Torchwood shifts gears into a wildly different tone with Something Borrowed, first broadcast on March 5, 2008. Written by Phil Ford and directed by Ashley Way, this episode embraces Torchwood’s ability to blend science fiction with character-driven comedy, centering on Gwen Cooper’s wedding day—a day that, in true Torchwood fashion, goes horribly wrong. Rewatching in 2025, Something Borrowed remains a chaotic, entertaining ride that manages to balance absurdity with genuine heart.
The episode kicks off with Gwen (Eve Myles) finally getting her big day with Rhys (Kai Owen), a moment that should be a joyous, if nerve-wracking, occasion. However, everything takes a bizarre turn when Gwen is bitten by an alien shape-shifter the night before the wedding. She wakes up transformed—not into another being, but visibly and heavily pregnant with the creature’s offspring. It’s a wonderfully ridiculous premise that immediately sets Something Borrowed apart from Torchwood’s darker outings.
Eve Myles is phenomenal throughout, delivering one of her best comedic performances while still grounding the absurdity in real emotion. Her sheer determination to get through her wedding, despite the ever-growing list of complications, is equal parts hilarious and impressive. Gwen’s ability to take control in impossible situations has always been one of her defining traits, and this episode reinforces why she is such a compelling lead.
Rhys, meanwhile, finally gets his moment in the spotlight. Often relegated to the role of the oblivious everyman, Kai Owen’s performance here is fantastic, showcasing Rhys as more than just comic relief. His frustration, love, and exasperation are all on full display, and his reaction to Gwen’s sudden pregnancy is priceless. While he may not fully understand the world she’s part of, he proves once again that he belongs in it just as much as anyone else.
The alien threat, a shape-shifting Nostrovite hunting down Gwen to retrieve its unborn offspring, adds a layer of tension to the comedic premise. The creature’s ability to disguise itself, even taking on the form of Rhys’s mother (played brilliantly by Nerys Hughes), creates some of the episode’s best moments. Watching the team try to contain the situation while navigating the chaos of a traditional Welsh wedding is endlessly entertaining.
The rest of the Torchwood team shine in their supporting roles, particularly Jack, who spends much of the episode trying (and failing) to keep everything under control. His dynamic with Rhys, usually tense, takes an interesting turn here, with Jack ultimately showing respect for Gwen’s choice in a partner. There’s an unspoken understanding between them by the end, which adds some welcome depth to their relationship.
While Something Borrowed is largely played for laughs, it also manages to deliver some surprisingly emotional moments. Gwen’s unwavering determination to marry Rhys, despite everything working against her, reinforces the strength of their relationship. The wedding itself, though unconventional, feels earned and heartfelt, proving that amidst all the madness, Torchwood still knows how to deliver genuine character moments.
Rewatching Something Borrowed in 2025, it remains a delightful change of pace, proving that Torchwood can be just as effective when leaning into humor as it is when delivering high-stakes drama. It’s a refreshing, charming entry in the series that showcases the cast’s comedic strengths while still offering plenty of sci-fi action. Gwen and Rhys’s wedding may not have gone as planned, but in true Torchwood fashion, it’s a day no one will ever forget.
No comments:
Post a Comment