Gwen Cooper

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Doctor Who universe character
Gwen Cooper.jpg
Gwen Cooper
Affiliated South Wales Police
Torchwood Institute
Home era Early 21st century
First appearance "Everything Changes"
Portrayed by Eve Myles

Gwen Cooper is a fictional character portrayed by Welsh actress Eve Myles in the BBC science-fiction television programme Torchwood. The series' lead female character, Gwen has featured in every episode of the show to date as well as two crossover episodes of the long-running Doctor Who, from which Torchwood originated as a spin-off. Additionally, Gwen appears in Expanded Universe material such as the Torchwood novels and audiobooks, comic books and radio plays. Portraying Gwen has increased Myles' profile as an actress and has also been cited as effective in promoting Wales, with Myles receiving a Welsh BAFTA for the first series of the show.

Gwen is introduced as an audience surrogate, much like the typical "companion" character in Doctor Who. In contrast to the other lead characters, the series focuses on her domestic as well as professional life. Within the series narrative, Gwen is a South Wales Police officer who discovers the mysterious Torchwood Institute, into which she is recruited by Captain Jack Harkness. Gwen operates as a field agent on Torchwood missions and brings a more humane and rounded approach to her team's investigations of extraterrestrial cases through her police procedural training; she is herself empathetic, grounded, and relatable. Despite this, Gwen's moral complexity means that she subverts typical expectations of the audience surrogate as she finds herself ethically compromised by her line of work. For example, because Gwen leads a double life in the first series she finds herself growing detached from her long-term boyfriend and is unfaithful to him.

Though Gwen starts off in the mould of the "girl next door" archetype, she becomes more militant as the series progresses, which has drawn comparisons with other action heroines such as Ellen Ripley and Buffy Summers. However, as this militancy has become more pronounced, both the production team as well as critical analyses have emphasised the contrast between Gwen's conventionally feminine characteristics and her characterisation as a action hero. The relationship dynamics between Gwen, her boss Jack and her boyfriend-cum-husband Rhys have been singled out as emblematic of the character's conflict between her domestic life and her extraordinary one with Torchwood. Across the various situations in which she is placed, Gwen remains "grounded" by her family life, to which critics have responded positively.

Contents

[edit] Appearances

[edit] Television

Gwen is introduced in the first episode of Torchwood, where she—a Cardiff police officer partnered with Andy Davidson (Tom Price)— is witness to Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) and his team interrogating a dead man in an alley. After subsequently investigating the Torchwood team, she eventually locates the Torchwood Institute's Cardiff branch, home to a team of alien hunters. Though Jack wipes her memories of this discovery, they are later triggered by reports of murders committed with exotic weaponry; Torchwood's own Suzie Costello (Indira Varma) is the serial killer. After being present at Suzie's attempt to kill Jack, and her ensuing suicide, Jack (who reveals that he cannot die) offers Gwen a job in Torchwood.[1] Jack and Gwen's relationship becomes tinged with romantic implications,[2] despite her long-standing relationship with boyfriend Rhys (Kai Owen) and Jack's developing relationship with teammate Ianto Jones (Gareth David-Lloyd). Gwen falls into a short-lived destructive affair with teammate Owen (Burn Gorman), after a particularly traumatic experience with cannibals she cannot share with Rhys.[3] Confused and wracked with guilt, Gwen confesses the affair after it ends in "Combat" but drugs Rhys with an amnesia pill so he will not remember her confession.[4] In the series one finale, her desire to resurrect a murdered Rhys at any cost motivates her to mutiny against Jack, and open the rift in time and space which Torchwood monitors. After Jack sacrifices himself to the released supernatural demon, Gwen maintains that he will come back to life and keeps watch over his body. On conceding that Jack is dead, she gives him a parting kiss; as she leaves, Jack awakens and thanks Gwen. Not long after his revival however, Jack abandons Torchwood to reunite with the mysterious "Doctor" from his past.[5]

Series two, in 2008, begins with the newly-engaged Gwen having quickly risen to replace Jack as the team's leader.[6] Early in the series, she is forced to confess to Rhys the nature of her job at Torchwood when he assumes she is having an affair with Jack. After Rhys takes a bullet for her, she defies Jack by refusing to wipe his memory.[7] In "Something Borrowed", despite having been impregnated by an alien Nostrovite, Gwen refuses to postpone the wedding because she wants to marry Rhys no matter what. Her marriage causes Jack to contemplate his own past marriage.[8] In the series finale, Gwen's leadership skills allow her to co-ordinate Cardiff in the chaos caused by Captain John Hart (James Marsters) and Jack's younger brother Gray (Lachlan Nieboer). When Gray kills Gwen's teammates Toshiko (Naoko Mori) and Owen, Gwen is desolate.[9] The character makes her first crossover appearance in Doctor Who alongside Jack and Ianto in its 2008 series' two-part finale, in which Torchwood is called on to help contact series protagonist the Doctor (David Tennant) during a Dalek invasion.[10] A familial connection between Gwen and the character of Gwyneth, played by Eve Myles in the 2005 Doctor Who episode "The Unquiet Dead" is alluded to by the Doctor, after he and Rose Tyler (Billie Piper) recognise a physical similarity between the two.[11]

In Children of Earth, a five-part serial broadcast in 2009, Gwen is a more militant heroine shaped by the increased responsibilities and pressures of her job.[12] In part one, aliens called the 4-5-6 communicate to the world through taking possession of its children and one middle-aged man, Clem McDonald (Paul Copley). Gwen investigates by visiting Clem, who—being possessed of psychic abilities—announces to her she is pregnant, which she later confirms using the technology at the Hub.[13] Gwen is forced to defend herself from government assassins after the Hub is destroyed, taking Rhys on the run with her,[14] and re-establishing Torchwood Three in a London warehouse. By making contact with government PA Lois Habiba (Cush Jumbo), Gwen discovers her fugitive status and is able to survey government dealings.[15] When Ianto is killed fighting the 4-5-6,[16] Gwen and Rhys return to Cardiff to protect his sister Rhiannon (Katy Wix), and her son and daughter from government plans while Jack handles the alien threat. In the dénouement of the final part, Gwen is six months pregnant when she returns Jack's vortex manipulator to him. She insists he stay for her, but he leaves her behind and abandons Earth.[17]

Fourth series Miracle Day (2011), an American co-production, establishes that Gwen, Rhys and their daughter Anwen went into hiding after the events of Children of Earth, and Torchwood is no more. Gwen is called out of hiding, however, when CIA agent Rex Matheson (Mekhi Phifer) renditions her to the United States, believing that a worldwide phenomenon wherein nobody can die is connected to Torchwood.[18] Once in America, Gwen forms part of a new Torchwood team with Jack, Rex and former CIA analyst Esther Drummond (Alexa Havins).[19] Gwen's father Geraint (William Thomas) initially survives because of the miracle, but later Gwen must rescue him from a facility where the severely injured are burned alive.[20] When her family are kidnapped in "Immortal Sins" as leverage for her to hand in Jack Harkness, Gwen tells him that she will see him die if it means saving her daughter.[21] In the concluding episode Gwen declares a willingness to sacrifice her father and the entire Torchwood team to restore order to the world; to spare him committing suicide, Gwen shoots Jack, whose mortal blood prompts the Blessing to end the miracle. Jack's immortality is restored and Gwen is later shocked to discover, at Esther's funeral, that Rex has become immortal as well.[22]

[edit] Literature

“ "'Look, Rhys, will you stop a minute? Thanks. It's just ...' She paused, took a breath. It's just I've been thinking, love, and I've decided I'll be keeping my own name. You know for work and that." ”

—The novel Skypoint depicts Gwen's decision to retain her maiden name.[23]

Gwen appears in all Torchwood novels, published by BBC Books to date. The first wave, Another Life,[24] Border Princes,[25] and Slow Decay,[26] set between episodes of Torchwood series one, were published in January 2007. These novels expand on the difficult period in Gwen and Rhys' relationship; in Border Princess she engages in an affair with the mysterious James Mayer; whilst Rhys endangers himself for her in Slow Decay by taking an alien diet pill to try to make her take more notice of him. Published in March 2008, and tying in with the concurrently airing second series of Torchwood, Gwen appears in the novels Trace Memory,[27] The Twilight Streets,[28] and Something in the Water. Gwen's first day with Andy Davidson (played in the TV series by Tom Price) as her partner is portrayed in a flashback in the novel Trace Memory, whilst in The Twilight Streets an alternate-future Torchwood is depicted; headed by Gwen and Rhys, after the demise of Tosh, Owen, Ianto and Jack.[29] Three more Torchwood books were released in October 2008: Pack Animals,[30] SkyPoint,[23] and Almost Perfect.[31] These novels tie in close to the series chronology; Pack Animals depicts Gwen attempting to plan for her wedding alongside her Torchwood mission, whilst Skypoint, in which Gwen and Rhys descover an alien threat whilst flathunting, dates itself to be set soon after their wedding in Something Borrowed. Whilst Gwen's continued use of her maiden name is not specifically addressed in the TV show, the novel SkyPoint sees her consciously reject the name "Mrs Williams" after the unfamiliarity and awkwardness of hearing Jack address her as such.[23] The novel Almost Perfect is the first to be set after the episode Exit Wounds in which Tosh and Owen are killed; Gwen becomes concerned at Rhys' increasing role in her investigations. The May 2009 wave of books consisted of Into the Silence,[32] Bay of the Dead,[33] and The House that Jack Built,[34] whilst following on in October 2009 were the novels Risk Assessment,[35] The Undertaker's Gift,[36] and Consequences,[37] all set between "Exit Wounds" and Children of Earth.

First published in January 2008, the monthly Torchwood Magazine began occasionally including Torchwood comic strips, in which Gwen also appears. A scene in Gareth David-Lloyd's comic, "Shrouded", includes a scene set after Children in Earth which shows Gwen cradling her young child; as Gwen is busy, Rhys is required to team up with Captain John Hart to save the timeline.[38] During series two, the Torchwood website also hosted an interactive online game written by series writer Phil Ford. Eve Myles, as Gwen makes a brief appearance towards the end of the game, alongside Gareth David Lloyd, when Gwen and Ianto shut down a broadcast from the fictitious Dark Talk studio.[39] Throughout both series one and two, the interactive websites co-written by James Goss featured electronic literature content (such as fictitious internet messaging conversations and letters) which depict aspects of Gwen and the other Torchwood characters' work and personal lives.[40] The Torchwood Archives by Gary Russell – an insider's look into Torchwood – collects much of this ancillary online literature in hardback form, along with new original material, some of which expands on Gwen's background and life before Torchwood. For instance, details are given in regards to Gwen's university attendance, a previous boyfriend named Bruce, and her time alongside Andy in the police force. Also provided are photographs of her and Rhys used as set dressing in the TV series, plus fictitious in-universe documents such as Gwen's personnel form and her Torchwood case write ups.[41] In a similar vein to The Torchwood Archives but from a real-world perspective, Gary Russell's The Torchwood Encyclopedia (2009) expands on "every fact and figure" for Gwen and the Torchwood world.[42]

[edit] Audio drama

In addition to Torchwood literature, Gwen also appears in Torchwood audio books, the first four being Hidden written by Steven Savile and narrated by Naoko Mori,[43] Everyone Says Hello written by Dan Abnett and narrated by Burn Gorman, released February 2008,[44] In the Shadows by Joseph Lidster and narrated by Eve Myles, released September 2008,[45] and The Sin Eaters written by Brian Minchin and narrated by Gareth David-Lloyd, released September 2008.[45] Joseph Lidster also wrote a Radio 4 Torchwood drama, "Lost Souls" which aired in Summer 2008 as an Afternoon Play featuring the voices of John Barrowman, Eve Myles, Gareth David-Lloyd and Freema Agyeman (Martha). Set after the events of the 2008 series, Gwen and the team make their first international adventure to CERN in Geneva, as part of Radio 4's special celebration of the Large Hadron Collider being switched on.[46][47] The special radio episode's plot focuses on the Large Hadron Collider's activation and the doomsday scenario some predicted it might incite, as well as the team's mourning of Toshiko and Owen's recent deaths.[48] Between 1 July and 3 July 2009, Radio 4 aired three further audio dramas in The Afternoon Play slot, titled "Asylum", "Golden Age" and "The Dead Line", bridging the gap between Series 2 and 3.[49] To tie in with the shows fourth series, Torchwood: Miracle Day, the BBC produced three additional radio plays, airing between the 11 and 13 July 2011. Titled "The Devil and Miss Carew", "Submission" and "House of the Dead", these plays are take place in the gaps between "Exit Wounds" and Miracle Day and feature the voices of Myles, Barrowman and David-Lloyd.[50] Whilst Myles provides the voice of Gwen in all three plays the narrative of House of the Dead, set after Children of Earth, reveals that the presence of Gwen was actually a manipulation by a malevolent spirit to fool Ianto into thinking he was alive as usual.[51]

[edit] Characterisation

[edit] Concept and creation

Russell T Davies created Gwen specifically for Eve Myles.

Lead writer and executive producer Russell T Davies first had the idea of an unnamed policewoman stumbling across a team of alien investigators in an alley as a premise, before Torchwood or the 2005 revival Doctor Who had been commissioned.[52] Having been enamoured by her television performances, most notably in the 2005 episode of Doctor Who in which she guest-starred, Davies wrote the character of Gwen specifically for Eve Myles.[53] Speaking on her casting, Myles stated that having the part written for her was like her "own personal Oscar".[54] Part of the attraction of playing Gwen for Myles was that she has the opportunity to play an action hero with her own accent.[55] Speaking on the casting of Welsh actors on Torchwood, Davies comments that it was a deliberate intention to make the Welsh accent mainstream, "to make it as acceptable as Scottish or Irish".[56] Discussing the international co-production behind series four, executive producer Julie Gardner comments that Myles' continued involvement helps ensure that the "flavour of Wales" remains evident,[57] later commenting that Torchwood is "taking the Welsh global".[58]

In the first series of Torchwood, Gwen functions as an audience surrogate. To creator and executive producer Russell T Davies, she is of the same character type as 2005-06 Doctor Who leading woman Rose Tyler (Billie Piper): "She is the ordinary person who stumbles into something extraordinary and finds herself their equal."[56] Eve Myles characterises Gwen as an ambitious and feisty young woman who at the same time embodies many aspects of the girl next door archetype.[59] Her distinct role within the team stems from the fact that "she's there for the people", who she feels "instinctive and passionate" about.[60] Producer Richard Stokes feels that Gwen possesses more "human empathy" than the more mercenary members of the team,[61] who are seen to be "technology-and-alien-obsessed".[62] In this vein, lead actor John Barrowman says that Gwen brings a "little bit of soul" back to Jack. Describing the ways in which Gwen's methodology differs from the rest of the team, Myles explains how her police procedural training relates to the job: "she deals with the families, she deals with profiling, she deals with searching people's backgrounds. It's a new way of working she brings in".[60] Myles feels that Gwen would have made a "fantastic policewoman" prior to joining Torchwood; drawing on the character's ability to get vulnerable characters to "open up by making them feel comfortable" as one trait that supports this.[63] Fundamentally, Myles perceives Gwen to be "the heart and emotion of Torchwood", and also "Torchwood's social worker" who can "run and fight and stand in her own corner and win".[64] Finding an insight into Torchwood through curiosity,[65] Gwen becomes part of Torchwood because they need her, just as she needs them.[66] Myles feels that Gwen's many facets prevent her from getting bored as she feels constantly challenged "physically", "mentally" and "morally" through portraying the character.[67]

Eve Myles previously appeared in the 2005 Doctor Who episode "The Unquiet Dead" as Gwyneth, a 19th century clairvoyant, with a connection to the Cardiff Rift, which later became a central plot device in Torchwood.[68] In response to questions about the similarity of the characters' names, showrunner Russell T Davies denied that they were connected, stating that they are "just two names beginning with "G"."[69] Subsequently however, Davies' 2008 Doctor Who episode "Journey's End" later alluded to a familial relationship between the characters, explaining their physical resemblance as the result of "spatial genetic multiplicity".[11] Eve Myles said of the characters' relation, "to be playing a character who's connected to Gwyneth, to be a relation of hers, is just incredibly clever, I think. It was never on the cards as such, but something in the back of my head always said that they were going to be connected somehow."[70] Davies explains that the relationship between the characters is not literal, stating that "It's not familial as we understand it", instead characterising spatial genetic multiplicity as "an echo and repetition of physical traits across a Time Rift."[71]

[edit] Development

[edit] Morality

“ "It was completely out of character for Gwen. But that's what good drama is all about. You don't want to spoon-feed a sci-fi audience. You want to challenge them. So none of these characters are safe." ”

—Actress Eve Myles, comments on Gwen's affair in series one.[72]

Despite being promoted as the show's heart and moral conscience the flaws in Gwen's own morality are explored throughout the series; a press release notes that she is both selfless and selfish.[73] Myles comments that Gwen's compromised morality suits the high concept nature of science fiction, and also serves to demonstrate that none of the Torchwood team "are safe" from temptation.[72] According to writer Stephen James Walker it is Gwen's moral ambiguity which makes her a compelling character. Since she was introduced as an audience surrogate, Walker claims that it would have been an easy trap to fall into to make her a "one-dimensional paragon of virtue". Instead, the writers made Gwen more "realistic" by giving her "distinct human failings", which Walker feels make her "arguably the most complex and interesting of the five regulars". He identifies these failures as her "tendency towards egotism", "self-righteousness", and "selfishness", as evident in her "highly questionable treatment" of boyfriend Rhys Williams. Walker cites her affair with Owen as an example, as well as the scene in "Combat" where she confesses this betrayal to Rhys after dosing him with the amnesia drug Retcon so he won't remember.[74] Gwen admits herself that because of her sexual misdemeanors she isn't in a place to pass judgement on Toshiko, or indeed any other member of the Torchwood team.[75] Valerie Estelle Frankel argues that Gwen finds "the missing side of herself" with her immersion into the world of Torchwood, represented by "affairs and homosexuality and the threat of death" rather than her ordinary domestic life with Rhys. According to Frankel Gwen's confrontation with Suzie mirrors her confrontation with her "inner self"; her literal journey into death giving her "the wisdom and duality of both worlds, life and death, mundane and magical" and eventually allowing her to become a stronger woman.[76] Daniel Rawcliffe notes that Indira Varma's character Suzie, featured in the premiere episode and in "They Keep Killing Suzie", is used as a "doppelgänger" (a trope of Gothic fiction; compare with terms "Gothic double" and literary foil) for Gwen. Suzie's actions and parallels with Gwen help to illuminate some of Gwen's own ethically ambiguous decisions in the first series. Gwen must constantly fight against Suzie, and Suzie's example, "if she is to be proved worthy of working alongside Captain Jack".[77]

Whilst Lynette Porter feels that Gwen becomes a "fallen women" through her affair with Owen she observes that this makes Gwen's role in relation to Jack in "End of Days" to be analogous to that of Mary Magdalene to Jesus, which reinforces the prevalent Biblical imagery present in the episode. Like Magdalene, Gwen is rewarded for her loyalty through being the first to lay eyes upon the risen saviour.[78] David Cornelius states that Gwen's Torchwood adventures take her to the brink, but also show "she's strong enough to pull herself back".[79] Frankel surmises that "Gwen's journey is one we all face ... she discovers the dominant intuition within, and then embraces it within the darkest caves of her inner self".[76] Walker, too feels that Gwen is still a redeemable character because she recognises her own moral failings, as seen in "Combat" where she sits alone sobbing over pizza before picking herself up and trying to do better in the future.[74] On this tract, Torchwood actor Kai Owen justifies Gwen's treatment of Rhys in her darkest moments by arguing that Gwen's intentions always remained pure; no matter how badly she treated Rhys.[80] io9's Charlie Jane Anders observes that the TV episode "The Categories of Life", written by Jane Espenson, exposes the character's human vanity by showing that she has "started to believe her own hype". In Anders' eyes, the character is responsible for her father's second heart attack because of her rash actions.[81]

[edit] Action hero and family woman

“ "She's got a huge responsibility on her shoulders. A few years ago she was working as a young policewoman in Cardiff. A couple of years later here she is saving the world with Captain Jack. One way or another something's got to give." ”

—Actress Eve Myles, on Gwen becoming less compromising.[82]

Original lead writer Chris Chibnall feels Gwen develops into a stronger character between series one and series two, becoming less "wide-eyed" in regards to events happening around her.[83] Frankel writes that "she is a whole woman now, integrated with all the parts of herself".[76] In the second series, Eve Myles states, Gwen now "knows where her feet are".[84] It is Gwen's ability to co-ordinate team activity which leads to her becoming recognised as Torchwood's deputy leader.[85] Costume Designer Ray Holman explains how these developments are reflected in how production team dresses the character. In the first series Gwen is dressed in a "faded high street look" and keeps away from leather clothing. However, as she becomes more confident in her new vocation, her clothes becomes "a lot more designer and heroic looking". In the second series she wears more leather from brands such as Diesel and G-star which Holman describes as "sexy" but "practical". The overall effect is that Gwen's leathers "toughen her up a bit, but keep her stylish at the same time".[86] Robert Lloyd, writing for the Los Angeles Times describes her as a "soulful leather-jacketed action heroine",[87] whilst CultBox TV's Rob Smedley takes note of the effect of Gwen's outfits, placing her as the 9th best-dressed character on TV with "the ideal rugged ensemble that gives the impression she means business and is all too ready to prove it".[88]

Children of Earth director Euros Lyn remarks that by the third series Gwen has grown so that "she now is on a par with Jack, in terms of having the knowledge and the experience to make decisions and to be a heroine".[12] Daniel Martin remarks favourably on this more developed Gwen in The Guardian, opining that her assertive reaction to her attempted assassination "shows just how far she's come".[89] Although Gwen comes across as harsher, she has had to become this way because it is pragmatic. "If she wasn't, people would die", Myles explains. She sees Gwen's loss of innocence as an inevitable development for her, commenting "everybody's got to lose something to gain something".[82] David Corenlius also observes that Gwen is no longer the kind-hearted outsider she was when she first joined Torchwood. By Children of Earth, she has become "colder and much more aggressive".[79] In Children of Earth, Gwen's horrific experiences turn her into "a biting cynic";[79] when both government and army betray the British people, Gwen claims to finally be able to understand why the Doctor does not save humanity from world crises. She believes he "must look at this planet and turn away in shame".[17] According to a press release, Miracle Day will see Gwen "make the most terrible decisions, on behalf of all mankind".[73] This is evidenced in "The Blood Line" where the character is shown to be willing to sacrifice her entire Torchwood team, in addition to her dying father, for the good of the world.[22] Commenting on Gwen's characterisation in this episode, Dan Martin notes that "Gwen sees transition into the Earth Mothering Tank Girl become complete, as she plays God and appears to love it."[90]

Critical attention has drawn out comparisons with famous screen action heroines, such as Ellen Ripley, portrayed by Sigourney Weaver in the original Alien trilogy. Ripley is seen as a ground-breaking depiction of a heroine whose heroism is neither derived from male support or hampered by femininity.[91] Rawcliffe writes that Gwen's strength of character makes her a "half Ripley", insofar as she possesses all of Ripley's strength, and yet "is hampered by her reliance on the male characters of Jack, Rhys and Owen".[77] Gwen has also been compared, at least superficially, to Buffy Summers, as portrayed by Sarah Michelle Gellar. Reflecting on a shot from Miracle Day, one critic comments that Gwen is "channeling Season Two Buffy the Vampire Slayer" when she shoots at a helicopter from her bazooka (recalling the shot depicted in Buffy episode "Innocence").[92] Gwen has also drawn implicit comparisons with Lara Croft from the Tomb Raider video game and film franchise. Commenting after viewing the first episode of Torchwood: Miracle Day Den of Geek's Simon Brew states that "Whoever Hollywood producers cast in the planned reboot of the Tomb Raider movie franchise, I'm fully confident that Myles could kick their ass. Twice. Before breakfast".[93] Whilst critical of the typical characterisation of British female science fiction characters, The Guardian's Krystina Nellis singles out Gwen and Doctor Who's River Song (Alex Kingston) as positive depictions of strong female characters, stating: "It'd be difficult to find two superwomen in less need of a man to save them." [94]

Press releases describe Gwen in light of contradictions between her heroic and conventionally feminine roles in the series; despite becoming a "tough, ruthless warrior, who loves the thrill of the fight" Gwen remains a "funny, salty, earthy woman who loves home and family".[73] As part of her continuing characterisation we are introduced (in series 2) to her parents Geraint and Mary Cooper, whilst Children of Earth sees Gwen become pregnant by husband Rhys;[13] a storyline which IGN writer Asham Haque felt provided "one of the few hope-giving threads" in the serial.[95] She gives birth to a baby girl, Anwen, in between the third and fourth series.[73] Both Eve Myles and creator Russell T Davies have described this plot development as emblematic of a contradiction at the heart of Gwen's character. Myles, believing that motherhood gives Gwen a greater sense of responsibility, says it makes Gwen "even more human, and yet even more of a wonder woman".[63] Whilst talking about the shows fourth series, Davies suggested that the image of "Gwen Cooper with baby in one arm and gun in the other" will be used as promotion, highlighting her dual roles.[96] The production team have continued to emphasise this contradictory aspect to Gwen's character, which has proved popular with critics and viewers. For example, a promotional clip for Miracle Day features Gwen firing from her gun in one hand while protectively holding her baby in the other. Zap2it's Mikey O'Connell praised this as one of the trailer's best aspects, praising Gwen as "the coolest mum ever."[92] The Daily Telegraph's Catherine Gee also praises the dichotomy between the character's two roles, stating that "Eve Myles's homely yet badass agent is incredibly charming".[97] Along with Gwen's status as a mother, her relationship with her parents is examined in more detail in Miracle Day, where Gwen must protect her undying father from the authorities. Series writer Jane Espenson draws an analogy between scenes in "The Gathering", where Gwen and Mary hide Geraint in the basement, and the living situation described by Anne Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank.[98] The Radio Times' Patrick Mulkern praised these scenes with the Cooper family, describing them as "tense" and "touching",[99] whilst Dan Martin felt that the storyline with Gwen's father was ended with "class" in the final episode.[90]

[edit] Relationships

[edit] Rhys

See also: Characterisation of Rhys Williams
“ "It would be a bridge too far - she wouldn't choose a job over (Rhys) in that circumstance. She would have blamed Torchwood forever. She would have taken herself away. I'm glad that relationship is still intact. It's a show where you've got to contrast the ordinary everyday with the extraordinary and (with) Gwen going home to Rhys and then going to work in an underground secret base ... it's right to have that balance." ”

—Executive Producer Julie Gardner, speaking in July 2008, explains why the production team chose not to kill off Rhys.[100]

Much of Gwen's characterisation centers on her developing relationship with her love interest from college,[101] Rhys Williams. Despite Torchwood bringing a total transformation in her life, Rhys remains a constant, with actress Eve Myles describing him as Gwen's "normality base".[12] The relationship is tested by Gwen's affair with colleague Owen Harper (Gorman), a betrayal which Myles believes to be "completely out of character" for Gwen;[72] explaining that the guilt experienced over her actions tears her to pieces.[84] The production team had originally planned for Rhys to die in the first series but he was given a reprise, with Producer Richard Stokes explaining that Rhys' presence keeps Gwen from losing her "heart" and that without him "it simply becomes a sci-fi show about sci-fi people, running around and hunting aliens".[102] Julie Gardner adds that in the discussion, the writers had felt they could not have written Gwen as ever recovering from Rhys' loss, and so chose not to kill off the character.[100] Rawcliffe notes that Rhys helps Gwen's mental health remain intact across the series, and argues that his presence halts her from undergoing the same psychological deterioration as Suzie.[77]

Kai Owen plays Rhys, Gwen's long-term partner.

The newly engaged Gwen becomes completely monogamous in the second series and "fights everyday to be with [Rhys]" even though Jack remains "a huge temptation".[103] Producer Russell T Davies felt that it was essential that Rhys no longer remained ignorant over Gwen's vocation[104] and the episode "Meat" focusses on Rhys discovering and coming to terms with her work for Torchwood.[7] Richard Edwards of SFX Magazine comments that this development allows their relationship to become the most convincing on the show and makes it clear why Gwen would want to marry him.[105] Richard Stokes feels that the marriage in "Something Borrowed" shows of Gwen's character that "even though she's put him through some really difficult times, she really does love him and want to be with him."[102] When asked about her character's complex relationship with both Jack and Rhys, Eve Myles explains that Gwen wouldn't be as much of a "strong character" without her ordinary life with Rhys.[106] Ben Rawson-Jones of Digital Spy comments that overall, the relationship serves to create "a nice contrast with the fantastical elements of the show";[107] whilst Jason Hughes opines that their marriage is "handled in a painfully honest way" and serves as "a true definition of "love" written with subtlety and perfection".[108] Talking about the show's exploration of human sexuality, Russell T Davies highlights the importance of Gwen and Rhys stating that "open sexuality has to include everything" including "a husband/wife great big crime-fighting team ... happily in love".[96]

[edit] Jack

“ "Jack's arrival represents these insecurities, the repressed desire for sex and romance rather than tea and hotpot at the kitchen table. Part of her longs for the first kiss, the outrageous flirting, the unpredictability of a new relationship. Jack, once again acting out her innermost desires obliges her. But they never take it beyond the romantic tension.." ”

—Valerie Estelle Frankel comments on the Gwen/Jack relationship.[76]

In addition to Gwen's long standing relationship with Rhys, the series explores possibilities of a romantic connection between Gwen and Jack. In a 2007 interview, Eve Myles, who portrays Gwen, describes the relationship between Jack and Gwen as a "palpable love" and opines that "with Jack and Gwen, it's the real thing and they're going to make you wait for that."[2] The first two series depict a romantic frission behind Gwen and Jack's working relationship, with Stephen James Walker drawing on the firing range sequence in Ghost Machine as a key example; as well as the scene where Jack discovers that Gwen has become engaged to Rhys.[74] AfterElton's Locksley Hall states that Jack is attracted to Gwen because of "her warmth, her sense of justice, her very ordinariness and lack of glamour", whilst Myles states of Gwen's interest in Jack that "the most monogamous woman in the world would probably go for him – it'd be hard not to".[62][106] Gwen's division between Jack and Rhys becomes a central theme in the second series. Frankel believes that Gwen's is stuck between "Rhys, the sweet, kind handsome prince, and Jack, the compelling trickster".[76] She suggests that Jack is not mature enough to occupy the role of "steady prince" for Gwen,[76] whilst Barrowman feels that if Jack were to settle down with her, "he'd have to commit completely"; this is why he does not act on his feelings, because though Gwen would let him flirt with other people, he could "never afford to do anything more".[109] Gareth David Lloyd, who portrayed Jack's other romantic interest, Ianto Jones, believes that although Jack feels two different types of love for Ianto and Gwen,[110] both have been instrumental in helping him open up and become less socially and emotionally isolated.[111]

John Barrowman plays Gwen's boss, Jack Harkness, with whom she has a complicated relationship.

Stephen James Walker feels that Gwen's decision not to wipe Rhys' memory a second time in the episode "Meat" symbolises the end of any potential relationship between Gwen and Jack,[74] although Gwen later confesses that "I love him [Rhys] ... but not in the way I love you [Jack]."[101] Myles clarifies her position on Gwen's relationship to Jack following the character's marriage to Rhys, stating that have them consummate their feelings would be "like feeding the baby when it's not hungry".[12] Reinforcing this view, Julie Gardner feels the love between Gwen and Jack is self-evident and that it doesn't need saying.[57] By Children of Earth Gwen is comfortable referring to Jack as her "best friend" although Lynette Porter interprets Gwen's view of Jack as apotheosis arguing her expectations of him to be the hero cause him to flee Earth as the hero is a role he cannot play because of the responsibility he feels for the deaths of those he loved.[78] Although Gwen retreats to a rural idyll with the family she loves, she still retains feelings for Jack, and misses the exciting life she once led alongside him.[73] Speaking ahead of the fourth series Myles explains that Gwen and Jack's relationship is a "love-hate-love relationship", which she believes to be reminiscent of each a sibling relationship, a husband and wife relationship and "the best friendship known to mankind". Myles feels that Gwen is not complete without Jack and that they are like "two missing parts of a jigsaw" and because the relationship works on so many different levels it cannot be labelled.[112] Episode seven of Miracle Day features a scenario where Gwen states that she would have Jack killed to save her daughter. Writer Jane Espenson explains that the two characters differing needs means that they inevitably "clash like steel blades".[113] Simon Brew of Den of Geek describes Jack and Gwen as "a terrific double act" and opines that "Torchwood is at, or near, its best when the two of them are working in tandem".[114]

[edit] Other

Gwen displays a fluid sexuality in the first series which academic Linnie Blake feels to be emblematic of her heterosexist normality becoming challenged in response to her eye opening surroundings and Jack's "glorious affirmation of all possible sexual permutations".[115] In Invaders from Space, Time Travel and Ommnisexuality Lee Barron notes that "within Torchwood the boundaries of sexual preference are routinely unstable and upredictable";[116] despite Gwen being formally heterosexual she reciprocates the advances of a woman playing host to a sex-driven alien, whilst under the influences of alien-enhanced pheromones.[116][117] This particular scene drew criticism from AfterEllen.com reviewer Karman Kregloe who comments that it falls prey to "nearly every negative lesbian stereotype imaginable". Kregloe considers Gwen's inability to satiate the sex crazed alien as a "play on a traditional, sexist social construct", whilst the decision to never have Gwen never mention the experience again also draws criticism.[118] The first series also sees Gwen embark on a short lived destructive affair with colleague Owen Harper. Executive producer Russell T Davies explains that the episode "Countrycide" was deliberately structured in order to make the affair seem inevitable as she struggles to cope with her Torchwood life.[119] For Davies, the dalliance is a "human" one, told in an adult manner characterised by "lust and anger and hurt and the joy you get out of the initial stages of having an affair".[62] Blake argues that the Gothic situations in Torchwood continue to find parallels in the "invasion" of Gwen's sexuality and that this theme reaches a climax at her wedding when she is forcibly impregnated.[115]

Gwen's friendship with former colleague Andy is used by the production team to juxtapose her extraordinary life with mundane one as well as highlighting her transformation into a harder woman.[74] Andy is present immediately before Gwen first encounters Torchwood, and according to Myles his appearances "takes you right back to the beginning, it reminds you where she came from, how Jack found Gwen". Later, the episode "Adrift" reveals that Andy has harboured feelings for Gwen over the course of several years.[120] Tom Price, who portrays Andy, speculates that Gwen had been the subject of a clumsy pass when the two of them worked together.[121] Andy's feelings cause him to remain absent on Gwen's wedding day,[120] and to constantly bicker with her husband Rhys,[9][17] but despite this Gwen's influence remains a decisive factor in Andy's begrudging trust in Torchwood.[122]

[edit] Reception

Myles has won both awards and critical notice for her role as Gwen Cooper.

Eve Myles has generally enjoyed an increased profile since being cast as Gwen Cooper in Torchwood and is now considered one of Wales biggest Drama exports.[123] On casting her, Russell T Davies described Myles as "Wales best kept secret," and the actress has also been described as a "Welsh icon" since appearing in Torchwood,[124] with the Western Mail listing Myles' turn as "Torchwood's feisty female lead" as a contributing factor in making her one of Wales' sexiest women, as well as a national institution.[125] In an analysis of Welsh representation in television, Geraint Telfan Davies cited Myles' role in Torchwood, coupled with the popularity of sitcom Gavin and Stacey, as combating prejudice against the Welsh accent.[126] Backing up this claim, Samantha Bennet of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette describes Myles' "silvery, flowing" accent as "exotic" and Myles herself as a bona fide star.[127] Shortly after Torchwood's premiere, Conservative MP Michael Gove described Gwen Cooper as a "Celtic Rosselini" and an example of Welsh sensuality,[128] whilst in 2006, Wales on Sunday named Myles as its "Bachelorette of the Year".[129] In July 2011, The Scotsman's Aidan Smith described Gwen Cooper as "the sexiest woman in Wales".[130]

The Guardian's "Organ Grinder" reviewer was full of praise for Myles' performance in "Everything Changes", expressing the opinion that through her portrayal of Gwen Cooper she managed to outshine Captain Jack.[131] The character was also described by The Stage as "the solid, down to earth character needed to anchor Torchwood to the real world" whilst functioning well as a foil to Captain Jack.[132] However, some reviews mocked the prosaic characterisation. Verity Stob, a technology columnist for online newspaper The Register, wrote a parody of Torchwood called Under Torch Wood (in the style of Dylan Thomas' Under Milk Wood). The piece mocks Gwen's role as "the viewer proxy" describing her as "plumply pop-eyed" and her boyfriend Rhys as 'Barry Backstory'.[133] Jan Ravens played a parody version of Gwen in the impressionist television series Dead Ringers, where she displays a badge labelling her with what Jon Culshaw's Captain Jack describes as her sole characteristic: Welsh.[134]

The more assertive Gwen in Torchwood's third series attracted praise from reviewers: Paul Collins of Total Sci-Fi Expressed the opinion that Children of Earth finally shows Gwen's heroic characteristics in a way that had been missing in the first two series,[135] whilst Daniel Martin from the Guardian stated that "it's great to see Gwen being so completely badass".[89] David Cornelius wrote of her characterisation that Gwen succeeds as a strongly written female character that does not pander to stereotypes because writers avoid defining her by any aspect of her adventures.[79] Reviewers also commented on Myles' standing as a leading lady; Comic Book Resources' Remy Minnick describes Gwen as "the true heart of Torchwood",[136] whilst Scott Lewinski from Wired magazine also described Myles' portrayal as forming the conscience of the Torchwood team, and the show itself.[137] Total Sci-Fi's Jonathan Wilkins felt that the five part serial marked the emergence of Eve Myles as a star in her own right and opined that she could potentially carry the show without co-star Barrowman.[138] Maureen Ryan of the Chicago Tribune also stated her belief that the third series' climax indicated how Eve Myles has "grown into the role" of Gwen, describing her performance as "outstanding".[139] Ryan later gave an "Honourable Mention" to Gwen when discussing Sci-Fi TV's Most Memorable Female Characters, making her the only Doctor Who franchise character to receive a mention.[140]

Eve Myles won the 2007 Bafta Cymru Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Gwen Cooper, winning over the parent series' actress Billie Piper.[141] She was nominated again for the award in 2008,[142] and again in 2010.[143] In 2010 Eve also won the 'Best Actress" award in the SFX Reader's Awards poll,[144] and was crowned best actress in the 11th annual Airlock Alpha Portal Awards.[145] For her role as Gwen Cooper in Torchwood: Miracle Day Myles was nominated for a Satellite Award in the Best Television Actress category.[146] and reached the shortlist for the 2012 UK National Television Awards.[147] Action figures of Gwen have been created in the actress' likeness, which Myles' describes as "bizarre and wonderful" but at the same time "really kind of strange".[148] In a reader's awards poll in the sixth issue of Torchwood Magazine, Gwen was voted second favourite Torchwood character behind Captain Jack,[149] a ranking she also received in a 2011 poll published by the Liverpool Daily Post as part of a live interview with writer John Fay.[150] Myles, describing her experiences at various science-fiction conventions, has praised the fan response as "incredible" and "just extraordinary".[151] Some fans have taken to blacking out their teeth at conventions to mimic her gap toothed appearance, which Myles finds particularly flattering.[152]

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Everything Changes". Russell T Davies, Brian Kelly. Torchwood. BBC Three. 22 August 2006.
  2. ^ a b "Who's new in time travelling?". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20070930023952/http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=24&ContentID=31679. Retrieved 5 July 2007. 
  3. ^ "Countrycide". Russel T Davies, Chris Chibnall, Andy Goddard. Torchwood. BBC Three. 19 November 2006.
  4. ^ "Combat". Russell T Davies, Noel Clarke, Andy Goddard. Torchwood. BBC Three. 24 December 2006.
  5. ^ "End of Days". Russell T Davies, Chris Chibnall, Ashley Way. Torchwood. BBC Three. 01 January 2007.
  6. ^ "Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang". Chris Chibnall, Ashley Way. Torchwood. BBC Two. 16 January 2008.
  7. ^ a b "Meat". Russell T Davies, Catherine Tregenna, Colin Teague. Torchwood. BBC Two. 06 February 2008.
  8. ^ "Something Borrowed". Russell T Davies, Phil Ford, Ashley Way. Torchwood. BBC Three. 05 March 2008.
  9. ^ a b "Exit Wounds". Russel T Davies, Chris Chibnall, Ashley Way. Torchwood. BBC Two. 04 April 2008.
  10. ^ "The Stolen Earth". Russell T Davies, Graeme Harper. Doctor Who. BBC One. 28 June 2008.
  11. ^ a b "Journey's End". Russell T Davies, Graeme Harper. Doctor Who. BBC One. 06 July 2008.
  12. ^ a b c d McCabe, Joseph (19 February 2009). "Exclusive: Eve Myles and Director Euros Lyn Talk 'Torchwood' Season 3!". Fearnet. http://www.fearnet.com/news/b14762_exclusive_eve_myles_director_euros_lyn.html. Retrieved 22 February 2009. 
  13. ^ a b "Children of Earth: Day One". Russell T Davies, Euros Lyn. Torchwood. BBC One. 06 July 2009.
  14. ^ "Children of Earth: Day Two". Russell T Davies, John Fay, Euros Lyn. Torchwood. BBC One. 07 July 2009.
  15. ^ "Children of Earth: Day Three". Russell T Davies, James Moran, Euros Lyn. Torchwood. BBC One. 08 July 2009.
  16. ^ "Children of Earth: Day Four". Russell T Davies, John Fay, Euros Lyn. Torchwood. BBC One. 08 July 2009.
  17. ^ a b c "Children of Earth: Day Five". Russell T Davies, Euros Lyn. Torchwood. BBC One. 09 July 2009.
  18. ^ "The New World". Russell T Davies, Bharat Nalluri. Torchwood. Starz. 08 July 2011.
  19. ^ "Rendition". Doris Egan, Billy Gierhart. Torchwood. Starz. 15 July 2011.
  20. ^ "The Middle Men". John Shiban, Guy Ferland. Torchwood. Starz. 12 August 2011.
  21. ^ "Immortal Sins". Jane Espenson, Gwyneth Horder-Payton. Torchwood. Starz. 19 August 2011.
  22. ^ a b "The Blood Line". Jane Espenson, Russell T. Davies. Torchwood. Starz. 09 September 2011.
  23. ^ a b c Ford, Phil (2008). SkyPoint. BBC Books. ISBN 1-84607-575-0. 
  24. ^ Anghelides, Peter (January 2007). Another Life. BBC Books. ISBN 978-0-563-48655-8. 
  25. ^ Abnett, Dan (January 2007). Border Princes. BBC Books. ISBN 978-0-563-48654-1. 
  26. ^ Lane, Andy (January 2007). Slow Decay. BBC Books. ISBN 978-0-563-48655-8. 
  27. ^ Llewwellyn, David (March 2008). Trace Memory. BBC Books. ISBN 1-84607-438-X. 
  28. ^ Russell, Gary (March 2008). The Twilight Streets. BBC Books. ISBN 1-84607-439-8. 
  29. ^ Baxendale, Trevor (March 2008). Something in the Water. BBC Books. ISBN 1-84607-437-1. 
  30. ^ Anghelides, Peter (2008). Pack Animals. BBC Books. ISBN 1-84607-574-2. 
  31. ^ Goss, James (2008). Almost Perfect. BBC Books. ISBN 1-84607-573-4. 
  32. ^ Pinborough, Sarah (2008). Into the Silence. BBC Books. ISBN 1-84607-753-2. 
  33. ^ Morris, Mark (2008). Bay of the Dead. BBC Books. ISBN 1-84607-753-2. 
  34. ^ Adams, Guy (2008). The House that Jack Built. BBC Books. ISBN 1-84607-739-7. 
  35. ^ Goss, James (October 2009). Risk Assessment. BBC Books. ISBN 978-1-84607-783-8. 
  36. ^ Baxendale, Trevor (October 2009). The Undertaker's Gift. BBC Books. ISBN 978-1-84607-782-1. 
  37. ^ Lidster, Joseph; Moran, James; Cartmel, Andrew; Llewellyn, David; Pinborough, Sarah (October 2009). Consequences. BBC Books. ISBN 978-1-84607-784-5. 
  38. ^ Torchwood Magazine. May and June 2010 (cover dates) 
  39. ^ "Interactive Torchwood adventure launched". Digital Spy. 31 January 2008. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/cult/a88392/interactive-torchwood-adventure-launched.html. Retrieved 6 August 2008. 
  40. ^ Perryman, Neil (2008). "Doctor Who and the Convergence of Media, A Case Study in "Transmedia Storytelling"". Convergence: the International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies 14 (1): 21–39. doi:10.1177/1354856507084417. 10.1177/1354856507084417. http://con.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/14/1/21. Retrieved 6 August 2008. "The British science fiction series Doctor Who embraces convergence culture on an unprecedented scale, with the BBC currently using the series to trial a plethora of new technologies, including: mini-episodes on mobile phones, podcast commentaries, interactive red-button adventures, video blogs, companion programming, and 'fake' metatextual websites" 
  41. ^ Russell, Gary (October 2008). The Torchwood Archives. BBC Books. ISBN 978-1-84607-459-2. 
  42. ^ Russell, Gary (October 2009). The Torchwood Encyclopedia. BBC Books. ISBN 978-1-84607-764-7. 
  43. ^ Steven Savile (author), Naoko Mori (narrator) (04 February 2008). Hidden (Audio book). BBC Audio. 
  44. ^ Dan Abnett (author), Burn Gorman (narrator) (04 February 2008). Everyone Says Hello (Audio book). BBC Audio. 
  45. ^ a b Joseph Lidster (author), Eve Myles (narrator) (September 2008). In the Shadows (Audio book). BBC Audio. 
  46. ^ Jarrod Cooper (April 26, 2008). "Torchwood comes to Radio 4". The Doctor Who News Page. http://www.gallifreyone.com/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?id=EkpAkZFFkZpKezjobI&tmpl=newsrss&style=feedstyle. Retrieved 27 April 2008. 
  47. ^ "Torchwood: Lost Souls". http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/bigbang/torchwood.shtml. Retrieved 10 September 2008. 
  48. ^ "Lost Souls". Joseph Lidster, Kate McAll (producer/director). Torchwood. BBC Radio 4. 10 September 2008. 43:47 minutes in.
  49. ^ "Torchwood: Download the plays". BBC Radio 4. http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/features/torchwood/download/. Retrieved 6 September 2009. 
  50. ^ Foster, Chuck (24 June 2011). "Torchwood: The Lost Files". The Doctor Who News Page. http://www.doctorwhonews.net/2011/06/dwn240611123008-torchwood-lost-files.html. Retrieved 24 June 2011. 
  51. ^ "House of the Dead". James Goss, Kate McAll. Torchwood. BBC Radio 4. 13 July 2011.
  52. ^ Russell T Davies, Julie Gardner, Brian Kelly (2007). Commentary for Torchwood episode "Everything Changes" (DVD (Region 2)). United Kingdom: BBC. 
  53. ^ "Team Torchwood". 24 February 2006. http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2006/02_february/24/torchwood.shtml. Retrieved 9 August 2010. 
  54. ^ Powers, Nicole (15 July 2009). "Eve Myles: Torchwood". SuicideGirls.com. http://suicidegirls.com/interviews/Eve%20Myles%3A%20Torchwood%20/. Retrieved 15 May 2009. 
  55. ^ Fulton, Rick (20 October 2006). "Who Dunnt". The Daily Record. http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/tm_headline=who-dunnt-&method=full&objectid=17962623&siteid=66633-name_page.html. Retrieved 21 March 2011. 
  56. ^ a b Russell T Davies (15 October 2006). "Who dares and wins". The Times (London). http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/article668327.ece. Retrieved 8 August 2010. 
  57. ^ a b Jensen, Michael (10 August 2011). "Torchwood"'s Russell T Davies Discusses Jack and Gwen, Casting John Barrowman and More!". AfterElton. http://www.afterelton.com/people/2010/08/russell-t-davies-julie-gardner-torchwood-the-new-world?page=0%2C1. Retrieved 10 August 2010. 
  58. ^ Foster, Cuck (6 April 2011). "Torchwood: Cannes Update". The Doctor Who News Page. http://www.doctorwhonews.net/2011/04/dwn060411130008-torchwood-cannes-update.html. Retrieved 4 May 2011. 
  59. ^ Rowland, Paul (24 February 2006). "Welsh star in Doctor Who spin-off". The Western Mail. http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0200wales/tm_objectid=16741728%26method=full%26siteid=50082%26headline=welsh%2dactress%2deve%2din%2ddoctor%2dwho%2dspin%2doff%2d-name_page.html. Retrieved 22 March 2006. 
  60. ^ a b "Bad Day at the Office". Torchwood Declassified. BBC Three. 13 March 2008.
  61. ^ "Torchwood character guide". SFX. 17 October 2006. http://www.sfx.co.uk/2006/10/17/torchwood_character_guide/. Retrieved 21 March 2011. 
  62. ^ a b c Hall, Locksley (24 October 2006). "Torchwood: Captain Jack Gets His Own Show (page 2)". AfterElton. http://www.afterelton.com/archive/elton/TV/2006/10/torchwood2.html. Retrieved 19 March 2011. 
  63. ^ a b Matthewman, Scott (2 July 2009). "Torchwood week: Eve Myles". The Stage. http://blogs.thestage.co.uk/tvtoday/2009/07/torchwood-week-eve-myles. Retrieved 20 February 2011. 
  64. ^ Interview with Eve Myles
  65. ^ Reuters/Hollywood Reporter (12 September 2007). "Sci-fi saga "Torchwood" targets actual grown-ups". Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/televisionNews/idUSN0644590220070907. Retrieved 6 September 2007. 
  66. ^ McFarland, Melanie (7 September 2007). "On TV: BBC America's hot 'Torchwood' is a cool place to be Saturday nights". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. http://www.seattlepi.com/tv/330634_tv07.html. Retrieved 2 June 2009. 
  67. ^ Duralde, Alfonso (9 July 2011). "On the Set of "Torchwood: Miracle Day" With Eve Myles, Kai Owen and Bill Pullman". AfterElton. http://www.afterelton.com/people/2011/06/torchwood-miracle-day-eve-myles-kai-owen-bill-pullman?page=0%2C0. Retrieved 10 July 2011. 
  68. ^ "Team Torchwood". BBC Doctor Who website. http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/tw.shtml. Retrieved 22 March 2006. 
  69. ^ Cook, Benjamin (31 January 2007). "Whoops, Apocalypse". Doctor Who Magazine (378): 34. 
  70. ^ "Local Hero". Doctor Who Magazine (398): 28. 20 August 2008. 
  71. ^ "Doctor Who Episode 13: Journey's End Factfile". http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/s4/episodes/?episode=s4_13&action=factfile. Retrieved 15 September 2011. 
  72. ^ a b c Littlefield, Kinney (24 January 2008). "Hail the return of the alien hunter". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. http://www.seattlepi.com/tv/348650_tv25.html. Retrieved 21 March 2011. 
  73. ^ a b c d e Torchwood The New World, Press Release. Starz.com.
  74. ^ a b c d e Walker, Stephen James (2008). Something in the Darkness. United Kingdom: Telos Publishing Ltd. p. 151. ISBN 978-1-84583-024-3. 
  75. ^ "Greeks Bearing Gifts". Russell T Davies, Toby Whithouse, Colin Teague. Torchwood. BBC Three. 26 November 2006.
  76. ^ a b c d e f Frankel, Valerie Estelle (2010). "Gwen's Evil Stepmother: Concerning Gloves and Magic Slippers". In Andrew Ireland. McFarland. pp. 90–101. 
  77. ^ a b c Rawcliffe, Daniel J. (2010). "Transgressive Torch Bearers: Who Carries the Confines of Gothic Aesthetics". In Andrew Ireland. McFarland. pp. 102–112. 
  78. ^ a b Porter, Lynnette. Tarnished Heroes, Charming Villains and Modern Monsters: Science Fiction in Shades of Gray on 21st Century Television. McFarland. ISBN 0-7864-4858-X. 
  79. ^ a b c d Corenlius, David (28 July 2009). "Torchwood: Children of Earth". DVD talk. http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/38033/torchwood-children-of-earth/. Retrieved 21 March 2011. 
  80. ^ Berriman, Ian (7 January 2008). "Torchwood Week: Kai Owen interviewed". SFX. http://www.sfx.co.uk/2008/01/07/torchwood_week_kai_owen_interviewed/. Retrieved 14 March 2011. 
  81. ^ Anders, Charlie Jane (7 August 2011). "Torchwood ensures you'll never think about Death Panels the same way again". io9. http://io9.com/5828526/torchwood-ensures-youll-never-think-about-death-panels-the-same-way-again. Retrieved 10 August 2010. 
  82. ^ a b "Gwen Cooper". BBC Torchwood: Children of Earth website. http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchwood/characters/gwen_cooper.shtml. Retrieved 21 March 2011. 
  83. ^ Edwards, Richard (8 January 2008). "Torchwood Week: Chris Chibnall interviewed". SFX. http://www.sfx.co.uk/2008/01/09/torchwood_week_chris_chibnall_interviewed/. Retrieved 15 March 2011. 
  84. ^ a b "The cast of Torchwood". Digital Spy. 14 January 2008. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s8/torchwood/interviews/a81986/the-cast-of-torchwood.html. Retrieved 28 January 2011. 
  85. ^ "Gwen Cooper". BBC Torchwood official site. http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchwood/sites/team/pages/gwen_cooper.shtml. Retrieved 11 March 2011. 
  86. ^ Holman, Ray (May 2008). "The Fashion Hub". Torchwood Magazine (5): 24. 
  87. ^ Robert Lloyd (20 July 2009). "Review: Torchwood Season 3 on BBC America". The Los Angeles Times. http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-torchwood20-2009jul20,0,6592854.story. Retrieved 23 July 2009. 
  88. ^ Smedley, Rob (1 August 2011). "Top 10 best-dressed characters on TV". Cultbox TV. http://www.cultbox.co.uk/features/countdowns/1505-top-10-best-dressed-characters-on-tv. Retrieved 2 August 2011. 
  89. ^ a b Martin, Daniel (8 July 2009). "Torchwood: Children of Earth: Day Two". London: The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/tvandradioblog/2009/jul/08/torchwood-children-of-earth-day-two. 
  90. ^ a b Martin, Dan (10 September 2011). "Torchwood: Miracle Day – episode 10". The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2011/sep/10/torchwood-miracle-day-episode-10. Retrieved 30 January 2012. 
  91. ^ "20 All-Time Coolest Heroes in Pop Culture". Entertainment Weekly. March 2009. http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20268279_16,00.html. Retrieved 27 March 2009. 
  92. ^ a b O'Connell, Mikey (24 May 2011). "'Torchwood: Miracle Day': 5 things we learned from the official trailer". Zap2it. http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2011/05/torchwood-miracle-day-5-things-we-learned-from-the-official-trailer.html. Retrieved 24 May 2011. 
  93. ^ Brew, Simon (20 June 2011). "Torchwood: Miracle Day episode 1 spoiler-free review: The New World". Den of Geek. http://www.denofgeek.com/television/947521/torchwood_miracle_day_episode_1_spoilerfree_review_the_new_world.html. Retrieved 28 June 2011. 
  94. ^ Nellis, Krystina (11 November 2011). "Misfits' women are not to be messed with". London: The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2011/nov/11/misfits-women-alisha-kelly. Retrieved 12 November 2011. 
  95. ^ Haque, Asham (17 July 2009). "Torchwood: "Children of Earth" Review". IGN. http://tv.ign.com/articles/100/1004761p1.html. Retrieved 8 August 2010. 
  96. ^ a b Howell, John (10 August 2010). "Torchwood Season 4 details: alien sex a possibility". sciencefictionworld. http://sciencefictionworld.com/tv/science-fiction-tv/564-torchwood-season-4-details-alien-sex-a-possibility-.html. Retrieved 15 March 2011. 
  97. ^ Gee, Catherine (28 July 2011). "Torchwood: Miracle Day, episode three, review". London: The Daily Telegraph. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/doctor-who/8668716/Torchwood-Miracle-Day-episode-three-review.html. Retrieved 28 July 2011. 
  98. ^ Espenson, Jane (6 September 2011). "Exclusive: "Jane's Take" on "Torchwood" Episode Nine: "The Gathering"". AfterElton. http://www.afterelton.com/tv/2011/08/jane-espenson-torchwood-miracle-day-nine. Retrieved 7 September 2011. 
  99. ^ Mulkern, Patrick. "Torchwood: Miracle Day - Episode Nine - The Gathering". The Radio Times. http://beta.radiotimes.com/episode/msqv6/torchwood-miracle-day-the-gathering. Retrieved 11 September 2011. 
  100. ^ a b Tracey, Brown. "'Torchwood': A Chat with Julie Gardner and Naoko Mori". Monsters and Critics. http://www.monstersandcritics.com/smallscreen/features/article_1420508.php. Retrieved 8 February 2011. 
  101. ^ a b "Adam". Russell T Davies. Catherine Tregenna, Andy Goddard. Torchwood. BBC Two. 13 February 2008.
  102. ^ a b Richard Stokes interview, "That's all Stokes", Torchwood Magazine, issue 4, May 2008, p. 31.
  103. ^ Rawson-Jones, Ben (8 January 2008). "Torchwood's Gwen embraces monogamy". Digital Spy. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/cult/s8/torchwood/news/a83723/torchwoods-gwen-embraces-monogamy.html. Retrieved 1 January 2011. 
  104. ^ "Save the Whale". Torchwood Declassified. BBC Three. 07 February 2008.
  105. ^ Edwards, Richard (31 March 2008). "TV REVIEW Torchwood 2.04 "Meat"". SFX. http://www.sfx.co.uk/2008/03/31/tv_review_torchwood_2_04_meat/. Retrieved 28 January 2011. 
  106. ^ a b "Eve Myles: Torchwood". SuicideGirls.com. 15 July 2009. http://suicidegirls.com/interviews/Eve%20Myles%3A%20Torchwood%20/. Retrieved 15 July 2009. 
  107. ^ Rawson-Jones, Ben (13 April 2008). "'Torchwood' Season Two Review". Digital Spy. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/cult/s8/torchwood/news/a93603/torchwood-season-two-review.html. Retrieved 1 January 2010. 
  108. ^ Hughes, Jason (6 April 2008). "Torchwood: Adrift". TV Squad. http://www.tvsquad.com/2008/04/06/torchwood-adrift/. Retrieved 21 March 2011. 
  109. ^ "Fit But You Know It". Doctor Who Magazine (398): 26. 20 August 2008. 
  110. ^ Jeurgens, Brian (26 February 2008). "Interview with Torchwood's Gareth David-Lloyd". AfterElton. http://www.afterelton.com/people/2008/2/garethdavidlloyd. Retrieved 26 December 2008. 
  111. ^ Anders, Charlie Jane (20 July 2009). "Ianto Jones Talks Love, Explosions And Dark Secrets". io9. http://io9.com/5318926/ianto-jones-talks-love-explosions-and-dark-secrets. Retrieved 11 September 2009. 
  112. ^ O' Connell, Mikey (8 July 2011). "'Torchwood' star Eve Myles: Gwen and Jack are 'two missing parts of a jigsaw'". Zap2it. http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2011/07/torchwood-star-eve-myles-gwen-and-jack-are-two-missing-parts-of-a-jigsaw.html. Retrieved 1 August 2011. 
  113. ^ Espenson, Jane (21 August 2011). "Exclusive! "Jane's Take" on "Torchwood" Episode Seven: That's Gotta Hurt!". AfterElton. http://www.afterelton.com/tv/2011/08/jane-espenson-torchwood-miracle-day-seven. Retrieved 8 September 2011. 
  114. ^ Brew, Simon (24 August 2011). "Torchwood Miracle Day episode 7 review: Immortal Sins". Den of Geek. http://www.denofgeek.com/television/1027728/torchwood_miracle_day_episode_7_review_immortal_sins.html. Retrieved 8 September 2011. 
  115. ^ a b Blake, Linnie (2009). ""You guys and your cute little categories": Torchwood, The Space-Time Rift and Cardiff's Postmodern, Postcolonial and (avowedly) Pansexual Gothic". Irish Journal of Horror and Gothic Studies (Trinity College, Dublin) 7. ISSN 2009-0374. http://irishgothichorrorjournal.homestead.com/Torchwood.html. 
  116. ^ a b Barron, Lee (2011). "Invaders from Space, Time Travel and Ommnisexuality: The Multi-Layered Narrative of Torchwood". In Tobias Hochscherf & James Leggott. British Science Fiction Film and Television: Critical Essays. McFarland. pp. 178–193. ISBN 0-7864-4621-8. 
  117. ^ "Day One". Russell T Davies, Brian Kelly. Torchwood. BBC Three. 22 August 2006.
  118. ^ Kregloe, Karman (6 March 2007). "Bisexual Women Are Alien to "Torchwood"". After Ellen. http://www.afterellen.com/TV/2007/torchwood. Retrieved 19 March 2011. 
  119. ^ "The Country Club". Torchwood Declassified. BBC Three. 20 November 2006.
  120. ^ a b "Adrift". Chris Chibnall, Mark Everest. Torchwood. BBC Three. 19 March 2008.
  121. ^ "Torchwood: Up Close With Tom Price". BBC Torchwood: Children of Earth official site. http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchwood/behindthescenes/ep05_tom_price.shtml. Retrieved 6 February 2011. 
  122. ^ "Andy Davidson". BBC Torchwood: Children of Earth official site. http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchwood/characters/pc_andy_davidson.shtml. Retrieved 6 February 2011. 
  123. ^ Ranson, Joanna. "Cardiff continues to be top filming location: what does this mean for Welsh actors?". exposureradio. http://www.exposureradio.org/2011/02/07/cardiff-continues-to-be-top-filming-location-what-does-this-mean-for-welsh-actors/. Retrieved 9 February 2011. 
  124. ^ "Eve Myles - Welsh Icon". http://www.welshicons.org.uk/html/eve_myles.php. 
  125. ^ Simpson, Rin (6 September 2008). "The 50 sexiest women in Wales". The Western Mail. http://www.walesonline.co.uk/showbiz-and-lifestyle/features/2008/09/06/the-50-sexiest-women-in-wales-91466-21677348/. Retrieved 15 March 2011. 
  126. ^ Davies, Geraint Telfan (April 2009). English Is a Welsh Language - Television's Crisis in Wales. Institue of Welsh Affairs. ISBN 978-1-904773-42-9. 
  127. ^ Bennett, Samantha (24 January 2008). "Lovely Welsh star lights up the screen in 'Torchwood'". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08024/851613-60.stm. Retrieved 7 June 2011. 
  128. ^ Gove, Michael (25 October 2006). "What could be sexier than South Wales?". MichaelGove.com. http://www.michaelgove.com/content/what-could-be-sexier-south-wales. Retrieved 8 August 2010. 
  129. ^ Rachel Mainwaring (19 March 2006). "Sexy Eve our Bachelorette of the year". Wales on Sunday. http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/features/tm_objectid=16833049%26method=full%26siteid=50082-name_page.html. Retrieved 20 March 2006. 
  130. ^ Smith, Aidan (19 July 2011). "TV reviews: The Night Watch | Law & Order: UK | Torchwood". Edinburgh: The Scotsman. http://news.scotsman.com/entertainment/TV-reviews-The-Night-Watch.6803058.jp. Retrieved 19 July 2011. 
  131. ^ Plunkett, John (19 October 2006). "Farewell Doctor Who, hello Captain Jack". The Guardian (London). http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/organgrinder/2006/10/farewell_doctor_who_hello_capt.html. Retrieved 20 October 2006. 
  132. ^ Wright, Mark (19 October 2006). "Everything changes—a first look at Torchwood". The Stage. Archived from the original on 4 January 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20070104064435/http://www.thestage.co.uk/tvtoday/2006/10/torchwood_first_look.php. Retrieved 23 October 2006. 
  133. ^ Stob, Verity (6 November 2006). "Under Torch Wood". The Register. http://www.regdeveloper.co.uk/2006/11/06/torchwood/. Retrieved 7 November 2006. 
  134. ^ "Dead Ringers". Principal writers Nev Fountain and Tom Jamieson, Director Ben Fuller, Producer Richard Webb. Dead Ringers. BBC. BBC Two, London. 8 March 2007. No. 3, season 7.
  135. ^ Collins, Paul (8 July 2009). "Torchwood Children Of Earth: Day Three". Total Sci-Fi. http://totalscifionline.com/reviews/3715-torchwood-children-of-earth-day-three. Retrieved 21 March 2011. 
  136. ^ "Review: Torchwood: Children of Earth". 20 July 2009. http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=22109. Retrieved 8 August 2010. 
  137. ^ Lewinski, John Scott (20 July 2009). "Review: Torchwood Buries Its Past With 'Children of Earth'". Wired. http://www.wired.com/underwire/2009/07/review-torchwood-buries-its-past-with-children-of-earth/. Retrieved 21 March 2011. 
  138. ^ Wilkins, Jonathan (10 July 2009). "Torchwood Children of Earth: Day Five". Total Sci-Fi. http://totalscifionline.com/reviews/3721-torchwood-children-of-earth-day-five. Retrieved 21 March 2011. 
  139. ^ Ryan, Maureen (24 July 2009). "Thrills, chills and heartbreak: A review of 'Torchwood: Children of Earth'". Chicago Tribune. http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2009/07/torchwood-children-of-earth-review.html. Retrieved 20 February 2011. 
  140. ^ Ryan, Maureen (8 March 2011). "Sci-Fi TV's Most Memorable Female Characters". TV Squad. http://www.tvsquad.com/2011/03/08/sci-fi-memorable-female-characters/. Retrieved 24 March 2011. 
  141. ^ "Dr Who sweeps Bafta Cymru board". BBC News Online. 29 April 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/6604115.stm. Retrieved 29 April 2007. 
  142. ^ "Doctor Who's Bafta Cymru triumph". BBC News Online. 27 April 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7369183.stm. Retrieved 28 December 2008. 
  143. ^ "Bafta Cymru Nominations". http://www.bafta-cymru.org.uk/english/awards/pdf/2010_nominations.pdf. 
  144. ^ French, Dan (16 February 2010). "'Torchwood's' Myles named Best Actress". Digital Spy. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/cult/s8/torchwood/news/a203498/torchwoods-myles-named-best-actress.html. Retrieved 8 August 2010. 
  145. ^ Hinman, Michael (1 August 2010). "'Doctor Who' Dominates 2010 Portal Awards". Airlock Alpha. http://www.airlockalpha.com/node/7681/doctor-who-dominates-2010-portal-awards.html. Retrieved 8 August 2010. 
  146. ^ 2011 Satellite Award Nominations
  147. ^ "National Television Awards: Street leads shortlist". BBC News Online. 2012-01-02. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-16378869. Retrieved 2012-01-02. 
  148. ^ "Torchwood's Eve Myles Dressed as Wonder Woman on a Beach with Johnny Cash". 3 July 2009. http://www.undertheradarmag.com/interviews/eve_myles/. Retrieved 8 August 2010. 
  149. ^ "2008 Torchwood Magazine Readers Award Results". Torchwood Magazine (6). June 2008. 
  150. ^ "LiveRead author interview: Torchwood writer John Fay". Liverpool Daily Post. 2 March 2011. http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2011/03/02/liveread-author-interview-john-fay-92534-28151408. Retrieved 14 March 2011. 
  151. ^ Mainwaring, Rachel (21 February 2010). "Torchwood's Eve Myles is the queen of sci-fi". Wales on Sunday. http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2010/02/21/torchwood-1-0-hollywood-eve-myles-is-the-queen-of-sci-fi-91466-25880097/. Retrieved 5 May 2011. 
  152. ^ McCarthy, James (28 August 2011). "Torchwood fans mimic Eve Myles". Wales on Sunday. http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/08/28/torchwood-fans-have-been-mimicking-eve-myles-famous-gap-toothed-grin-by-putting-black-make-up-on-their-gnashers-91466-29315873/. Retrieved 27 September 2011. 

[edit] External links
Lists
Concepts
Characters
Music
Related
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gwen_Cooper&oldid=479198286"
Personal tools
Namespaces
Variants
Actions
Navigation
Interaction
Toolbox
Print/export
Languages