The Categories of Life (TV story): Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox Story | {{Infobox Story SMW | ||
|image = Miracle Rally speech (TCOL).jpg | |image = Miracle Rally speech (TCOL).jpg | ||
|series = ''[[Torchwood (TV series)|Torchwood]]'' | |series = ''[[Torchwood (TV series)|Torchwood]]'' | ||
|season number = Series 4 (Torchwood) | |season number = Series 4 (Torchwood) | ||
|series episode number = 5 | |series episode number = 5 | ||
|main character = [[Jack Harkness|Jack]], [[Gwen Cooper|Gwen | |main character = [[Jack Harkness|Jack]], [[Gwen Cooper|Gwen]], [[Rex Matheson|Rex]], [[Esther Drummond|Esther]], [[Oswald Danes|Oswald]], [[Rhys Williams|Rhys]] | ||
|featuring = Vera Juarez | |featuring = Vera Juarez | ||
|featuring2 = Jilly Kitzinger | |featuring2 = Jilly Kitzinger | ||
| Line 15: | Line 15: | ||
|enemy = [[Colin Maloney]] | |enemy = [[Colin Maloney]] | ||
|setting = [[Cowbridge Overflow Camp|Cowbridge]] and [[San Pedro Overflow Camp]]s, [[2011]] | |setting = [[Cowbridge Overflow Camp|Cowbridge]] and [[San Pedro Overflow Camp]]s, [[2011]] | ||
|writer = | |writer = Jane Espenson | ||
|director = [[Guy Ferland]] | |director = [[Guy Ferland]] | ||
|producer = [[Kelly A Manners]] (US), [[Brian Minchin]] (UK) | |producer = [[Kelly A Manners]] (US), [[Brian Minchin]] (UK) | ||
|broadcast date = | |broadcast date = 5 August 2011 | ||
|network = | |network = Starz | ||
|prev = Escape to LA (TV story) | |prev = Escape to LA (TV story) | ||
|next = The Middle Men (TV story) | |next = The Middle Men (TV story) | ||
|trailer = {{uc:Torchwood}} Miracle Day Ep 5 with {{uc:John Barrowman}} on {{uc:BBC America}} | |trailer = {{uc:Torchwood}} Miracle Day Ep 5 with {{uc:John Barrowman}} on {{uc:BBC America}} | ||
|clip = | |clip = | ||
}}{{you may|Categories of life|n1=the categories themselves}} | |format = 1x55-minute episode<br/>Part 5 of 10}}{{you may|Categories of life|n1=the categories themselves}} | ||
'''''The Categories of Life''''' was the fifth episode of [[Series 4 (Torchwood)|Series 4]] of ''[[Torchwood (TV series)|Torchwood]]''. It was written by [[Jane Espenson]], directed by [[Guy Ferland | '''''The Categories of Life''''' was the fifth episode of [[Series 4 (Torchwood)|Series 4]] of ''[[Torchwood (TV series)|Torchwood]]''. It was written by [[Jane Espenson]], and directed by [[Guy Ferland]]. It saw the creation of the [[categories of life]] to work around the loss of death, and also featured the demise of [[Vera Juarez]]. | ||
It saw the creation of the [[ | |||
== Synopsis == | == Synopsis == | ||
Torchwood goes undercover and discovers the terrible truth behind the miracle. | |||
<br /> | |||
== Plot == | == Plot == | ||
In City Hall, [[Washington DC|Washington D.C.]], [[Vera Juarez]] is told the medical panels are over and a report was submitted by the Health and Human Services Secretary directly to Congress. The [[categories of life]] have been unanimously approved for enactment. There are three categories for the living, since no one dies. Horrified at what the legislation may mandate, Vera calls [[Rex Matheson]] to join the covert investigation [[Torchwood (team)|Torchwood]] and he are making. | In City Hall, [[Washington DC|Washington D.C.]], [[Vera Juarez]] is told the medical panels are over and a report was submitted by the Health and Human Services Secretary directly to Congress. The [[categories of life]] have been unanimously approved for enactment. There are three categories for the living, since no one dies. Horrified at what the legislation may mandate, Vera calls [[Rex Matheson]] to join the covert investigation [[Torchwood (team)|Torchwood]] and he are making. | ||
[[Gwen Cooper]] returns to the [[United Kingdom]] under | [[Gwen Cooper]] returns to the [[United Kingdom]] under the alias of Yvonne Pallister. She finds her father has been taken to an overflow camp. [[Rhys Williams]] meets her, disguised as her driver. [[Mary Cooper|Her mother]] has prepared for Gwen's arrival and found [[Geraint Cooper|her father]] at the Cowbridge Camp, a formerly derelict army barracks, closed down in [[1996]] — now an overflow camp for patients in [[South Wales]]. The next day Gwen travels with [[Andy Davidson]] to Cowbridge. Andy remarks that though the system is "bloody chaos, at least it works", relieving the pressure on geriatrics and other [[hospital]] departments. Gwen asks, "Who's paying for all this? [[PhiCorp]]. You got health care being run by private business and believe me, that's just the start of your problems." | ||
Gwen heads to admin, demanding the release of her father. A military officer suggests she fill in a claims form. Andy supports her by fabricating a story about her father being removed under [[police]] authority. Told the camp is not under the Welsh police, she is handed a package titled "Overflow Camp Health Care Provider Framework". Gwen turns this over to see PhiCorp's logo. Under threat of arrest, Gwen, Andy | Gwen heads to admin, demanding the release of her father. A military officer suggests she fill in a claims form. Andy supports her by fabricating a story about her father being removed under [[police]] authority. Told the camp is not under the Welsh police, she is handed a package titled "Overflow Camp Health Care Provider Framework". Gwen turns this over to see PhiCorp's logo. Under threat of arrest, Gwen, Andy and Rhys leave Cowbridge. Gwen, infuriated at the red tape stopping her after everything she's done with [[Torchwood Three]], tells Rhys, "We're gonna break in here, we're gonna find my father and we're gonna get him out — tonight." | ||
In [[Venice Beach]], [[California]], [[Esther Drummond]] confides in [[Jack Harkness]] about her insecurities at being "useless" to the team. She mentions the death of her | In [[Venice Beach]], [[California]], [[Esther Drummond]] confides in [[Jack Harkness]] about her insecurities at being "useless" to the team. She mentions the death of her mother in [[2003]] and asks Jack about [[Jack Harkness' mother|his mother]]. He replies vaguely. As Esther asks Jack where he's from, they receive text messages from Rex. They meet Rex and are introduced to Vera. Vera mentions she was lucky to catch a flight because most of them were full. There's a Miracle Rally later that night. | ||
Back at the makeshift Torchwood "hub", Vera tells off Rex and explains she flew across the country to support her patients who are now being held against their will in the overflow camps. They smile and kiss. | Back at the makeshift Torchwood "hub", Vera tells off Rex and explains she flew across the country to support her patients who are now being held against their will in the overflow camps. They smile and kiss. | ||
| Line 68: | Line 65: | ||
* [[Rhys Williams]] - [[Kai Owen]] | * [[Rhys Williams]] - [[Kai Owen]] | ||
* [[Oswald Danes]] - [[Bill Pullman]] | * [[Oswald Danes]] - [[Bill Pullman]] | ||
* [[Jilly Kitzinger]] - [[Lauren Ambrose]] | |||
* [[Vera Juarez|Dr Vera Juarez]] - [[Arlene Tur]] | |||
* [[Geraint Cooper]] - [[William Thomas]] | |||
* [[Mary Cooper]] - [[Sharon Morgan]] | |||
* [[Ralph Coltrane|Ralph]] - [[Fred Koehler]] | * [[Ralph Coltrane|Ralph]] - [[Fred Koehler]] | ||
* [[Blue-eyed man|Blue Eyed Man]] - [[Teddy Sears]] | * [[Blue-eyed man|Blue Eyed Man]] - [[Teddy Sears]] | ||
| Line 75: | Line 76: | ||
* [[News reporter (The Categories of Life)|News Reporter]] - [[Charles Carpenter]] | * [[News reporter (The Categories of Life)|News Reporter]] - [[Charles Carpenter]] | ||
* [[Man (The Categories of Life)|Man]] - [[Jim Conway]] | * [[Man (The Categories of Life)|Man]] - [[Jim Conway]] | ||
* [[Handsome man|Handsome Man]] - [[Jonathan Dane]] | * [[Handsome man (The Categories of Life)|Handsome Man]] - [[Jonathan Dane]] | ||
* [[Spanish newscaster|Spanish Newscaster]] - [[Teresa Garza]] | * [[Spanish newscaster (Escape to LA)|Spanish Newscaster]] - [[Teresa Garza]] | ||
* [[Pidgeon]] - [[Brendan Hughes]] | * [[Pidgeon]] - [[Brendan Hughes]] | ||
* [[Jessica MacCauley|Excited Teenager]] - [[Joelle Elizabeth Jacoby]] | * [[Jessica MacCauley|Excited Teenager]] - [[Joelle Elizabeth Jacoby]] | ||
* [[Rachel (The Categories of Life)|Rachel]] - [[Liz Jenkins]] | * [[Rachel (The Categories of Life)|Rachel]] - [[Liz Jenkins]] | ||
* [[Pushy woman|Pushy Woman]] - [[Ria Jones]] | * [[Pushy woman (The Categories of Life)|Pushy Woman]] - [[Ria Jones]] | ||
* [[Japanese newscaster|Japanese Newscaster]] - [[Masami Kosaka]] | * [[Japanese newscaster (Escape to LA)|Japanese Newscaster]] - [[Masami Kosaka]] | ||
* [[Maria Candido]] - [[Eve Mauro]] | * [[Maria Candido]] - [[Eve Mauro]] | ||
* [[Stressed woman|Stressed Woman]] - [[Francine Morgan]] | * [[Stressed woman (The Categories of Life)|Stressed Woman]] - [[Francine Morgan]] | ||
* [[Thomason]] - [[Stuart Nurse]] | * [[Thomason]] - [[Stuart Nurse]] | ||
* [[Pale woman (The Categories of Life)|Pale Woman]] - [[Tracy Pfau]] | * [[Pale woman (The Categories of Life)|Pale Woman]] - [[Tracy Pfau]] | ||
* [[Paramedic (The Categories of Life)|Paramedic]] - [[Caroline Whitney Smith]] | * [[Paramedic (The Categories of Life)|Paramedic]] - [[Caroline Whitney Smith]] | ||
* [[Angry man|Angry Man]] - [[Vito Viscuso]] | * [[Angry man (The Categories of Life)|Angry Man]] - [[Vito Viscuso]] | ||
* [[Candice Perlmutter|Candice]] - [[Randa Walker]] | * [[Candice Perlmutter|Candice]] - [[Randa Walker]] | ||
== Crew == | == Crew == | ||
| Line 167: | Line 161: | ||
some episodes also had credits for UK crews. That section begins below. | some episodes also had credits for UK crews. That section begins below. | ||
Do not fill in unless there are credits which explicitly specify a "UK Crew". | Do not fill in unless there are credits which explicitly specify a "UK Crew". | ||
Note that Torchwood credits don't carry a "US crew" tag because | Note that Torchwood credits don't carry a "US crew" tag because it's a US show. | ||
--> | --> | ||
| Line 178: | Line 171: | ||
|UKUnitManager=Paul Davies | |UKUnitManager=Paul Davies | ||
|UK1stAD=George Walker | |UK1stAD=George Walker | ||
|UKProductionDesigner= | |UKProductionDesigner= | ||
|UKMake-UpDesigner=Claire Pritchard-Jones | |UKMake-UpDesigner=Claire Pritchard-Jones | ||
| Line 193: | Line 185: | ||
}} | }} | ||
== | == Worldbuilding == | ||
=== Politics === | === Politics === | ||
* A report on the findings of the panels has been sent to [[United States Congress|Congress]]. The [[HHS Secretary]] took it directly to the [[President of the United States|President]]. | * A report on the findings of the panels has been sent to [[United States Congress|Congress]]. The [[HHS Secretary]] took it directly to the [[President of the United States|President]]. | ||
* Three [[categories of life]] have been determined. They are being rolled out across [[America]] and [[Europe]]. | * Three [[categories of life]] have been determined. They are being rolled out across [[America]] and [[Europe]]. | ||
* The [[United Nations]] sanctions the new category system. | * The [[United Nations]] sanctions the new category system. | ||
* [[Overflow camp]]s have been set up for Category Ones and Category Twos. | * [[Overflow camp]]s have been set up for Category Ones and Category Twos. | ||
* The category scheme is also underway in the [[United Kingdom]], where the [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|Prime Minister]] declares it a new age of care and compassion. | * The category scheme is also underway in the [[United Kingdom]], where the [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|Prime Minister]] declares it a new age of care and compassion. | ||
* A newspaper article on Mary's wall says that Welsh [[Member of Parliament|MPs]] could be told they can't vote for England. | |||
* A newspaper article on Mary's wall says that Welsh [[Member of Parliament| | |||
* Esther gets in-doctored photos of the San Pedro Camp from [[NORAD]]. | * Esther gets in-doctored photos of the San Pedro Camp from [[NORAD]]. | ||
* At the Miracle Rally, the [[Vice President of the United States|Vice President]] will introduce the [[President of the United States|President]] who will speak live from the [[Oval Office]]. | * At the Miracle Rally, the [[Vice President of the United States|Vice President]] will introduce the [[President of the United States|President]] who will speak live from the [[Oval Office]]. | ||
=== Individuals === | === Individuals === | ||
* [[Vera Juarez]] joins [[Torchwood (team)|Torchwood]]. | * [[Vera Juarez]] joins the [[Torchwood (team)|Torchwood team]]. | ||
* Gwen continues to use the alias "Yvonne Pallister", using her fake [[passport]] at [[UK Border Control]]. | * Gwen continues to use the alias "Yvonne Pallister", using her fake [[passport]] at [[UK Border Control]]. | ||
* Rhys, dressed a [[chauffeur]], is given the alias "Mr Sloane". | * Rhys, dressed as a [[chauffeur]], is given the alias "Mr Sloane". | ||
* [[Mary Cooper]], Gwen's mother, is actively assisting Torchwood to help secure the release of her husband from the overflow camps. | * [[Mary Cooper]], Gwen's mother, is actively assisting Torchwood to help secure the release of her husband from the overflow camps. | ||
* [[Esther Drummond's mother|Esther's mother]] died in [[2003]]. | * [[Esther Drummond's mother|Esther's mother]] died in [[2003]]. | ||
* In jest, Jack refers to Esther as "Useless Esther". | * In jest, Jack refers to Esther as "Useless Esther". | ||
| Line 221: | Line 210: | ||
* [[Jessica MacCauley]] arrived early from [[Redlands]] to attend the Miracle Rally. | * [[Jessica MacCauley]] arrived early from [[Redlands]] to attend the Miracle Rally. | ||
* Oswald is fourth in the Miracle Rally [[running order]] and 90 minutes before the President, with the keyword being "Revelation". He was later cut down to 90 seconds. | * Oswald is fourth in the Miracle Rally [[running order]] and 90 minutes before the President, with the keyword being "Revelation". He was later cut down to 90 seconds. | ||
* Jilly asks [[Eugene (The Categories of Life)|Eugene]] to confirm Oswald | * Jilly asks [[Eugene (The Categories of Life)|Eugene]] to confirm Oswald is arriving at gate six. | ||
* Rachel questions Esther as to what happened to [[Rosanna (The Categories of Life)|Rosanna]]. | * Rachel questions Esther as to what happened to [[Rosanna (The Categories of Life)|Rosanna]]. | ||
* On the phone, Jilly shows anger at [[Steve (The Categories of Life)|Steve]] who keeps trying to charge her. | * On the phone, Jilly shows anger at [[Steve (The Categories of Life)|Steve]] who keeps trying to charge her. | ||
* Maloney says he has a line on [[Hilary Duff]] which he feels good about. | * Maloney says he has a line on [[Hilary Duff]], which he feels good about. Vera initially believes he is talking about [[Hillary Clinton]]. | ||
* [[Geraint Cooper]] suffers another heart attack by being moved too soon from his bed and enters a deep coma, warranting his reclassification from Category 2 to Category 1. | * [[Geraint Cooper]] suffers another heart attack by being moved too soon from his bed and enters a deep coma, warranting his reclassification from Category 2 to Category 1. | ||
=== Locations === | === Locations === | ||
| Line 240: | Line 226: | ||
=== Overflow camps === | === Overflow camps === | ||
* According to information compiled by Mary, there were overflow camps in [[Liverpool Overflow Camp|Liverpool]], [[Cowbridge Overflow Camp|Cowbridge]], [[High Wycombe Overflow Camp|High Wycombe]], [[Plymouth Overflow Camp|Plymouth]] and one in [[Ireland]]. | * According to information compiled by Mary, there were overflow camps in [[Liverpool Overflow Camp|Liverpool]], [[Cowbridge Overflow Camp|Cowbridge]], [[High Wycombe Overflow Camp|High Wycombe]], [[Plymouth Overflow Camp|Plymouth]] and one in [[Ireland]]. | ||
* Cowbridge Overflow Camp is two miles outside [[Cowbridge]], off the [[A48]]. The camp takes patients from the whole of | * Cowbridge Overflow Camp is two miles outside [[Cowbridge]], off the [[A48]]. The camp takes patients from the whole of [[South Wales]], as well as [[Bristol]]. It was formerly an [[army barracks]] which closed down in [[1996]]. | ||
* There are 35 camps nationwide in Britain alone. | * There are 35 camps nationwide in Britain alone. | ||
* Cowbridge Camp is on lockdown due to outbreaks of [[cholera]], [[dysentery]] and [[swine flu]]. | * Cowbridge Camp is on lockdown due to outbreaks of [[cholera]], [[dysentery]] and [[swine flu]]. | ||
| Line 246: | Line 232: | ||
* [[France]] and [[Germany]] have started overflow camps, with the rest of Europe soon to follow. | * [[France]] and [[Germany]] have started overflow camps, with the rest of Europe soon to follow. | ||
* [[China]] says no to the camps, but the [[Pan-African Summit]] says yes. | * [[China]] says no to the camps, but the [[Pan-African Summit]] says yes. | ||
* All of the camps have [[module]]s hidden from public view, the walls of which are cold - possibly made from [[brick]] or [[ceramic]]. | * All of the camps have [[module]]s hidden from public view, the walls of which are cold - possibly made from [[brick]] or [[ceramic]]. | ||
* According to Esther, half of overflow camps are just converted old army camps. | * According to Esther, half of overflow camps are just converted old army camps. | ||
* The [[Miracle Rally]] is raising [[money]] for the overflow camps. | * The [[Miracle Rally]] is raising [[money]] for the overflow camps. | ||
* [[San Pedro Overflow Camp]] is US Medical Lot 338. | * [[San Pedro Overflow Camp]] is US Medical Lot 338. | ||
* Mary's map includes the [[Irish Overflow Camp]]. | |||
=== Health === | === Health === | ||
* Hospitals are closing across the south-west of [[Great Britain]] due to [[MRSA]]. | * Hospitals are closing across the south-west of [[Great Britain]] due to [[MRSA]]. | ||
* Andy thinks the [[NHS]] is going to go bust by the end of the week due to the number of geriatrics and maternity. | * Andy thinks the [[NHS]] is going to go bust by the end of the week due to the number of geriatrics and maternity. | ||
* The [[dissection]] of a living person is referred to as a vivisection. | * The [[dissection]] of a living person is referred to as a vivisection. | ||
* Vera thinks that Category One patients might be being used like [[petri dish]]es. | * Vera thinks that Category One patients might be being used like [[petri dish]]es. | ||
=== Technology === | === Technology === | ||
* Torchwood have chases tapping into [[WikiLeaks]], the [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] and the [[FBI]]. | * Torchwood have chases tapping into [[WikiLeaks]], the [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] and the [[FBI]]. | ||
* Maloney | * Maloney has a personalised [[golf cart]], which has a Dixie horn. | ||
* Rex documents the camp using a [[camera]]. | * Rex documents the camp using a [[camera]]. | ||
* Jilly takes a [[photograph]] of Jack on her [[phone]]. | * Jilly takes a [[photograph]] of Jack on her [[phone]]. | ||
| Line 270: | Line 254: | ||
=== Religion === | === Religion === | ||
* | * Oswald claims Miracle Day has made humanity transcend into [[angel]]s. He also believes that the Miracle has forever denied him entry into [[Heaven (afterlife)|Heaven]] by abolishing death and release. | ||
== Story notes == | == Story notes == | ||
* ''Owen's Theme'' is heard at the beginning of the episode. | * ''Owen's Theme'' is heard at the beginning of the episode. | ||
* Vera's death in this episode is very similar to that of previous Torchwood medic [[Owen Harper]]'s death in ''[[Exit Wounds (TV story)|Exit Wounds]]''. Both Owen and Vera were trapped in a state of "immortality", Owen being undead and Vera undying. Both had bullet wounds in their upper torsos. Both were vaporised trying to save other people: Owen was killed by coolant while trying to stop a nuclear meltdown, and Vera by an incinerator while trying to save category one patients. Each had a love interest, also suffering from mortal wounds to the chest, witness their deaths through an electronic device. [[Toshiko Sato]] was suffering from a bullet wound to the abdomen and saw the room Owen was in flooded with coolant on a computer monitor, while Rex had a hole in his chest and saw Vera burn through the glass in the door and through his video camera. However, whereas Rex survived his wounds, Toshiko did not, nor was she physically present to see Owen die. | |||
* Vera's death in this episode is very similar to that of previous Torchwood medic [[Owen Harper]]'s death [[Exit Wounds| | |||
=== Ratings === | === Ratings === | ||
* UK: 5.17 million | * UK: 5.17 million (Final BARB ratings)<ref>[https://www.barb.co.uk/viewing-data/weekly-top-10/ BARB Ratings - June, 2011]</ref> | ||
* US: 1.05 million | |||
=== Filming locations === | === Filming locations === | ||
''to be added'' | ''to be added'' | ||
=== Broadcasts === | |||
{| class="wikitable sortable" | |||
!Date | |||
!Time | |||
!Channel | |||
!class="unsortable"|Notes | |||
|- | |||
|[[Thursday]] [[11 August (releases)|11 August]] [[2011 (releases)|2011]] | |||
|21:00 | |||
|[[BBC One]] | |||
|First broadcast. | |||
|- | |||
|[[Monday]] [[15 August (releases)|15 August]] [[2011 (releases)|2011]] | |||
|23:20 | |||
|[[BBC HD]] & [[BBC Two]] | |||
| | |||
|} | |||
=== Production errors === | === Production errors === | ||
| Line 288: | Line 290: | ||
== Continuity == | == Continuity == | ||
* When Vera calls Rex, he triumphantly says he knew she would | * When Vera calls Rex, he triumphantly says he knew she would, having promised to do so in [[TV]]: {{cs|Escape to LA (TV story)}}. | ||
* | * Esther asks of Jack's mother, but he tells her he has no idea what has happened to her, having been unable to restore his memories from the events in [[TV]]: {{cs|Adam (TV story)}}. | ||
* When Rex introduces Vera to Jack, Rex expresses his doubt that he is really "Captain Jack Harkness". ([[TV]]: | * When Rex introduces Vera to Jack, Rex expresses his doubt that he is really "Captain Jack Harkness". This recalls how Jack took the name from the real Jack Harkness he was inspired by and used during [[World War II]] as shown in {{cs|The Empty Child (TV story)}} and whom he eventually met in [[TV]]: {{cs|Captain Jack Harkness (TV story)}}. | ||
* | * MRSA staph infections are mentioned again, having previously come up in [[TV]]: {{cs|Escape to LA (TV story)}}. | ||
== Home video releases == | == Home video releases == | ||
This episode was released worldwide in a box set containing all ten episodes of ''Torchwood: Miracle Day''. In the United Kingdom, it was released on Region 2 DVD and Region Free Blu-ray on [[14 November (releases)|14 November]] [[2011 (releases)|2011]].<ref>[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Torchwood-Miracle-Day-Eve-Myles/dp/B005A5I9V2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314885858&sr=8-1 Amazon.co.uk listing]</ref> In Australia, it was released in Region 4 DVD and Region B Blu-Ray on [[1 December (releases)|1 December]] 2011.<ref>[http://www.ezydvd.com.au/blu-ray/torchwood-miracle-day-blu-ray/dp/6107286 EZYDVD.com.au listing]</ref> In New Zealand, the same sets were released on [[7 December (releases)|7 December]] 2011.<ref>[http://www.mightyape.co.nz/product/Blu-ray/Torchwood-Miracle-Day-4-Disc-Set/19261826/ Mightyape.co.nz listing]</ref> In North America, it was released on Region 1 DVD and Region Free Blu-Ray on [[3 April (releases)|3 April]] [[2012 (releases)|2012]].<ref>[http://www.amazon.com/Torchwood-Miracle-Day-John-Barrowman/dp/B007AFS118/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336194370&sr=8-1 Amazon.com listing]</ref> | * This episode was released worldwide in a box set containing all ten episodes of ''Torchwood: Miracle Day''. In the United Kingdom, it was released on Region 2 DVD and Region Free Blu-ray on [[14 November (releases)|14 November]] [[2011 (releases)|2011]].<ref>[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Torchwood-Miracle-Day-Eve-Myles/dp/B005A5I9V2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314885858&sr=8-1 Amazon.co.uk listing]</ref> In Australia, it was released in Region 4 DVD and Region B Blu-Ray on [[1 December (releases)|1 December]] 2011.<ref>[http://www.ezydvd.com.au/blu-ray/torchwood-miracle-day-blu-ray/dp/6107286 EZYDVD.com.au listing]</ref> In New Zealand, the same sets were released on [[7 December (releases)|7 December]] 2011.<ref>[http://www.mightyape.co.nz/product/Blu-ray/Torchwood-Miracle-Day-4-Disc-Set/19261826/ Mightyape.co.nz listing]</ref> In North America, it was released on Region 1 DVD and Region Free Blu-Ray on [[3 April (releases)|3 April]] [[2012 (releases)|2012]].<ref>[http://www.amazon.com/Torchwood-Miracle-Day-John-Barrowman/dp/B007AFS118/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336194370&sr=8-1 Amazon.com listing]</ref> | ||
* It was also released in the Series 1-4 boxset (Region 2 release: 14 November 2011.) | |||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
| Line 303: | Line 306: | ||
{{TWTV}} | {{TWTV}} | ||
{{TitleSort}} | {{TitleSort}} | ||
[[Category:Torchwood television stories]] | [[Category:Torchwood television stories]] | ||
[[Category:Series 4 (Torchwood) stories]] | [[Category:Series 4 (Torchwood) stories]] | ||
| Line 311: | Line 313: | ||
[[Category:Stories set in Swansea]] | [[Category:Stories set in Swansea]] | ||
[[Category:Stories set in Los Angeles]] | [[Category:Stories set in Los Angeles]] | ||
[[de:The Categories of Life]] | |||
[[fr:The Categories of Life]] | |||
Revision as of 19:23, 3 May 2024
- You may be looking for the categories themselves.
The Categories of Life was the fifth episode of Series 4 of Torchwood. It was written by Jane Espenson, and directed by Guy Ferland. It saw the creation of the categories of life to work around the loss of death, and also featured the demise of Vera Juarez.
Synopsis
Torchwood goes undercover and discovers the terrible truth behind the miracle.
Plot
In City Hall, Washington D.C., Vera Juarez is told the medical panels are over and a report was submitted by the Health and Human Services Secretary directly to Congress. The categories of life have been unanimously approved for enactment. There are three categories for the living, since no one dies. Horrified at what the legislation may mandate, Vera calls Rex Matheson to join the covert investigation Torchwood and he are making.
Gwen Cooper returns to the United Kingdom under the alias of Yvonne Pallister. She finds her father has been taken to an overflow camp. Rhys Williams meets her, disguised as her driver. Her mother has prepared for Gwen's arrival and found her father at the Cowbridge Camp, a formerly derelict army barracks, closed down in 1996 — now an overflow camp for patients in South Wales. The next day Gwen travels with Andy Davidson to Cowbridge. Andy remarks that though the system is "bloody chaos, at least it works", relieving the pressure on geriatrics and other hospital departments. Gwen asks, "Who's paying for all this? PhiCorp. You got health care being run by private business and believe me, that's just the start of your problems."
Gwen heads to admin, demanding the release of her father. A military officer suggests she fill in a claims form. Andy supports her by fabricating a story about her father being removed under police authority. Told the camp is not under the Welsh police, she is handed a package titled "Overflow Camp Health Care Provider Framework". Gwen turns this over to see PhiCorp's logo. Under threat of arrest, Gwen, Andy and Rhys leave Cowbridge. Gwen, infuriated at the red tape stopping her after everything she's done with Torchwood Three, tells Rhys, "We're gonna break in here, we're gonna find my father and we're gonna get him out — tonight."
In Venice Beach, California, Esther Drummond confides in Jack Harkness about her insecurities at being "useless" to the team. She mentions the death of her mother in 2003 and asks Jack about his mother. He replies vaguely. As Esther asks Jack where he's from, they receive text messages from Rex. They meet Rex and are introduced to Vera. Vera mentions she was lucky to catch a flight because most of them were full. There's a Miracle Rally later that night.
Back at the makeshift Torchwood "hub", Vera tells off Rex and explains she flew across the country to support her patients who are now being held against their will in the overflow camps. They smile and kiss.
Reconvening with Jack and Esther, Vera asks, "Am I Torchwood now?". Jack replies, "Welcome aboard". The group, including Gwen via video conference, clarify how the categories of life work. Category one is anyone without brain function or who would have ordinarily died; category three is people with no injuries; category two is everyone in between — people alive and functioning with an illness/injury that will persist, but won't die. Rex notes the categories are arbitrary — he himself was a category "one", but has become a "two".
They discuss who is behind PhiCorp. Rex thinks there is more going on behind the pharmaceutical company. Esther points out the consistent presence of modules at every overflow camp based on building specs she collected from Jilly Kitzinger's desktop. These modules are buildings seen in all the camp plans, but they are sealed off and hidden from view — only revealed in undoctored satellite photographs. Esther lets Gwen know that these modules also exist overseas in the overflow camp in Wales.
Gwen and Vera wonder if these modules are for vivisection. Esther thinks this would explain the rush to strip category ones of their rights. Jack and the team agree they need to infiltrate the camps and find out. Gwen will go on a night shift at Cowbridge as "Nurse Pallister". Esther will join the clerical staff and do paperwork on the module at San Pedro. Vera will join Esther at San Pedro as a medical inspector. Rex argues he will get to the heart of the module due to his sustained injury from a pole running through his chest, which allows him to be taken to San Pedro posing as a patient. Jack (a fragile mortal man according to Esther) is left behind. Jack decides to go to the Miracle Rally in Los Angeles.
Nurse Pallister and Rhys enter Cowbridge. Gwen finds her father, Geraint. She explains it's not safe for him to stay. He needs to get out as quickly as possible. Just as they reach Rhys' truck, he collapses from what appears to be another heart attack. Gwen calls for help. She is horrified to find out that he is now being labelled a category one because he went unconscious.
In San Pedro, Esther recategorises Rex as a category one in the computer system. She gives Rex a video camera to record footage of what he sees while he is moved to the module where category one patients are kept. Vera is taken to camp supervisor Colin Maloney. Vera insists she be taken to the module. Maloney decides to bring her to see patients first. At first, Vera is impressed by category twos being seen every hour.
Rex is taken to the module. Inside, he gets up in the dark. Patients sit on racks like objects. Rex feels the walls and thinks they may be ceramic. He finds it strange, cold, and similar to a refrigeration unit. He steps outside.
Vera gets off Maloney's golf cart tour to check out a building. Maloney tries to stop her. She sees patients without insurance left unattended, in filth, some labelled category one when they are still perfectly conscious. Vera, in a rage, says the system will never work because of men like Maloney who see healthcare as a business and she will prosecute him. The situation escalates and in a panic Maloney disarms a military officer and shoots Vera twice. Maloney drives Vera to the module and puts her in one of the cold units where Rex was previously dropped off. At the same time Rex notices that the module is small — only three units. There is no way all category one patients could be accommodated. As Vera begins crying over her injuries, left in the dark, Maloney is shown switching "on" the module she is in — releasing gas and flames inside. He trembles and sobs with remorse.
In Cowbridge, Rhys finishes his undercover "job" driving "burn victims" to the module. It registers with Gwen that the module houses ovens to burn category ones. She sees smoke piping up from one of the units. In San Pedro, Rex catches sight of Vera inside one of the modules as the interior is engulfed by flames and he desperately shouts her name, trying to open the door. Rex cries as he films the fire, while Esther's call to Vera fails as her phone is destroyed in the oven. Gwen notices the modules in the Wales camp with terror, now aware that the black smoke billowing out of its smokestacks is being cast off from the murdered. And Oswald Danes is being hailed with rapturous cheers.
Cast
- Captain Jack Harkness - John Barrowman
- Gwen Cooper - Eve Myles
- Rex Matheson - Mekhi Phifer
- Esther Drummond - Alexa Havins
- Rhys Williams - Kai Owen
- Oswald Danes - Bill Pullman
- Jilly Kitzinger - Lauren Ambrose
- Dr Vera Juarez - Arlene Tur
- Geraint Cooper - William Thomas
- Mary Cooper - Sharon Morgan
- Ralph - Fred Koehler
- Blue Eyed Man - Teddy Sears
- Colin Maloney - Marc Vann
- Guard - Daniel Adegboyega
- Nurse Chris - Brad Bell
- News Reporter - Charles Carpenter
- Man - Jim Conway
- Handsome Man - Jonathan Dane
- Spanish Newscaster - Teresa Garza
- Pidgeon - Brendan Hughes
- Excited Teenager - Joelle Elizabeth Jacoby
- Rachel - Liz Jenkins
- Pushy Woman - Ria Jones
- Japanese Newscaster - Masami Kosaka
- Maria Candido - Eve Mauro
- Stressed Woman - Francine Morgan
- Thomason - Stuart Nurse
- Pale Woman - Tracy Pfau
- Paramedic - Caroline Whitney Smith
- Angry Man - Vito Viscuso
- Candice - Randa Walker
Crew
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Created by Russell T Davies |
| Executive Producers Russell T Davies, Julie Gardner and Jane Tranter |
| Co-executive producers Vlad Wolynetz and Jane Espenson |
General production staff
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Art department
|
Make-up and prosthetics
Special and visual effects Sound |
| General production staff |
Camera, lighting and sound departments
Casting |
Make-up Costume Effects |
|
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| Not every person who worked on this adventure was credited. The absence of a credit for a position doesn't necessarily mean the job wasn't required. The information above is based solely on observations of the actual end credits of the episodes as broadcast, and does not relay information from IMDB or other sources. |
|
The Starz broadcast carried a final credit of "Originally Developed and Produced by BBC Cymru Wales". The BBC One broadcast says, instead, "BBC Worldwide Productions for BBC Cymru Wales and STARZ Originals". In the Starz credits, Julie Scott is mis-identified as the production designer when clearly she is the production executive. Ed Thomas is obviously the sole UK production designer. |
Worldbuilding
Politics
- A report on the findings of the panels has been sent to Congress. The HHS Secretary took it directly to the President.
- Three categories of life have been determined. They are being rolled out across America and Europe.
- The United Nations sanctions the new category system.
- Overflow camps have been set up for Category Ones and Category Twos.
- The category scheme is also underway in the United Kingdom, where the Prime Minister declares it a new age of care and compassion.
- A newspaper article on Mary's wall says that Welsh MPs could be told they can't vote for England.
- Esther gets in-doctored photos of the San Pedro Camp from NORAD.
- At the Miracle Rally, the Vice President will introduce the President who will speak live from the Oval Office.
Individuals
- Vera Juarez joins the Torchwood team.
- Gwen continues to use the alias "Yvonne Pallister", using her fake passport at UK Border Control.
- Rhys, dressed as a chauffeur, is given the alias "Mr Sloane".
- Mary Cooper, Gwen's mother, is actively assisting Torchwood to help secure the release of her husband from the overflow camps.
- Esther's mother died in 2003.
- In jest, Jack refers to Esther as "Useless Esther".
- Jack refers to Gwen as "Agent Cooper".
- Jack refers to the Torchwood team as "freedom fighters".
- Rhys signs up as a driver and, as "Yvonne", Gwen becomes a nurse.
- Vera phones Washington and gets overflow camp observer status.
- Esther refers to Jack as "Category Jack" and "Mortal Man".
- Jessica MacCauley arrived early from Redlands to attend the Miracle Rally.
- Oswald is fourth in the Miracle Rally running order and 90 minutes before the President, with the keyword being "Revelation". He was later cut down to 90 seconds.
- Jilly asks Eugene to confirm Oswald is arriving at gate six.
- Rachel questions Esther as to what happened to Rosanna.
- On the phone, Jilly shows anger at Steve who keeps trying to charge her.
- Maloney says he has a line on Hilary Duff, which he feels good about. Vera initially believes he is talking about Hillary Clinton.
- Geraint Cooper suffers another heart attack by being moved too soon from his bed and enters a deep coma, warranting his reclassification from Category 2 to Category 1.
Locations
- Gwen flies into Cardiff Airport.
- Mary has written on a post-it that the Bristol Channel is protected and all camps have the PhiCorp logo.
- Beyond the Bristol Channel, Carmarthen Bay and Barnstaple Bay are mentioned. Bideford Bay is another name for Barnstaple Bay.
- Other prominent locations on Mary's map include Llanelli, Ammanford, Neath, Maesteg, Port Talbot, Pyle, Porthcawl, Rhondda, Aberdare, Mountain Ash, Merthyr Tydfil, Barry, Abertillery, Pontypool, Abergavenny, Chipping Sodbury, Gloucester, Ilfracombe, Exmoor, Barnstaple and Bridgwater.
- Everyone's flying into Los Angeles for the Miracle Rally.
- While in Venice, California, the Torchwood team are staying at Waldorf Apartments.
Overflow camps
- According to information compiled by Mary, there were overflow camps in Liverpool, Cowbridge, High Wycombe, Plymouth and one in Ireland.
- Cowbridge Overflow Camp is two miles outside Cowbridge, off the A48. The camp takes patients from the whole of South Wales, as well as Bristol. It was formerly an army barracks which closed down in 1996.
- There are 35 camps nationwide in Britain alone.
- Cowbridge Camp is on lockdown due to outbreaks of cholera, dysentery and swine flu.
- The camps are guarded by barbed wire fences.
- France and Germany have started overflow camps, with the rest of Europe soon to follow.
- China says no to the camps, but the Pan-African Summit says yes.
- All of the camps have modules hidden from public view, the walls of which are cold - possibly made from brick or ceramic.
- According to Esther, half of overflow camps are just converted old army camps.
- The Miracle Rally is raising money for the overflow camps.
- San Pedro Overflow Camp is US Medical Lot 338.
- Mary's map includes the Irish Overflow Camp.
Health
- Hospitals are closing across the south-west of Great Britain due to MRSA.
- Andy thinks the NHS is going to go bust by the end of the week due to the number of geriatrics and maternity.
- The dissection of a living person is referred to as a vivisection.
- Vera thinks that Category One patients might be being used like petri dishes.
Technology
- Torchwood have chases tapping into WikiLeaks, the CIA and the FBI.
- Maloney has a personalised golf cart, which has a Dixie horn.
- Rex documents the camp using a camera.
- Jilly takes a photograph of Jack on her phone.
Broadcasters
- The Prime-time News Channel reports live from the Miracle Rally.
Religion
- Oswald claims Miracle Day has made humanity transcend into angels. He also believes that the Miracle has forever denied him entry into Heaven by abolishing death and release.
Story notes
- Owen's Theme is heard at the beginning of the episode.
- Vera's death in this episode is very similar to that of previous Torchwood medic Owen Harper's death in Exit Wounds. Both Owen and Vera were trapped in a state of "immortality", Owen being undead and Vera undying. Both had bullet wounds in their upper torsos. Both were vaporised trying to save other people: Owen was killed by coolant while trying to stop a nuclear meltdown, and Vera by an incinerator while trying to save category one patients. Each had a love interest, also suffering from mortal wounds to the chest, witness their deaths through an electronic device. Toshiko Sato was suffering from a bullet wound to the abdomen and saw the room Owen was in flooded with coolant on a computer monitor, while Rex had a hole in his chest and saw Vera burn through the glass in the door and through his video camera. However, whereas Rex survived his wounds, Toshiko did not, nor was she physically present to see Owen die.
Ratings
- UK: 5.17 million (Final BARB ratings)[1]
- US: 1.05 million
Filming locations
to be added
Broadcasts
| Date | Time | Channel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday 11 August 2011 | 21:00 | BBC One | First broadcast. |
| Monday 15 August 2011 | 23:20 | BBC HD & BBC Two |
Production errors
If you'd like to talk about narrative problems with this story — like plot holes and things that seem to contradict other stories — please go to this episode's discontinuity discussion.
- When Rex starts recording what is happening to the category one patients, the camcorder says it has 54 minutes of recording left and has recorded 83 minutes worth of film. Several minutes later, when Rex is outside the module, he starts filming again. The camcorder has the same amount of film recorded and film left to record.
Continuity
- When Vera calls Rex, he triumphantly says he knew she would, having promised to do so in TV: Escape to LA [+]Loading...["Escape to LA (TV story)"].
- Esther asks of Jack's mother, but he tells her he has no idea what has happened to her, having been unable to restore his memories from the events in TV: Adam [+]Loading...["Adam (TV story)"].
- When Rex introduces Vera to Jack, Rex expresses his doubt that he is really "Captain Jack Harkness". This recalls how Jack took the name from the real Jack Harkness he was inspired by and used during World War II as shown in The Empty Child [+]Loading...["The Empty Child (TV story)"] and whom he eventually met in TV: Captain Jack Harkness [+]Loading...["Captain Jack Harkness (TV story)"].
- MRSA staph infections are mentioned again, having previously come up in TV: Escape to LA [+]Loading...["Escape to LA (TV story)"].
Home video releases
- This episode was released worldwide in a box set containing all ten episodes of Torchwood: Miracle Day. In the United Kingdom, it was released on Region 2 DVD and Region Free Blu-ray on 14 November 2011.[2] In Australia, it was released in Region 4 DVD and Region B Blu-Ray on 1 December 2011.[3] In New Zealand, the same sets were released on 7 December 2011.[4] In North America, it was released on Region 1 DVD and Region Free Blu-Ray on 3 April 2012.[5]
- It was also released in the Series 1-4 boxset (Region 2 release: 14 November 2011.)
External links
Footnotes
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