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{{real world}}
{{real world}}
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{{ImageLinkTV}}
{{Infobox Story
{{Infobox Story SMW
|name            = The Middle Men
|image                  = Middle men main.jpg
|image            = Middle_men_main.jpg
|series                 = ''[[Torchwood (TV series)|Torchwood]]''
|series           = ''[[Torchwood (TV series)|Torchwood]]''
|season number           = Series 4 (Torchwood)
|season number   = [[series 4 (Torchwood)|4]]
|series episode number  = 6
|episode number  = 37
|main character         = [[Jack Harkness|Jack]], [[Gwen Cooper|Gwen]], [[Rex Matheson|Rex]], [[Esther Drummond|Esther]], [[Rhys Williams|Rhys]]
|main character   = [[Jack Harkness|Jack]], [[Gwen Cooper|Gwen]], [[Rhys Williams|Rhys]], [[Rex Matheson|Rex]], [[Esther Drummond|Esther]]
|featuring               = [[Geraint Cooper|Geraint]]
|featuring= [[Geraint Cooper]]
|enemy                   = [[Colin Maloney]]
|enemy           = [[Colin Maloney]]
|setting                 = [[Los Angeles]], [[Cowbridge Overflow Camp|Cowbridge]] and [[San Pedro Overflow Camp]]s, [[2011]]
|setting         = [[Los Angeles]] and [[Cowbridge Overflow Camp|Cowbridge]] and [[San Pedro Overflow Camp]]s, [[2011]]
|writer                 = John Shiban
|writer           = [[John Shiban]]
|director               = [[Guy Ferland]]
|director         = [[Guy Ferland]]
|producer               = [[Kelly A Manners]] (US), [[Brian Minchin]] (UK)
|producer         = [[Kelly A Manners]] (US)<br />[[Brian Minchin]] (UK)
|broadcast date         = 12 August 2011
|broadcast date   = [[12 August (releases)|12 August]] [[2011 (releases)|2011]]
|network                 = Starz
|network         = [[Starz]]
|prev                   = The Categories of Life (TV story)
|prev             = The Categories of Life (TV story)
|next                   = Immortal Sins (TV story)
|next             = Immortal Sins (TV story)
|trailer                 = {{uc:Torchwood}} Miracle Day Ep 6 with {{uc:John Barrowman}} on {{uc:BBC America}}
|trailer         = {{uc:Torchwood}} Miracle Day Ep 6 with {{uc:John Barrowman}} on {{uc:BBC America}}
|clip                   =  
|clip             = Torchwood Miracle Day - Gwen Receives a Message
|clip2                   = The Middle Men - Torchwood Miracle Day - Episode 6 Preview - BBC One
|clip2           = The Middle Men - Torchwood Miracle Day - Episode 6 Preview - BBC One
|bts                    = Real SFX - Torchwood Miracle Day Warehouse Explosion 2011
}}
|format = 1x50-minute episode<br/>Part 6 of 10}}
'''''The Middle Men''''' was the sixth episode of ''[[Torchwood: Miracle Day]]''. The episode saw the first mention of "the Blessing".  
'''''The Middle Men''''' was the sixth episode of [[Series 4 (Torchwood)|Series 4]] of ''[[Torchwood (TV series)|Torchwood]]''. It was written by [[John Shiban]], directed by [[Guy Ferland]] and saw the first mention of "[[the Blessing]]".


== Synopsis ==
== Synopsis ==
With [[Gwen Cooper]], [[Rex Matheson]] and [[Esther Drummond]] trapped on different sides of the [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]], it's a race against time as [[Jack Harkness]] goes straight to the heart of the conspiracy.
With Gwen Cooper, Rex Matheson and Esther Drummond trapped on different sides of the [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]], it's a race against time as Jack Harkness goes straight to the heart of the conspiracy.


== Plot ==
== Plot ==
[[Stuart Owens]] (Chief Operating Officer of [[PhiCorp]]), working late with his secretary [[Janet Rae Tanner|Janet]] in Phicorp Central, [[Los Angeles]], reviews paperwork on Phicorp acquisitions. He calls [[Zheng Yibao]] in [[Shanghai]], [[China]] to investigate a large land purchase near Shanghai center. Zheng warns Stuart he might not like what he finds, then enters the guarded building on that site. Seven hours later, Stuart calls Zheng for a status report. Zheng reports he found nothing, then jumps from a tall building with no apparent signs of distress.
[[Stuart Owens]] ([[Chief Operating Officer]] of [[PhiCorp]]), working late with his [[secretary]] [[Janet Rae Tanner|Janet]] in [[Phicorp Central]], [[Los Angeles]], reviews paperwork on Phicorp acquisitions. He calls [[Zheng Yibao]] in [[Shanghai]], [[China]] to investigate a large land purchase near [[Shanghai]] centre. Zheng warns Stuart he might not like what he finds, then enters the guarded building on that site. Seven hours later, Stuart calls Zheng for a status report. Zheng reports he found nothing, then jumps from a tall building with no apparent signs of distress.


There are news reports on the existence of a [[45 Club]], people who believe that jumping forty-five floors is now the only way to lose [[consciousness]] forever.
There are news reports on the existence of a [[45 Club]], people who believe that jumping forty-five floors is now the only way to lose [[consciousness]] forever, with Zheng the latest addition to that group.


[[Rex Matheson]] is still speaking into his video camera in [[San Pedro Overflow Camp|San Pedro]], reporting what he's seen (burning of Dr [[Vera Juarez]] in "the modules"). He reports that [[categories of life|Category 1]] patients are burned and suggests that "they" will burn "anyone they just don't like".
[[Rex Matheson]] is still speaking into his video camera in [[San Pedro Overflow Camp|San Pedro]], reporting what he's seen (burning of [[Vera Juarez|Dr Vera Juarez]] in "the modules"). He reports that [[categories of life|Category 1]] patients are burned and suggests that "they" will burn "anyone they just don't like".


[[Esther Drummond]], from her desk at the camp, attempts to call Dr [[Vera Juarez]] on her [[cell phone]], but the call fails to connect. She then investigates [[Colin Maloney]], who is acting suspiciously while intimidating [[Ralph Coltrane]]. Colin claims that he has just finished playing [[badminton]]. Colin plans to "drop" Dr Juarez's [[car]] at Constitution Mall to thwart investigation, then puts the camp on "lockdown". Colin tells Esther that Dr Juarez had left while saying that his camp was "very good indeed", which sounds suspicious to Esther.
[[Esther Drummond]], from her desk at the camp, attempts to call Dr Juarez on her [[cell phone]], but the call fails to connect. She then investigates [[Colin Maloney]], who is acting suspiciously while intimidating [[Ralph Coltrane]]. Colin claims that he has just finished playing [[badminton]]. Colin plans to "drop" Dr Juarez's [[car]] at Constitution Mall to thwart investigation, then puts the camp on "lockdown". Colin tells Esther that Dr Juarez had left while saying that his camp was "very good indeed", which sounds suspicious to Esther.


At [[Cowbridge Overflow Camp|Cowbridge]], [[Gwen Cooper]] (disguised as a nurse) confronts Dr [[Alicia Patel]] about Gwen's father [[Geraint Cooper]], who has been labelled "Category 1". Dr Patel says, "There's a fine line between [[categories of life|categories 1 and 2]]" and that she was following governmental guidelines and she is too busy to revisit patients. Gwen points out that those patients are being burned, and Dr Patel replies, "It's the law." Gwen accuses Dr Patel of running a "[[concentration camp]]" and of being a coward, and tells her, "Don't call yourself a doctor," and, "Shame on you."
At [[Cowbridge Overflow Camp|Cowbridge]], [[Gwen Cooper]] (disguised as a nurse) confronts [[Alicia Patel|Dr Alicia Patel]] about Gwen's father [[Geraint Cooper]], who has been labelled "Category 1". Dr Patel says, "There's a fine line between [[categories of life|categories 1 and 2]]" and that she was following governmental guidelines and she is too busy to revisit patients. Gwen points out that those patients are being burned, and Dr Patel replies, "It's the law." Gwen accuses Dr Patel of running a "[[concentration camp]]" and of being a coward, and tells her, "Don't call yourself a doctor," and, "Shame on you."


Gwen finds [[Rhys Williams]] working as a driver for the camp, and makes plans with him to help her father escape.
Gwen finds [[Rhys Williams]] working as a driver for the camp, and makes plans with him to help her father escape.
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At a bar in Los Angeles, [[Jack Harkness]] finds Janet and coerces her into helping him, also revealing (through [[Torchwood (team)|Torchwood]]'s hacking) that Stuart intended to send Janet away against her desires. She was having an affair with, knowing that he's married.
At a bar in Los Angeles, [[Jack Harkness]] finds Janet and coerces her into helping him, also revealing (through [[Torchwood (team)|Torchwood]]'s hacking) that Stuart intended to send Janet away against her desires. She was having an affair with, knowing that he's married.


Jack finds Stuart and his wife Elizabeth at a [[restaurant]], and sends Elizabeth away (by purposely revealing Stewart affair with his secretary) while he talks with Stuart. Stuart suggests that he is just a middle man in "all this", and that even Phicorp is just a pawn. Stuart suggests that "this pattern" started "maybe five years ago" based on "Market Share Projections". Stuart also says that he found an [[Italian]] document which said, "They have found [[the Blessing]]" but he doesn't know what it means.  
Jack finds Stuart and his wife Elizabeth at a [[restaurant]], and sends Elizabeth away (by purposely revealing Stewart affair with his secretary) while he talks with Stuart. Stuart suggests that he is just a middle man in "all this", and that even Phicorp is just a pawn. Stuart suggests that "this pattern" started "maybe five years ago" based on "Market Share Projections". Stuart also says that he found an [[Italy|Italian]] document which said, "They have found [[the Blessing]]" but he doesn't know what it means.


Back in San Pedro, Rex attempts to leave the camp by knocking out a guard and putting on the guard's uniform. Rex is captured in disguise after wandering into a checkpoint. Colin interrogates a handcuffed Rex alone. Rex tells Colin his intention to go public with his videotape evidence in order to expose events at the camp, including Dr Juarez's incineration. Colin looks for a method of silencing Rex, and decides to slowly push his ballpoint pen into Rex's heart through his open wound. Rex screams in pain and points out that he can't die because of [[the Miracle]], then faints.
Back in San Pedro, Rex attempts to leave the camp by knocking out a guard and putting on the guard's uniform. Rex is captured in disguise after wandering into a checkpoint. Colin interrogates a handcuffed Rex alone. Rex tells Colin his intention to go public with his videotape evidence in order to expose events at the camp, including Dr Juarez's incineration. Collin watches the video and has a break down. Rex attempts to comfort him, persisting people need to know the truth. However, Colin (having been the one to kill Vera) decides to silence Rex. He looks for a method of silencing Rex, and decides to slowly push his ballpoint pen into Rex's heart through his open wound. Rex screams in pain and points out that he can't die because of [[Miracle Day|the Miracle]]. Colin, overwhelmed by his horrific act, pulls the pen out. Rex briefly recovers, realising Colin killed Vera. Colin begins crying and proceeds to shove the pen into Rex again, who faints from the pain.


Esther finds the interrogation area, but is confronted by Colin before finding Rex. Esther tells Colin that she had just spoken with Dr Juarez, which Colin knows is a lie, and Colin attempts to grab Esther. Colin initiates a fight. Esther chokes Colin into unconsciousness, then she leaves Colin on the floor to hurry to Rex's side. Esther returns to Colin to get the handcuff keys, but Colin grabs her and proceeds to choke her. [[Ralph Coltrane]] arrives and shoots Colin into unconsciousness.
Esther finds the interrogation area, calling out. Colin discards the pen and confronts her, as Rex silently cries. Esther tells Colin, who hides his bloody hand as Esther approaches him, that she had just spoken with Dr Juarez, which Colin knows is a lie. Rex regains consciousness and recognises Esther's voice. He calls out, bellowing Colin killed Vera. Esther makes to run but Colin grabs her, initiating a fight. Eventually, Esther chokes Colin to death. Traumatised by her actions, she leaves Colin on the floor to hurry to Rex's side. Rex tells her Colin has the keys on his corpse but Esther is too scared to go back, crying. Rex convinces her to do so. As Esther returns to Colin to get the handcuff keys, the Miracle revives Colin, who grabs her and proceeds to choke her. Despite nearly killing her, [[Ralph Coltrane]] arrives and shoots Colin in the side, having grown tired of following Colin's orders. He helps Esther back up as Colin loses consciousness.


Rhys steals a truck to get into Cowbridge, and meets Gwen with her father (on a gurney). Gwen overhears that sick people are arriving in [[Wales]] like "boat people". Gwen and Rhys load Geraint into the truck, then Rhys rams the truck through a gate to escape. Gwen uses the [[Torchwood contact lenses]], then steals some explosives and blows up part of the Cowbridge Camp as a message, "This is the truth for the whole world to see, we let our governments build concentration camps. They built ovens for people in our names. Now I don't care if the whole of society bends over and takes this like a dog. I'm saying no." She sets the camp in flames. While watching in [[America]], Jack laughs and says, "That's my girl."
Meanwhile, Rhys steals a truck to get into Cowbridge, and meets Gwen with her father (on a gurney). Gwen overhears that sick people are arriving in [[Wales]] like "boat people". Gwen and Rhys load Geraint into the truck, then Rhys rams the truck through a gate to escape. Gwen uses the [[Eye-5]]s, then steals some explosives and blows up part of the Cowbridge Camp as a message, "This is the truth for the whole world to see, we let our governments build concentration camps. They built ovens for people in our names. Now I don't care if the whole of society bends over and takes this like a dog. I'm saying no." She sets the camp in flames. While watching in [[America]], Jack laughs and says, "That's my girl."


At San Pedro, Rex says, "The regular army is coming in, they'll shut it down". Esther points out that the camp was sanctioned, and she'd used her real name to gain entry.
At San Pedro, Rex and Esther are safely in a vehicle. Esther has been crying. Rex, trying to comfort her, says, "The regular army is coming in, they'll shut it down". Esther points out that the camp was sanctioned, and she'd used her real name to gain entry. She begins to sob again, causing Rex to pull her close before driving off.


In Venice Beach, Jack congratulates the Torchwood team for getting the word out, as the [[White House]] refuses to apologise for the camp and compares the camp to a state of emergency in time of famine or pestilence. Jack says that they need to look at the bigger picture, while they search the internet for "the truth".
In Venice Beach, Jack congratulates the Torchwood team for getting the word out, as the [[White House]] refuses to apologise for the camp and compares the camp to a state of emergency in time of famine or pestilence. Jack says that they need to look at the bigger picture, while they search the internet for "the truth".
Line 63: Line 63:
* [[Esther Drummond]] - [[Alexa Havins]]
* [[Esther Drummond]] - [[Alexa Havins]]
* [[Rhys Williams]] - [[Kai Owen]]
* [[Rhys Williams]] - [[Kai Owen]]
* [[Geraint Cooper]] - [[William Thomas]]
* [[Stuart Owens]] - [[Ernie Hudson]]
* [[Stuart Owens]] - [[Ernie Hudson]]
* [[Ralph Coltrane|Ralph]] - [[Fred Koehler]]
* [[Ralph Coltrane|Ralph]] - [[Fred Koehler]]
Line 153: Line 154:
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 — and this is
Note that Torchwood credits don't carry a "US crew" tag because it's a US show.
hard for some to accept — it's a US show.


-->
-->
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}}
}}


== References ==
== Worldbuilding ==
* Stuart is due to chair the [[PhiCorp]] executive board.
* [[NNM]], which stands for National News Media, covers a story on the [[45 Club]].
* The 45 Club is growing in popularity. They believe that jumping from forty five floors up or higher is the only guaranteed way to lose consciousness forever. Reports of such activity have come in from [[New York City]], [[San Francisco]], [[London]] and [[Milan]].
* In [[1999]], a large parcel of land near [[Shanghai]] centre was purchased by a division of [[PhiCorp]].
* Locations in and around [[Shanghai]] include [[Qiandengzhen]], [[Shengpuzhen]], [[Zhangpuzhen]], [[Zhengyizhen]], [[Kunshan]] and [[Tinglin Garden]]. Roads include [[Huning Expressway|Huning Expy]] and [[Suhu Expressway|Suhu Expy]]. [[Kuilei Lake]] is also shown.
* Locations in and around [[Shanghai]] include [[Qiandengzhen]], [[Shengpuzhen]], [[Zhangpuzhen]], [[Zhengyizhen]], [[Kunshan]] and [[Tinglin Garden]]. Roads include [[Huning Expressway|Huning Expy]] and [[Suhu Expressway|Suhu Expy]]. [[Kuilei Lake]] is also shown.
* [[NNM]], which stands for National News Media, covers a story on the [[45 Club]].
* [[Zheng Yibao's uncle|Zheng's uncle]] was dying prior to [[Miracle Day|the Miracle]]. He told Zheng never to question a miracle, as you may not like what you find.
* [[Colin Maloney]] mentions playing [[badminton]] several times as a cover story for sweating when he carried out the [[murder]] of [[Vera Juarez]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Categories of Life (TV story)|The Categories of Life]]'')
* Rex officially confirms he is part of [[Torchwood (team)|Torchwood]], rather than the [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]].
* [[Rex Matheson]] was prescribed painkillers by Vera that are labelled with instructions to take 3 pills a day.
* Rex was prescribed painkillers by Vera that are labelled with instructions to take three pills a day.
* Various war and refugee terms are used, including "boat people" and "concentration camp".
* Rex uses the phrase "[[get the hell outta Dodge]]".
* Rachel says she has [[US dollar|$2000]] with the [[Savings Expedition]].
* [[Colin Maloney]] mentions playing [[badminton]] at the club several times as a cover story for the sweating he is doing from the stress of [[murder]]ing [[Vera Juarez]].
* Modules are supposed to be used as storage, until a [[senator]] signs paperwork stating otherwise.
* San Pedro Camp is put on lockdown. During lockdown, nobody leaves and every member of staff is logged and noted.
* In [[San Pedro Overflow Camp]], patients are processed by the camp's categorisation centre.
* Esther asks whether Maloney would like [[tea]] or [[coffee]].
* Tony mockingly refers to the day staff at San Pedro Camp as "[[immigration|illegal immigrants]]", and states that "it may make sense in [[Mexico]] but not here".
* Maloney plans on dumping Vera's car at the [[Constitution Mall]] in [[San Pedro, California|San Pedro]].
* Patel states that she is simply following [[categories of life|guidelines]] given to her by the [[British government]].
* At [[Cowbridge Overflow Camp]], movement of category one patients to the [[module]]s starts at 6am, while nurses change over at 5am.
* Janet drinks an [[Appletini]]. She is 27 years old, 5ft 9 and weighs 119lb. She's the youngest daughter of [[Gerald Tanner|Gerald]] and [[Elaine Tanner]] from [[Nantucket]], [[Massachusetts]]. She moved to [[California]] to attend college where she earned a [[bachelor's degree]] in [[art history]]. As of [[2011]], she resides in a [[Westwood]] apartment and works as an [[secretary|administrative assistant]] at [[PhiCorp]].
* Janet believes Jack to be a [[stalker]] last seen on [[America's Most Wanted]].
* Janet wished Stuart a Happy [[St Valentine's Day|Valentine's Day]] and had a sexual relationship with him.
* Stuart emailed PhiCorp Human Resources requesting Janet's transfer to [[Cincinnati]].
* Stuart wonders whether to have the [[salad]]. Jack recommends [[steak]], [[bourbon]] and [[cigarette]]s.
* Stuart is [[Chief Operating Officer]] for PhiCorp Industries.
* The [[stock market]] is threatening to collapse.
* Stuart and Maloney are both referred to as middlemen.
* [[Stuart Owens]] believes [[Jack Harkness]] thinks of him like he's "[[Satan|the Devil]] in a three-piece suit".
* [[Stuart Owens]] believes [[Jack Harkness]] thinks of him like he's "[[Satan|the Devil]] in a three-piece suit".
* [[Rhys Williams]] did not know his work at [[Harwood's Haulage]] was being used to move Category One patients to the ovens. He makes implications that he has stopped working for either his firm, the overflow camp in [[Wales]], or both when he says, "I quit the bastard thing."
* [[The Blessing]] was referred to in a document from [[Italy]] from a source inside the [[Council of Ministers]].
* Gwen tells Dr. Patel that she's not worthy of her title anymore.  This is similar to the Doctor; he forfeited his title during his [[War Doctor|War incarnation]] and said he won't be "the Doctor" anymore if he killed a [[Star whale]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Name of the Doctor (TV story)|The Name of the Doctor]], [[The Beast Below (TV story)|The Beast Below]]'')
* The [[US Army]] drive [[Humvee]]s.
* The [[US Army]] drive [[Humvee]]s.
* Rex incapacitates [[Smith (The Middle Men)|Smith]] and steals his uniform.
* Rex incapacitates [[Billy Smith]] and steals his uniform. Billy had a habit of not listening.
* San Pedro camp is accessed by scanning a security ID card.
* San Pedro camp is accessed by scanning a security ID card.
* Jack searches for [[the Blessing]].
* Tony uses "[[blonde]]" as an insult, implying Esther lacks intelligence.
* Maloney asks a couple of soldiers to leave him with Rex, and to go and see [[Jackson (The Middle Men)|Jackson]] at the West Gate.
* Maloney is the [[manager|director]] of San Pedro Camp.
* Rex is being kept in the Generator Room of San Pedro Camp.
* Maloney [[torture]]s Rex with a [[pen]].
* A man refers to a [[cruise ship]] full of [[Great Britain|British]] Category 2s arriving in [[Cardiff]], having been expelled from [[Europe]] like [[boat people]].
* Rhys drives through the South Gate of Cowbridge Camp.
* Gwen steals a [[motorbike]] and blows up the Cowbridge [[module]]s.
* The [[White House]] stands by the [[overflow camp]]s as appropriate and as sanctioned by [[United States Congress|Congress]]. It is what would be done in times of [[famine]], [[plague]] or [[pestilence]].
* Gwen flies into [[Los Angeles International Airport]].
* Someone hacks the [[Eye-5]]s.
* The overflow camps are referred to as [[Concentration camp|death camps]].
* The overflow camps are referred to as [[Concentration camp|death camps]].
* The hat check boy likes [[Jack Harkness' coat]].


== Story notes ==
== Story notes ==
* This episode continues directly on from [[TV]]: ''[[The Categories of Life (TV story)|The Categories of Life]]'', with Rex filming Vera in the modules.
* [[Bill Pullman]] does not appear as [[Oswald Danes]] for the first time since his introduction, nor does his name appear in the opening credits.
* [[Bill Pullman]] does not appear as [[Oswald Danes]] for the first time since his introduction nor does his name appear in the opening credits.
* [[Lauren Ambrose]] does not appear as [[Jilly Kitzinger]], nor does [[Arlene Tur]] as [[Vera Juarez]], due to her character's demise in the previous episode. The episode is the first in the series not to credit any "special guest stars."
* Neither [[Lauren Ambrose]] as [[Jilly Kitzinger]] nor [[Arlene Tur]] as [[Vera Juarez]] appear. The episode is the first in the series not to credit any "special guest stars."


=== Ratings ===
=== Ratings ===
* UK: 4.6 million
* UK: 4.48 million (Final BARB ratings)<ref>[https://www.barb.co.uk/viewing-data/weekly-top-10/ BARB Ratings - June, 2011]</ref>
* US: 0.98 million


=== Filming locations ===
=== Filming locations ===
''to be added''
''to be added''
=== Broadcasts ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Date
!Time
!Channel
!class="unsortable"|Notes
|-
|[[Thursday]] [[18 August (releases)|18 August]] [[2011 (releases)|2011]]
|21:00
|[[BBC One]]
|First broadcast.
|-
|[[Monday]] [[22 August (releases)|22 August]] [[2011 (releases)|2011]]
|23:20
|[[BBC HD]] & [[BBC Two]]
|
|}


=== Production errors ===
=== Production errors ===
{{Torchwood discontinuity}}
{{Torchwood discontinuity}}
* When Gwen uses the I-5s to hopefully contact a Torchwood member, Jack types a message in the lenses. She responds back, "Jack, is that you?" His reply, "In the flesh. You OK?" is prompted to appear onscreen too early, with a few letters typed in before actually Gwen speaks the dialogue.
* When Gwen uses the Eye-5s to hopefully contact a Torchwood member, Jack types a message in the lenses. She responds back, "Jack, is that you?" His reply, "In the flesh. You OK?" is prompted to appear onscreen too early, with a few letters typed in before actually Gwen speaks the dialogue.


== Continuity ==
== Continuity ==
* The [[Torchwood contact lenses]] are again used. They first appeared in [[TV]]: ''[[Reset (TV story)|Reset]]''.
* As a result of looking into [[the Blessing]], Zheng Yibao was shown his true self, and he lost the will to live, as alluded to in [[TV]]: {{cs|The Gathering (TV story)}}.
* Gwen chastises Dr Alicia Patel for turning her back on the injustice being waged in the overflow camps, telling her, "Don't call yourself a doctor. Shame on you." The [[Eleventh Doctor]] had a similar reaction to the abuse of the [[star whale]] housing ''[[Starship UK]]'' on its back, when he almost euthanised the innocent creature, bitterly stating that once the act was carried out he would find a new name, because he wouldn't be the Doctor anymore. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Beast Below]]'')
* Gwen chastises Patel for turning her back on the injustice being waged in the overflow camps, telling her, ''"Don't call yourself a doctor."'' The [[Eleventh Doctor]] had a similar reaction to the abuse of the [[Star whale (The Beast Below)|star whale]] housing ''[[Starship UK]]'' on its back, when he almost euthanised the innocent creature, bitterly stating that he wouldn't be "the Doctor" anymore once the act was carried out, as seen in [[TV]]: {{cs|The Beast Below (TV story)}}.
* Zheng Yibao's apparent senseless suicide would be explained with the events of [[TV]]: ''[[The Gathering (TV story)|The Gathering]]''. As a result of looking into [[the Blessing]], it showed him his true self and he lost the will to live.
* Colin Maloney and his associate still feel guilty about killing Vera. Rex also finds out the truth. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Categories of Life (TV story)|The Categories of Life]]'')
* Stuart Owens says that Jack seem to think that he is the [[Satan|Devil]] in a suit. [[Oswald Danes]] and [[Jilly Kitzinger]] had previously referenced the Devil. ([[TV]]: ''[[Rendition (TV story)|Rendition]]'')
** The [[Tenth Doctor]] had previously encountered [[The Beast (The Impossible Planet)|the Beast]], who claimed to be the origins of the Devil/Satan. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Impossible Planet (TV story)|The Impossible Planet]]''/''[[The Satan Pit (TV story)|The Satan Pit]]'')


== 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.)


== Footnotes ==
== Footnotes ==
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[[Category:Stories set in China]]
[[Category:Stories set in China]]
[[Category:Stories set in Wales]]
[[Category:Stories set in Wales]]
[[Category:Stories set in 2011]]
[[Category:Stories set in Los Angeles]]
[[Category:Stories set in Los Angeles]]
[[Category:2011 television stories]]
[[Category:SH ok]]
[[Category:Jack Harkness television stories]]
[[Category:Stories that use the Murray Gold Torchwood: Miracle Day theme]]


[[de:{{StoryTitle}}]]
[[de:The Middle Men]]
[[fr:The Middle Men]]
[[fr:The Middle Men]]

Latest revision as of 12:01, 17 January 2024

RealWorld.png

The Middle Men was the sixth episode of Series 4 of Torchwood. It was written by John Shiban, directed by Guy Ferland and saw the first mention of "the Blessing".

Synopsis[[edit] | [edit source]]

With Gwen Cooper, Rex Matheson and Esther Drummond trapped on different sides of the Atlantic, it's a race against time as Jack Harkness goes straight to the heart of the conspiracy.

Plot[[edit] | [edit source]]

Stuart Owens (Chief Operating Officer of PhiCorp), working late with his secretary Janet in Phicorp Central, Los Angeles, reviews paperwork on Phicorp acquisitions. He calls Zheng Yibao in Shanghai, China to investigate a large land purchase near Shanghai centre. Zheng warns Stuart he might not like what he finds, then enters the guarded building on that site. Seven hours later, Stuart calls Zheng for a status report. Zheng reports he found nothing, then jumps from a tall building with no apparent signs of distress.

There are news reports on the existence of a 45 Club, people who believe that jumping forty-five floors is now the only way to lose consciousness forever, with Zheng the latest addition to that group.

Rex Matheson is still speaking into his video camera in San Pedro, reporting what he's seen (burning of Dr Vera Juarez in "the modules"). He reports that Category 1 patients are burned and suggests that "they" will burn "anyone they just don't like".

Esther Drummond, from her desk at the camp, attempts to call Dr Juarez on her cell phone, but the call fails to connect. She then investigates Colin Maloney, who is acting suspiciously while intimidating Ralph Coltrane. Colin claims that he has just finished playing badminton. Colin plans to "drop" Dr Juarez's car at Constitution Mall to thwart investigation, then puts the camp on "lockdown". Colin tells Esther that Dr Juarez had left while saying that his camp was "very good indeed", which sounds suspicious to Esther.

At Cowbridge, Gwen Cooper (disguised as a nurse) confronts Dr Alicia Patel about Gwen's father Geraint Cooper, who has been labelled "Category 1". Dr Patel says, "There's a fine line between categories 1 and 2" and that she was following governmental guidelines and she is too busy to revisit patients. Gwen points out that those patients are being burned, and Dr Patel replies, "It's the law." Gwen accuses Dr Patel of running a "concentration camp" and of being a coward, and tells her, "Don't call yourself a doctor," and, "Shame on you."

Gwen finds Rhys Williams working as a driver for the camp, and makes plans with him to help her father escape.

At a bar in Los Angeles, Jack Harkness finds Janet and coerces her into helping him, also revealing (through Torchwood's hacking) that Stuart intended to send Janet away against her desires. She was having an affair with, knowing that he's married.

Jack finds Stuart and his wife Elizabeth at a restaurant, and sends Elizabeth away (by purposely revealing Stewart affair with his secretary) while he talks with Stuart. Stuart suggests that he is just a middle man in "all this", and that even Phicorp is just a pawn. Stuart suggests that "this pattern" started "maybe five years ago" based on "Market Share Projections". Stuart also says that he found an Italian document which said, "They have found the Blessing" but he doesn't know what it means.

Back in San Pedro, Rex attempts to leave the camp by knocking out a guard and putting on the guard's uniform. Rex is captured in disguise after wandering into a checkpoint. Colin interrogates a handcuffed Rex alone. Rex tells Colin his intention to go public with his videotape evidence in order to expose events at the camp, including Dr Juarez's incineration. Collin watches the video and has a break down. Rex attempts to comfort him, persisting people need to know the truth. However, Colin (having been the one to kill Vera) decides to silence Rex. He looks for a method of silencing Rex, and decides to slowly push his ballpoint pen into Rex's heart through his open wound. Rex screams in pain and points out that he can't die because of the Miracle. Colin, overwhelmed by his horrific act, pulls the pen out. Rex briefly recovers, realising Colin killed Vera. Colin begins crying and proceeds to shove the pen into Rex again, who faints from the pain.

Esther finds the interrogation area, calling out. Colin discards the pen and confronts her, as Rex silently cries. Esther tells Colin, who hides his bloody hand as Esther approaches him, that she had just spoken with Dr Juarez, which Colin knows is a lie. Rex regains consciousness and recognises Esther's voice. He calls out, bellowing Colin killed Vera. Esther makes to run but Colin grabs her, initiating a fight. Eventually, Esther chokes Colin to death. Traumatised by her actions, she leaves Colin on the floor to hurry to Rex's side. Rex tells her Colin has the keys on his corpse but Esther is too scared to go back, crying. Rex convinces her to do so. As Esther returns to Colin to get the handcuff keys, the Miracle revives Colin, who grabs her and proceeds to choke her. Despite nearly killing her, Ralph Coltrane arrives and shoots Colin in the side, having grown tired of following Colin's orders. He helps Esther back up as Colin loses consciousness.

Meanwhile, Rhys steals a truck to get into Cowbridge, and meets Gwen with her father (on a gurney). Gwen overhears that sick people are arriving in Wales like "boat people". Gwen and Rhys load Geraint into the truck, then Rhys rams the truck through a gate to escape. Gwen uses the Eye-5s, then steals some explosives and blows up part of the Cowbridge Camp as a message, "This is the truth for the whole world to see, we let our governments build concentration camps. They built ovens for people in our names. Now I don't care if the whole of society bends over and takes this like a dog. I'm saying no." She sets the camp in flames. While watching in America, Jack laughs and says, "That's my girl."

At San Pedro, Rex and Esther are safely in a vehicle. Esther has been crying. Rex, trying to comfort her, says, "The regular army is coming in, they'll shut it down". Esther points out that the camp was sanctioned, and she'd used her real name to gain entry. She begins to sob again, causing Rex to pull her close before driving off.

In Venice Beach, Jack congratulates the Torchwood team for getting the word out, as the White House refuses to apologise for the camp and compares the camp to a state of emergency in time of famine or pestilence. Jack says that they need to look at the bigger picture, while they search the internet for "the truth".

Gwen arrives at Los Angeles International Airport and is paged to pick up a phone-call for her that says "lenses". Gwen puts in her Torchwood contact lenses again, and receives the text, "We have your mother. We have your husband. We have your child. Bring us Jack."

Cast[[edit] | [edit source]]

Uncredited[[edit] | [edit source]]

Crew[[edit] | [edit source]]

General production staff


Camera and lighting department

Art department


 Make-up and prosthetics


General post-production staff

Special and visual effects

Sound

UK crew
General production staff
 Camera, lighting and sound departments

Casting

 Make-up

Costume

Effects


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".


Worldbuilding[[edit] | [edit source]]

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

Ratings[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • UK: 4.48 million (Final BARB ratings)[1]
  • US: 0.98 million

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

to be added

Broadcasts[[edit] | [edit source]]

Date Time Channel Notes
Thursday 18 August 2011 21:00 BBC One First broadcast.
Monday 22 August 2011 23:20 BBC HD & BBC Two

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.
  • When Gwen uses the Eye-5s to hopefully contact a Torchwood member, Jack types a message in the lenses. She responds back, "Jack, is that you?" His reply, "In the flesh. You OK?" is prompted to appear onscreen too early, with a few letters typed in before actually Gwen speaks the dialogue.

Continuity[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • As a result of looking into the Blessing, Zheng Yibao was shown his true self, and he lost the will to live, as alluded to in TV: The Gathering [+]Loading...["The Gathering (TV story)"].
  • Gwen chastises Patel for turning her back on the injustice being waged in the overflow camps, telling her, "Don't call yourself a doctor." The Eleventh Doctor had a similar reaction to the abuse of the star whale housing Starship UK on its back, when he almost euthanised the innocent creature, bitterly stating that he wouldn't be "the Doctor" anymore once the act was carried out, as seen in TV: The Beast Below [+]Loading...["The Beast Below (TV story)"].

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

  • 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.)

Footnotes[[edit] | [edit source]]

  1. ↑ BARB Ratings - June, 2011
  2. ↑ Amazon.co.uk listing
  3. ↑ EZYDVD.com.au listing
  4. ↑ Mightyape.co.nz listing
  5. ↑ Amazon.com listing
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Torchwood television stories
Series 1
Series 2
Series 3
Children of Earth: Day One • Day Two • Day Three • Day Four • Day Five
Series 4
Stories listed here are only those that have been officially licensed by the BBC.
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