Orac is the nom de blog of a (not so) humble pseudonymous surgeon/scientist with an ego just big enough to delude himself that someone, somewhere might actually give a rodent's posterior about his miscellaneous verbal meanderings, but just barely small enough to admit to himself that few will. (Continued 
Ever since it appeared as an "adult" spinoff of Doctor Who, I've had a love-hate relationship with Torchwood. The first season was about as uneven as anything I've ever seen, ranging from a truly execrable (and, even worse, unforgivably stupidly and badly written) "homage" to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Countrycide) that ranks among the worst hours of television to which I've ever subjected myself to a handful of pretty darned good episodes (Out of Time, Captain Jack Harkness), with a whole lot of mediocre episodes in between. This season was generally more consistent, but a lot of problems still lingered, some of which came to a head in the season finale, which aired not too long ago on BBC America. In fact, so upsetting was the season finale, that Hitler hated it (don't watch the video if you don't want to see spoilers):
By the way, although I never thought I'd say it (it took a parody for this to happen): I actually agree with Hitler on this one, particularly the part about what the writers did with Owen's character towards the end of the second series. (Look for J.B. Handley or some other crank to quote-mine the first part of that sentence.)
Off to the shuttle bus to go to the ASCO Meeting! I'll be back later. Here's hoping there's some good clinical cancer research presented. Last year's meeting was a bit disappointing.
Comments
The feeling re: Torchwood is entirely mirrored over here. Not so much hot n cold as luke warm n freezing.
Posted by: Kev | May 31, 2008 10:06 AM
I've been catching a lot of Who for my dad while he's overseas, and I must say Torchwood dissappoints. My first Doctorial experiences were the old movies, so the new Doctors strike me as a bit odd. They're in color, for one thing.
In case you haven't found this yet, you might find it amusing. http://community.livejournal.com/doctorwhy/2389.html
Posted by: Mac | May 31, 2008 10:08 AM
I've never seen the show but, if you speak German, it is quite odd to watch the video knowing that the subtitles have nothing to do with the actual dialog.
Posted by: Lin | May 31, 2008 11:25 AM
wow, it seems that this particular scene is often used for parody. It made the rounds among poker players as well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6qc_QRy6B4
Posted by: MBA | May 31, 2008 11:34 AM
I'd originally intended to avoid the 2nd series, but then the bloody BBC tempted me back with James Marsters (who turns out to miss playing Spike so much that he'll take any part as long as it allows him to relive his glory days).
The best thing about season 2 was that they killed Owen - twice. If they can do the same with the rest of the cast, then season 3 will be the best ever.
Incidentally, best review/parody of Torchwood ever written:
http://www.regdeveloper.co.uk/2006/11/06/torchwood/
Posted by: Iain Walker | May 31, 2008 11:48 AM
I hate you for making me laugh at this so hard, even having seen the original movie...
Posted by: Maria | May 31, 2008 12:11 PM
There does seem to be something about this particular scene that inspires parodies. See:
http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2008/01/the_downfall_of_hddvd.php
http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2008/02/who_knew_hitler_was_a_diehard_cowboys_fa.php
Posted by: Orac | May 31, 2008 12:56 PM
That is the best Hitler sub I've seen.
I must concur with Herr Subbed Hitler on this one. Torchwood is erratic with sloppy writing. Occasionally the writing and characters meld to show real promise, but other times stupid stuff happens, like demons trapped in celluloid coming to life and stealing people's life breath. That would make a fine Tales From the Darkside or some such episode but it has nothing to do with the premise of **Torchwood** and a rift in time.
I really want to like Torchwood but the producers are making it very hard to do so. And, as Subbed Hitler says, dumbing it down for the kiddies will kill the show. The bad writing in Torchwood and the lazy sloppy writing like that of the Sara Jane adventures (kids deserve better writing, too) will multiply the show into a schizophrenic, unwatchable blob.
Posted by: Scote | May 31, 2008 2:23 PM
I think they should be given an award for getting rid of Owen. I like Burn Gorman quite a lot but that character was one of the biggest wankers I've ever seen in a supposedly friendly role. I quite liked Tosh but lets face it, she bled right into the woodwork. Why have a character if you hardly notice she's around?
So on to a better series 3. RTD needs to get the ship in hand and head it in SOME direction. Series 2 was more consistent but the characters seemed to be someone different than the ones we met in series 1, most notably Jack who suffered from the transition. I love you JB but you are not The Doctor. Running around and screaming like a girl just doesn't work for Jack. Jack just doesn't have the whimsy for it.
The good was better but there are some moments in series 2 that just stunk to high heaven. But they kept Ianto. Good choice.
Posted by: mjweir | May 31, 2008 5:02 PM
This scene has been used alot because it really sums up Hitler. Crazy maniac who won't listen to anyone and who is crazy. (He's complaining about Generals who had no men left and were forced to flee in the face of the Soviets. He couldn't understand that some divisions had nothing but a command staff left at that time.)
Posted by: The Young Linguist | May 31, 2008 5:18 PM
Don't you just love the power of quote mining.
Orac: "I actually agree with Hitler"
You know that will pop up somewhere.
Posted by: Jorde | May 31, 2008 5:34 PM
Of course. I fully anticipate seeing it sometime over at the Age of Autism or some other crank site.
Posted by: Orac | May 31, 2008 6:04 PM
Or better, hand the show over to someone who understands character development and can string together a coherent plot. Davies' problem is that he thinks he's Joss Whedon, and he's so wrong that it hurts.
Posted by: Iain Walker | June 1, 2008 10:05 AM