Written by: Michael Hickerson (SoSF Staff Journalist)
Are major changes in store for “Doctor Who” and its spin-off series “Torchwood”?
If rumors are correct, both shows could see a major face-lift in their next several seasons.
Rumors persist that David Tennant will step aside from the role as the 10th Doctor as early as next year. In 2009, the series will only produce four special episodes instead of a full season according to previous, confirmed reports. This was seen as a move to help keep Tennant in the role, due to other demands on his schedule. However, rumors are cropping up that Tennant may leave the role during one of the special episodes early next year.
Speculation has it that British actor Robert Carlyle, best known for his work in “The Fully Monty,” is in negotiations for the role as the 11th Doctor. Filming of next year’s specials is currently under way, though little is known about them beyond that.
This rumor goes contrary to reports from those close to Tennant, who say the actor is enjoying the role and planned to stay until the end of the fifth full series of the show in 2010 before re-generating. However, the rumor does support statements made earlier by upcoming companion Catherine Tate, who said that Tennant was leaving the role at the end of the fourth series.
Meanwhile, it appears that the good Doctor may not be the only show getting a face-lift. The hit BBC-series “Torchwood” could get a dramatic cast overhaul as well. The BBC has been airing a more family-friendly version of the show on BBC-2 during season two and some see this as a tryout to see how the series would fare as a more family-friendly venue. So far, the ratings have been solid for the family-friendly repeats of the adult-oriented sci-fi drama.
While “Torchwood” hasn’t been renewed for a third series yet, five episodes have been commissioned and according to unconfirmed reports, there is a push to make it oriented for family viewing. Most of the regular cast including John Barrowman, Burn Gorman and Naoko Mori have been written out of the show, though Barrowman would still be around to make guest-appearances in the third series. Eve Myles remains as Gwen and Freyma Angeman would join the cast full-time as Martha Jones. The move could be one to court the “Doctor Who” audience while the series produces only specials for a year.
It should be stated that all of this is speculation and rumor at this point. Beyond the fact that the BBC has commissioned “Doctor Who” into 2010 with the specials in 2009 and the fifth series is 2010, none of this can be confirmed. Also, rumors of Tennant’s departure have cropped up in each of the past several season of the hit show, so it could just be more of the same. Until we can confirm these stories as fact, we strongly suggest you take all of this with a grain of a salt.
You may be interested to know that Robert Carlyle has denied even being approached to be the next Dr Who, never mind actually doing it! He’s said recently in an inteview, “Nobody has been in touch with me about Dr Who, so I really don’t know where the rumours have come from. It’s David’s part and nothing to do with me, so I can’t really think about it at the moment. But……would I do it? Possibly.”
So, that’s your answer!
Well, if this turns out to be true of Torchwood, then it will have lost a viewer.
Is the BBC turning into the Fox network for the UK?
Let’s remove the main charactor from Torchwood; yes cause that makes sense. That would be like Star Trek without James T Kirk. The series will be doomed if it goes ahead IMO
The BBC do realise that it will almost certainly lose a huge percentage of the TW audience if they write out Captain Jack, don’t they? Do they seriously think it will be replaced by new viewers who want a Martha and Gwen led family friendly show..this is the same Martha that failed to win over the DW audience yes?
As if Torchwood could get any worse…
First things first, put Martha back on the TARDIS! She’s been the best companion of the new series so far, why the chucked her was a mystery.
Second, maybe now they’ll develop a proper Captain Jack series, one where he’s gallivanting through outer space like Captain Kirk on viagra. Or at the least, put him back on the TARDIS as well.
As much as I would hate to see Tennant go (I have a mad crush on the 10th Doctor), I can actually see Carlyle as a suitable replacement. But, here’s to hoping Tennent ’til 2010!
The reason Torchwood is such a big hit is the fact that it’s sexy and mature. I think I speak for a lot of sci-fi fans when I say we are tired of seeing the same safe (read:boring) stuff packaged again and again. Torchwood is edgy, it’s different, and it should be left alone. If it’s too “grown up” for some viewers, let them change the channel.
Nightflyer –
Jack O’Neill was removed from “Stargate SG-1”, but of course, that was after EIGHT seasons, not TWO.
Sue –
It said MORE family-friendly. I doubt that it would be taken down to the “family” level of programming (like G or PG). I’m sure that the series could still be “edgy”, just more like PG-13 than R.
I prefer its current R rating — Don’t touch my Torchwood — and leave Barrowman in there, he is the heart and foundation of the show. Without him as Captain Jack Harkness, there is no Torchwood.
BTW, in the US, BBC America usually shows a TV-14 version anyway. Only two episodes from season one were rated higher. So, as far the US goes, there may not be much of a noticeable change. If it’s not a rumor, I mean.
Jack is the point of watching Torchwood. If they wrote him out, he should be put back on the TARDIS.
Although, I will say that the writers have been really . . . weird about Jack/Gwen. I think they think they’ve developed more of a relationship than they really have. So now they toss them together randomly and pretend like there’s simmering chemistry or something.
Dumping your main character is a crap solution, though.
Say it isn’t so. No captain Jack? What are they thinking?
Jack is the heart of the show and I agree with Strgzr. The adults that watch the show want to keep it mature, adult, not watered down for the tween or teen set. Family friendly versions may have good ratings because that’s all that’s playing or true fans of the show want to see what they are changing. Besides, if the US version is already toned down, what will it be like with the “family friendly” version? The Power Rangers perhaps?
I’m currently only watching the PG13’s of Torchwood because my kids love it, but what they love about it is Captain Jack.
Smart move make it kid friendly then take out the bit the kids like…
i really hope they dont make it a family orientated show, the reason why i watched it because unlike doctor who, it was more edgier. and to kick Mr. harkness out, now that just cancelled the show, because no one is gonna watch it. probably be just like another sarah jane show ( i have nothing against her ) i love all characters of the show gwen, owen, tosh , ianto everyone and of course the captain.
but i’d prefer another season with the same cast
What about Ianto? His character and humor have really been developing this season. Is he gone or just overlooked?
I also vote for letting the BBC have it with a blitz writing campaign if they dump Captain Jack. Sorry, but he carries the show.
As Ianto said, “It’s more fun when he’s here.”
I agree with all people who think that Jack’s departure would be a really bad idea and I’m sure it will penalize torchwood. I’m italian and as you said, a large part of torchwood fans here too loves the dark/sexy/adult side of the show (and specially loves our brave and mysterious Captain), since it’s the only one sci-fic that’s not arrenged for babies. If producters are gonna remove him (and that would be kind of silly, ’cause some aspects of Jack’s life and personality are not explained yet), I think the shows will lost many watchers…in many part of the world!
PLZ DAVID TENNANT DON’T GO .I BEG YOU .IT WON’T BE THE SAME WITH OUT YOU WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH XXXXXXX I LOVE YOU 🙂
After watching the first in a two parter of the doctor who series four finale i have to say that unless there is a miracal then david tennant is leaving (although all will be revieled next week.)Also torchwood would be nothing without john barrowmans character and i see no reason why he would be cut from the show, and after seeing the finale of torchwoods last season it is confirmed that Owen and Tosh have been sadly removed.
I’ve been working at the BBC for the last 8 weeks and have been told that the new doctor is Philip Glenister of Life on Mars fame.
I am in the US and I watched the edgier version of Torchwood and wouldn’t watch it any other way. I absolutely love this series and made sure I watch the new episode the same week the BBC shows it across the pond.
Sam… In what way is Torchwood rated R?
On American television two guys kissing and contemplating having sex together still gets an R rating. Sad, but true. For me that isn’t the issue but the fact that an R rating guarantees it remains adult oriented television with mature themes and doesn’t degrade to some kind of trendy, kids program like a Sarah Jane Adventures. Not that I mind Sarah Jane, it is just geared for a different audience and I like Torchwood just the way it is, grown-up, intelligent programing for the adult viewer, something very hard to find for the most part on American television screens.
Torchwood isn’t rated R because Jack’s a negatively stereotyped bisexual slut (albeit a cute one). It’s rated R because every episode is about gross fucking and gratuitous violence the likes of which only suicidal emo kids enjoy.
On the other hand, I have faith that David Tennant has integrity as an actor and therefore understands and respects the commitment one has to make to a role. Doctor Who doesn’t exist just because he does. Doctor Who is a character in a series about the adventures Doctor Who goes through in space and time.
Rumors, rumors, rumors. Russel T. Davies isn’t stupid enough to write Captain Jack out of Torchwood- he is Torchwood. And Freema Agyeman is going to be doing a different show, she won’t be joining the cast. At least, not full time. And would people please stop spreading these nasty lies about toning down Torchwood? It is not a family show. The cast and crew have all said that it is a show for adults. No toning allowed.
And David Tennant is the best Doctor ever, but he’s got to leave sometime, right?
No Capt. Jack! Then they’ve lost me as a viewer. He and the chemistry with the rest of cast is what hooked me on it.
I LOVE Tennant as Dr. Who, It’s my first year watching it. Hate to see him leave.
Why does the great cast cast always leave right after I finally find them on BBC America. eg. MI-5.
drats.
P.S. Please leave Primeval alone.
i think that david tennent and capiten jack should be in a program together because they are both great actors and would be good as a team.david tennent is very good at being the doctor but i think it is stupid to replace him he is the best doctor i have ever seen i the hole entia seriace of doctor who right bak from the 1970s
well, what a load of tripe. why even say these things if they are only rumors-oh, wait, i get it, just to piss us all off. here are the facts: Matt Smith will be the new Doctor, and will take over in 2010. good luck to him. Torchwood is moving to BBC1 but is staying on after 9 and keeping its racey (and goddam fantastic) attudide, dispite BBC1 can be a little ‘gentle.’ John Barrowman (did i mention i love him (and Scott) to death?) will still be there, though he’s a busy man.
who ever wrote those greatly imformative rumors…
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