An excellent analysis. But leaning on your interests in gender and sexuality issues, I wonder why you make no mention of Jack's clear bisexuality (or at the least, ambiguity). He's a minor player, but is the impetus for the spin-off series "Torchwood." And even for his minor role, he brings charm and flair to his "anything that moves" come-ons. And he's a character built from the ground up for scene stealing.
I watched Torchwood after finishing what I could of Doctor Who, and I enjoyed every second of it. Jack is great, and his pansexuality is one of my favorite parts of that show. When I heard that there were thoughts of re-producing Torchwood for an American audience, my first thought was, "What will they do with Jack?" He makes that show what it is, and if he's not bi/pansexual (as would likely be the case for an American audience, as we can't tolerate teh ghey, apparently), then the show is hardly worth watching. I mean, the cases they solve are supernatural, and there are already mystery/drama/sci-fi shows that cover that territory (X-Files, Fringe, V, etc.). So the heart of the show becomes Jack and his team, their relationships, their friendships, the way they become a family. And if Jack isn't quintessential Jack anymore? Not worth the trouble.
Who is this anyway? You're lucky I responded to an anonymous comment; I don't normally do that.
Much like other shows being converted to American casts for American audiences, if you originally loved the British version, the crossover pales. Which is why i have no interest in converting Torchwood. i admit i haven't been a regular watcher, but Jack is only Jack if his cocky swagger isn't neutered. And he's not like the Doctor: you can't interchange him with a new actor for the same role.
Can't say i'm terribly happy with Season 5 of Dr. Who though. The massive restructure of cast and creative team was a huge risk. They're treading water, but like the shows of long ago, that kind of abrupt transition takes time to win back the audience.
As for me, just a passerby with some common ground who enjoyed the analysis. Thanks again for responding.
I haven't watched any of season 5 yet -- I watch most of my TV when it's available on NetFlix, preferably streamable. I look forward to catching up in a few months though!
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I watched Torchwood after finishing what I could of Doctor Who, and I enjoyed every second of it. Jack is great, and his pansexuality is one of my favorite parts of that show. When I heard that there were thoughts of re-producing Torchwood for an American audience, my first thought was, "What will they do with Jack?" He makes that show what it is, and if he's not bi/pansexual (as would likely be the case for an American audience, as we can't tolerate teh ghey, apparently), then the show is hardly worth watching. I mean, the cases they solve are supernatural, and there are already mystery/drama/sci-fi shows that cover that territory (X-Files, Fringe, V, etc.). So the heart of the show becomes Jack and his team, their relationships, their friendships, the way they become a family. And if Jack isn't quintessential Jack anymore? Not worth the trouble.
Who is this anyway? You're lucky I responded to an anonymous comment; I don't normally do that.
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Much like other shows being converted to American casts for American audiences, if you originally loved the British version, the crossover pales. Which is why i have no interest in converting Torchwood. i admit i haven't been a regular watcher, but Jack is only Jack if his cocky swagger isn't neutered. And he's not like the Doctor: you can't interchange him with a new actor for the same role.
Can't say i'm terribly happy with Season 5 of Dr. Who though. The massive restructure of cast and creative team was a huge risk. They're treading water, but like the shows of long ago, that kind of abrupt transition takes time to win back the audience.
As for me, just a passerby with some common ground who enjoyed the analysis. Thanks again for responding.
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