Does Torchwood Hold Up as Well as It Did 18 Years Ago? Series 2

Last week, I published my first blog on the Newport City Radio website, exploring whether Torchwood still holds up as well as it did 18 years ago. I focused primarily on Series 1, and today I’m shifting my attention to Series 2. Like my previous blog, I’ll provide a brief overview of the series, review past and present opinions, and offer my thoughts on whether the show would resonate with audiences today as it did when it first aired.

To start, let’s revisit Series 2, which aired from January 16, 2008, to April 4, 2008. This series continues the format established in Series 1 with a predominantly episodic structure, following the same characters as they tackle alien threats at Torchwood. However, Series 2 introduces some overarching plots that span multiple episodes, building on the positive reception of Series 1 and offering what many consider to be a strong continuation of the show.

Turning to reviews from the time of the original airing, it’s clear that many viewers appreciated the series for delivering more of what they loved in Series 1—more action and sci-fi elements. Audience feedback highlighted the deeper exploration of characters and their backstories, which made them more engaging and relatable. However, some criticisms from that period lingered. Reviews noted that the series sometimes mimicked the styles of other shows and occasionally faltered in its internal logic, with a tendency toward style over substance. Some found the show visually appealing but felt it lacked emotional depth.

Looking at more recent reviews, Series 2 is often praised for its more assured tone and confident direction. The newer reviews appreciate the focus on domestic plots and character development, particularly the dynamic between Gwen (Eve Myles) and Rhys (Kai Owen). This emphasis on character relationships, alongside the action, is seen as a valuable addition that enhances the series and contributes to its overall appeal in subsequent installments.

In my opinion, these reviews suggest that audiences would still appreciate Series 2 in a contemporary context. By the time Series 2 aired, the show had already built a fanbase, and the series had evolved based on feedback from the first season. With its unique premise of alien hunters in Cardiff and the incorporation of elements that audiences wanted, I believe that Series 2 would continue to resonate with viewers today.

In future posts, I’ll examine the final two series of the show, reviewing both past and present opinions to assess their relevance in today’s TV landscape.

Written by Amber C.M