TW 2.2: Sleeper

[elisi]

First of all, you should go read peasant_'s stunning and deep meta on this ep. My own thoughts are sadly rather few and scattered... but I'm still going to write them down. ;)

To begin, I do like ruthless!Jack. I think if anything he's more ruthless now than before - which I think has a lot to do with The Master. Because the thing that struck me about this week's (season's?) plot, was that in many ways it resembled The Master's strategy: He turned himself into a 'sleeper' agent, living as a human and using the system to achieve his aims. Of course The Master was a Timelord, and working solely for himself, rather than for a whole species, and was also much smarter and more effective. However a lot of the methods were the same, including taking out the key figures in charge etc. As I watched, I at times thought that it was a bit overdone with the blood and gore etc, but then on the other hand this was *exactly* what happened with the Toclafane, except we never saw it. And there's something to be said for not sanitising murder - it's nasty and horrible.

Aaaaaanyway, what I'm getting round to is that Jack saw it happen - saw the end of the world and humanity slaughtered. And I think that that has made him even more determined to do whatever it takes to stop it happening again.

But what stole my squee this ep was Ianto. 2 reasons for this. One: I've realised what his role is (I've suspected it for a while, but it was finally put on the table here) - he's the Watcher. The thing is, it makes me really curious about what *exactly* he does, and why - and how - he was hired. All the others have clearly defined roles and talents, but Ianto? Hmmm. They better be doing good things with the eyecandy this season!
But, reason #2: He's happy! I mean, happy. Smiling, joking, being silly. Ianto Jones, happy. Did that *ever* happen in S1? I'm sure he'll be angsting over something or other soon enough, so I'll just fawn over the joy while its here. Also I love his humour; very deadpan. I *so* need an Ianto icon. By how much do you think I need to bribe the LJ team so I can have 200 icons? *plots* (This would of course be so much more relevant if I actually had money...)

But, I have wasted FAR to long on pretty internet fandom things. *tears self away*

Comments

[frenchani.livejournal.com]

Oddly enough there was a rerun of DW on French cable so I re-watched the Family of Blood just before I saw the Torchwood episode (I can't call it Sleeper for Sleeper in my mind will always be that wonderful Buffy episode from season 7) so Beth immediately reminded me of John Smith, especially with all the talking about the Beth persona being gone as soon as the alien would take over...

[elisi]

Oh that's an interesting parallel. Not quite the same, since John Smith was still a part of The Doctor in some way, and there were Doctor-ish traits to Smith, but yes, the fear of loss of self is very apt. Thank you.

[spikereader.livejournal.com]

he's the Watcher.

That's exactly what struck me on Wednesday. He was just there, all the time, watching and listening (and having some great funny lines). I have great hopes for Ianto this season.

[elisi]

That's exactly what struck me on Wednesday.
:) He doesn't have lots of big musty tomes, but apparently 'no one knows more about this place than him'! And he dresses like a Watcher too... (no tweed though. *g*)

[zanthinegirl.livejournal.com]

Interesting analysis!

I didn't bother to d/l Torchwood last season, just watched it this summer when it ran on cable. I wasn't too impressed with the uneven- to put it mildly!-- writing and characterizations though I liked several episodes a lot. I admit I mostly d/l the first ep of this season 2/2 James Marsters, but I loved the second as well. The writers seem to be figuring out the characters and the show is hitting it's stride.

I think this episode raises some interesting questions. I'm having a hard time separating the fantasy from the slightly heavy handed point they're trying to make re: terrorism. I'm not sure I'm as happy with ruthless!jack, though I agree it's fallout from the Master. I'd be happier if they took a stronger moral stance. Though the lack thereof I find a little worrying. But plot-wise and character-wise I loved it

And clearly I need a Torchwod icon or two as well!

[elisi]

The writers seem to be figuring out the characters and the show is hitting it's stride.
*nods* S1 was so uneven it wasn't even funny.

I'm having a hard time separating the fantasy from the slightly heavy handed point they're trying to make re: terrorism.
Did you read peasant_'s meta? She does a brilliant job.

I'm not sure I'm as happy with ruthless!jack, though I agree it's fallout from the Master.
I'm hoping some of the episodes will be less heavy, so we can have more of our fun-loving Jack. He spent so much time being miserable in S1, that I think he really deserves it!

And clearly I need a Torchwod icon or two as well!
I have far too many, but no space for uploading...

[zanthinegirl.livejournal.com]

Yes I did read peasant's meta; very interesting points. I don't totally agree, re: the lack of discussing being how bad = better storytelling, but it was very striking.

I like Torchood best when it's witty. I don't mind Jack being sad if he's funny; which I find I little worrying now that I articulate it!

[elisi]

Yes I did read peasant's meta; very interesting points.
I'm not sure that the writers are as accomplished as she makes out (I really, really hope they are, but then this *is* Torchwood...). However I love the fact that there is stuff to delve into.

I like Torchood best when it's witty. I don't mind Jack being sad if he's funny; which I find I little worrying now that I articulate it!
I think that's just something that comes as standard when you're a Joss fan. ;)