New TORCHWOOD Details Hint at Corporate Conspiracy, Undercover Ops

Starz released synopses of the first seven episodes of TORCHWOOD’s upcoming season this morning, which, of course, serve only to tantalize us further without giving away any major secrets. They do give some hints about the pacing of the season, the nature of the Miracle, and the depth of the conspiracy.

Summary of the summaries? It’s a lot bad news. (The writers of the individual episodes are listed in parentheses.)

1. “The New World” (Russell T Davies)

When death itself comes to a halt, the whole world faces its greatest danger yet. CIA agent Rex Matheson has only one clue – Torchwood.

2. “Renditions” (Doris Egan)

As the Torchwood team is reunited, Jack realizes he’s the most vulnerable man on Earth. A flight to the United States turns into a desperate battle for survival.

3. “Dead of Night” (Jane Espenson)

Torchwood goes on the run and finds a new enemy, but as they launch a raid on PhiCorp headquarters, Jack must confront the mysterious Oswald Danes.

4. “Escape to L.A.” (Jim Gray & John Shiban)

The fight against PhiCorp takes the Torchwood team to California, where a trap is waiting. Meanwhile, Oswald and Jilly find themselves with an enemy of their own.

5. “The Categories of Life” (Jane Espenson)

Torchwood goes undercover and discovers the terrible truth behind the Miracle. The enemy is closing in, and death is about to make a shocking return.

6. “The Middle Men” (John Shiban)

With Gwen, Rex and Esther trapped on both sides of the Atlantic, it’s a race against time as Jack goes straight to the heart of the conspiracy.

7. “Immortal Sins” (Jane Espenson)

Gwen must fight to protect her family and takes a terrifying journey, covering both miles and decades, as the long history of the Miracle is revealed.

8. “End of the Road” (Jane Espenson & Ryan Scott)
9. “The Gathering” (John Fay)
10. “The Blood Line” (Russell T Davies & Jane Espenson)

This is our first hint that the conspiracy behind Miracle Day (the global phenomenon wherein people everywhere stop dying) is, at least in part, corporate by nature. In these synopses is the first mention of the mysterious “PhiCorp,” assumedly a large corporation with some stake in Miracle Day and its aftermath. (Could it be a pharmaceutical company, grossly profiting from the scads of deathbed patients who just won’t die?)

These also suggest that the show is taking its time laying out the premise of the season and the series. It looks like the real action starts in the third episode, “Dead of Night,” once the entire team is assembled and ready to get down to business. It’s fun that the “truth” about the Miracle is exposed to Team Torchwood by episode five, giving them the rest of the season to dig deeper into the conspiracy and apprehend the bad guys. Meanwhile, I’m steeling myself for heavy exposition at the beginning of the season, as the writers introduce viewers not only to the new characters, but for the Starz-subscribing newcomers, to Jack, Gwen, and the premise of TORCHWOOD.

Lacking here is any big hint about the personal goings-on of the characters. We know that Gwen’s now juggling her Torchwood career with motherhood, and John Barrowman promises that Jack Harkness will get some action this season, but we’re still pretty much in the dark about those fun details.

Ultimately, it sounds like a lot of traveling, a little undercover work (fun!), and some serious investigating. 2009’s “Children of Earth” only had five episodes to uncover the entire story; with ten hours, it sounds like there will be more time to explore a universe of characters, organizations, loyalties, and motivations.

Do any of these episodes descriptions stand out to you?

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