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FOX wants to import 'Torchwood' (and its creator)
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FOX is in the process of developing a U.S. version of the British sci-fi hit "Torchwood." And while that sentence might normally strike fear into our hearts, the apprehension level is somewhat lower in this case.That's because in addition to securing the remake rights from the BBC, FOX is also hiring "Torchwood" creator Russell T. Davies to write a pilot script, according to The Hollywood Reporter. There's even a chance that some of the current show's cast would cross over to the new series; the HR mentions John Barrowman by name.
Two seasons of "Torchwood" -- an offshoot of "Doctor Who" about a government agency that tracks and captures aliens -- and the miniseries "Children of Earth" have aired in this country on BBC America. "Children of Earth," which aired last summer, set ratings records for the channel, and the show has been a big success in its home country as well.
Davies' producing partner, Julie Gardner, will be an executive producer on the FOX project, as will former BBC executive Jane Tranter. The U.S. version of "Torchwood" is still in its infancy; FOX hasn't yet decided whether to order a pilot episode.
Davies is also gearing up for a fourth season of "Torchwood" on the BBC.
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uh, i LOVE this show, but like some british imports fear it's americanization will sucker punch it's greatness.
Not Again! When will American Networks learn they cannot duplicate anything from the BBC well. Even "The Office" an alleged success by our standards is not as cutting edge as the original.
I love Torchwood and I don't want them remaking it for US audiences - even with Russell T. Davies. I don't want them doing it even if John Barrowman as Jack Harkness was part of it.
Torchwood works the way it is. And a US version would never handle the Jack/Ianto relationship appropriately.
Maybe if they wanted to create a new spin off about another Torchwood office that happens to be in America (with Russel T. Davies creating), that might work.
Just as long as Captain Jack comes by for occasional guest appearances...
WHY NOT JUST AIR THE BBC EPISODES IN THER CURRENT FORM
As much as I appreciate your thoughts on this topic, I don't think this is a good idea. The original is just too quirky and edgy to translate well for American audiences. I think if it did get picked up it would be treated like Firefly. Fox would mess around with the show, air it out of order and cancel it way too soon. It would hurt me for something as fabulous as Torchwood to receive such treatment.
I feel the same way about Shameless, another BBC import that is currently being remade for American Audiences. The original is a thoroughly filthy, utterly hysterical and ultimately satisfying delight. I don't see how it can possibly work here, even with the very talented William H. Macy.
American remakes of British series have been notoriously awful, with few exceptions. There is a tone that exists in European efforts that are nearly impossible to recreate in American remakes, so I don't see Torchwood USA being something I'd want to see happen. If it does, it will likely suck.
Besides which, FOX is the last place I'd want to put a show with potential. Sticking shows that have any originality at all on FOX is like trying to make a chihuahua pull a bus.
I agree that "...a US version would never handle the Jack/Ianto relationship appropriately". Also, "Torchwood" on BBC has a few curse words and is way too sexual for the US!
Boy, I really hope this doesn't happen. Fox will only dilute it, and mess with it, and it will be a shadow of the original program. The censors on U.S. television would never allow half of what is seen in British programming. Shame really...there is some great stuff out there.
Anybody who can convince FOX (whose track record with things sci-fi, ain't that good to begin with) to develope an Americanized version of Torchwood - itself a spin off of Doctor Who - to a potencial audience that wouldn't receive with open arms an omni-sexual character like Harkness - can sell an icebox to an inuit living at the North Pole.
That's my way of saying "I have a bad feeling about this."
Why? Why? Why? Why do American's ruin great British shows? Do Americans have problems understanding proper English? The charm of the show will be lost. Fox just ruins sci-fi/fantasy shows. Fox is best at reality shows. John Barrowman would be an idiot to star in an American version of the show. Why mess with perfection.