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{{real world}}
{{real world}}
{{ImageLinkTV}}
{{ImageLinkTV}}
{{Infobox Story
{{Infobox Story SMW
|image                = Adam torments Jack.jpg
|image                = Adam torments Jack.jpg
|series                = ''[[Torchwood (TV series)|Torchwood]]''
|series                = ''[[Torchwood (TV series)|Torchwood]]''
|season number        = Series 2 (Torchwood)
|season number        = Series 2 (Torchwood)
|series episode number = 5
|series episode number = 5
|main character        = [[Jack Harkness|Jack]], [[Gwen Cooper|Gwen]], [[Toshiko Sato|Tosh]], [[Owen Harper|Owen]], [[Ianto Jones|Ianto]]
|scripturl      = https://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/documents/torchwood-2-episode-5-adam-yellow-revisions-04052007.pdf
|enemy                = [[Adam Smith]], [[Weevil]]s
|main character        = [[Jack Harkness|Jack]], [[Gwen Cooper|Gwen]], [[Ianto Jones|Ianto]], [[Owen Harper|Owen]], [[Toshiko Sato|Tosh]]
|enemy                = [[Adam Smith]]
|featuring            = [[Rhys Williams|Rhys]]
|featuring            = [[Rhys Williams|Rhys]]
|setting              = [[Cardiff]], [[Aliens of London dating controversy|2000s]]
|setting              = [[Cardiff]], [[Aliens of London dating controversy|2000s]]
|writer                = [[Catherine Tregenna]]
|writer                = Catherine Tregenna
|director              = [[Andy Goddard]]
|director              = [[Andy Goddard]]
|producer              = [[Richard Stokes]]
|producer              = [[Richard Stokes]]
|network              = [[BBC Two]]
|network              = BBC Two
|broadcast date        = [[13 February (releases)|13 February]] [[2008 (releases)|2008]]
|broadcast date        = 13 February 2008
|prev                  = Meat (TV story)
|prev                  = Meat (TV story)
|next                  = Reset (TV story)
|next                  = Reset (TV story)
Line 21: Line 22:
|clip                  = The memory stealer pt 1 - Torchwood - BBC
|clip                  = The memory stealer pt 1 - Torchwood - BBC
|clip2                = The memory stealer pt 2 - Torchwood - BBC
|clip2                = The memory stealer pt 2 - Torchwood - BBC
|format=1x50 minute episode
}}{{dab page|Adam}}
}}{{dab page|Adam}}
'''''Adam''''' was the fifth episode of [[Series 2 (Torchwood)|Series 2]] of ''[[Torchwood (TV series)|Torchwood]]''. It was written by [[Catherine Tregenna]] and directed by [[Andy Goddard]]. It featured [[John Barrowman]] as [[Jack Harkness]], [[Eve Myles]] as [[Gwen Cooper]], [[Burn Gorman]] as [[Owen Harper]], [[Naoko Mori]] as [[Toshiko Sato]] and [[Gareth David-Lloyd]] as [[Ianto Jones]].
'''''Adam''''' was the fifth episode of [[Series 2 (Torchwood)|Series 2]] of ''[[Torchwood (TV series)|Torchwood]]''. It was written by [[Catherine Tregenna]] and directed by [[Andy Goddard]]. From a production point of view, it marked the last time Tregenna wrote for ''Torchwood''.


It explored [[Jack Harkness]]' origins through flashbacks and gave more context to [[Gray (Fragments)|Gray]], the mysterious person first mentioned by [[John Hart (Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang)|John Hart]] in ''[[Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang (TV story)|Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang]]''. It was ultimately revealed that Gray was Jack's brother.
It explored [[Jack Harkness]]' origins through flashbacks and gave more context to [[Gray (Adam)|Gray]], the mysterious person first mentioned by [[John Hart]] in {{cs|Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang (TV story)}}. It also further developed the relationship between Jack and [[Ianto Jones|Ianto]].
 
It also explored more of the relationship between Jack and [[Ianto Jones|Ianto]].
 
From a production point of view, it marked the last time [[Catherine Tregenna]] wrote for ''Torchwood''. The next time Tregenna wrote anything within the DWU was ''[[The Woman Who Lived (TV story)|The Woman Who Lived]]'', over seven years later.


== Synopsis ==
== Synopsis ==
Line 34: Line 32:


== Plot ==
== Plot ==
The Torchwood team is checking a strange box when [[Gwen Cooper]] arrives, slightly late because she was spending time with Rhys. Looking around, she sees [[Adam Smith]] sat down, and asks in confusion who he was, to which Adam replies "That's what I said to you on your first day...remember?" Putting a hand on her shoulder, Gwen suddenly has false memories of spending time with Adam including playing [[basketball]]. Smiling, she hugs him.
The Torchwood team is examining a strange box when [[Gwen Cooper]] arrives, slightly late because she was spending time with Rhys. Looking around, she sees [[Adam Smith]] with the others, and asks in confusion who he is; Adam replies "That's what I said to you on your first day...remember?" When Adam puts a hand on her shoulder, Gwen suddenly has false memories of spending time with Adam, including playing [[basketball]]. Smiling, she hugs him.


Adam is then seen changing the Torchwood database to add his file into it. [[Toshiko Sato|Tosh]] asks him what he was doing, which he replies as updating details on rift activity. Adam and Tosh then kiss, much to the annoyance of [[Owen Harper|Owen]], who is wearing [[glasses]]. Meanwhile, [[Jack Harkness|Jack]] is down in the cells where he sees a young boy, which causes him to stop in shock. Gwen calls him, but when Jack turns around again, the boy is gone.
Adam is then seen changing the Torchwood database to add his file into it. [[Toshiko Sato|Tosh]] asks him what he was doing, and he says he was updating details on rift activity. Adam and Tosh then kiss, much to the annoyance of [[Owen Harper|Owen]], who is wearing [[glasses]]. Meanwhile, [[Jack Harkness|Jack]] is down in the cells when he sees a young boy, which causes him to stop in shock. Gwen calls him, but when Jack turns around again, the boy is gone.


Gwen is then seen in her apartment. [[Rhys Williams|Rhys]] comes up behind her and attempts to give her a hug, but Gwen, thinking he is a stalker, points a [[knife]] then a [[pistol]] at him and gets Jack to come over to her apartment. We learn that all of Gwen's memories of Rhys have been wiped, to which she even thinks he put up photos of them together while she was gone. However, Jack and the rest of the Torchwood team simply presume it to be amnesia due to stress.
Gwen is then seen in her apartment. [[Rhys Williams|Rhys]] comes up behind her and attempts to give her a hug, but Gwen, thinking he is a stalker, points a [[knife]] then a [[pistol]] at him and gets Jack to come over to her apartment. We learn that all of Gwen's memories of Rhys have been wiped, to the point that she thinks he put up photos of them together while she was gone. However, Jack and the rest of the Torchwood team simply presume it to be amnesia due to stress.


Owen is seen trying to flirt with Tosh unsuccessfully over beers. Jack is out trying to catch another [[Weevil]] down in the sewers, but then encounters a strange man whom Jack refers to as "Dad?", who tells him to get out, to which he does quickly. Exiting the sewers, Adam seemingly appears out of nowhere, but when Jack questions him how he got here, Adam simply implants false memories into Jack that he came with him. Adam asks him what he saw in the sewers, to which he replies simply, "My past." He then further imprints himself on Jack's mind, convincing him he joined the crew because Jack felt he could confide in him. Jack then reveals he remembered a buried memory from his time at Boeshane Penisula: the "most horrible creatures" attacked his home, killing his father. In the confusion, Jack lost his brother Grey, unable to find him. Striken with guilt at having lost his brother, Jack leaves Adam in the rain.
Owen is seen trying to flirt with Tosh unsuccessfully over beers. Jack is out trying to catch another [[Weevil]] down in the sewers, but encounters a strange man whom Jack addresses as "Dad", who tells him to get out. Exiting the sewers in a panic, he meets Adam, who has appeared out of nowhere; but when Jack asks him how he got there, Adam implants false memories of him having come with Jack. Adam asks him what he saw in the sewers, to which he replies simply, "My past." He then further imprints himself on Jack's mind, convincing him he joined the crew because Jack felt he could confide in him. Jack then reveals he remembered a buried memory from his childhood on the [[Boeshane Peninsula]]: the day "the most horrible creatures" attacked his home, killing his father. Fleeing with his brother [[Gray (Adam)|Gray]], Jack accidentally let go of his hand, and never saw him again. Stricken anew with guilt from having lost his brother, Jack leaves Adam in the rain.


At [[Torchwood Hub]], Tosh has found out the box is made of wood. Owen asks on the origins of the box, to which [[Ianto Jones|Ianto]] states Jack brought it in. However, Tosh insists that Adam found it in an excavation. To clarify, Ianto leaves to check in his diary. Owen again tries to flirt with Tosh but fails and ends up managing to anger her. Owen is devastated.
At the [[Torchwood Hub]], Tosh has found that the box is made of wood. Owen asks after the origins of the box, to which [[Ianto Jones|Ianto]] responds that Jack brought it in. However, Tosh insists that Adam found it in an excavation. Ianto leaves to check his diary for the answer. Owen again tries to flirt with Tosh, culminating in a confession of love, but Tosh reacts with anger and scornfully tells Owen he is not her type. Owen is devastated.


Gwen is seen at a general store with Rhys. When they get to checkout, the cashier leaves to answer a call, despite clearly being able to see Rhys there. Rhys, angry, begins to go off on a rant, to which Gwen laughs. Ironically, Rhys's outburst help her regain memories
Gwen is seen at a general store with Rhys. When they get to the checkout, the cashier leaves to answer a call, despite clearly being able to see Rhys there. Rhys, angry, begins to go off on a rant, to which Gwen laughs. The outburst reminds her of similar occurrences in their past, and she begins to remember Rhys.


Ianto is flipping through his diary and is shocked that he has made no mention of Adam at all. Adam then appears behind him, and Ianto questions who he really is. Adam's hand starts to flicker, and we learn that Adam exists simply from people being able to remember him. To keep his secret safe, Adam decides to implant memories of Ianto murdering three women, claiming that he forgot about the thrill he got from doing this. Ianto sinks to the floor, crying.
Ianto is flipping through his diary and is shocked to find that it contains no mention of Adam at all. Adam then appears behind him, and Ianto questions who he really is. Adam's hand starts to flicker, and we learn that Adam exists simply from people being able to remember him. To keep his secret safe, Adam decides to implant in Ianto memories of murdering three women, claiming that he had forgotten about the thrill he gets from doing this. Ianto sinks to the floor, crying.


Adam leaves, going to Tosh's flat. To celebrate their anniversary, the pair kiss passionately. Adam briefly stops, asking Tosh how far she'd go to protect him. After she confirms she would die for him, they resume kissing.
Adam leaves, going to Tosh's flat. To celebrate their anniversary, the pair kiss passionately. Adam briefly stops, asking Tosh how far she'd go to protect him. After she confirms she would die for him, they resume kissing.


Meanwhile, Jack is on a rooftop, puzzling why he can suddenly remember the "worst day of his life" despite having buried the memory 150 years ago. He returns to the hub, finding Ianto in a delirious state. Ianto tells him to put him in a vault because he is a monster, revealing he killed three women. However, Jack refuses to believe it, even after he uses the best lie detector on the planet and confirms he is telling the truth. He pulls up CCTV footage of the Hub and finds Adam implanting the false memories. He then recalls Adam touching him earlier, deducing touch is how he changed their memories.
Meanwhile, Jack is on a rooftop, pondering why he can suddenly remember the "worst day of his life" despite having buried the memory 150 years ago. He returns to the hub, finding Ianto in a delirious state. Ianto tells him to put him in a vault because he is a monster, confessing that he killed three women. However, Jack refuses to believe it, even after the "best lie detector on the planet" confirms Ianto is telling the truth. He pulls up CCTV footage of the Hub and finds Adam implanting the false memories. Recalling Adam touching him earlier, he deduces that touch is how he changed their memories.


Jack, after checking, finds that not only is there lacking a blood sample of Adam, his file was updated only 24 hours ago. The day lights then switch on as the others arrive. Owen brings in a boutique of flowers for Tosh, apologising for how he acted yesterday. Tosh forgives him, confirming she is happy with Adam, who sits at his desk. Gwen then arrives, revealing her memories of Rhys are still hazy. To comfort them, Adam insists on a group hug. Noticing Ianto has not joined them, Adam goes to touch him, but Ianto knocks his hand back. Jack then approaches and holds Adam at gunpoint. Gwen and Owen are confused by this as they still believe Adam as part of the team, and Tosh, upset, pulls out her gun at Jack. Ianto grabs her and Jack quickly sends Adam to the cells.
Jack, checking the records, finds that not only do they lack a blood sample of Adam, but his file was last updated only 24 hours ago. The day lights then switch on as the others arrive. Owen brings in a bouquet of flowers for Tosh, apologising for how he acted yesterday. Tosh forgives him, confirming she is happy with Adam, who sits at his desk. Gwen then arrives, revealing her memories of Rhys are still hazy. To comfort them, Adam insists on a group hug. Noticing Ianto has not joined them, Adam goes to touch him, but Ianto knocks his hand back. Jack then approaches and holds Adam at gunpoint. Gwen and Owen are confused by this, as they still believe Adam part of the team, and a distraught Tosh pulls her gun on Jack. Ianto grabs her and Jack quickly sends Adam to the cells.


Jack and the others then go to the meeting room to discuss Adam. After remembering their true memories, Gwen of Rhys in high school, Owen of his tenth birthday, Tosh on her fondness of maths and Ianto recalling his girlfriend, Lisa, Jack hands them all an amnesia pill to wipe out their memories of Adam. The only one left, Jack goes to the vaults to have one last talk with Adam. Begging to live, Adam promises to help Jack regain his other, happier memories of his family. Jack agrees, recalling the day he and his father played catch with Grey. However, Adam telepathically implants himself in Jack's revived memory as a stranger who spoiled Jack's day, changing the memory from one of happiness to sorrow. Distraught at losing the real memory, Jack takes an amnesia pill, erasing Adam from existence.
Jack and the others go to the meeting room to discuss Adam. After urging them to remember their true memories from before Torchwood – Gwen of Rhys in high school, Owen of his tenth birthday, Tosh her fondness of maths and Ianto recalling his girlfriend [[Lisa Hallett|Lisa]] – Jack hands them all [[Retcon|amnesia pills]] to wipe out their memories of Adam. The only one left, Jack goes to the vaults to have one last talk with Adam. Begging to live, Adam promises to help Jack regain his other, happier memories of his family. Jack agrees, recalling the day he and his father played catch with Gray. However, Adam telepathically implants himself in Jack's revived memory as a stranger who spoiled Jack's day, ruining the happiness of the memory. Adam discloses the nature of the wooden box, it contains his last good memory, of Jack, Jack's father and Gray. Moreover, Adam claims destroying him will remove all Jack's memories of his father. Distraught at losing the real memory, Jack nevertheless takes an amnesia pill, erasing Adam from existence.


The next day, all of the Torchwood team are confused why they cannot recall anything from the past 48 hours. Owen has taken off his glasses again, and Tosh has also reverted to her old personality. Jack is seen messing with the box Adam's essence was in when a component falls out. Ianto comes in, asking if he's seen his diary, which Jack gives back to him, saying "Measuring tapes don't lie." Picking up a plastic bag, he asks Ianto: "Who's Adam?" Ianto replies that he doesn't know and leaves. Jack, fiddling with the box and the component, manages to open it, finding it to be filled with sand, which he stares at ominously.
The next day, all of the Torchwood team are confused as to why they cannot recall anything from the past 48 hours. Owen is no longer wearing glasses, and claims that Tosh's flowers could not have come from him as he "doesn't do" flowers or apologies; Tosh has also reverted to her old personality. Jack is seen taking Adam's box out of a Torchwood bag, and a small component also falls out. Ianto comes in and Jack gives him his diary, implying he has looked in it by claiming, "Measuring tapes never lie." Seeing the bag is labelled "ADAM'S PROPERTY", he asks Ianto: "Who's Adam?", but Ianto replies that he doesn't know and leaves. Jack, fiddling with the box and the component, manages to open it and finds it to be filled with sand, which he stares at ominously.


== Cast ==
== Cast ==
Line 64: Line 62:
* [[Toshiko Sato]] — [[Naoko Mori]]
* [[Toshiko Sato]] — [[Naoko Mori]]
* [[Ianto Jones]] — [[Gareth David-Lloyd]]
* [[Ianto Jones]] — [[Gareth David-Lloyd]]
* [[Rhys Williams]] - [[Kai Owen]]
* [[Rhys Williams]] [[Kai Owen]]
* [[Adam Smith|Adam]] — [[Bryan Dick]]
* [[Adam Smith|Adam]] — [[Bryan Dick]]
* [[Franklin|Jack's Father]] — [[Demetri Goritsas]]
* [[Franklin (Adam)|Jack's Father]] — [[Demetri Goritsas]]
* [[Jack Harkness' mother|Jack's Mother]] — [[Lauren Ward]]
* [[Jack Harkness' mother|Jack's Mother]] — [[Lauren Ward]]
* [[Jack Harkness|Young Jack]] — [[Jack Montgomery]]
* [[Jack Harkness|Young Jack]] — [[Jack Montgomery]]
* [[Gray (Fragments)|Gray]] — [[Ethan Brooke]]
* [[Gray (Adam)|Gray]] — [[Ethan Brooke]]
* [[Adam Smith|Young Adam]] — [[Rhys Myers]]
* [[Adam Smith|Young Adam]] — [[Rhys Myers]]
* [[Weevil]] - [[Paul Kasey]]
* [[Weevil]] [[Paul Kasey]]
* [[Murdered woman|Murdered Woman]] - [[Jo McLaren]]
* Murdered Woman [[Jo McLaren]]


== Crew ==
== Crew ==
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}}
}}


== References ==
== Worldbuilding ==
=== Animals ===
=== Animals ===
* Owen tries to give Tosh a screen cleaner in the form of a [[mouse]] holding [[cheese]].
* Owen tries to give Tosh a screen cleaner in the form of a [[mouse]] holding [[cheese]].


=== Disease and illnesses ===
=== Disease and illnesses ===
* The team think Gwen suffered from temporary [[amnesia]].
* The team think Gwen has suffered from temporary [[amnesia]].


=== Food and Beverages ===
=== Food and Beverages ===
* Adam implants a false memory of making [[coffee]] for [[Gwen Cooper|Gwen]].
* Adam implants a false memory of making [[coffee]] for Gwen.
* Rhys was going to make Gwen "[[Spaghetti bologense|spag bol]]", however he claims he couldn't do it cause of his [[garlic]], saying "can't kiss a girl with garlic breath".
* Rhys was going to make Gwen "[[Spaghetti bolognese|spag bol]]", but claims he couldn't do it because of the [[garlic]] involved, saying "can't kiss a girl with garlic breath".
* Owen makes Tosh [[salmon|smoked salmon]] [[sandwich]]es. Tosh goes to get a [[beer]] to drink whilst eating them.
* Owen makes Tosh [[smoked salmon sandwich]]es. Tosh goes to get a [[beer]] to drink whilst eating them.


=== Individuals ===
=== Individuals ===
* Gwen and [[Rhys Williams|Rhys]] met at college. Their first kiss was at a supermarket.
* Gwen and Rhys met at college. Their first kiss was at a supermarket.
* Owen says he doesn't "do" [[flower]]s or apologies.
* Owen says he doesn't "do" [[flower]]s or apologies.


=== Locations ===
=== Locations ===
* Gwen has just come back from [[Paris]].
* Gwen and Rhys have just returned from [[Paris]].
* [[Weevil]]s were sighted in the sewers of [[Rockall Street]].
* [[Weevil]]s were sighted in the sewers of [[Rockall Street]].
* Jack is from the [[Boeshane Peninsula]].
* Jack is from the [[Boeshane Peninsula]].
=== Sports ===
* Adam implants a false memory of playing [[basketball]] with Gwen.


=== Timeline ===
=== Timeline ===
Line 396: Line 391:
=== Weapons ===
=== Weapons ===
* Gwen threatens Rhys with a [[knife]] and a [[gun]].
* Gwen threatens Rhys with a [[knife]] and a [[gun]].
* Adam is shown holding a [[Dalek enhanced Tommy Gun]].


== Story notes ==
== Story notes ==
* The plot element of the group's memories being changed and a "new member" suddenly appearing among them is a staple trope of the [[science fiction]] genre.
* A family friendly pre-watershed edit of this episode aired at 7:00pm the following day, Thursday [[14 February (releases)|14 February]] [[2008 (releases)|2008]], on [[BBC Two]].
* Whilst filming the kiss between [[Jack Harkness|Jack]] and [[Ianto Jones|Ianto]], the crew pulled a prank on [[John Barrowman]] and [[Gareth David-Lloyd]] by not calling "Cut!" after they had stopped filming, causing the kiss to continue for more than two minutes before the two actors realised what was going on.
* This story finishes with none of the main characters having any memory of what happened whatsoever, making it the only television story which none of the regulars can remember.
* The regular opening flash of sequences is altered, for this episode only, to feature two shots of Adam, furthering the illusion he is part of the Torchwood team.
* The regular opening flash of sequences is altered, for this episode only, to feature two shots of Adam, furthering the illusion he is part of the Torchwood team.
* The sound effects used for the shrieks of the unseen creatures which invaded Jack's home when he was young were the same ones used for the [[Krillitane]]s in ''[[School Reunion (TV story)|School Reunion]]''.
* Owen's phone conversation with his mother suggests a difficult relationship between the two. However, this has never been explored any further.
* The [[Boeshane Peninsula]] and Jack's home are seen. However, the nature of the beings which attacked Jack's family isn't revealed.
* The [[Boeshane Peninsula]] and Jack's home are seen. However, the nature of the beings which attacked Jack's family isn't revealed.
* Adam says he is from "the Void", but it is not known if this is the same [[the Void|Void]] as exists between alternate realities.
* The sound effects used for the shrieks of the unseen creatures which invaded Jack's home when he was young were the same ones used for the [[Krillitane]]s in [[TV]]: ''[[School Reunion (TV story)|School Reunion]]''.
* This story finishes with none of the main characters having any memory of what happened whatsoever, making it the only television story which none of the regulars can remember.
* Whilst filming the kiss between Jack and Ianto, the crew pulled a prank on [[John Barrowman]] and [[Gareth David-Lloyd]] by not calling "Cut!" after they had stopped filming, causing the kiss to continue for more than two minutes before the two actors realised what was going on.


=== Ratings ===
=== Ratings ===
Line 419: Line 411:
* Waterguard Pub (outside), Harbour Drive, Cardiff - ''outside (young) Jack's house''
* Waterguard Pub (outside), Harbour Drive, Cardiff - ''outside (young) Jack's house''
* Fox Street, Splott, Cardiff - ''Ianto 'remembers' the murder in an alley''
* Fox Street, Splott, Cardiff - ''Ianto 'remembers' the murder in an alley''
* BBC Studios, Upper Boat, Tonteg Road, Treforest Industrial Estate, Pontypridd,
* BBC Studios, Upper Boat, Tonteg Road, Treforest Industrial Estate, Pontypridd, Wales
{{Torchwood discontinuity}}
=== Production errors ===


=== Production errors ===
''To be added''
{{Torchwood discontinuity}}
''to be added''


=== Myths ===
=== Myths ===
Line 429: Line 421:


== Continuity ==
== Continuity ==
* Jack has previously mentioned his home, the Boeshane Peninsula. ([[TV]]: ''[[Last of the Time Lords (TV story)|Last of the Time Lords]]'')
* Adam implants a false memory of playing [[basketball]] with Gwen in the hub. The basketball was last seen in [[TV]]: {{cs|Cyberwoman (TV story)}}.
* [[The Void]] is mentioned. ([[TV]]: [[Army of Ghosts (TV story)|''Army of Ghosts'']], ''[[Doomsday (TV story)|Doomsday]], ''[[PROSE]]:'' [[Made of Steel (novel)|Made of Steel]]'')
* Adam is shown holding a [[Dalek enhanced Tommy Gun]]. These were seen in [[TV]]: {{cs|Evolution of the Daleks (TV story)}}.
* Gray was previously mentioned by [[John Hart (Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang)|John Hart]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang (TV story)|Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang]]'')
* Owen brings [[sandwich]]es for Tosh, as she has previously done for Owen in [[TV]]: {{cs|Meat (TV story)}}.
* Owen brings [[sandwich]]es for Tosh as she had done for Owen. ([[TV]]: ''[[Meat (TV story)|Meat]]'')
* Jack previously mentioned his home, the [[Boeshane Peninsula]], to the [[Tenth Doctor]] and [[Martha Jones]]. ([[TV]]: {{cs|Last of the Time Lords (TV story)}}.
* Gwen was given [[Retcon]] to forget Torchwood. ([[TV]]: ''[[Everything Changes (TV story)|Everything Changes]]'') [[Suzie Costello]] fed [[Max Tresilian]] Retcon once a week for two years. ([[TV]]: ''[[They Keep Killing Suzie (TV story)|They Keep Killing Suzie]]'') Gwen put Retcon in Rhys' drink. ([[TV]]: ''[[Combat (TV story)|Combat]]'') Jack told Gwen to give Retcon to Rhys, but she refused. ([[TV]]: ''[[Meat (TV story)|Meat]]'')
* [[John Hart]] has told Jack that he had "found Gray" as claimed in [[TV]]: {{cs|Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang (TV story)}}.
* Ianto's darker thoughts were previously hinted at. ([[TV]]: ''[[Greeks Bearing Gifts (TV story)|Greeks Bearing Gifts]]'')
* Ianto remembers losing [[Lisa Hallett]]. ([[TV]]: {{cs|Cyberwoman (TV story)}}.
* Ianto mentions [[Lisa Hallett]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Cyberwoman (TV story)|Cyberwoman]]'')
* Adam hails from [[the Void]], which was mentioned in [[TV]]: {{cs|Army of Ghosts (TV story)}} and {{cs|Doomsday (TV story)|Doomsday}}.


== DVD releases ==
== Home video releases ==
* ''{{StoryTitle}}'', along with the rest of [[series 2 (Torchwood)|series 2]], was released in a complete series box set in [[2008 (releases)|2008]].
* ''{{StoryTitle}}'', along with the rest of [[series 2 (Torchwood)|series 2]], was released in a complete series box set in [[2008 (releases)|2008]].
* It was also released in the Series 1-4 boxset (Region 2 release: 14 November 2011.)


== Footnotes ==
== Footnotes ==
Line 447: Line 440:
* {{briefhistory|torchwood/2008e.html|Adam}}
* {{briefhistory|torchwood/2008e.html|Adam}}
* {{locguide|adam|Adam}}
* {{locguide|adam|Adam}}
* {{whoniverse|tw2_05|Adam}}
{{TWTV}}
{{TWTV}}
{{TitleSort}}
{{TitleSort}}
[[de:T 18 - Adam]]
[[fr:Adam (Émission TV)]]
[[he:אדם (סיפור טלוויזיה)]]


[[Category:Torchwood television stories]]
[[Category:Torchwood television stories]]
Line 455: Line 452:
[[Category:Stories set in the 2000s]]
[[Category:Stories set in the 2000s]]
[[Category:Stories set in the 51st century]]
[[Category:Stories set in the 51st century]]
[[de:T 18 - Adam]]
[[fr:Adam (Émission TV)]]
[[he:אדם (סיפור טלוויזיה)]]

Latest revision as of 03:49, 22 October 2024

RealWorld.png

You may wish to consult Adam for other, similarly-named pages.

Adam was the fifth episode of Series 2 of Torchwood. It was written by Catherine Tregenna and directed by Andy Goddard. From a production point of view, it marked the last time Tregenna wrote for Torchwood.

It explored Jack Harkness' origins through flashbacks and gave more context to Gray, the mysterious person first mentioned by John Hart in Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang [+]Loading...["Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang (TV story)"]. It also further developed the relationship between Jack and Ianto.

Synopsis[[edit] | [edit source]]

An alien with the power to change memories infiltrates the team. With Captain Jack caught up in memories of his lost family and Gwen struggling to remember Rhys, it takes Jack's love of Ianto to reveal the truth. Yet there's always a price to pay.

Plot[[edit] | [edit source]]

The Torchwood team is examining a strange box when Gwen Cooper arrives, slightly late because she was spending time with Rhys. Looking around, she sees Adam Smith with the others, and asks in confusion who he is; Adam replies "That's what I said to you on your first day...remember?" When Adam puts a hand on her shoulder, Gwen suddenly has false memories of spending time with Adam, including playing basketball. Smiling, she hugs him.

Adam is then seen changing the Torchwood database to add his file into it. Tosh asks him what he was doing, and he says he was updating details on rift activity. Adam and Tosh then kiss, much to the annoyance of Owen, who is wearing glasses. Meanwhile, Jack is down in the cells when he sees a young boy, which causes him to stop in shock. Gwen calls him, but when Jack turns around again, the boy is gone.

Gwen is then seen in her apartment. Rhys comes up behind her and attempts to give her a hug, but Gwen, thinking he is a stalker, points a knife then a pistol at him and gets Jack to come over to her apartment. We learn that all of Gwen's memories of Rhys have been wiped, to the point that she thinks he put up photos of them together while she was gone. However, Jack and the rest of the Torchwood team simply presume it to be amnesia due to stress.

Owen is seen trying to flirt with Tosh unsuccessfully over beers. Jack is out trying to catch another Weevil down in the sewers, but encounters a strange man whom Jack addresses as "Dad", who tells him to get out. Exiting the sewers in a panic, he meets Adam, who has appeared out of nowhere; but when Jack asks him how he got there, Adam implants false memories of him having come with Jack. Adam asks him what he saw in the sewers, to which he replies simply, "My past." He then further imprints himself on Jack's mind, convincing him he joined the crew because Jack felt he could confide in him. Jack then reveals he remembered a buried memory from his childhood on the Boeshane Peninsula: the day "the most horrible creatures" attacked his home, killing his father. Fleeing with his brother Gray, Jack accidentally let go of his hand, and never saw him again. Stricken anew with guilt from having lost his brother, Jack leaves Adam in the rain.

At the Torchwood Hub, Tosh has found that the box is made of wood. Owen asks after the origins of the box, to which Ianto responds that Jack brought it in. However, Tosh insists that Adam found it in an excavation. Ianto leaves to check his diary for the answer. Owen again tries to flirt with Tosh, culminating in a confession of love, but Tosh reacts with anger and scornfully tells Owen he is not her type. Owen is devastated.

Gwen is seen at a general store with Rhys. When they get to the checkout, the cashier leaves to answer a call, despite clearly being able to see Rhys there. Rhys, angry, begins to go off on a rant, to which Gwen laughs. The outburst reminds her of similar occurrences in their past, and she begins to remember Rhys.

Ianto is flipping through his diary and is shocked to find that it contains no mention of Adam at all. Adam then appears behind him, and Ianto questions who he really is. Adam's hand starts to flicker, and we learn that Adam exists simply from people being able to remember him. To keep his secret safe, Adam decides to implant in Ianto memories of murdering three women, claiming that he had forgotten about the thrill he gets from doing this. Ianto sinks to the floor, crying.

Adam leaves, going to Tosh's flat. To celebrate their anniversary, the pair kiss passionately. Adam briefly stops, asking Tosh how far she'd go to protect him. After she confirms she would die for him, they resume kissing.

Meanwhile, Jack is on a rooftop, pondering why he can suddenly remember the "worst day of his life" despite having buried the memory 150 years ago. He returns to the hub, finding Ianto in a delirious state. Ianto tells him to put him in a vault because he is a monster, confessing that he killed three women. However, Jack refuses to believe it, even after the "best lie detector on the planet" confirms Ianto is telling the truth. He pulls up CCTV footage of the Hub and finds Adam implanting the false memories. Recalling Adam touching him earlier, he deduces that touch is how he changed their memories.

Jack, checking the records, finds that not only do they lack a blood sample of Adam, but his file was last updated only 24 hours ago. The day lights then switch on as the others arrive. Owen brings in a bouquet of flowers for Tosh, apologising for how he acted yesterday. Tosh forgives him, confirming she is happy with Adam, who sits at his desk. Gwen then arrives, revealing her memories of Rhys are still hazy. To comfort them, Adam insists on a group hug. Noticing Ianto has not joined them, Adam goes to touch him, but Ianto knocks his hand back. Jack then approaches and holds Adam at gunpoint. Gwen and Owen are confused by this, as they still believe Adam part of the team, and a distraught Tosh pulls her gun on Jack. Ianto grabs her and Jack quickly sends Adam to the cells.

Jack and the others go to the meeting room to discuss Adam. After urging them to remember their true memories from before Torchwood – Gwen of Rhys in high school, Owen of his tenth birthday, Tosh her fondness of maths and Ianto recalling his girlfriend Lisa – Jack hands them all amnesia pills to wipe out their memories of Adam. The only one left, Jack goes to the vaults to have one last talk with Adam. Begging to live, Adam promises to help Jack regain his other, happier memories of his family. Jack agrees, recalling the day he and his father played catch with Gray. However, Adam telepathically implants himself in Jack's revived memory as a stranger who spoiled Jack's day, ruining the happiness of the memory. Adam discloses the nature of the wooden box, it contains his last good memory, of Jack, Jack's father and Gray. Moreover, Adam claims destroying him will remove all Jack's memories of his father. Distraught at losing the real memory, Jack nevertheless takes an amnesia pill, erasing Adam from existence.

The next day, all of the Torchwood team are confused as to why they cannot recall anything from the past 48 hours. Owen is no longer wearing glasses, and claims that Tosh's flowers could not have come from him as he "doesn't do" flowers or apologies; Tosh has also reverted to her old personality. Jack is seen taking Adam's box out of a Torchwood bag, and a small component also falls out. Ianto comes in and Jack gives him his diary, implying he has looked in it by claiming, "Measuring tapes never lie." Seeing the bag is labelled "ADAM'S PROPERTY", he asks Ianto: "Who's Adam?", but Ianto replies that he doesn't know and leaves. Jack, fiddling with the box and the component, manages to open it and finds it to be filled with sand, which he stares at ominously.

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]]

Animals[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Owen tries to give Tosh a screen cleaner in the form of a mouse holding cheese.

Disease and illnesses[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • The team think Gwen has suffered from temporary amnesia.

Food and Beverages[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Adam implants a false memory of making coffee for Gwen.
  • Rhys was going to make Gwen "spag bol", but claims he couldn't do it because of the garlic involved, saying "can't kiss a girl with garlic breath".
  • Owen makes Tosh smoked salmon sandwiches. Tosh goes to get a beer to drink whilst eating them.

Individuals[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Gwen and Rhys met at college. Their first kiss was at a supermarket.
  • Owen says he doesn't "do" flowers or apologies.

Locations[[edit] | [edit source]]

Timeline[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Adam adds himself into the Torchwood records, giving his name as Adam Smith, his birth date as 16 November 1982, and the date that he was recruited into Torchwood as 7 May 2005.

Weapons[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Gwen threatens Rhys with a knife and a gun.

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

  • A family friendly pre-watershed edit of this episode aired at 7:00pm the following day, Thursday 14 February 2008, on BBC Two.
  • The regular opening flash of sequences is altered, for this episode only, to feature two shots of Adam, furthering the illusion he is part of the Torchwood team.
  • The Boeshane Peninsula and Jack's home are seen. However, the nature of the beings which attacked Jack's family isn't revealed.
  • The sound effects used for the shrieks of the unseen creatures which invaded Jack's home when he was young were the same ones used for the Krillitanes in TV: School Reunion.
  • This story finishes with none of the main characters having any memory of what happened whatsoever, making it the only television story which none of the regulars can remember.
  • Whilst filming the kiss between Jack and Ianto, the crew pulled a prank on John Barrowman and Gareth David-Lloyd by not calling "Cut!" after they had stopped filming, causing the kiss to continue for more than two minutes before the two actors realised what was going on.

Ratings[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • 3.79 million viewers[1]

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

  • Talbot Place, Cardiff - exterior Gwen and Rhys' flat
  • The Port Of Cardiff, Cardiff Docks, Wales - Jack comes out of sewers, meets Adam
  • Canal Park, Butetown, Cardiff - Adam following Jack around chatting
  • Coney Beach, Porthcawl - Boeshane Peninsula beach
  • Merthyr Mawr Warren, Merthyr Mawr - beach near (young) Jack's house
  • Waterguard Pub (outside), Harbour Drive, Cardiff - outside (young) Jack's house
  • Fox Street, Splott, Cardiff - Ianto 'remembers' the murder in an alley
  • BBC Studios, Upper Boat, Tonteg Road, Treforest Industrial Estate, Pontypridd, Wales
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.

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

To be added

Myths[[edit] | [edit source]]

Continuity[[edit] | [edit source]]

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

  • Adam, along with the rest of series 2, was released in a complete series box set in 2008.
  • It was also released in the Series 1-4 boxset (Region 2 release: 14 November 2011.)

Footnotes[[edit] | [edit source]]

External links[[edit] | [edit source]]