The second season has promised more action, heartache, a memory thief and possibly even Death itself. And while fans of this English sci-fi series are more excited than a Vulcan during pon farr, their enthusiasm is actually matched by that of series star Eve Myles, who plays the wide-eyed former cop Gwen Cooper.
Myles chatted with us about exciting guest stars, new adventures and breaking the sci-fi mold, all while proving that the love she has for her own show rivals that of any super-fan.
Of the episodes in the first season, is there one that stands out for you?
Yes, absolutely. I don't have to think twice about it. It's the “Countrycide” episode, episode six, that was just a joy to make because, while there was plenty of sci-fi involved, it was a human story—it was about the human race being the biggest monster of all. It was also great to see Torchwood out of their comfort zone, outside of Cardiff, and it was wonderful to film. It's my favorite episode.
Is there an extra on the DVD that you're glad they included?
It's always great to have the behind-the-scenes, the making-of. Especially with all the special effects, the monsters and things, seeing how they were made and how much make-up they have to go through. I think that's really, really a clever thing to have on the DVD, to show how much trouble and time goes into putting this stuff on screen.
Without spoiling it for the rest of us, is there an episode of season two you think fans of Gwen are going to be particularly interested in?
There are a few, actually. It's a huge, ensemble piece this year, but every character gets at least one episode dedicated to that character.
You don't think her fans are going to be especially excited by the wedding episode?
Oh, that was a very fun episode to make. Yeah, that one definitely stands out.
Gwen's defining characteristic during the first season was her compassion. Does she still have that in season two or do you think she's hardened up at all?
There's a mixture there, you see, because she will never lose the compassion—the element that she's the conscience of the group—because if she loses that, she loses her character. That's what she's all about. Though she has hardened up a bit to what's going on around her because people's lives are at risk.
Freema Agyeman, who played Martha Jones on “Doctor Who,” is joining the staff of Torchwood for three episodes. How was that, working with her?
Having her come in was a breath of fresh air. It was fantastic, and it really kind of changed the dynamics of thegroup…it just added more drama. It's very interesting to see how Captain Jack [played by John Barrowman] is with her, and how she challenges Owen [played by Burn Gorman]. It was a lovely new ingredient.
Has there been any talk of you doing a couple episodes of “Doctor Who,” just to even things up?
I'm not sure yet. If there are plans, I don't know about it. It would be lovely, though.
Russell T. Davies, who wrote many “Doctor Who” episodes before creating “Torchwood,” said he created the character of Gwen specifically for you. How do you think you and Gwen are similar?
I think we share the same morals and sense of humor. She's a giggler, and I'm a giggler.
Are there any ways that you're so completely different from Gwen that it makes you wonder what Russell was thinking?
Well, I've never seen an alien in my life, and if I had, I would get a one-way ticket to the other side of the world and never come back. She's far braver than I'd ever be. She's far more grown-up than I could ever be, and far more grown-up than I know I will ever be. She also runs too much. I'd just get a cab.
So if Gwen was given her own spin-off, what would you want it to be?
I'd love to keep it sci-fi, though something with the domestic narrative mixed in like we do with “Torchwood,” something with real relationships in it. I get told all the time, “I don't like sci-fi, but I really love ‘Torchwood.’”
Season two of “Torchwood” premieres Saturday, Jan. 26 at 9 p.m./8c on BBC America.
