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The Best…Torchwood character

Burn Gorman as Owen Harper in Torchwood
  • Posted at 3:18pm
  • 28 March 2008
  • by LauraPledger-RT
  • 5 comments

This may seem even more unlikely than a talking blowfish, but I just can't get enough of Torchwood's Owen Harper. When the good doctor was shot and killed recently, I spent many an hour fretting about his ultimate fate. As a fan of sci-fi, I know that deceased cast members rarely stay dead for long – but damn it, it all looked so final, didn't it?

And judging by the postings in a lot of online forums, some people would have been happy if it was. Allow me to put the case for the defence.

At first glance Owen's a selfish, unpleasant git, but to accept that would be to do actor Burn Gorman a great disservice. Gorman proved his acting credentials in Bleak House and, although the rest of the Torchwood cast have their strengths, he's easily the best thesp of the bunch. His performance consistently draws you in – you feel what he feels, whether it's sorrow and regret at euthanising a tortured alien life form, or the terrifying, intoxicating head rush of falling in love.

That's not to say he can't shock you – his ability to turn on a sixpence gave Owen's farewell to headstrong lover Diane real emotional punch, as he went from concerned to petulant to violent in his desperation to convince her to stay.

Yes, I know Owen can be sarcastic, disdainful, aggressive and hurtful (especially where poor, besotted Toshiko's concerned). And OK, maybe he did splinter time and try to kill his boss, but give the guy a break - we all have our off days. Don't forget he also has an admirable ability to state the facts, however unpalatable they may be, displays a touching vulnerability on those rare occasions he's preoccupied with love rather than sex, and the way his attitude changes when he snaps into doctor mode and treats the injured is enough to set a girl's heart aflutter.

Still not convinced? Consider the alternatives. There's the undeniably charismatic Captain Jack – though this series, he's been so caught up in his own backstory or in being a poster boy for alternative lifestyles, you've got to wonder if his mind's really on protecting Earth from alien menace.

What about Gwen? Well, we're meant to believe she's a sweet, caring, sensitive type - yet throughout the first series she happily lied to her other half, Rhys, about both her work and her affair with Owen, and generally treated Rhys like a big, dozy lummox. Hmm. You're not always so smart yourself, love.

Next up, beautiful but terminally dull office boy Ianto. To be fair, he did at one point step away from the coffee machine long enough to set his semi-Cyberwoman fiancée free in the Hub, paving the way for one of Torchwood's more stomach-churning episodes. But I'm squeamish, so sorry, he loses points for that.

Then there's the equally beautiful and only slightly less dull Toshiko, who can spot and correct a technical glitch at 50 paces, but is unfortunately rather less insightful when it comes to choosing lovers. (If ever the team are in any doubt about where the next extraterrestrial threat is coming from, they need look no further than Tosh's latest love interest.)

When all's said and done, if I was facing a marauding alien intent on taking over the world, I'd want to be right alongside the bloke who can make difficult decisions without wasting time hand-wringing. The bloke who's got a confidence-boosting, ironic aside for every situation. The bloke with the medical know-how to patch me up afterwards. I'd want to be with Doctor Owen Harper. How about you?

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Comments

  • Posted on 24 June 2009
  • at 11:30am
  • by TheRhythmThief

*Homer Simpson voice* Now let's not get into who's boring whom.

I uphold your right to think that, but my opinions differ I personally like Ianto and Tosh, who are my favourites, and, for that matter Jack, but I just didn't care for the other two, not till Owen died, I'm ok with him now, and I'm going to try to like Gwen this time around, looking forward to series three.

  • Posted on 21 April 2008
  • at 8:23am
  • by jazzdalek

I'd want to be with somone who couldn't die in all honesty... and that is Captain Jack.

I mean, are you telling me that you'd want someone who is dead can never heal (and tends to point it out at least 8 times per hour) to protect you over a man who can never die and has the sharpest aim ever.... that's ludicrous.

  • Posted on 08 April 2008
  • at 4:26pm
  • by juliebaird

Maybe Martha will take over from Owen, but i have to say that I really loved Owen's character and I keep hoping that there is someway they can still bring him back

  • Posted on 08 April 2008
  • at 12:53pm
  • by tallorder

I have to agree that Burn Gorman has been fantastic and one of the standout performances of Torchwood. Whilst I'll still love and watch the show, they'll have to work hard to fill that Owen shaped hole next year!

  • Posted on 05 April 2008
  • at 4:43pm
  • by mikebuk

Toshiko, can't believe they killed her off.

Hopefully Captain Jack will be persueded to get out the glove in series 3.

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