The BBC's Next Move: Bringing Back Torchwood to Complete the Doctor Who Comeback
As Doctor Who gains momentum with the return of David Tennant and the introduction of Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor, the BBC has an opportunity to further excite fans by reviving the beloved spinoff, Torchwood. With Russell T Davies returning as showrunner, the resurgence of Torchwood could add a new dimension to the Doctor Who universe and captivate audiences once again. Here's why the BBC needs to bring back Torchwood to complete its Doctor Who comeback.
The Return of Torchwood: A Nostalgic Necessity
Series 1: Best Moments | Torchwood
The fervor surrounding Doctor Who's 60th-anniversary specials has reignited interest in the beloved sci-fi franchise. With the return of David Tennant and the introduction of Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor, the show has experienced a resurgence, rekindling the enthusiasm of longtime fans. However, the BBC can further capitalize on this momentum by reviving Torchwood, the first spinoff of the new era of Doctor Who. Created by Russell T Davies in 2006, Torchwood garnered a dedicated following with its darker themes and compelling storytelling. Although the show ended in 2011, the demand for more content and the success of Doctor Who's recent endeavors make the revival of Torchwood a nostalgic necessity.
Eve Myles as Gwen Cooper in Torchwood and Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor in Doctor Who
The Torchwood Institute, established in the world of Doctor Who, provided a unique perspective on alien activity, and its Cardiff branch became the focal point of the spinoff series. With its distinct tone and engaging characters, Torchwood complemented Doctor Who while offering a different narrative experience. The return of Torchwood could not only satisfy fans' longing for more content but also enrich the Doctor Who universe with new and captivating storylines. The buzz surrounding Doctor Who's revival presents an opportune moment for the BBC to greenlight the return of Torchwood and complete the resurgence of the iconic franchise.
John Barrowman as Captain Jack and Eve Myles as Gwen Cooper Looking Determined in Torchwood
While other Doctor Who spinoffs exist, such as The Sarah Jane Adventures and Class, Torchwood stands out as the only one that did not feature the Doctor at some point. This unique factor, coupled with its compelling narrative, makes Torchwood a prime candidate for revival, especially with the recent developments in the Doctor Who universe. The return of Torchwood, helmed by Russell T Davies, could add depth and excitement to the franchise's comeback, captivating audiences with its distinct blend of science fiction, drama, and intrigue.
Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) on Torchwood using his wrist device
The Potential for Crossover: A New Era of Collaboration
Rex is Immortal?! | Final TV Scene | The Blood Line | Torchwood: Miracle Day
The prospect of David Tennant's Fourteenth Doctor making an appearance in a new season of Torchwood opens up exciting possibilities for crossover storytelling within the Doctor Who universe. As the Doctor's journey continues, the Earth becomes his home, presenting an opportunity for his involvement in Torchwood's alien-monitoring activities. While the original run of Torchwood did not feature a direct on-screen appearance of the Doctor, the show's revival could explore new narrative avenues, potentially incorporating the Fourteenth Doctor into its compelling storyline.
David Tennant giving a stern look as the Fourteenth Doctor in Doctor Who
However, the careful integration of the Doctor into Torchwood's narrative is essential to maintain continuity with Doctor Who's overarching storyline. As the Doctor's character arc unfolds, the revival of Torchwood must navigate the delicate balance of incorporating the Doctor's presence without undermining the events of Doctor Who. With the return of Torchwood, the BBC has the chance to create a seamless and captivating crossover between the two iconic series, offering fans an immersive and interconnected viewing experience.
Jack Harkness and Gwen Cooper from Torchwood leaning against an open car door
Continued Adventures: The Legacy of Torchwood Lives On
While Torchwood's TV run concluded in 2011, the story continued to unfold through audio adventures produced by Big Finish Productions. The audio stories provided a rich source of material, allowing the Torchwood universe to expand beyond the confines of television. This continuity in storytelling ensured that Torchwood never truly ceased to exist, maintaining its allure and captivating fans through the immersive audio medium.
Torchwood's Freema Agyeman looking shocked, with John Barrowman laughing and Burn Gorman looking enthralled
The advantage of the audio format lies in its ability to transcend the limitations of visual storytelling, offering writers and actors greater flexibility in exploring the Torchwood universe. The events depicted in the audio adventures, while not visually depicted, provide a wealth of narrative material that can be seamlessly integrated into a potential Torchwood revival on television. The return of Torchwood could draw inspiration from the audio adventures, incorporating their storylines and characters to build upon the rich legacy of the beloved spinoff.
Boyfriends Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) and Ianto Jones (Gareth David-Lloyd) look at each other in Torchwood.
