sheryden | Torchwood: The Last Man Commentary (Reply)

My icon has context!!!!!!!!!

Of all the episodes thus far this season, I have to say that "The Last Man" is my favorite. There was a lot going on in this episode, not just in terms of characterization and action, but in terms of overall themes: The death of innocence, duty and sacrifice, giving up personal needs for the greater good. What impressed me about this episode was the way these little themes were woven seamlessly into the plot. We see these elements in the glimpses of Harriet's fate, Ianto's thinly veiled recollection of Lisa, Tosh's willingness to give up the man she loved, and of course, Tommy's sacrifice.

Some specific thoughts:

Gerald and Harriet: I quite liked these two, and I'd love it if the writers would bring them back. Despite their short time onscreen, they had a genuine chemistry with each other, and with a little development, they could be interesting characters. Perhaps we could see them in flashbacks. I was surprised when they revealed that they were Torchwood. :D

Tosh/Tommy: First of all, Tosh in love is adorable. I enjoyed the scene where she was rushing around, getting ready to go and see Tommy. Their date was adorable. Seriously, how cute were they, running around like teenagers?

I had read that she comes out of this episode less naive about love than before, and I can see that in her face at the end. In any case, their story was tragic and beautiful, and I can't help but make "Captain Jack Harkness" connections.

Tommy's sacrifice was well-played. I like that he freaked out and turned into a basket case. If he hadn't, it would have made his shell-shock in 1918 a bit too convenient. His end was tragic, though. Being executed for cowardice? :(

Jack/Tosh: This is one dynamic on the show that I love, but I don't think it gets enough play. I'm not talking about a romantic relationship; rather, I'm referring to their friendship. Tosh went through Jack's pain and loss during CJH. Now, the situations were reversed, and Tosh found herself going through a similar experience, on that only Jack could fully understand. I would have loved to have seen a conversation between them about their shared loss.

The Temporally Sealed Box: First of all, a temporally sealed box sounds very Harry Potter, doesn't it? Mist and everything! I'm surprised Torchwood had acquired that kind of technology by 1918. In any case, it amused me that Jack told Gwen the box had "Eyes Only" instructions, and her response was to try and rip it open, lol.

Gwen/Ianto: Nice dynamic here. Their chat about the aesthetic value of the 1918 Torchwood members was cute (and totally something I'd do). I like that when Ianto made the statement about Torchwood members dying young and how "nothing changes," it didn't degenerate into an angsty conversation about Lisa. I did think Gwen leaping out of her seat was a bit tacky, though she did make up for it with her "Cheer you, would you?"

Gwen at the hospital: Okay, that bit with the amputee freaked me out, as did the nurse shouting, "I see you! Why won't you leave us alone? You shouldn't be here."

Owen/Tosh: The writers seem to be heading this way full force, and I really hope we get there. Come on! How cute are they? :D Owen is really developing into a wonderful man, and I can finally see why Tosh loves him. Last season, he was so random and over-the-top. This season, though, we see a complicated man who is capable of sensitivity. I'm not implying that Owen is madly in love with Tosh at this point, but I do think he cares for her and might fall in love with her later. I loved the glare Owen shot Jack when he let Tosh take Tommy home. :D :D :D

Jack/Ianto: And with a kiss ends the implication that this is just an office romance. There was a connection between Jack and Ianto here disproves all the "it's not a real relationship" naysayers. I was not disappointed with the interaction here! What a beautiful scene, one full of passion and strength and need. The exchange between them before the kiss was beautiful. Pretty close to an admission of love on Jack's part. Yay! As for the kiss, I love that Ianto initiated it. That's something we'd been lacking before now--the depiction of Ianto as an equal partner in this relationship.

And what a kiss! This is what I've been waiting for--a real kiss, not a quick peck or a fake CPR smooch. This had intent and desire and sensuality. I've been watching it over and over. :D :D :D I'm sure all the homophobes who inexplicably watch the show will be hollering a chorus of "too gay," but piss on them! We finally have a decent canon slash couple who actually gets to kiss the heck out of each other!!!