If it were up to John Barrowman, he’d played his popular character Captain Jack Harkness until he was 90. The character, first introduced in “Doctor Who” and now the center of the spin-off series, “Torchwood” will return to screens later this year for a five-episode third season. The story will be a week-long mini-series according to reports, though details on the plot are being kept underwraps.
And while Barrowman is happy to be reprising his role as Captain Jack, he told the UK’s “The People,” he’d like to see a longer season next time.
“I’d rather do a series of 10 or 13 episodes because it’s a lot of work for just five,” Barrowman said. “The next series is about Torchwood fighting the government rather than just aliens and is a lot darker,” he hinted. “Jack has to make a decision no parent – that’s a big hint – should have to make.”
Barrowman also said the series is being “toned down” a bit for distribution overseas–especially in the United States.
“We’re not swearing or doing anything close to the bone because it’s been a huge success in the US and the networks won’t accept it with all that stuff in it,” he said.
However, the new toned down nature of the series won’t keep Barrowman from shedding his clothes on camera.
“I’ll still be getting naked and it will still be saucy – but it’s done with taste,” he said.
Jeff says
why would they tone it down? the edginess is why we like it.. turn it up, not down!
Sam says
Because network execs, wanting not to offend their Wal-Mart lottering ultra right in this country (America), are a load of stiff-necked prudes who wouldn’t recognize edgy and funny if it bit them on the nerf-balls.
Hopefully the BBC will make two versions, one for the UK and one for the rest of the uptight world and we can get the UK version on HD Net or Bit Torrent Airways.
Kyle Nin says
“It’s been a huge success in the US and the networks won’t accept it with all that stuff in it.”
Which networks is he talking about? Isn’t “Torchwood” shown on BBC America?
Sam Sloan says
keyword: BBC – AMERICA
Don’t confuse that with the same kind of programming normally seen on BBC channels across the UK.
tlsmith1963 says
Torchwood is a hit in the US *because* it’s edgy & adult! Network executives are stupid.
Michael Hickerson says
Actually, I wish that Torchwood would figure out how to be edgy and adult…
Right now it’s sophomoric disguised as edgy and adult. Sorry but random swearing and talking about sex does not make you edgy or adult…
camping says
They shouldn’t tone it down. But it seem that the US can’t stand the british humor.
Maybe they will become used to it.
Kyle Nin says
“Don’t confuse that with the same kind of programming normally seen on BBC channels across the UK.”
There’s some pretty vulgar stuff on BBC America. The only stuff that was removed from “Torchwood” was in a couple of episodes from Season 1 when they bleeped out the “F” word. They kept in all the sexual situations.
BBC America seems to get away with more than the other cable channels I’ve seen, especially the Sci-Fi Channel, which is another digital cable channel.