Torchwood

[tencrush]

If life is going to exist in a universe of this size,
then the one thing it cannot afford to have
is a sense of proportion.

There is yet another Children of Earth denialist Torchwood fan community out there and it is here:

tw_hysterical9

I am pimping it here on this journal for a few reasons. The first being that they've kindly linked to my PONY APPEAL, which is very nice of them. Secondly because they sort of asked me to a little bit because of my status as Torchwood BMF (that's not BNF, but BMF, which stands for BAMF!, otherwise known as BIGMOTHERFUCKINGFAN, and as such carries no implications of status or fame or indeed likeability.) And lastly because it finally seems like a place that doesn't take itself TOO seriously. I know there's lots of post-CoE-save-Ianto-hate-Russell-won't-watch-again type communities out there, but to be totally honest, we could do with one that isn't quite such serious business.

I never joined savecoffeeboy. I can understand why LOADS of people did join Save Coffee Boy, but I personally never got the point. I started the pony appeal because I wanted to show appreciation for what Ianto was without actually pushing a bring-Ianto-back agenda into anybody's face. I fully appreciate that lots of people want Ianto back, but I'm also a realist. I didn't like Children of Earth, but Ianto's death only played a very small part in the reasons why I didn't like Children of Earth. I won't be watching Torchwood again, but not just because Ianto's not in it, thought that's a big part of it. The thing is, though, I understand that in the scheme of things, nobody in any position to give a shit gives a shit that I didn't like CoE, that I want Ianto back, or that I won't be watching Torchwood again. Torchwood, as a franchise, doesn't NEED ME, any more than it needs you, dear reader, to approve of its direction. It got the viewing figures it wanted, and that, quite simply, is the end of the story. I LOVE the fact that there's so many people out there campaigning for Ianto's return, that they're raising money, sending coffee and making shrines, but I just don't have the optimism required to actually join them. Ianto's not coming back. Myfanwy's not coming back because ha, she must have asploded or something. They killed Torchwood, and that is the state of things. The state of things is not going to change. Now don't get me wrong, I am INCREDIBLY UPSET about the state of things. But what are you going to do?

So anyway, yes, the hysterical 9 community. I've already been reading a few things on there, and it makes me happy that people are now, calmly and rationally, talking about what happened. I'm seeing more and more of that around, actual meta and thoughts about why we're so upset, why we can't just get over it, why we're hurt and grieving, and I'm enjoying reading it.

Speaking of which, solitary_summer wrote some long but very interesting meta here about CoE and what it was about. I wish I could subscribe to this point of view, but the fact of the matter is that I feel that if this was how we were meant to view Jack's arc over the three series, I think it was executed badly. Jack's characterisation is, for me, quite simply too inconsistent to see him as having this progression and development. I'd love to just take this as read and ignore any bits of Jack that contradict it, but I'm terrible at ignoring bits I've seen. Damn. Having said that, remember back when I said I thought I'd found some beauty in CoE and something to like, but then I lost it? The things written in this essay, that's the thing I was grasping at but couldn't see anymore for all the ugliness. I can sort of see it now, but not clearly enough to change my opinion on the series. But I'm happy I read this.

Comments

[eandh99.livejournal.com]

Maybe he's got more work coming or hopes to have - audiobooks, that kind of thing.

[radiant-pip.livejournal.com]

Oh, that they would keep Ianto alive in the audiobooks, radio plays, short stories...basically everything but the show. Who wants to read/hear post-COE stories about Gwen and Lois Habiba? *yawn* So, yeah, here's hoping he still gets some more Who-universe gigs...and not just conventions.

JCB Ianto action figure with removable hard hat anyone?

[fide-et-spe.livejournal.com]

Yes exactly. Also if JB gets his way and future episodes are set in the past for TW then there is a lot of potential for Ianto to be back. He would be daft to burn any bridges.

Also as to America, the guy may have wanted some time at home! He seems so much more relaxed and happy now than he did a few months ago. He has family, dogs, a band, a fiancee. I really don't see why he should have rushed off to the US, he probably needed a bit of support. He just seemed in meltdown when he came back from the stint in LA earlier this year. Of course personally it makes me cross that actors feel pressured to go to Hollywood at all, it's such a shame that the British industry can't support everyone who wants to live and work in their own country. GDL has talked about getting homesick when away, and he is very into being Welsh, and his ponies of course.

[nobleroman1.livejournal.com]

Thank you for this. It boggles my mind how some seem to think that he should express - what they presume to be - his outrage toward the BBC & RTD. Even if this outrage does exist, he'd be a fool to bite the hand that could possibly feed him in the future. He does not have the star power of DT (and to a lesser extent, JB). He's a young man trying to establish a career during a time in which steady jobs in the industry, both here in the US and across the pond, are extremely hard to find.

As someone whose previous job was eliminated a few months ago, I understand why GD-L would maintain a professional demeanor. Yes, my previous job was eliminated, but because I did not rail against the company and (to use a British expression) flounce off when the decision was announced, I was able to obtain another position with the company. Those who (directly or indirectly) assert belittlingly that he's kissing the collective butt of the BBC/RTD, should try to remember that for us (the fen) it's entertainment, but for the actors not only is it an artistic outlet, but it's also a means of keeping a roof over their heads and food in their mouths.

[radiant-pip.livejournal.com]

Who is saying he should express outrage? Who is belittling anything? I think some of the responses have blown things out of proportion.

[radiant-pip.livejournal.com]

Well, I can't blame him for trying earlier this year. He was let go from his regular gig and he was encouraged by a couple of BBC big-wigs to try America. Pilot season is tough, though. I think a few guest spots would've been easier to land in comparison, but it's not easy for anyone right now. He doesn't seem stressed about his career, though, so I won't be either.