Russell T Davies Talks Torchwood: Children of Earth

***SPOILER WARNING***
This article contains spoiler information about Day Five of the miniseries. Don’t continue reading if you don’t want to know what happens.

Torchwood continues to go from strength-to-strength following the recent airing of its third season, a mini-series aired over five nights on BBC America entitled Children of Earth. Following the Torchwood team’s closest brush with catastrophe yet, creator Russell T. Davies talked with Entertainment Weekly’s Michael Ausiello to discuss the death of a much-loved character, and the show’s future prospects.

Day Four of Children of Earth saw the death of Ianto Jones, who began as a butler-type character but became increasingly important as the show progressed. The character gained somewhat of a cult following, down to Gareth David-Lloyd’s boyish good looks and Ianto’s quick-fire quips and interaction with John Barrowman’s Captain Jack. With all that said, why did Davies risk alienating (no pun intended) a large proportion of the female fanbase? Simple, really. “The threat to the world was just so great it simply would have been unlikely if everyone had survived,” he says. “Poor Ianto was defeated by a greater evil, I'm afraid.”

Far from being intimidated by the fans that are eager for his blood, Davies claims to be glad that there has been such a strong reaction, “because they’re that involved. But if you can’t handle drama you shouldn’t watch it.” And for those who’ve indeed decided that they will no longer tune into one of the BBC’s flagship shows? “I recommend they go watch Supernatural, because those boys are beautiful,” Davies jokes.

Death seems particularly prevalent in the Torchwood universe at the moment. First, Toshiko Sato, the team’s technological genius, was shot by Jack’s brother Gray. Then, medic Owen Harper perished in a nuclear meltdown caused by the same man. The tragic death of Ianto, Gwen’s departure to have her baby, and Jack’s mysterious disappearance into the star-strewn sky has led fans to wonder how a fourth series could be possible. Davies is hopeful, however. “I’m fairly confident [it will continue] in some shape or form. I’m kind of excited what we’ll do next,” he says. He cannot see a Torchwood without its lynchpin, Captain Jack Harkness, however. “[Captain Jack is] absolutely fundamental to Torchwood,” Davies reassures.

What did you think of Torchwood: Children of Earth? Have we seen the last of Torchwood 4, or is there still life left? And how did the death of Ianto Jones affect you?

Source: Ausiello Files