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{{real world}}
{{real world}}
{{ImageLinkTV}}
{{ImageLinkTV}}
{{Infobox Story
{{Infobox Story SMW
|image                = Immortal sins main.jpg
|image                = Immortal sins main.jpg
|series                = ''[[Torchwood (TV series)|Torchwood]]''
|series                = ''[[Torchwood (TV series)|Torchwood]]''
|season number        = Series 4 (Torchwood)
|season number        = Series 4 (Torchwood)
|series episode number = 7
|series episode number = 7
|main character        = [[Jack Harkness|Jack]], [[Gwen Cooper|Gwen]], [[Angelo Colasanto|Angelo]]
|main character        = [[Jack Harkness|Jack]], [[Gwen Cooper|Gwen]]
|featuring            = Andy Davidson
|featuring            = Rex Matheson
|featuring2            = Mary Cooper
|featuring2            = Esther Drummond
|featuring3            = Anwen Williams
|featuring3            = Rhys Williams
|featuring4            = Rhys Williams
|featuring4            = Mary Cooper
|featuring5            = Rex Matheson
|featuring5            = Anwen Williams
|featuring6            = Esther Drummond
|featuring6            = Andy Davidson
|enemy                = [[Olivia Colasanto]], [[Trickster's Brigade]]
|enemy                = [[Angelo Colasanto]]
|setting              = {{il|[[New York City]], [[1927]] and [[1928]]|[[Swansea]] Bay and [[Los Angeles]], [[2011]]}}
|setting              = {{il|[[New York City]], [[1927]] and [[1928]]|[[Swansea]] Bay and [[Los Angeles]], [[2011]]}}
|writer                = [[Jane Espenson]]
|writer                = Jane Espenson
|director              = [[Gwyneth Horder-Payton]]
|director              = [[Gwyneth Horder-Payton]]
|producer              = [[Kelly A Manners]]
|producer              = [[Kelly A Manners]]
|broadcast date        = [[19 August (releases)|19 August]] [[2011 (releases)|2011]] (Starz)<br/>[[25 August (releases)|25 August]] [[2011 (releases)|2011]] (BBC One)
|broadcast date        = 19 August 2011
|network              = [[BBC One]], [[Starz]]
|network              = Starz
|prev                  = The Middle Men (TV story)
|prev                  = The Middle Men (TV story)
|next                  = End of the Road (TV story)
|next                  = End of the Road (TV story)
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|clip2                =  
|clip2                =  
|format = 1x55-minute episode<br/>Part 7 of 10}}
|format = 1x55-minute episode<br/>Part 7 of 10}}
'''''{{StoryTitle}}''''' was the seventh episode of [[Series 4 (Torchwood)|Series 4]] of ''[[Torchwood (TV series)|Torchwood]]''. It was written by [[Jane Espenson]], directed by [[Gwyneth Horder-Payton]] and featured [[John Barrowman]] as [[Jack Harkness]], [[Eve Myles]] as [[Gwen Cooper]], [[Kai Owen]] as [[Rhys Williams]], [[Mekhi Phifer]] as [[Rex Matheson]] and [[Alexa Havins]] as [[Esther Drummond]].
'''''{{StoryTitle}}''''' was the seventh episode of [[Series 4 (Torchwood)|Series 4]] of ''[[Torchwood (TV series)|Torchwood]]''. It was written by [[Jane Espenson]], directed by [[Gwyneth Horder-Payton]] and featured [[Rex Matheson]] and [[Esther Drummond]] resigned to cameo roles. For the most part, it consisted of a flashback in pre-[[Great Depression|Depression]] era [[New York City]], which introduced the character of [[Angelo Colasanto]], a lover that [[Jack Harkness]] met while standing in line at [[Ellis Island]].


For the most part, it consisted of a flashback in pre-[[Great Depression|Depression]] era [[New York City]]. It importantly introduced the character of [[Angelo Colasanto]], a lover that [[Jack Harkness]] met while standing in line at [[Ellis Island]]. Colasanto's granddaughter [[Olivia Colasanto|Olivia]] — played by ''[[Star Trek (franchise)|Star Trek]]'' regular [[Nana Visitor]] — also made her debut. [[Rex Matheson]] and [[Esther Drummond]] were resigned to cameo roles while [[Gwen Cooper]] played an important part in the final acts of the episode. From a continuity standpoint, it was clearly the single episode of ''Miracle Day'' which made the most references to the broader [[DWU]], even giving a shout-out to a ''[[Sarah Jane Adventures]]'' [[the Trickster|character]]. Narratively speaking, it was the only episode in the Miracle Day arc to feature the appearance of an [[Brainspawn|alien]].
From a continuity standpoint, it was clearly the single episode of ''Miracle Day'' which made the most references to the broader [[DWU]], even referencing the ''[[The Sarah Jane Adventures]]'' character [[the Trickster]]. Narratively speaking, it was the only episode in the ''Miracle Day'' arc to feature the appearance of [[Brainspawn|an alien]].
 
This showed a first in Jack's long life, albeit a flashback. Jack had wanted to take Angelo along with him as both his lover and companion, having been inspired by how the Doctor (a near-immortal) made the loneliness of a long life more bearable by having someone to share some time with.


== Synopsis ==
== Synopsis ==
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[[Gwen Cooper|Gwen]] drives [[Jack Harkness|Jack]] through [[California]] to bring him to the people holding her family.
[[Gwen Cooper|Gwen]] drives [[Jack Harkness|Jack]] through [[California]] to bring him to the people holding her family.


Flashbacks are seen of Jack's past. In [[1920s]] [[New York City]], he awaits his visa at [[Ellis Island]]. [[Angelo Colasanto]] steals it. Jack confronts him, retrieves his [[passport|visa]] and visits Angelo in his cell. They talk, and Jack uses technology to create a visa for Angelo.
Flashbacks are seen of Jack's past. In [[1920s]] [[New York City]], he awaits his visa at [[Ellis Island]]. [[Angelo Colasanto]] steals it. Jack confronts him, retrieves his [[passport|visa]] and visits Angelo in his cell. They talk, and Jack uses technology to create a [[visa]] for Angelo.


Angelo is freed and enters a relationship with Jack. At one point, they are retrieving an alien from a base when Jack is shot dead. Angelo is captured and imprisoned. Jack returns to [[America]] after Angelo's release. Angelo is terrified by Jack's [[immortality]].
Angelo is freed and enters a relationship with Jack. At one point, they are retrieving an alien from a base when Jack is shot dead. Angelo is captured and imprisoned. Jack returns to [[America]] after Angelo's release. Angelo is terrified by Jack's [[immortality]].
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Angelo takes Jack to the [[butcher]] shop beneath their room. There are people terrified of Jack. They sadistically attack him with knives, [[Firearm|guns]] and meat hooks to kill him and collect his [[blood]]. Three men visit Jack. They seem to know something about his immortality. Angelo, overwhelmed with horror and guilt, eventually lets Jack go. Jack quickly recovers and flees with Angelo to a rooftop, where he explains his immortality before jumping off to his "death". When Angelo reaches the ground, Jack is gone.
Angelo takes Jack to the [[butcher]] shop beneath their room. There are people terrified of Jack. They sadistically attack him with knives, [[Firearm|guns]] and meat hooks to kill him and collect his [[blood]]. Three men visit Jack. They seem to know something about his immortality. Angelo, overwhelmed with horror and guilt, eventually lets Jack go. Jack quickly recovers and flees with Angelo to a rooftop, where he explains his immortality before jumping off to his "death". When Angelo reaches the ground, Jack is gone.


As Gwen and Jack arrive, [[Rex Matheson|Rex]] and [[Esther Drummond|Esther]] have contacted [[Andy Davidson]] in [[Wales]]. He has freed Gwen's family. They train snipers on the three people who want Jack. Jack says he has won, but they say that Jack will come with them anyway. They have the information about [[Miracle Day|the Miracle]] he wants. Angelo is still alive. He has something to do with the Miracle.
As Gwen and Jack arrive, [[Rex Matheson|Rex]] and [[Esther Drummond|Esther]] have contacted [[Andy Davidson]] in [[Wales]]. He has freed Gwen's family. They train [[sniper]]s on the three people who want to capture Jack. Jack says he has won, but they say that Jack will come with them anyway because they have the information about [[Miracle Day|the Miracle]] that he wants to know. Angelo is still alive. He has something to do with the Miracle.


== Cast ==
== Cast ==
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}}
}}


== References ==
== Worldbuilding ==
 
=== Language ===
=== Language ===
* "Grazie" means "thank you" in [[Italian language|Italian]].
* "Grazie" means "thank you" in [[Italian language|Italian]].
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* Jack and Angelo have a room in [[Little Italy]] in [[1927]].
* Jack and Angelo have a room in [[Little Italy]] in [[1927]].
* In 1927, Jack and Angelo visit [[Blessed Saints' Cathedral]].
* In 1927, Jack and Angelo visit [[Blessed Saints' Cathedral]].
* A [[Brainspawn|mysterious box]] is located at [[Gallaco Wharf]], Bay Five.
* A [[Brainspawn|mysterious box]] is located at [[Gallaco Wharf]] in Bay Five.
* Someone above Maranzano found a weapon and told him to hold it until after the state [[election]] and then ship it to [[Albany]].
* Someone above Maranzano found a weapon and told him to hold it until after the state [[election]] and then ship it to [[Albany]].
* [[Sing Sing Prison]] was founded in [[1826]].
* [[Sing Sing Prison]] was founded in [[1826]].
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=== Culture ===
=== Culture ===
* A girl is seen smoking a [[cigarette]].
* A girl is seen smoking a [[cigarette]].
* It is the [[Fourth of July]] when Jack and Angelo become lovers. Angelo thinks that the [[firework]]s are [[bomb]]s.
* It is the [[Fourth of July]] when Jack and Angelo become lovers. Angelo initially thinks that the [[firework]]s are [[bomb]]s.


=== Religion ===
=== Religion ===
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=== History ===
=== History ===
* Had the [[Trickster's Brigade]] succeeded, they would have had America pulling out of [[World War II]] and the triumph of [[Germany]] and the [[Third Reich]].
* Had [[the Trickster's Brigade]] succeeded, they would have had America pulling out of [[World War II]] and the triumph of [[Germany]] and the [[Third Reich]].


== Story notes ==
== Story notes ==
* Jack explains that the [[Brainspawn|brain parasite]] would rewrite history by enabling the [[Third Reich]] to win the [[World War II|Second World War]]. One week and a day after this episode was broadcast in the US and only two days after it was broadcast in the UK, the ''Doctor Who'' episode ''[[Let's Kill Hitler (TV story)|Let's Kill Hitler]]'' featured [[Adolf Hitler]] in a cameo role and was set in [[Nazi]] [[Germany]] in [[1938]]. In this episode [[Melody Pond]] expressed an interest in killing Hitler.
* Writer [[Jane Espenson]] cites ''Immortal Sins'' as her favourite work as a writer.<ref>http://www.buzzfeed.com/jarettwieselman/the-write-stuff#.knGpmYoyR</ref>
* This is the first time that Jack is killed onscreen during Series 4. He is killed at least seven times in this episode, including being shot, being stabbed, being disembowelled, having his throat slashed, and falling from a great height.
* Jack explains that the [[Brainspawn|brain parasite]] would rewrite history by enabling the [[Third Reich]] to win the [[World War II|Second World War]]. One week and a day after this episode was broadcast in the US and only two days after it was broadcast in the UK, the ''Doctor Who'' episode ''[[Let's Kill Hitler (TV story)|Let's Kill Hitler]]'' featured [[Adolf Hitler]] in a cameo role and was set in [[Nazi]] [[Germany]] in [[1938]].
* Writer [[Jane Espenson]] cites ''Immortal Sins'' as her favourite thing she's written.<ref>http://www.buzzfeed.com/jarettwieselman/the-write-stuff#.knGpmYoyR</ref>
* This is the first time that Jack is killed onscreen during Series 4. He is killed at least seven times in this episode, including being shot, being stabbed, being disemboweled, having his throat slashed, and falling from a great height.


=== Ratings ===
=== Ratings ===
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=== Filming locations ===
=== Filming locations ===
''to be added''
''to be added''
=== Broadcasts ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Date
!Time
!Channel
!class="unsortable"|Notes
|-
|[[Thursday]] [[25 August (releases)|25 August]] [[2011 (releases)|2011]]
|21:00
|[[BBC One]]
|First broadcast.
|-
|[[Tuesday]] [[30 August (releases)|30 August]] [[2011 (releases)|2011]]
|00:40
|[[BBC HD]] & [[BBC Two]] except [[BBC Two Scotland|Scotland]]
|
|-
|[[Tuesday]] [[30 August (releases)|30 August]] [[2011 (releases)|2011]]
|01:05
|[[BBC Two Scotland]]
|
|}


=== Production errors ===
=== Production errors ===
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== Continuity ==
== Continuity ==
* The [[Fourth Doctor]] and [[the Captain]] discussed [[Clarke's Law]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Pirate Planet (TV story)|The Pirate Planet]]'') It has also been mentioned by the [[Seventh Doctor]] ([[TV]]: ''[[Battlefield (TV story)|Battlefield]]'') and the [[Thirteenth Doctor|Thirteenth]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Witchfinders (TV story)|The Witchfinders]]'')
* Esther watches the video clip Rex recorded of [[Vera Juarez]]'s demise to see its viewing figures; her death occurred in [[TV]]: {{cs|The Categories of Life (TV story)}}.
* Jack had a dialogue with Angelo similar to one the [[Ninth Doctor]] had with [[Rose Tyler]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Rose (TV story)|Rose]]'')
* Gwen talks about when she first joined Torchwood, and her first day on the job, shown in [[TV]]: {{cs|Everything Changes (TV story)}} and {{cs|Day One (TV story)}} respectively.
* Gwen talks about when she first joined Torchwood. ([[TV]]: ''[[Everything Changes (TV story)|Everything Changes]]'', ''[[Day One (TV story)|Day One]]'')
* Jack told Angelo that [[Bad Wolf (entity)|something happened to him]], alluding to his resurrection by [[Rose Tyler]] in [[TV]]: {{cs|The Parting of the Ways (TV story)}} and that he is a [[fixed point in time]], as the [[Tenth Doctor]] surmised in [[TV]]: {{cs|Utopia (TV story)}}.
* Angelo thinks that Jack has been possessed by the [[Satan|Devil]]. [[Jilly Kitzinger]] and [[Oswald Danes]] have also reference the Devil. ([[TV]]: ''[[Rendition (TV story)|Rendition]]'') [[Stuart Owens]] would also say that Jack seemed to think he was the Devil in suit. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Middle Men (TV story)|The Middle Men]]'')
* Jack advises Angelo to start saving money, alluding to the [[Great Depression]] that will occur with the 1930s, depicted in [[TV]]: {{cs|Daleks in Manhattan (TV story)}} and also [[World War II]], which Jack experienced, as displayed in [[TV]]: {{cs|The Empty Child (TV story)}}.
** The [[Tenth Doctor]] would also meet [[The Beast (The Impossible Planet)|the Beast]] who claimed to be the origin of the Devil/Satan. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Impossible Planet (TV story)|The Impossible Planet]]''/''[[The Satan Pit (TV story)|The Satan Pit]]'')
* Jack and Angelo encounter an alien associated with the [[Trickster's Brigade]]. The Trickster's minions have previously tried to change history, notably with [[Sarah Jane Smith]], as shown in [[TV]]: {{cs|Whatever Happened to Sarah Jane? (TV story)}} and {{cs|The Temptation of Sarah Jane Smith (TV story)}}, and [[Donna Noble]] as displayed in [[TV]]: {{cs|Turn Left (TV story)}}.
* [[The Doctor]] and his way of travelling with [[companion]]s is mentioned. ([[TV]]: ''[[An Unearthly Child (TV story)|An Unearthly Child]]'' et al.)
* When Esther opens the Eye-5 computer programme, past dialogue can be found, which was recorded during the events of [[TV]]: {{cs|Escape to LA (TV story)}} and {{cs|The Middle Men (TV story)}}.
* Jack told Angelo that [[Bad Wolf (entity)|something happened to him]], ([[TV]]: ''[[The Parting of the Ways (TV story)|The Parting of the Ways]]'') and that he is a [[fixed point in time]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Utopia (TV story)|Utopia]]'') Jack has previously shown knowledge of temporal theory. ([[TV]]: ''[[Boom Town (TV story)|Boom Town]]'', ''[[The Parting of the Ways (TV story)|The Parting of the Ways]]'')
* The creature Jack and Angelo found was intended to infect [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] and disrupt history for [[the Trickster's Brigade]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Turn Left (TV story)|Turn Left]]'', ''[[Whatever Happened to Sarah Jane? (TV story)|Whatever Happened to Sarah Jane?]]'', ''[[The Temptation of Sarah Jane Smith (TV story)|The Temptation of Sarah Jane Smith]]'', ''[[The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith (TV story)|The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith]]'')
* When Esther opens the Eye-5 computer programme, past dialogue can be found. ([[TV]]: ''[[Escape to LA (TV story)|Escape to LA]]'', ''[[The Middle Men (TV story)|The Middle Men]]'')
* A brief video clip was shown of the "death" of [[Vera Juarez]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Categories of Life (TV story)|The Categories of Life]]'')
* Jack was subjected to similar torture aboard the ''[[Valiant (aircraft carrier)|Valiant]]'', where {{Simm}} killed him repeatedly for fun. ([[TV]]: ''[[Last of the Time Lords (TV story)|Last of the Time Lords]]'')
* When Angelo asks what other secrets Jack learned from the Doctor, Jack tells him to run. ([[TV]]: ''[[Rose (TV story)|Rose]]'', ''[[The Doctor's Daughter (TV story)|The Doctor's Daughter]]'', ''[[Amy's Choice (TV story)|Amy's Choice]]'', ''[[A Good Man Goes to War (TV story)|A Good Man Goes to War]]'')


== Home video releases ==
== Home video releases ==

Latest revision as of 12:03, 17 January 2024

RealWorld.png

Immortal Sins was the seventh episode of Series 4 of Torchwood. It was written by Jane Espenson, directed by Gwyneth Horder-Payton and featured Rex Matheson and Esther Drummond resigned to cameo roles. For the most part, it consisted of a flashback in pre-Depression era New York City, which introduced the character of Angelo Colasanto, a lover that Jack Harkness met while standing in line at Ellis Island.

From a continuity standpoint, it was clearly the single episode of Miracle Day which made the most references to the broader DWU, even referencing the The Sarah Jane Adventures character the Trickster. Narratively speaking, it was the only episode in the Miracle Day arc to feature the appearance of an alien.

Synopsis[[edit] | [edit source]]

Gwen must fight to protect her family. She takes a terrifying journey covering miles and decades with Jack as the long history of the Miracle is partially revealed.

Plot[[edit] | [edit source]]

Gwen drives Jack through California to bring him to the people holding her family.

Flashbacks are seen of Jack's past. In 1920s New York City, he awaits his visa at Ellis Island. Angelo Colasanto steals it. Jack confronts him, retrieves his visa and visits Angelo in his cell. They talk, and Jack uses technology to create a visa for Angelo.

Angelo is freed and enters a relationship with Jack. At one point, they are retrieving an alien from a base when Jack is shot dead. Angelo is captured and imprisoned. Jack returns to America after Angelo's release. Angelo is terrified by Jack's immortality.

Angelo takes Jack to the butcher shop beneath their room. There are people terrified of Jack. They sadistically attack him with knives, guns and meat hooks to kill him and collect his blood. Three men visit Jack. They seem to know something about his immortality. Angelo, overwhelmed with horror and guilt, eventually lets Jack go. Jack quickly recovers and flees with Angelo to a rooftop, where he explains his immortality before jumping off to his "death". When Angelo reaches the ground, Jack is gone.

As Gwen and Jack arrive, Rex and Esther have contacted Andy Davidson in Wales. He has freed Gwen's family. They train snipers on the three people who want to capture Jack. Jack says he has won, but they say that Jack will come with them anyway because they have the information about the Miracle that he wants to know. Angelo is still alive. He has something to do with the Miracle.

Cast[[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



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]]

Language[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • "Grazie" means "thank you" in Italian.

Locations[[edit] | [edit source]]

Individuals[[edit] | [edit source]]

Technology[[edit] | [edit source]]

The Miracle[[edit] | [edit source]]

Culture[[edit] | [edit source]]

Religion[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Angelo is a Christian.
  • Jack says he hears Angelo's beads clicking at night.
  • Angelo and Mr Giardano believe Jack to be "il diavolo" after he learns Jack can resurrect and by how he "seduces with confidence".

Law[[edit] | [edit source]]

Substances[[edit] | [edit source]]

Species[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Jack calls the parasite a species of Brainspawn which tastes like oysters. The head of the parasite drills into the brain of the host and deposits larvae, turning the host insane.
  • A Firebird is a bird made of fire.

History[[edit] | [edit source]]

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

  • Writer Jane Espenson cites Immortal Sins as her favourite work as a writer.[1]
  • Jack explains that the brain parasite would rewrite history by enabling the Third Reich to win the Second World War. One week and a day after this episode was broadcast in the US and only two days after it was broadcast in the UK, the Doctor Who episode Let's Kill Hitler featured Adolf Hitler in a cameo role and was set in Nazi Germany in 1938.
  • This is the first time that Jack is killed onscreen during Series 4. He is killed at least seven times in this episode, including being shot, being stabbed, being disemboweled, having his throat slashed, and falling from a great height.

Ratings[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • UK: 4.48 million (Final BARB ratings)[2]
  • US: 0.92 million

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

to be added

Broadcasts[[edit] | [edit source]]

Date Time Channel Notes
Thursday 25 August 2011 21:00 BBC One First broadcast.
Tuesday 30 August 2011 00:40 BBC HD & BBC Two except Scotland
Tuesday 30 August 2011 01:05 BBC Two Scotland

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.
  • After Gwen receives the message "Bring us Jack", the next thing she sees is "Keep the lenses in. We'll be watching". But later on when Esther looks at the message history of the lenses, the last one sent was "Bring us Jack."

Continuity[[edit] | [edit source]]

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.[3] In Australia, it was released in Region 4 DVD and Region B Blu-Ray on 1 December 2011.[4] In New Zealand, the same sets were released on 7 December 2011.[5] In North America, it was released on Region 1 DVD and Region Free Blu-Ray on 3 April 2012.[6]
  • It was also released in the Series 1-4 boxset (Region 2 release: 14 November 2011.)

Footnotes[[edit] | [edit source]]