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Children of Earth: Day Four (TV story): Difference between revisions

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{{Template:Infobox Torchwood
{{title dab away}}
|image         = [[File:Tw ep04 jack 456 02.jpg|250px]]
{{real world}}
|story name    = Day Four
{{ImageLinkTV}}
|series         = [[Torchwood]] - [[List of Torchwood television stories|TV Stories]]
{{Infobox Story SMW
|series number  = [[Series 3 (Torchwood)|Series 3]]
|image                 = Children of earth day 4 main.jpg
|number        = 30
|series                = ''[[Torchwood (TV series)|Torchwood]]''
|enemy         = [[The 456]]
|season number        = Series 3 (Torchwood)
|writer        = [[Russell T Davies]]
|series episode number = 4
|director       = [[Euros Lyn]]
|scripturl      = https://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/documents/torchwood-children-of-earth-episode-4-day-four-green-revisions-27102008.pdf
|producer       = [[Peter Bennett]]
|main character        = [[Jack Harkness|Jack]], [[Gwen Cooper|Gwen]], [[Ianto Jones|Ianto]], [[Rhys Williams|Rhys]]
|broadcast date = [[9th July]] [[2009]]
|featuring            = Lois Habiba
|previous story = [[Day Three (Children of Earth)|Day Three]]
|featuring2            = John Frobisher
|next story    = [[Day Five (Children of Earth)|Day Five]]
|featuring3            = Bridget Spears
}}
|featuring4            = Johnson (Children of Earth: Day One)
|featuring5            = Alice Carter
|featuring6            = Clem McDonald
|featuring7            = Trinity Wells
|featuring8            = French newsreader{{!}}Newsreader
|enemy                 = The [[456 ambassador]]
|setting              = [[London]], [[2009]]
|writer                = John Fay
|director             = [[Euros Lyn]]
|producer             = [[Peter Bennett]]
|network              = BBC One
|broadcast date       = 9 July 2009
|prev                  = Children of Earth: Day Three (TV story)
|next                  = Children of Earth: Day Five (TV story)
|trailer              = Torchwood Children of Earth - Day Four trailer - BBC One
|clip                  = Ianto and Jack die - Torchwood Children of Earth - BBC
|format = 1x60 minute episode;<br/>Part 4 of 5}}
'''''Children of Earth: Day Four''''' was the fourth episode of [[Series 3 (Torchwood)|Series 3]] of ''[[Torchwood (TV series)|Torchwood]]''. It was written by [[John Fay]], directed by [[Euros Lyn]] and featured [[John Barrowman]] as [[Jack Harkness]], [[Eve Myles]] as [[Gwen Cooper]], [[Kai Owen]] as [[Rhys Williams]] and [[Gareth David-Lloyd]] as [[Ianto Jones]].


Narratively, it was most notable for revealing the true threat of [[the 456]] and for killing off [[Ianto Jones]]. While the choice to kill Ianto was the subject of much praise,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/tvandradioblog/2009/jul/10/torchwood-children-of-earth-day-five|title=Torchwood: Children of Earth: Day Five|accessdate=13 August 2009|author=Daniel Martin|author first name=Daniel |author last name=Martin |publisher=The Guardian | location=London | date=11 July 2009}}</ref> some fans were emotionally scarred by his passing. Proof of their resistance to the death was soon evidenced in [[Cardiff Bay]], where a shrine to Ianto was erected by fans, almost immediately after the 2009 transmission.<ref>[http://www.combom.co.uk/2009/08/ianto-jones-shrine-on-cardiff-bay.html An August 2009 fan report on the shrine from combom.co.uk]</ref> The shrine persisted for several years and was, as of 2012, simply a feature of Mermaid Quay in Cardiff.<ref>[http://mountperdition.tumblr.com/post/9762529969/the-mermaid-quay-memorial-i-ate-my-lunch-there-0 A picture of the Ianto Shrine in 2012]</ref> Eventually, the shrine was elevated to a permanent attraction in Wales.<ref>[http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g186460-d4580683-Reviews-Ianto_s_Shrine-Cardiff_Southern_Wales_Wales.html "If you watched Torchwood it is funny to go there and observe people who doesn't know what is this shrine about and their curious/confused/indignant looks."]</ref> Additionally, a number of "Save Ianto" websites and forum threads sprung up in the wake of this episode's transmission.<ref>[http://www.saveianto.com saveianto.com]</ref><ref>[http://www.doctorwho.com/forums/forum/doctor-who-spinoffs-torchwood-and-sarah-jane-adventures/torchwood/121-save-ianto-jones-campaign Typical forum thread requesting support for the notion of bringing back Ianto]</ref>
Away from the controversy over Ianto's death, the episode was a milestone in the career of long-term [[DWU]] contributor, [[Nicholas Briggs]]. Though his vocal talents had long been used by [[BBC Wales]] and [[Big Finish]], and despite having starred in number of direct-to-video productions made by [[BBV Productions]], this was the first time he had actually been seen in-camera, on [[BBC One]], in a DWU production.
''Day Four'' was the most successful single episode of ''Torchwood'', scoring the programme's highest ratings on every front: greatest final audience (6.8 million), highest weekly ranking (11th), and largest [[Appreciation Index|AI]] (91%). Indeed, its AI has only been equalled by ''[[Doctor Who]]''{{'}}s {{cs|The Stolen Earth (TV story)}} and {{cs|Journey's End (TV story)}} but has never been surpassed, {{as of|2019|1|lc=y}}.


== Synopsis ==
== Synopsis ==
Torchwood finally learns the events of 1965. Britain is in danger of becoming a rogue state And everything now pivots around John Frobisher, As the ambassador of the 456 destroys it's old allegiances.
[[Torchwood Three|Torchwood]] finally learns of the events of [[1965]]. [[Great Britain|Britain]] is in danger of becoming a rogue state and everything pivots around [[John Frobisher]] as the [[456 ambassador|ambassador of the 456]] destroys its old allegiances.


== Plot ==
== Plot ==
[[Jack Harkness|Jack]] recalls the events of [[1965]]. The [[The 456|aliens]] had offered a cure for a deadly new [[Indonesian influenza|flu strain]] that will soon arise, and, in return, wanted twelve children. Jack's partner, [[Venessa]], claims that the aliens say the children will live forever and he was asked for because he can't die and doesn't care.


==Cast==
[[Clement McDonald|Clem]] escapes abduction. Jack is in charge of handing over the children. It turns out that Clem wasn't taken because the 456 disappeared first. Jack had not known Clem had escaped. The 456 do not seem to care when they hand over the information for the cure...


*Captain [[Jack Harkness]] - [[John Barrowman]]  
Back in [[2009|the present]], Clem steals [[Gwen Cooper|Gwen]]'s [[Firearm|gun]] and shoots Jack. Gwen retrieves her gun, Jack wakes up and Clem runs off in a panic. Gwen calms him down. They wonder why Clem wasn't taken; perhaps he was on the verge of puberty and so not wanted by the 456.


*[[Gwen Cooper]] - [[Eve Myles]]  
At [[Johnson (Children of Earth: Day One)|Johnson]]'s facility, [[Alice Carter|Alice]] and [[Steven Carter|Steven]] are imprisoned and Alice warns Johnson about angering Jack.


*[[Ianto Jones]] - [[Gareth David-Lloyd]]  
Back at the Home Office, [[John Frobisher|Frobisher]] asks what would happen to the children, and the "456" by responding that a "remnant" is watching — Clem realises the 456 is talking about him — and then says it is off the record. It invites Frobisher in with a [[camera]].


*[[Rhys Williams]] - [[Kai Owen]]  
A [[Camera operator (Children of Earth)|cameraman]] enters. A 456 appears in profile. [[Dekker]] says he detects three [[heart]]beats and three distinct types of life in there. A child, one identified as one taken in the [[1960s]], who has not aged, is hooked up to something. The child's eyes widen in shock, possibly at seeing another human for the first time since the 1960s.


*[[Lois Habiba]] - [[Cush Jumbo]]  
The cameraman leaves. A recording of Frobisher's voice announces this is off the record. The 456 says they do not harm the children and they feel no pain. If [[human]]ity refuse to hand over the children, they will wipe out the human species. The [[American]]s demand all the records of 1965 from the [[Brian Green]] and threaten him with [[United Nations|UN]] sanctions for withholding the information.


*[[Alice Carter]] - [[Lucy Cohu]]  
Jack and [[Ianto Jones|Ianto]] argue about Jack's role in the swap of children. Jack calls Frobisher to confirm the 456 have returned. Jack insists the 456's return is proof that they cannot be trusted. Frobisher says he has Jack's daughter and grandson but they will not be harmed if Jack does not reveal Britain's dealings with the 456. Jack insists he needs to confront the 456.


*[[Steven Carter]] - [[Bear McCausland]] 
Lois attends a [[COBRA]] meeting. The PM says they will try to haggle, but they can't take military action. There isn't anything to target. The PM and Frobisher talk about camouflaged targets but no more. Bridget looks at Lois with suspicion. The PM tells Frobisher to offer "sixty units" and no more.


*[[Bridget Spears]] - [[Susan Brown]] 
Back at the 456 "embassy," Frobisher offers the 456 one [[child]] per million people on Earth. The 456 refuse. Around the world, children begin to chant a number. It is a tenth of all the children in the world.


*[[John Frobisher]] - [[Peter Capaldi]] 
Back at Johnson's facility, she is being kept in the dark. She decides to go into [[London]], but keeps her team on the lookout for Jack.


*[[Johnson (Children of Earth)|Johnson]] - [[Liz May Brice]]
At the COBRA meeting, a discussion ensues over how to select the tenth and how best to present it to the public. At first a random lottery is suggested, since the [[British government|government]] could protect itself from the resulting aftermath. However, one of the [[Cabinet of the United Kingdom|Cabinet]] members, [[Denise Riley]], does not agree with the idea, as it would put her own children at danger of being selected. [[Rick Yates|Yates]] suggests an alphabetical draw, which Riley scorns. Eventually Green declares that the children and grandchildren of everyone at the table will be exempt from possible selection but refuses to widen the scope to include nieces and nephews, much to the disgust of Denise. Denise won't accept this, and suggests that the criteria for selection should be the school league tables since the higher schools will be producing graduates who will contribute to society while the failing schools will be producing people who are "drains on society". She further suggests that the children doomed to spend their lives on benefits, and in prisons, should be handed over. This proposal is accepted and given to Frobisher.


*[[Clem MacDonald]] - [[Paul Copley]]
The [[Torchwood Three|Torchwood team]] decide [[Lois Habiba|Lois]]'s footage gives them leverage to [[blackmail]] the Cabinet. They force their way into [[Thames House]]. Ianto phones [[Rhiannon Davies|his sister]] to warn her, knowing that the line is tapped. He sends a message to those listening — to protect their children — and makes a quick call to Gwen, providing Johnson with information of Torchwood's location.


*[[Brian Green|Brian Green PM]] - [[Nicholas Farrell]]
Frobisher begins to plan how children will be gathered and notes that the government can promise an "inoculation" to prevent children from chanting messages in unison. He suggests it be reported that the false vaccination "went wrong," allowing the government to put the blame on the 456 for the loss of the children.


==Production crew==
Johnson arrives at the warehouse, but Gwen was expecting them and shows them what they were recording. [[Rhys Williams|Rhys]] has gone into hiding, with the footage from the COBRA meetings in Thames House, and is ready to send out the footage to the public if anything goes wrong.
''to be added''


Jack and Ianto enter Thames House. Jack talks to the 456, who will not yield on their request for ten percent of the world's children. Jack says he is making it a war. The 456 say, "[[The 456 virus|A virus]] has been released. It will kill everyone in the building." Jack runs out of the room and warns two guards of the virus, but the 456 locks Thames House down, restricting anyone within the building to escape. Meanwhile, Ianto orders the 456 to release an anti-virus or he'll blow a hole in their tank. Jack returns and tries to negotiate, but the alien refuses. Ianto and Jack shoot at the 456 chamber, but the bullets bounce off. The 456 start to shriek. Clement screams in agony and starts to bleed. The 456 say the Remnant will be disconnected and Clement dies in Gwen's arms. Jack says he will get Ianto out, aware that he can survive anything but Ianto can't. Ianto tells him it is too late: he's breathed in the virus. Within seconds, Ianto collapses from toxic exposure and Jack catches him in his arms.
[[File:Jack ianto last kiss.jpg|thumb|left|Jack kisses Ianto one last time.]]
Everyone in Thames house is collapsing and dying, save [[Dekker]], who dons an environmental suit in time, and Jack, who [[Immortality|can't die]]. The people in Thames House scream for help, but begin to collapse, and everyone eventually dies. Ianto sobs quietly as his strength fades. He tells Jack that he loves him, slipping away. Jack starts crying as he begs Ianto to stay with him. Ianto wakes and whispers that "it [their relationship] was good while it lasted." Jack agrees. Ianto gives Jack a dying request: "Don't forget me." Jack answers, "Never could." Ianto's last words are, "A thousand years' time...you won't remember me." However, Jack denounces them; "Yes I will. I promise, I will." Ianto gasps one final time and dies in his arms, Jack hopelessly pleading for his lover not to leave him. The 456 tell Jack that "you will die, and tomorrow, your people will deliver the children". Jack grimaces at the 456, and kisses Ianto and succumbs to the virus himself. The Gold Command room is left with no choice but to enact the plan to deliver 35 million children to the 456 or face annihilation. Denise Riley believes that "an injury to one is not an injury to all", and believes that they have to surrender to the 456. The Cabinet decide to go ahead and deliver the children.


== References ==
At Thames House, a room has been filled with dozens of body bags, all victims of the virus attack, which has been cleansed from the building. Gwen walks into the room of the dead with support troops. One man points out Jack's and Ianto's bodies and she walks towards them. Gwen calmly removes the sheet over Jack and smiles faintly. He will revive and all will be well. However, she glances to the right and her expression darkens, knowing Ianto is underneath the sheet... who won't be coming back. She lifts the sheet off his face and sees that Ianto is pale and lifeless, fixing his crooked tie. The sight breaks her heart and she begins to cry. Jack wakes up and comforts her, equally as torn apart by the death of his partner. Defeated, Gwen, with Jack hugging her, tearfully says, "There is nothing we can do."
''to be added''


== Cast ==
* [[Jack Harkness|Captain Jack Harkness]] - [[John Barrowman]]
* [[Gwen Cooper]] - [[Eve Myles]]
* [[Ianto Jones]] - [[Gareth David-Lloyd]]
* [[Rhys Williams]] - [[Kai Owen]]
* [[Lois Habiba]] - [[Cush Jumbo]]
* [[Alice Carter]] - [[Lucy Cohu]]
* [[Steven Carter]] - [[Bear McCausland]]
* [[Bridget Spears]] - [[Susan Brown]]
* [[John Frobisher]] - [[Peter Capaldi]]
* [[Johnson (Children of Earth: Day One)|Johnson]] - [[Liz May Brice]]
* [[Clem McDonald]] - [[Paul Copley]]
* [[Brian Green|Brian Green PM]] - [[Nicholas Farrell]]
* [[Rick Yates]] - [[Nicholas Briggs]]
* [[Denise Riley]] - [[Deborah Findlay]]
* [[Austin Pierce|General Pierce]] - [[Colin McFarlane]]
* [[Defence Secretary (Children of Earth: Day Three)|Defence Secretary]] - [[Patrice Naiambana]]
* [[Augustus Oduya|Colonel Oduya]] - [[Charles Abomeli]]
* [[Rhiannon Davies]] - [[Katy Wix]]
* [[Johnny Davies]] - [[Rhodri Lewis]]
* [[Anna Frobisher]] - [[Hilary Maclean]]
* [[Venessa]] - [[Sophie Hunter]]
* [[David Davies]] - [[Luke Perry]]
* [[Mica Davies]] - [[Aimee Davies]]
* [[Holly Frobisher]] - [[Julia Joyce]]
* [[Lilly Frobisher]] - [[Madeleine Rakic-Platt]]
* [[The 456]] - [[Simon Poland]]
* [[Clement McDonald|Young Clem]] - [[Gregory Ferguson]]
* [[Newsreader (Children of Earth)|Newsreader]] - [[Louise Minchin]]
* [[French newsreader|French Newsreader]] - [[Anthony Debaeck]]
* [[Trinity Wells]] - [[Lachele Carl]]
== Crew ==
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== Worldbuilding ==
* The 456 ambassador mentions [[infant mortality]].


== Story notes ==
== Story notes ==
 
* [[Russell T Davies]] originally wrote a role for [[Noel Clarke]] as [[Mickey Smith]] in ''Day Four'' and ''Day Five'', but these scenes were cut when Clarke became unavailable because of a film commitment. ([[REF]]: ''[[Doctor Who: The Writer's Tale - The Final Chapter]]'')
* Rhys says that the 456 came 44 years ago, meaning the story is set in 2009
* The scene where Gwen adjusts the tie on Ianto's body caused everyone onset to get emotional.
* The original Torchwood 3 team from the start of the series have now all died, except Gwen. Suzie died in [[Everything Changes]] and again in [[They Keep Killing Suzie]], Owen died in [[Reset (Torchwood story)]] and again in [[Exit Wounds]] along with Tosh, and Jack has died hundreds of times throughout the series. Ianto is killed in this episode by a virus released by the 456.


=== Ratings ===
=== Ratings ===
* 6.24 million [[BBC One]] viewers, according to unofficial overnight figures
* 6.76 million viewers, according to final official BARB viewing figures<ref>[https://www.barb.co.uk/viewing-data/weekly-top-10/ BARB Ratings - July, 2009]</ref>
* [[AI]] of 88%
* 11th most-watched programme in [[Britain]] during the week of transmission


6.24m ( overnight )
=== Filming locations ===
 
* Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff Bay - Johnson's team attempt to track down Torchwood
=== Myths ===
* No. 13 Rupert Brooke Drive, Newport - Ianto's sister's
 
* Thames House, Millbank, London - Thames House
''to be added''  
* MOD Caerwent, Monmouthshire - Ashton Down
 
* Cathys Park 2, Cardiff - MI5 headquarters foyer
 
* No. 41 Cefn Coed Road, Cardiff - The Frobisher residence
 
* Avesta Polarit Steelworks, Newport - Torchwood London warehouse
=== Filming Locations ===
* National Park Vistitor Centre, Brecon - Jack revealed his involvement in 1965
 
* Coedarhydglyn, St. Nicholas, Cardiff - Prime Minister's office
''to be added''  
* City Hall Road, Cardiff
* West Brute Street, Cardiff - Jack and Ianto hit a [[traffic jam]] on the way to Thames House
* Ship Lane, Cardiff - Jack and Ianto head to Thames House
* Abington Street, London - Frobisher heads back to MI5
* Chelsea Bridge, London - Johnson's convoy on its way to Torchwood
* Dumballs Road, Cardiff - Johnson tracks down Torchwood
* Tresillian Terrace, Caardiff - Johnson tracks down Torchwood
* Queens Circus, Battersea, London - Johnson's convoy on its way to Torchwood
* Brangwyn Hall, Swansea - MI5 Thirteenth floor
* Western Lesuire Centre, Cardiff - Gwen finds Jack and Ianto amongst the bodies
* Ponton Road (aerial), London - The Torchwood 1 holding area
* BBC Broadcasting House (Lift shafts), Llandaff, Cardiff - Elevator shafts in Thames House (stock footage from [[TV]]: {{cs|Rose (TV story)}}, [[TV]]: {{cs|World War Three (TV story)}}, [[TV]]: {{cs|New Earth (TV story)}} and [[TV]]: {{cs|Children of Earth: Day Three (TV story)}}.


=== Broadcasts ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Date
!Time
!Channel
!class="unsortable"|Notes
|-
|[[Thursday]] [[9 July (releases)|9 July]] [[2009 (releases)|2009]]
|21:00
|[[BBC One]] & [[BBC HD]]
|First broadcast.
|-
|[[Thursday]] [[9 July (releases)|9 July]] [[2009 (releases)|2009]]
|23:45
|[[BBC Three]]
|
|-
|[[Friday]] [[10 July (releases)|10 July]] [[2009 (releases)|2009]]
|00:00
|[[BBC HD]]
|
|-
|[[Friday]] [[7 August (releases)|7 August]] [[2009 (releases)|2009]]
|21:00
|[[BBC Three]]
|
|-
|[[Saturday]] [[8 August (releases)|8 August]] [[2009 (releases)|2009]]
|00:45
|[[BBC Three]]
|
|-
|[[Tuesday]] [[11 August (releases)|11 August]] [[2009 (releases)|2009]]
|22:00
|[[BBC HD]]
|
|-
|[[Wednesday]] [[30 December (releases)|30 December]] [[2009 (releases)|2009]]
|23:50
|[[BBC HD]]
|
|}


 
=== Production errors ===
=== Discontinuity, Plot Holes and Errors ===
{{Torchwood discontinuity}}
* Clem is visibly still breathing after the 456 killed him.


== Continuity ==
== Continuity ==
Jack dies twice in this episode.  
* [[Johnny Davies]] is thrilled over the money he's making off charging "ten quid a kid" for babysitting children back at his house as started in [[TV]]: {{cs|Children of Earth: Day Three (TV story)}}.
 
* [[Road traffic|Traffic]] gridlock forces Jack and Ianto to abandon the stolen vehicle Torchwood swiped earlier in the events of [[TV]]: {{cs|Children of Earth: Day Three (TV story)}}.
 
* The 456 ambassador uses the same argument the [[Cybermen]] used of thousands of nameless deaths being unrecognised, but the same number only being acknowledged when directly threatened, like in [[TV]]: {{cs|The Tenth Planet (TV story)}}.
 
* [[Agnes Havisham]] stated that those close to Jack Harkness tend to die during [[PROSE]]: {{cs|Risk Assessment (novel)}}. Therefore, Ianto's death is the latest in a list of Jack's family and friends who have died before the natural end; this includes [[Toshiko Sato]] in [[TV]]: {{cs|Exit Wounds (TV story)}}, [[Owen Harper]] in [[TV]]: {{cs|Reset (TV story)}} and [[Estelle Cole]] in [[TV]]: {{cs|Small Worlds (TV story)}}.
He got shot by Clem
 
He inherited the virus from the 456
 
== DVD releases ==
 
*This Episode will be released on DVD along with the rest of Children of Earth on the 13th of July.  
 
==See also==
''to be added''  
 


==External links==
== Home video releases ==
* ''Children of Earth: Day Four'' was released on DVD along with the rest of ''Children of Earth'' on [[13 July (releases)|13 July]] [[2009 (releases)|2009]].
* It was also released in the Series 1-4 boxset (Region 2 release: 14 November 2011.)


== Footnotes ==
{{reflist|2}}
{{TWTV}}
{{UNIT stories}}
{{TitleSort}}
[[fr:Day Four]]
[[ro:Children of Earth: Day Four]]


==Footnotes==
[[Category:Torchwood television stories]]
[[Category:Torchwood episodes]]
[[Category:Stories set in 2009]]
[[Category:2009 television stories]]
[[Category:Stories set in London]]
[[Category:Stories set in 1965]]
[[Category:Stories set in Scotland]]
[[Category:Series 3 (Torchwood) stories]]
[[Category:Stories set in the City of Westminster]]
[[Category:Needs crew check]]

Latest revision as of 18:45, 3 November 2024

RealWorld.png

Children of Earth: Day Four was the fourth episode of Series 3 of Torchwood. It was written by John Fay, directed by Euros Lyn and featured John Barrowman as Jack Harkness, Eve Myles as Gwen Cooper, Kai Owen as Rhys Williams and Gareth David-Lloyd as Ianto Jones.

Narratively, it was most notable for revealing the true threat of the 456 and for killing off Ianto Jones. While the choice to kill Ianto was the subject of much praise,[1] some fans were emotionally scarred by his passing. Proof of their resistance to the death was soon evidenced in Cardiff Bay, where a shrine to Ianto was erected by fans, almost immediately after the 2009 transmission.[2] The shrine persisted for several years and was, as of 2012, simply a feature of Mermaid Quay in Cardiff.[3] Eventually, the shrine was elevated to a permanent attraction in Wales.[4] Additionally, a number of "Save Ianto" websites and forum threads sprung up in the wake of this episode's transmission.[5][6]

Away from the controversy over Ianto's death, the episode was a milestone in the career of long-term DWU contributor, Nicholas Briggs. Though his vocal talents had long been used by BBC Wales and Big Finish, and despite having starred in number of direct-to-video productions made by BBV Productions, this was the first time he had actually been seen in-camera, on BBC One, in a DWU production.

Day Four was the most successful single episode of Torchwood, scoring the programme's highest ratings on every front: greatest final audience (6.8 million), highest weekly ranking (11th), and largest AI (91%). Indeed, its AI has only been equalled by Doctor Who's The Stolen Earth [+]Loading...["The Stolen Earth (TV story)"] and Journey's End [+]Loading...["Journey's End (TV story)"] but has never been surpassed, as of January 2019.

Synopsis[[edit] | [edit source]]

Torchwood finally learns of the events of 1965. Britain is in danger of becoming a rogue state and everything pivots around John Frobisher as the ambassador of the 456 destroys its old allegiances.

Plot[[edit] | [edit source]]

Jack recalls the events of 1965. The aliens had offered a cure for a deadly new flu strain that will soon arise, and, in return, wanted twelve children. Jack's partner, Venessa, claims that the aliens say the children will live forever and he was asked for because he can't die and doesn't care.

Clem escapes abduction. Jack is in charge of handing over the children. It turns out that Clem wasn't taken because the 456 disappeared first. Jack had not known Clem had escaped. The 456 do not seem to care when they hand over the information for the cure...

Back in the present, Clem steals Gwen's gun and shoots Jack. Gwen retrieves her gun, Jack wakes up and Clem runs off in a panic. Gwen calms him down. They wonder why Clem wasn't taken; perhaps he was on the verge of puberty and so not wanted by the 456.

At Johnson's facility, Alice and Steven are imprisoned and Alice warns Johnson about angering Jack.

Back at the Home Office, Frobisher asks what would happen to the children, and the "456" by responding that a "remnant" is watching — Clem realises the 456 is talking about him — and then says it is off the record. It invites Frobisher in with a camera.

A cameraman enters. A 456 appears in profile. Dekker says he detects three heartbeats and three distinct types of life in there. A child, one identified as one taken in the 1960s, who has not aged, is hooked up to something. The child's eyes widen in shock, possibly at seeing another human for the first time since the 1960s.

The cameraman leaves. A recording of Frobisher's voice announces this is off the record. The 456 says they do not harm the children and they feel no pain. If humanity refuse to hand over the children, they will wipe out the human species. The Americans demand all the records of 1965 from the Brian Green and threaten him with UN sanctions for withholding the information.

Jack and Ianto argue about Jack's role in the swap of children. Jack calls Frobisher to confirm the 456 have returned. Jack insists the 456's return is proof that they cannot be trusted. Frobisher says he has Jack's daughter and grandson but they will not be harmed if Jack does not reveal Britain's dealings with the 456. Jack insists he needs to confront the 456.

Lois attends a COBRA meeting. The PM says they will try to haggle, but they can't take military action. There isn't anything to target. The PM and Frobisher talk about camouflaged targets but no more. Bridget looks at Lois with suspicion. The PM tells Frobisher to offer "sixty units" and no more.

Back at the 456 "embassy," Frobisher offers the 456 one child per million people on Earth. The 456 refuse. Around the world, children begin to chant a number. It is a tenth of all the children in the world.

Back at Johnson's facility, she is being kept in the dark. She decides to go into London, but keeps her team on the lookout for Jack.

At the COBRA meeting, a discussion ensues over how to select the tenth and how best to present it to the public. At first a random lottery is suggested, since the government could protect itself from the resulting aftermath. However, one of the Cabinet members, Denise Riley, does not agree with the idea, as it would put her own children at danger of being selected. Yates suggests an alphabetical draw, which Riley scorns. Eventually Green declares that the children and grandchildren of everyone at the table will be exempt from possible selection but refuses to widen the scope to include nieces and nephews, much to the disgust of Denise. Denise won't accept this, and suggests that the criteria for selection should be the school league tables since the higher schools will be producing graduates who will contribute to society while the failing schools will be producing people who are "drains on society". She further suggests that the children doomed to spend their lives on benefits, and in prisons, should be handed over. This proposal is accepted and given to Frobisher.

The Torchwood team decide Lois's footage gives them leverage to blackmail the Cabinet. They force their way into Thames House. Ianto phones his sister to warn her, knowing that the line is tapped. He sends a message to those listening — to protect their children — and makes a quick call to Gwen, providing Johnson with information of Torchwood's location.

Frobisher begins to plan how children will be gathered and notes that the government can promise an "inoculation" to prevent children from chanting messages in unison. He suggests it be reported that the false vaccination "went wrong," allowing the government to put the blame on the 456 for the loss of the children.

Johnson arrives at the warehouse, but Gwen was expecting them and shows them what they were recording. Rhys has gone into hiding, with the footage from the COBRA meetings in Thames House, and is ready to send out the footage to the public if anything goes wrong.

Jack and Ianto enter Thames House. Jack talks to the 456, who will not yield on their request for ten percent of the world's children. Jack says he is making it a war. The 456 say, "A virus has been released. It will kill everyone in the building." Jack runs out of the room and warns two guards of the virus, but the 456 locks Thames House down, restricting anyone within the building to escape. Meanwhile, Ianto orders the 456 to release an anti-virus or he'll blow a hole in their tank. Jack returns and tries to negotiate, but the alien refuses. Ianto and Jack shoot at the 456 chamber, but the bullets bounce off. The 456 start to shriek. Clement screams in agony and starts to bleed. The 456 say the Remnant will be disconnected and Clement dies in Gwen's arms. Jack says he will get Ianto out, aware that he can survive anything but Ianto can't. Ianto tells him it is too late: he's breathed in the virus. Within seconds, Ianto collapses from toxic exposure and Jack catches him in his arms.

 
Jack kisses Ianto one last time.

Everyone in Thames house is collapsing and dying, save Dekker, who dons an environmental suit in time, and Jack, who can't die. The people in Thames House scream for help, but begin to collapse, and everyone eventually dies. Ianto sobs quietly as his strength fades. He tells Jack that he loves him, slipping away. Jack starts crying as he begs Ianto to stay with him. Ianto wakes and whispers that "it [their relationship] was good while it lasted." Jack agrees. Ianto gives Jack a dying request: "Don't forget me." Jack answers, "Never could." Ianto's last words are, "A thousand years' time...you won't remember me." However, Jack denounces them; "Yes I will. I promise, I will." Ianto gasps one final time and dies in his arms, Jack hopelessly pleading for his lover not to leave him. The 456 tell Jack that "you will die, and tomorrow, your people will deliver the children". Jack grimaces at the 456, and kisses Ianto and succumbs to the virus himself. The Gold Command room is left with no choice but to enact the plan to deliver 35 million children to the 456 or face annihilation. Denise Riley believes that "an injury to one is not an injury to all", and believes that they have to surrender to the 456. The Cabinet decide to go ahead and deliver the children.

At Thames House, a room has been filled with dozens of body bags, all victims of the virus attack, which has been cleansed from the building. Gwen walks into the room of the dead with support troops. One man points out Jack's and Ianto's bodies and she walks towards them. Gwen calmly removes the sheet over Jack and smiles faintly. He will revive and all will be well. However, she glances to the right and her expression darkens, knowing Ianto is underneath the sheet... who won't be coming back. She lifts the sheet off his face and sees that Ianto is pale and lifeless, fixing his crooked tie. The sight breaks her heart and she begins to cry. Jack wakes up and comforts her, equally as torn apart by the death of his partner. Defeated, Gwen, with Jack hugging her, tearfully says, "There is nothing we can do."

Cast[[edit] | [edit source]]

Crew[[edit] | [edit source]]

General production staff

Script department

Camera and lighting department

Art department

Costume department

Make-up and prosthetics

Movement

Casting

General post-production staff

Special and visual effects

Sound



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.


Worldbuilding[[edit] | [edit source]]

Story notes[[edit] | [edit source]]

Ratings[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • 6.24 million BBC One viewers, according to unofficial overnight figures
  • 6.76 million viewers, according to final official BARB viewing figures[7]
  • AI of 88%
  • 11th most-watched programme in Britain during the week of transmission

Filming locations[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff Bay - Johnson's team attempt to track down Torchwood
  • No. 13 Rupert Brooke Drive, Newport - Ianto's sister's
  • Thames House, Millbank, London - Thames House
  • MOD Caerwent, Monmouthshire - Ashton Down
  • Cathys Park 2, Cardiff - MI5 headquarters foyer
  • No. 41 Cefn Coed Road, Cardiff - The Frobisher residence
  • Avesta Polarit Steelworks, Newport - Torchwood London warehouse
  • National Park Vistitor Centre, Brecon - Jack revealed his involvement in 1965
  • Coedarhydglyn, St. Nicholas, Cardiff - Prime Minister's office
  • City Hall Road, Cardiff
  • West Brute Street, Cardiff - Jack and Ianto hit a traffic jam on the way to Thames House
  • Ship Lane, Cardiff - Jack and Ianto head to Thames House
  • Abington Street, London - Frobisher heads back to MI5
  • Chelsea Bridge, London - Johnson's convoy on its way to Torchwood
  • Dumballs Road, Cardiff - Johnson tracks down Torchwood
  • Tresillian Terrace, Caardiff - Johnson tracks down Torchwood
  • Queens Circus, Battersea, London - Johnson's convoy on its way to Torchwood
  • Brangwyn Hall, Swansea - MI5 Thirteenth floor
  • Western Lesuire Centre, Cardiff - Gwen finds Jack and Ianto amongst the bodies
  • Ponton Road (aerial), London - The Torchwood 1 holding area
  • BBC Broadcasting House (Lift shafts), Llandaff, Cardiff - Elevator shafts in Thames House (stock footage from TV: Rose [+]Loading...["Rose (TV story)"], TV: World War Three [+]Loading...["World War Three (TV story)"], TV: New Earth [+]Loading...["New Earth (TV story)"] and TV: Children of Earth: Day Three [+]Loading...["Children of Earth: Day Three (TV story)"].

Broadcasts[[edit] | [edit source]]

Date Time Channel Notes
Thursday 9 July 2009 21:00 BBC One & BBC HD First broadcast.
Thursday 9 July 2009 23:45 BBC Three
Friday 10 July 2009 00:00 BBC HD
Friday 7 August 2009 21:00 BBC Three
Saturday 8 August 2009 00:45 BBC Three
Tuesday 11 August 2009 22:00 BBC HD
Wednesday 30 December 2009 23:50 BBC HD

Production errors[[edit] | [edit source]]

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.
  • Clem is visibly still breathing after the 456 killed him.

Continuity[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Johnny Davies is thrilled over the money he's making off charging "ten quid a kid" for babysitting children back at his house as started in TV: Children of Earth: Day Three [+]Loading...["Children of Earth: Day Three (TV story)"].
  • Traffic gridlock forces Jack and Ianto to abandon the stolen vehicle Torchwood swiped earlier in the events of TV: Children of Earth: Day Three [+]Loading...["Children of Earth: Day Three (TV story)"].
  • The 456 ambassador uses the same argument the Cybermen used of thousands of nameless deaths being unrecognised, but the same number only being acknowledged when directly threatened, like in TV: The Tenth Planet [+]Loading...["The Tenth Planet (TV story)"].
  • Agnes Havisham stated that those close to Jack Harkness tend to die during PROSE: Risk Assessment [+]Loading...["Risk Assessment (novel)"]. Therefore, Ianto's death is the latest in a list of Jack's family and friends who have died before the natural end; this includes Toshiko Sato in TV: Exit Wounds [+]Loading...["Exit Wounds (TV story)"], Owen Harper in TV: Reset [+]Loading...["Reset (TV story)"] and Estelle Cole in TV: Small Worlds [+]Loading...["Small Worlds (TV story)"].

Home video releases[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Children of Earth: Day Four was released on DVD along with the rest of Children of Earth on 13 July 2009.
  • It was also released in the Series 1-4 boxset (Region 2 release: 14 November 2011.)

Footnotes[[edit] | [edit source]]

  1. ↑ Daniel Martin. Torchwood: Children of Earth: Day Five. The Guardian. Retrieved on 13 August 2009.
  2. ↑ An August 2009 fan report on the shrine from combom.co.uk
  3. ↑ A picture of the Ianto Shrine in 2012
  4. ↑ "If you watched Torchwood it is funny to go there and observe people who doesn't know what is this shrine about and their curious/confused/indignant looks."
  5. ↑ saveianto.com
  6. ↑ Typical forum thread requesting support for the notion of bringing back Ianto
  7. ↑ BARB Ratings - July, 2009
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