When it was announced that the new series of the Doctor Who spin-off would be a five part story broadcast on consecutive nights, I have to admit that I was pretty disappointed. However, being abroad when it was transmitted I have just watched the DVD and have been completely blown away.
Without spoiling it for those who haven't watched it yet, this mini-series is darker, more savage, and packs a greater emotional punch than anything seen in the first two series'. The action takes the three remaining Torchwood operatives - dashing and indestructible sex-machine Captain Jack Harkness, suave coffee expert Ianto Jones, and feisty ex-police officer Gwen Cooper - with Gwen's dopey husband Rhys in tow - out of The Hub, and sees them not only fighting the insidious alien presence known only as `The 456', but also battling for their reputations and being hunted by their own government.
There are occasional flashes of Russell T Davies' overly sentimental tendencies here, but this is ultimately a thrilling and compelling adventure, with myriad twists and turns, and a climax that will leave Torchwood fans desperate for more but wondering if their heroes will ever return...