Torchwood S2 02 Sleeper Review

[crabby_lioness]

James Moran's freshman TV script is an outstanding piece of work.

Sleeper starts with an opening out of a better X-Files episode that sent shivers down my spine.   A couple wake to find their apartment being robbed, the robbers turn on them, there's nothing they can do, no time for help to arrive, and -- something happens.  I had the exact same

Comments

[love_jackianto]

I thought the actress who played Beth did a fantastic job, I felt very sorry for her at the end.

there is no direct evidence in this story that Jack and Ianto have gotten back in bed with each other, although plenty of evidence they have been there before and are headed back in that direction. (I'm not saying they haven't, just pointing out the ambiguity.) That's is the same impression I got.

Some people have said that all the jokes were out-of- character for Ianto, but we really don't know what he was like before Canary Wharf; for all we know S1 Stoic!Ianto could have been his way of not wanting to be noticed (first because he had to save Lisa and later because he still didn't know how to relate to the team). And now he seems much more confident.

'It's rather like a much better done version of Random Shoes.' Good point. I really connected with Beth in a way I didn't with Eugene.

[coffeewordangel]

Some people have said that all the jokes were out-of- character for Ianto, but we really don't know what he was like before Canary Wharf

Sorry for butting in, but this has been bothering me because I've been seeing this assessment as well. Personally, I see this as expanded characterization of the promise of sarcastic, funny Ianto we saw glimpses of in S1. Apparently people have forgotten "I'll do it the old-fashioned way - with my eyes." He's deliciously sarcastic and it's lovely to see them expand that. Especially since this seems to be, to me at least, the real Ianto. He's relaxed and secure in his position both in his job and in his relationships with the rest of the team.

[crabby_lioness]

"I'll do it the old-fashioned way - with my eyes."

I fell in lust with him at that line. Why Ianto, you snarky, kinky bastard!

[love_jackianto]

'Personally, I see this as expanded characterization of the promise of sarcastic, funny Ianto we saw glimpses of in S1. Apparently people have forgotten 'I'll do it the old-fashioned way - with my eyes.' My thoughts exactly, which is why I don't really understand the 'out-of-character' comments.

[crabby_lioness]

I liked your commentary. I'm still processing the episode, because for some reason I had a REALLY hard time with the violence (I'm kind of squimish)so I can't really say I liked it. Yet.

I'm squeamish, but I thouhgt the violence really drove home the point of the fate awaiting Beth and the world.

I kept hoping we'd get more of an insight as to why Jack was so mean to Beth. Like maybe that race is the reason he lost 'Grey'.

I didn't think Jack was mean to Beth. He was blunt and intimidating, but no more so than he thought he had to be under the circumstances. I mean, he didn't threaten her husband or anything.

Ianto was AWESOME in this episode

He sure was! XD

I just started reading in this fandom...

[anonymous]

And it really bothers me how Jack is viewed by many as some kind of idealized knight-saviour. Everyone plays lip service to his mission, but they all want him to do it without hurting anyone and rescuing everyone and keeping everyone safe. AIN'T. GONNA. HAPPEN. Not only is his personality much darker and complex, but the task he's set himself -- keeping humanity safe until it grows up -- doesn't leave much space for gentleness when it's hitting the fan.

Re: I just started reading in this fandom...

[crabby_lioness]

I agree. The reason I loathe most action heroes and completely adore Jack Harkness is that unlike the rest of the breed Jack is gentle whenever he has the chance to be. That said, sometimes there isn't really a chance to be.

[crabby_lioness]

The young man we saw last night would have been right at home in Torchwood London, and probably was.

[coffeewordangel]

I think what struck me most about this episode (after I got over my glee at Ianto) is how much better the writing seems this season. It was a fairly Gwen-centric episode and something that, last season, would have grated on my nerves. This time, however, it didn't feel like I was getting hit over the head with her characterization, but rather that it actually was part of her character. It's a lovely change.

[crabby_lioness]

They're much more accomplished this time. Of course, they laid all the groundwork for establishing the characters last series.

[fatchickengirl]

I enjoyed this too proper sci-fi interesting story excellent guest star the team being a team and some jokes and hints on the relationships within the team (did any one notice Jack denied flirting with the policeman at the beginnning to Tosh?)

[crabby_lioness]

I don't think he denied flirting with the cop as much as he denied meaning anything more serious than just flirting. Proof once again that flirting doesn't have to be a sexual activity for Jack; it can *gasp* be an entirely social activity.

[haunter_uk]

I thought he was implying that he found him as annoying as I did, and was just trying to get him out of their way as quickly as possible.