If content is king, then the first Russell T Davies era of Doctor Who reigned supreme. We had the main series, we could go behind the scenes with Doctor Who Confidential, or appeal to a younger demographic with The Sarah Jane Adventures and Totally Doctor Who. We were even treated to an animated special and Children in Need minisodes. And then there was Torchwood. After an uneven but promising debut season, the adult-oriented spin-off series stormed into its second series with Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang, first broadcast on January 16, 2008.
We're going to rewatch a handful of choice episodes from season two, beginning with this opener written by future showrunner Chris Chibnall and directed by Ashley Way, Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang wastes no time in re-establishing its tone, doubling down on the action, wit, and mature themes that define Torchwood. With the return of Captain Jack Harkness and the electrifying introduction of James Marsters as the rogue Time Agent Captain John Hart, Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang kicks off Torchwood’s second season in explosive fashion. Rewatching in 2025, does this chaotic, character-driven opener still hold up?
From the very first scene, it’s clear that Torchwood is embracing a more confident and playful approach in its second series. The team—Gwen, Owen, Tosh, and Ianto—are now a well-oiled machine, operating efficiently in Jack’s absence. Their handling of an alien situation without him immediately signals how much they’ve grown. The moment Jack dramatically returns, falling from the sky in classic Doctor Who flair, is a statement of intent: Torchwood is back, and it’s bigger, bolder, and brasher than ever.
The episode’s biggest hook is the arrival of Captain John Hart, played with scene-stealing charisma by James Marsters. From the moment he swaggers onto the scene, drenched in irreverence and danger, he injects Torchwood with an unpredictable energy. His chemistry with Jack is undeniable—flirting, fighting, and reminiscing about their shared history in the Time Agency. Their relationship, tinged with equal parts nostalgia and toxicity, adds an intriguing new layer to Jack’s character. Marsters plays John with a delightful mix of menace and mischief, making him an instant standout in Torchwood’s rogues’ gallery.
Despite the lighter tone, Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang doesn’t shy away from deeper character moments. Gwen, now engaged to Rhys, is more confident than ever, and her dynamic with Jack takes on a new complexity. Their unresolved tension is acknowledged but not overplayed, allowing Gwen to continue evolving beyond being defined by Jack’s presence. Ianto, often relegated to the background in Season One, steps into a more prominent role, delivering some of the episode’s best comedic beats while hinting at a burgeoning romance with Jack.
The plot itself is relatively straightforward—John arrives with a warning, manipulates the team, and nearly kills them before revealing his true self-serving nature. But the narrative serves more as a character piece than a deep, intricate mystery. The key emotional beats land effectively, from John’s betrayal to Jack’s subtle vulnerability when confronting his former partner. The final reveal—that there’s "something coming" for Jack—sets up an overarching mystery that will thread through the rest of the season.
Visually, Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang feels slicker and more cinematic than much of Season One. The direction is kinetic, embracing action sequences with more confidence. The humor is sharper, the dialogue snappier, and the cast more assured in their roles. The overall effect is a show that knows exactly what it wants to be—darker and edgier than Doctor Who, but still embracing the same adventurous spirit.
Rewatching Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang in 2025, it remains a thrilling, entertaining return for Torchwood. James Marsters elevates the episode with a magnetic performance, and the increased focus on character dynamics makes the team feel more lived-in than before. While it doesn’t attempt to be anything more than a high-energy, character-driven romp, it succeeds brilliantly at setting the tone for a stronger, more confident second season. Torchwood is back, and with Captain John Hart stirring up chaos, it’s better than ever.
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