DVD review: Torchwood – The Complete First Season

Protecting the Earth from otherworldly incursions is the mission of the secretive Torchwood Institute. This more adult spin-off of “Doctor Who” from the British Broadcasting Corp. is executive-produced by Russell T. Davies and Julie Gardner; Davies spearheaded the popular 2005 revamp of “Doctor Who.”

Mixing elements from popular science fiction/fantasy shows such as “Buffy The Vampire Slayer,” “The X-Files” and of course “Doctor Who,” “Torchwood” manages to be generally engrossing genre entertainment.

Eve Myles portrays Gwen Cooper, a Cardiff police officer who sees the mysterious Torchwood members at the scene of a murder. She’s the entry point for viewers into the series, as she investigates the institute and eventually becomes part of the team.

Leading the team is the charismatic Capt. Jack Harkness (John Barrowman), previously seen on “Doctor Who.” Barrowman echoes Tom Cruise without the baggage, and provides a classic Hollywood leading-man quality to the production.

“Torchwood” episodes range from light to thoughtful to creepy to action-packed. Of particular interest is “Countrycide,” in which the team learns that humanity can be as dangerous as any alien race.

Extras: Multiple behind-the-scenes featurettes, commentaries on each of the 13 episodes.

– Matt Price