BBC 'Children of Earth', OUTSTANDING.

[denem]

Starting next Monday, over 5 days at 9.00 PM, BBC America will be broadcasting the Torchwood 'Children of Earth' mini series. Unlike their usual practice, the content will not be cut to bits. Each 58 minute episode was first broadcast by the BBC UK during the week of 6–10 July. BBC America has allocated 75 minutes for each installment, so not only is the series recent, it's more or less complete.

It's easily some of the best, most moving science fiction in years, or in the words of one critic, what the X Files finale/movie should have been. The subject matter is close to most DU'ers hearts - what governments are capable of, in public and in private, if faced with a true emergency. When the World Health Organization issues an announcement that the inoculations are safe, I was stunned for a second, then appalled.

The plot line rests on a 1965 visitation in Scotland by an alien presence. In the 21st century they come back. Exactly who or what the aliens are is never quite clear. From what we can see, they don't look pleasant. But the story is about the real monsters, our 'elected officials' and international agencies.

BBC AMERICA 9.00PM - 10.15, Monday to Friday, starting July 20th. (Repeated at various other times)
Catch it, one way or another. Recommended.

[denem]

1. ...

[Deja Q]

2. A shame they didn't want to explain the aliens... and since most modern sci-fi does all the

political allusion, I'm not entirely inspired to go and watch it.

From what you said, the 1965 visitation aspect sounds intriguing...

But political allegory. The same-old is just trite.

Maybe I will watch it, to have a better rationale for complaining (I sat through that star trek remake garbage), but knowing the MO of the creator and lead writer of "Torchwood", the only thing I feel certain of is that it's all overhyped and underwhelming. And if RTD wrote it himself, I certainly would not be surprised about the political gibber and the lack of explanations; he loves being superficial, he loves shallow shock jock wind-ups, and loathes actually having TO write. I've seen more than enough already...

[denem]

3. IGN: "Crossing of the lines that are never crossed on television"

This is definitely one of those series that will stay with you for a long time after you've watched it. It will incite a lot of discussion, debates, and is bound to be dissected and analyzed in great detail by fans and critics everywhere. A lot of it has to be with the crossing of the lines that are never crossed on television. Ultimately, this is what great science fiction should be about, and in this aspect Children of Earth soars and delivers some award worthy television that should absolutely not be missed.

http://tv.ign.com/articles/100/1004761p2.html

Viewer Comment: "Utterly brilliant, and although there were a couple of moments that were (hopefully) just unbelievable, it didn't stop it being it one of the most harrowing TV events I've ever seen."

As for RTD, now freed from constraints, IGN says "It's superior to everything else we've seen on Torchwood, and dare I say on Doctor Who as well.

The politics are far from trite. It's laid bare in a way that hammers home our fears and horror.

[DarkTirade]

4. I got ahold of it a couple days ago.

Halfway through rewatching it. Holy carp. That's all I have to say.