As Torchwood entered the second half of its second season, it delivered one of its most intense and devastating episodes with Reset, first broadcast on February 13, 2008. Written by J.C. Wilsher and directed by Ashley Way, this installment introduces Doctor Who’s Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman) into the Torchwood team while unveiling a sinister medical conspiracy with life-altering consequences. Rewatching in 2025, Reset remains one of Torchwood’s most gripping and emotional episodes, marking a turning point for the series and its characters.
From the outset, Reset establishes a different energy with Martha’s arrival. Having worked at UNIT since her departure from the Doctor, Martha’s competence and intelligence make her a seamless fit for Torchwood. Unlike some previous crossover appearances in Doctor Who spin-offs, her integration feels natural, reinforcing her independence and growth beyond her time as a companion. Freema Agyeman plays Martha with a newfound confidence, blending effortlessly with the established team dynamic.
The central plot revolves around the mysterious deaths of individuals who were supposedly cured of terminal illnesses, leading Torchwood to the shady medical organization known as the Pharm. The ethical implications of its work—using alien technology to eliminate disease—raise profound moral questions that resonate even more in today’s world. The idea of resetting the human body at a cellular level is a fascinating, if chilling, concept, and Torchwood’s investigation into the Pharm is among the most compelling of the season.
Dr. Aaron Copley, the episode’s primary antagonist, is played with unsettling calm by Alan Dale. His presence adds an air of corporate menace, making him feel like a believable threat. Unlike the more overtly monstrous villains of Torchwood, Copley represents a more grounded form of evil—one that exists in real-world ethical dilemmas surrounding medical experimentation. His belief that his work justifies any cost makes him a disturbingly realistic adversary.
The episode builds tension masterfully, particularly as Martha goes undercover to expose the Pharm’s secrets. The scene where she undergoes the experimental treatment is gripping, her confidence momentarily giving way to genuine fear as she realizes just how much danger she’s in. The alien creatures being exploited—Mayfly-like parasites that rewrite human biology—are a terrifying yet inventive concept, reinforcing Torchwood’s commitment to blending science fiction with body horror.
But Reset’s defining moment comes in its final act. Just as the team secures the Pharm’s downfall, Owen Harper (Burn Gorman) is shot at point-blank range, marking one of Torchwood’s most shocking twists. His sudden, brutal death is a gut punch, not just because of its unexpectedness but because it comes at a moment of victory. The show’s willingness to kill off a main character without fanfare or build-up makes this one of its boldest storytelling choices.
Burn Gorman delivers a fantastic performance throughout the episode, with Owen’s cynicism and sharp wit as prominent as ever. His interactions with Martha add an interesting dynamic, particularly in their brief flirtation. His death, however, is what lingers most—forcing the audience to process the reality of Torchwood’s dangerous world.
Rewatching Reset in 2025, it remains a standout entry in Torchwood’s run. The combination of a morally complex premise, a thrilling investigation, and a shocking conclusion ensures its lasting impact. With Martha seamlessly integrated and a game-changing cliffhanger, Reset serves as one of the strongest episodes in the series’ history, setting the stage for an emotional fallout that will shape the rest of the season.
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