barny", and how she made him sleep in the spare room and Rhys didn't want the sofa. It's hard to know if this is true, as Rhys could very well be using it as a description of the fight he and Gwen had earlier.
Rhys has no doubt had time to think about things, telling her he doesn't mind her hours just so long as she wants to come home. He clearly still loves and wants to be with her despite the way she has been treating him, and Gwen realises this. She reassures him that she does want still want to be with him, taking a load of Rhys' mind as they go about forgiving one another.
There is an interesting little moment in the bar after Owen has found Bernie and the team arrive. We see Gwen tossing Jack the alien artefact, which catches my eye for two reasons 1) it is a direct contrast to Gwen throwing Owen a tool in "Day One" and being told off for it, as Gwen now seems to know when it is appropriate to throw things, and 2) Gwen knew Jack wanted the artefact without Jack having to say a word.
When we go to Bernie's house, the team are in their professional roles, observing and investigating, confiscating alien artefacts. Gwen is more than prepared to remain with them up until the point Bernie catches her attention about seeing himself die, Gwen intrigued by this new mystery. Jack, meanwhile, remains the boss, once more annoyed by the fact Gwen has allowed herself to be sidetracked and very much sounding like a father telling his daughter to hurry up, Gwen picking up on the fact she is in trouble and quickly rushing after her "father" to bargain for a little more time.
When Gwen activates the technology, we see Jack half panic. They don't yet know what the technology is capable of now that it is in one piece - if one piece is the past and one is the future, what are both pieces together. He rushes over, but Gwen has already activated it. We can see by the flashing lights only one side as activated, but Jack doesn't know this.
Jack instantly confiscates the technology, his "Christ Gwen, what were you thinking?" betraying his panic and faint relief that nothing bad happened while all the while telling her off, although Gwen doesn't hear him - she's too busy staring at Owen.
It's not until they're back at the Hub that Gwen tells Jack about what she saw. Again, the staging of this scene is interesting, as you can see Owen through the window over Gwen's shoulder. Gwen's mind and suspicion is on Owen, and his image is hovering behind her, clouded and distorted by the glass, in full view of Jack who has recently had one member of his team go bad which would make him slightly paranoid about the others.
Despite this, Jack is more than willing to push the accusations aside by using his knowledge of time travel, the "the future is always in motion" argument that the Doctor often uses. Gwen, however, is putting the evidence together -Bernie saw himself die, and Gwen saw herself holding a knife, hands covered in blood, saying "Owen had the knife" and she "couldn't stop him".
Another interesting piece of staging is the fact we see Gwen playing with Jack's hourglass, and I don't mean that as innuendo. As she's asking Jack if there's anyway to know if the future is real and Jack tells her no, she is fiddling with it, although the sand is all resting in the bottom, not in motion at all - it's fixed, standing still. Gwen is not convinced by Jack's "possible futures" argument and he can see that, but he goes no future to reassure her.
Later, when Owen's visit to Ed Morgan is revealed, Jack calls Gwen to fill her in, thus filling in more pieces of the puzzle for Gwen although she is surprised by the news that Bernie was blackmailing Ed, despite her being the one to supposably do the background check on him. We also see Jack under the assumption Gwen had gone home, and ever so slightly put off by the fact she's still working but he covers himself well.
When Jack calls Gwen again later to let her know that Ed Morgan is coming, he doesn't get a chance as Gwen again become preoccupied by her little puzzle and runs off. Yet again we see a disapproving look on Jack's face, and the viewer knows from that look that Gwen is going to get told off for it later. Owen knows it too, given his reaction to the look on Jack's face and the fact he doesn't ask what happened when he normally would.
During the confrontation on the street, there is a silent exchange of looks between Jack and Gwen after Owen starts his advance on Ed. Gwen's look is of panic: "Jack, this is it, this is what I saw", while Jack has also worked it out from what Gwen has told him, and is quickly thinking of a way to change it, including pulling Ed away and warning Owen off.
When Ed does die and Gwen goes into shock, we can't see Jack's face but from his body language we can tell he is going through a mix of emotions - exasperation, disappointment, anger, and knowledge that he has a trial on his hands. We hear his heavy sigh, see him bring a hand to his forehead, all the while looking at Gwen who can't work out what has just happened and is looking to him for help, but Jack knowing he is helpless.
Jack now has a mini trial on his hands - this is the first person Gwen has been involved in killing, and Jack had told her earlier that episode he hoped she never would have too as he knew it would take away part of her innocence that helped set her apart from the rest of the team who knew death.
As the team try to comfort Gwen, Ianto appears again for the first time in ages, pouring out drinks for everyone except Jack. Ianto is like that person who has come into the theatre late and missed most the show, trying to slink around without interrupting it for anyone else. Meanwhile, Jack is in his own way telling the team off for their reactions about the past and future, warning them against trying anything in the future.
Jack then hands the artefact to the one person he seems to trust with it - Ianto - to put away into the vaults. As previously seen Ianto has full access to the vaults in archives despite his short time at the Hub, and Ianto also knows instantly what Jack wants without Jack saying a word nor looking at him.
Jack then takes Gwen outside to watch the sunrise, a symbol of the future and a new day, a new start, that everything that has been is now in the past. Gwen is still blaming herself, Jack trying his best to reassure her that it wasn't her fault if Ed wanted to die, instead bringing Gwen's attention to the sky and Gwen picking up on his meaning although Gwen still seems to be doing a Lady Macbeth - still able to see the blood despite washing it away, a symbol of a guilty conscience.
Jack is clearly fascinated by the thought of the energy around him, and reminds Gwen that no matter what, they cannot have any impact on it. By the look in Jack's eye it is clear he is concerned for Gwen, can see just how much this experience has impacted on her and worried about how much damage it has done. This is another trial for Gwen, and Jack wants her to pass it.
Jack reminds her that they can only learn to accept what is around them, and we can see by the expression on Gwen's face that it is all a little two much at that moment. Jack puts a comforting arm around her, turning her back toward the bay as Gwen leans against him, needing that comfort right now.
"Ghost Machine" proves to be an episode full of tests and trials for Owen and Gwen, both of whom make mistakes although it is Gwen who suffers the most for it. Where "Day One" is the learning curve, "Ghost Machine" is the loss of Gwen's innocence, and a change for the team to see a different side of Owen. For his part, Jack plays more the role of the father to the team, and we are given our first glimpse at Gwen's attraction for him. Again, not enough Ianto to make comments, aside from the fact he seems to be able to know what Jack wants without Jack needing to say a word.
Next Up: Ianto's secret is revealed in "Cyberwoman"