The abbreviated introduction of modern day Angelo started out very disappointing. His character and relationship with Jack was set up for an entire episode, and the next time we see him he’s a 100-year old vegetable. Surprisingly, though, Cryptkeeper Angelo did more for the plot progression of the arc in Torchwood: Miracle Day ‘End of the Road’ than every line that has come out of Rex’s mouth up to this point.
Lying underneath Angelo’s bed is some straight up Spock alien tech. I’d normally find the exposition and explanation that Jack gives Esther and Rex as they are “investigating” the giant piece of tech under the floor to be rather excessive. Given Esther and Rex’s backgrounds up until this point, the speech is relevant and well executed. Speaking of executed, I’m incredibly anxious to see how Jack handles a gut shot now that he’s mortal.
Everything that has been boiling up inside Jilly each episode finally overflows this week, and her completely irrational and unbridled thrashing at Oswald is pure emotion, pure hate, and completely insane. Yes, he belts her in the mouth and runs off, but two words from Jilly’s mouth (or rather from the prostitute’s mouth in the previous scene, but hammered home by Jilly after the fight) damage Oswald more than any punch could have: Category Zero.
Category Zero, as it turns out, is a total game changer. We find out that now moral undesirables are going to be incinerated just as Category Ones. Basically, this gives credence to every person that has ever looked at a political policy and asked “Where does it stop?”
Here is the thing about the Universe of Doctor Who and Torchwood. Usually the comments and lines that are almost throwaways are the most important. I have no foreknowledge of where the plot is going, but if you pay attention Rhys mentions that with the market crumbling as it is that all experts are saying to buy gold (eerily relevant nowadays). This may or may not play out in the coming episodes, but that is the beauty of the series; you never know.
All in all, ‘End of the Road’ is another great episode that allowed all the players, even Mekhi Pfifer as Rex, to showcase their skills as actors/actresses. Tons of questions are answered, and tons more presented. The giant ball that is Torchwood: Miracle Day’s story arc is now rolling at full speed downhill and it looks like Jack, Gwen, Esther, and Rex are all right in its way.
– James Zappie
