There's this theory that all (or at least most) novels that involve sacrifice are basically a borrowing of the much grander story of Christ dying for the world. I think Russell T. Davies has heard this theory, but perhaps didn't hear that you don't need to copy it word for word. In the final episode of Torchwood the world starts to tear apart because of one man's mistake (I'm spoiling the plot here by the way). There is much personal loss and so Captain Jack steps into try to save the day. By his death he defeats the life destroying monster, but after some days Captain Jack comes back to life. Oh and in the process he declares himself the life, his companions all betray him at the crucial moment and he grants absolution for those sins at the end. Oh, and also the name of the life destroying monster is "Abaddon", the destroyer of worlds. A title used of Satan in the Bible. Perhaps not the most original storyline.
So Russell T. Davies rips of the grand storyline of the Bible (and of therefore of history really), which wouldn't really bother me if he'd got his Christ replacement character right. But alas, Captain Jack Harkness cannot take on the role of Christ successfully because Captain Jack Harkness is a complete ass. This fact really hits towards the end of the episode when after weeks and weeks of terrible leadership, of lies, of deception, of arrogance, of pride, when after his team completely rebel against him because he won't explain why he won't try and save the world, he comes back to the most Judas of his colleagues and before his colleague can even say sorry he says "I forgive you". What an arrogant moron you are Jack Harkness. You think you can offer forgiveness when you've done so much to hurt and offend? You should beg forgiveness from that man.
These are the thoughts of Captain Jack Harkness when it comes to dying to saving the world: "Ha, I'm going to die to save the world, how great am I! Just watch me! And then, I'm going to come back from the dead in a bit and act all snooty about my sacrifice and we're going to leave unsaid that my courageous activities saved the day, but secretly, deep down, we'll all know this to be true and lets be sure it remains that way because I was right". And the person who thinks thoughts like that needs saving as much as everyone else.
Jesus Christ on the other hand, was, is, nor ever will be an ass. And that means he doesn't need someone to save him.
Good point with the ascension, I had completely missed that. Further evidence he's an ass though. When Christ goes up into heaven he tells everyone where he is going and promises to send someone who will help them in a way he cannot. Jack just runs off. Loser.
You're right with Dr Who though, he was excellent alongside the Dr, and hopefully he'll remain excellent alongside him. And also hopefully when he returns he'll understand why he's so Captain Scarlet and therefore perhaps he'll be a bit less rubbish.
Thanks for the compliments!
I confess that I completely missed the Jesus connection, probably due to just enjoying a good tv show. Whilst I agree that Torchwood is not without it's faults, it is only fair to remember that this is it's first season. I have hopes for the second given that season two of Doctor Who was so much better than the first. It is worth noting that Captain Jack does indeed return to partner the Doctor for the final 3 episodes of season 3 and I am hoping for some answers there, if not when he returns to Torchwood in October. Finally, as I briefly mentioned already, please remember that this show is categorised as science FICTION. Is it possible for people to either enjoy it for what it is supposed to be, or if they really hate it (and I agree it will not be to everyone's taste) just switch off and never mind going on about the connections to other shows. For the record I have never watched either Buffy OR Angel so this connection has never been a problem for me.
Buffy AND Angel are both awesome. I don't know what this proves other than spin-offs that co-exist can work. Joss Whedon directing Torchwood? How good would that be. Anyway, you're right about season one often not being as good as the next season. I live in hope.
maybe just maybe he wasn't trying to be jesus...SHOCK, i know because we all surely are! He'll Jack has his weaknesses but im sorry mark, actually no im not sorry.. i still think he's wonderful...! Bring on Doctor Who... Jack or the Doctor?!?! my heart is torn trying to decide!
In the story he portrayed the character of Jesus, whether he liked to or not. He could have done it with humility, but he didn't.
Hayles, I agree totally.. Jack or the Doctor.. but then, why not have both and I have heard it said by David Tennant himself that Billie Piper's nickname for him was David 'Ten Inch' need I say more...
Oops, worth mentioning that it was me posted that last one. Forgot to put my name on it..must be having a blonde moment...
You have two options in expressing yourself publicly on this site. If you have a new fangled blog type website (like this one) you can write what you want to say on your own site and link to this entry. I'll register that you've written something about it and provide a link to it below (this is called a trackback). If you don't have a website or just don't want to waste its time with me then you can add a good old fashioned comment. Fill in the blanks and press go to make your opinion heard among handfuls!
A few lines need to be said here. I'm currently a youth worker, therefore I have to watch how I interact with young people. Therefore if you're a young person whom I know through work you need to ask your parents permission to comment on this. That sucks I know, but it gives you something other than voting and drinking to look forward to when you hit eighteen.
All the views expressed here are opinions of whoever wrote them. They also are copyrighted to you under law. However, because you're nice by commenting on this you agree to have your views licensed under whatever creative commons licence this website is.
Spam will be deleted and anyone caught doing it will be black-listed.
If you click 'remember personal information' your details will be stored in a cookie on your computer and you'll never see this message again. Hooray!
These html tags are cool: b, i, u, s, del, ins, em, strong, sup, sub, a href and blockquote. You can get away with some images.
This is a website by Mark Walley. If you want to find out more or get in touch, that'd be nice.
Getting around this website can be a tad confusing. If you're looking to explore the better stuff of what I've written then this navigation should help you. If you're after a specific post then searching or looking through the archives chronologically may help.
This site tries its best to be accessible for everyone. Atom, and RSS feeds are available. All content licensed through a creative commons licence. I may have stolen ideas off you when you weren't looking, but it was almost certainly an accident. As with all claims of originality and ownership Psalm 24 v1 applies.
Lemly
OK, I basically agree with you - you missed out the ascension in the TARDIS though - but I'm afraid for women of a particular age Captain Jack can get away with it because he's rather good looking, and the debate is not whether he is an ass, but whether his ass is his best assett. The real mystery of the series is why Owen kept getting laid, because he's got nothing on Captain Jack or Ianto. Anyway Captain Jack in the TARDIS is basically good news, as it means that he stands a good chance of turning up in Doctor Who season 3, so we don't have to wait until the next Torchwood to see him.
I hope my coming out as a regular reader of this blog has been enlightening, it's a great blog anyway, thanks :)