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''This article refers to the Torchwood episode. For other uses see [[Captain Jack Harkness (disambiguation)]], for the character see [[Jack Harkness]]''
{{title dab away}}
{{real world}}
{{ImageLinkTV}}
{{Infobox Story SMW
|image                = Jack harkness tv main.jpg
|series                = ''[[Torchwood (TV series)|Torchwood]]''
|season number        = Series 1 (Torchwood)
|series episode number = 12
|scripturl      = https://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/documents/torchwood-1-episode-12-captain-jack-harkness-green-revisions-24102006.pdf
|main character        = [[Jack Harkness|Jack]], [[Toshiko Sato|Tosh]], [[Owen Harper|Owen]], [[Ianto Jones|Ianto]], [[Gwen Cooper|Gwen]]
|featuring            =
|enemy                = [[Bilis Manger]]
|setting              = [[Cardiff]], [[2000s]]{{note|Episodes 11-13 of the [[Series 1 (Torchwood)|first series]] of ''[[Torchwood (series)|Torchwood]]'' are set anywhere from [[2007]]-[[2010]] as a result of [[Aliens of London dating controversy|conflicting evidence]] shown in the episodes  {{cs|Ghost Machine (TV story)}}, {{cs|Greeks Bearing Gifts (TV story)}}, {{cs|Random Shoes (TV story)}}, {{cs|To the Last Man (TV story)}}, {{cs|Reset (TV story)}}, {{cs|Adrift (TV story)}}, {{cs|Fragments (TV story)}}, {{cs|Exit Wounds (TV story)}}, and {{cs|The New World (TV story)}}. As episode 10, {{cs|Out of Time (TV story)}}, is set at the end of [[December]], this means that episodes 11-13 are almost certainly set the year after episodes 1-10.}} and [[20 January]] [[1941]]
|writer                = Catherine Tregenna
|director              = [[Ashley Way]]
|producer              = [[Richard Stokes]]
|broadcast date        = 1 January 2007
|network              = BBC Three
|prev                  = Combat (TV story)
|next                  = End of Days (TV story)
|clip                  = Stuck in the blitz - Torchwood - BBC
|clip2                = Owen Opens The Rift Captain Jack Harkness Torchwood
|clip3                = Captain Jack Kisses Captain Jack Captain Jack Harkness Torchwood
|format                = 1x50-minute episode
}}{{dab page|Captain Jack Harkness (disambiguation)}}
'''''Captain Jack Harkness''''' was the twelfth episode in the [[Series 1 (Torchwood)|first series]] of ''[[Torchwood (TV series)|Torchwood]]''. It was written by [[Catherine Tregenna]], and directed by [[Ashley Way]].


{{Template:Infobox Torchwood
By returning Jack Harkness to [[the Blitz]] during [[World War II]], it allowed for a story that explored the origins of the "Jack Harkness" alias. However, in so doing, it left Jack's teammates with even less understanding of who he really was. The episode also introduced the character of [[Bilis Manger]], someone who would play an important role in [[End of Days (TV story)|the series 1 finale]], but who remained a mystery that was never fully unpacked in the television series.
|image = [[Image:Harkness Ritz.jpg|250px]]
 
|story name = Captain Jack Harkness
This episode marked the breaking point for [[Owen Harper]] after letting [[Diane Holmes]] return to her era. Driven wild with pangs to see her again by opening the [[Cardiff Space-Time Rift|Cardiff Rift]], he instinctively tried to set off Torchwood Three's [[rift manipulator]], which led to a falling out with [[Ianto Jones]] at [[Firearm|gunpoint]]. Despite being shot in the shoulder by Ianto, Owen's succeeds in setting off the manipulator. Although his choice rescued Jack and Tosh, it set off a chain of chaotic events leading directly into the [[End of Days (TV story)|next episode]].
|series = [[Torchwood]] - [[List of Torchwood television stories|TV Stories]]
|series number = [[Series 1 (Torchwood)|Series 1]]
|number = 12
|featuring = <ul><li>[[Jack Harkness]]</li><li>[[Gwen Cooper]]</li><li>[[Toshiko Sato]]</li><li>[[Owen Harper]]</li><li>[[Ianto Jones]]</ul>
|enemy = [[Bilis Manger]]
|setting = <ul><li>[[Cardiff]], [[2008]]</li><li>[[Cardiff]], [[1941]]</ul>
|writer = [[Catherine Tregenna]]
|director = [[Ashley Way]]
|producer = [[Richard Stokes]]
|broadcast date = [[1st January]] [[2007]]
|previous story = [[Combat]]
|next story = [[End of Days]]
}}


==Synopsis==
== Synopsis ==
Investigating reports of ghostly music, Jack and Toshiko find themselves stranded in a packed dance hall - in [[1941]]. As Gwen, Owen and Ianto work to rescue their colleagues, Jack and Toshiko meet a handsome young American squadron leader by the name of... Captain Jack Harkness.
Investigating reports of [[ghost]]ly music, [[Jack Harkness|Jack]] and [[Toshiko Sato|Tosh]] find themselves stranded in a packed dance hall — in [[1941]]. As [[Gwen Cooper|Gwen]], [[Owen Harper|Owen]] and [[Ianto Jones|Ianto]] work to rescue their colleagues, Jack and Toshiko meet a handsome young [[American]] squadron leader by the name of Captain [[Jack Harkness (Captain Jack Harkness)|Jack Harkness]].


==Plot==
== Plot ==
Captain [[Jack Harkness]] and [[Toshiko Sato]] investigate a report that music from the 1940s has been drifting out of a derelict dancehall called "The Ritz". They enter the dancehall and are soon transported back to [[20th January]] [[1941]] through a temporal shift. The dancehall is full of 1940s dressed people dancing to the live music.
[[Jack Harkness|Captain Jack Harkness]] and [[Toshiko Sato]] investigate a report that music from the [[1940s]] has been drifting out of a derelict dance hall called "the Ritz". They enter the dance hall and are transported back to [[20 January]] [[1941]] through a temporal shift. The hall is full of people dancing to live music. They go downstairs to return to the present, but cannot resist going back to [[1941]] once more. When they go downstairs for the second time they do not go back to the present, and they realise they are trapped.


In 1941, Jack encounters another American Captain by the name of [[Jack Harkness (1940s)|Captain Jack Harkness]]. Torchwood's Jack quickly invents the name "[[James Harper|Captain James Harper]]". Upon Toshiko interrogating him, "James Harper" reveals that when he used to be a con-man, he took the real Captain Jack Harkness's name as a disguise. Later, he also explains that the real Captain Jack would die a day later during a routine training exercise. "James Harper" and Toshiko devise a plan to leave the second half of an equation on something that will last through time so that, back in the present day, the Torchwood team can discover it and combine it with the half that they have already. The full equation will be able to open the rift and bring Toshiko and "James Harper" back to the present day. Toshiko discovers that the manager [[Bilis Manger]] has a Polaroid camera (which she comments had not yet been invented in 1941 and so is therefore out of its time). While taking the photo, Toshiko misses the first part of the equation and (as Bilis now has the camera) she must find another way to get this first part back to present day. She decides to use her own blood (cutting her hand with a food can) and writes the missing bit of the equation on a card. She puts the card inside the can for the Torchwood team to find. Back in the present day, [[Ianto Jones|Ianto]] and [[Owen Harper|Owen]] discover that they cannot get through to Toshiko when they try and call her and so they instruct [[Gwen Cooper|Gwen]] to go and investigate. Just as Gwen can hear music drifting out from 1941, "James Harper" and Tosiko sometimes hear Gwen's calls drifting the other way. Back at the Torchwood Hub, Ianto and Owen frequently argue over the best way to bring them back from 1941. Owen argues that they should open the rift but Ianto objects commenting that without the full equation, opening the rift could lead to devastation. Ianto also realises that the real reason why Owen wants to open the rift is to bring back [[Diane Holmes|Diane]] (see ''"[[Out of Time]]"'').
Jack encounters an [[American]] captain by the name of [[Jack Harkness (Captain Jack Harkness)|Captain Jack Harkness]]. Torchwood's Jack quickly invents the name "Captain James Harper". When Toshiko asks him, "James Harper" admits he used to be a con-man. He took Jack Harkness's name as a disguise. The real Captain Jack will die the next day in a routine training exercise.


Meanwhile, at The Ritz, Gwen encounters the caretaker called "Bilis Manger" who opens the whole dancehall up for her to have a look around. After Ianto checks with the records, he realises that the Bilis Manger of now is the same Bilis Manger from 1941 and orders her to withdraw from the dancehall. Outside, Gwen finds the hidden photograph left by Toshiko in 1941 and immediately notices the missing part and so continues searching.
"James Harper" and Toshiko devise a plan to leave the second half of an equation on something that will last through time so back in the present day, [[Torchwood Three|Torchwood]] can find it and combine it with the half they have already. The full equation will let them bring Toshiko and "James Harper" back to the present. Toshiko finds the manager, [[Bilis Manger]], has a [[Polaroid]] camera, which has not yet been invented. While taking the photo, Toshiko misses the first part of the equation. When Bilis gets the camera, she must find another way to get this part back to present. She decides to use her own [[blood]] and writes the missing bit of the equation on a card. She puts the card inside a can for the Torchwood team. Back in the present day, [[Ianto Jones|Ianto]] and [[Owen Harper|Owen]] find they cannot get through to Toshiko when they try to call her. They order [[Gwen Cooper|Gwen]] to investigate. Just as Gwen hears music drifting from 1941, "James Harper" and Toshiko hear Gwen's calls drifting the other way. Back at [[the Hub]], Ianto and Owen argue over the best way to bring them back. Ianto realises the real reason why Owen wants to open the rift is to bring back [[Diane Holmes]].


At the Hub, Owen is ignoring Ianto protests and contiues to try and open the rift using the rift manipulator. When trying to activate the manipulator, Owen discovers that there is a piece missing and decides to look for it in Bilis's office.
Meanwhile, at the Ritz, Gwen encounters the caretaker called "Bilis Manger." He opens the hall for her to look around. After Ianto checks with the records, he realises the Bilis Manger of now is the Bilis Manger from 1941 and orders her to withdraw. Outside, Gwen finds the photograph left by Toshiko and notices part is missing. She continues searching.


At The Ritz, Owen find the missing piece embedded within a grandfather clock. Gwen also finds the card left by Toshiko in 1941 and informs Ianto. She also informs then that three of the numbers have been scraped out by someone (most likely Bilis) and reads the message that Toshiko has writen below the equation: ''"Tell my family, I love them."''
At the Hub, Owen ignores Ianto's protests and tries to open the rift with the rift manipulator. Owen finds there is a piece missing and decides to look for it in Bilis's office.


While all this is happening, "James Harper" gets to know the real Captain Jack and slowly begins to fall in love with him. "James Harper" and Captain Jack are joined by Captain Jack's girlfriend, who wishes to be with her boyfriend before he leaves to fight. After the real Captain Jack shows little interest in her, she begins to leave hoping the real Captain Jack with follow. When he does not, "James Harper" insists that Jack kiss his girlfriend goodbye, hinting at his death tomorrow. The real Jack takes "James Harper's" advice and kisses her goodbye. The real Jack believes that this makes things worst as his girlfriend now believes she is in love with him. After snapping at "James Harper", the real Jack storms off but "James Harper" follows him. On the stairs, the two have an argument with "James Harper" arguing that it is okay to be scared and the real Jack arguing that "A captain has to keep his head." After calming down, the two re-tell their worsts experiences of war. The real Jack tells how he saw a young boy shot through the eyes and heard him yelling for his mother as he was shot to death while "James Harper" tells how he had to watch his best friend (whom "James Harper" had persuaded to sign up to the army) tortured by the enemy and killed in front of him.
At the Ritz, Owen finds the missing piece in a grandfather clock. Gwen also finds the card left by Toshiko in 1941 and informs Ianto. She also tells them three of the numbers have been scraped out by someone (most likely Bilis) and reads the message that Toshiko has written below the equation: "Tell my family, I love them."
[[File:Jack_and_james_war_stories.jpg|thumb|Jack and "James" exchange war stories.]]
While all this is happening, "James Harper" gets to know the real Captain Jack and slowly begins to fall in love with him. "James" and Jack are joined by Jack's girlfriend, who wishes to be with him. She makes to leave hoping he will follow. When he does not, "James " insists that Jack [[kiss]] her goodbye, hinting at his death tomorrow. Jack takes "James'" advice, but thinks it has made things worse; now she thinks she loves him. On the stairs, Jack and "James" recount their worst war stories. Jack tells how he saw a young boy shot through the eyes. He yelled for his mother as he died. "James" tells how he had to watch his best friend, whom he had persuaded to enlist, tortured by the enemy and killed in front of him.


Later, during a bomb raid, the real Jack confesses that he is scared and, once the bomb raid is over, the real Jack and "James Harper" decide to have a private conversation away from everyone else. They sit down at a table. The real Jack asks "James Harper" why he ("James Harper) made him (the real Jack) kiss his girlfriend goodbye. "James Harper" hints again, even more so this time, about the real Jack's death tomorrow and that he should "live every moment as if it was [a] last." The real Jack slowly realises that "James Harper" knows something bad is going to happen and under "James's" advice goes to his girlfriend.
Later, during a bomb raid, Jack confesses he is scared. They sit down at a table for a private talk. Jack slowly realises "James" knows something bad is going to happen and goes to his girlfriend.


The real Jack returns later, however, to find "James Harper" who is sitting on a couch on his own. The real Jack joins him. "James" explains that he may have to leave before the night is over to which the real Jack replies that they should then "make the most of now". They hold hands for a few seconds but break contact a few seconds later as they are interrupted by a couple who say they require the "lover's corner". The real Jack tells the couple that he and "James" were just discussing strategies. Jack turns down "James's" offer of them going somewhere else.
Jack returns later, however, to find "James" on his own and joins him. They hold hands for a few seconds but are interrupted by a couple who want the "lover's corner". Jack tells the couple he and "James" were just discussing strategies. Jack turns down "James's" offer to go somewhere else.


Disheartened, "James" returns to the edge of the dance floor where he is joined by Toshiko. Glancing over at the real Jack every now and then, he explains that tomorrow the real Jack will lead his men in a routine training exercise where they are surprised by the Messerschmitts. The real Jack kills three of them before being killed as his plane bursts into flames. The real Jack's men all make it back to safety.
Disheartened, "James" returns to the edge of the dance floor where he is joined by Toshiko. He says tomorrow Jack will lead his men in a routine training exercise to be surprised by the Messerschmitts. Jack kills three of them before dying when his plane bursts into flames. His men all make it back to safety.


Meanwhile, back in the present day and at the Hub, Owen and Ianto are still arguing about the rift. When Owen goes into "James Harper's" safe to retrieve the rift manipulator's blueprints, Ianto attempts to over power Owen and snatch the blueprints from him. Owen, in fact, overpowers Ianto and kicks him to the ground before heading towards the rift manipulator. Shortly after, Owen is ordered to stop by Ianto (who is now pointing a gun at Owen). After Owen taunts Ianto about his relationship with Jack, Ianto shoots Owen in the shoulder to prevent him from placing the missing piece that Owen retrieved earlier from Bilis's office in into the manipulator. Ianto is too late, however. Owen has already placed the piece and the manipulator begins to activate.
[[File:Ianto_threatens_Owen.jpg|thumb|left|Ianto tries to stop Owen from opening the Rift.]]
Back in the present day and at the Hub, Owen and Ianto are still arguing about the rift. When Owen goes into Jack's safe to retrieve the rift manipulator's blueprints, Ianto tries to snatch the blueprints. Owen overpowers Ianto and kicks him to the ground before heading towards the rift manipulator. Ianto orders him to stop. He is now pointing a gun at him. After Owen taunts Ianto about his relationship with Jack, Ianto shoots Owen in the shoulder to stop him. He is too late. The manipulator activates. Owen falls unconscious while Ianto screams at him.


Back in 1941, "James" and Toshiko are now sitting at a table. "James" explains that someone brought him back to life one day and hints (although he does not explicity explain) that he has not been able to die ever since. Getting emotional, "James" apologises to Toshiko for ""dragging" her into "James's" business of which Toshiko reasuringly replies that it was her choice to get involved. "James" promises Toshiko that he will look after her but breaks down when he realises that there is noting that can be done to save the real Jack (whom he now loves).
Back in 1941, "James" and Toshiko sit at a table. "James" explains someone brought him back to life one day and hints he has not been able to die ever since. "James" apologises to Toshiko for "dragging" her into "James's" business. Toshiko replies it was her choice to get involved. "James" promises her he will look after her but breaks down when he realises that there is nothing that can be done to save Jack.


During the next song (that is sung by the live singer), the real Jack is stood at the other side of the dance floor, thinking about all that "James" has told him. The real Jack decides to take "James's" hand and, to the bewilderment of the surrounding people, they beging to dance to the slow music, holding each other and rotating slowly. After a while, "James" and the real Jack go to kiss one another. They are intrupted by the rift bursting open in the doorway. Toshiko rushes to go through the rift and pleads with "James" to follow her commenting that the Torchwood team need him. Tearfully, "James" explains to the real Jack that it is his duty to go and unwillingly lets go of Jack and heads towards the rift. At the last minute, "James" turns around and heads back to the real Jack. "James" kisses Jack passionately on the lips before tearfully and unwillingly letting him go again. In the rift, "James" turns around to face the real Jack who salutes him before he vanishes.
During the next song, Jack stands at the other side of the dance floor, thinking about what "James" has told him. He takes "James's" hand and they begin to dance to the slow music, not even taking mind of the shocked dancers stopping to look at them. They start to [[kiss]], but are interrupted by the rift bursting open in the doorway. Toshiko rushes to it and pleads with "James" to follow her. James" explains to Jack that it is his duty, unwillingly lets go and heads towards the rift. At the last minute, "James" turns back to kiss Jack passionately before letting him go again. In the rift, "James" turns around to face the real Jack who salutes him before he vanishes.


Back in the present day, Gwen gleefully greets Jack and Toshiko as they leave The Ritz. Jack takes one last look at the dancehall before returning back to the Hub.
Back in the present day, Gwen gleefully greets Jack and Toshiko as they leave the Ritz. Jack takes one last look at the dance hall before returning to the Hub.


At the Hub, Owen is performing self-aid on the bullet wound courtesy of Ianto. Ianto comments that he never meant to kill Owen, he was supposed to hit his shoulder. He also explains that there is no sign of Bilis. Toshiko, who is holding some medical equipment for Owen, explains what her and Jack saw in 1941, while Owen taunts Ianto about opening the rift not having any immediate side-effects (see ''"[[End of Days]]"''). Jack walks passed them looking down as he enters his office. Toshiko joins him. They both hold a toast to the real Captain Jack Harkness.
[[File:Jack_toasts_real_jack.jpg|thumb|Jack and Tosh toast his namesake.]]
At the Hub, Owen is performing self-aid on the bullet wound courtesy of Ianto. Ianto says he never meant to kill Owen. He meant to hit his shoulder. He also says there is no sign of Bilis. Toshiko, who is helping Owen, explains what she and Jack saw in 1941, while Owen taunts Ianto about opening the rift not having any immediate side-effects. Owen and Toshiko flirt mildly. Jack walks past them looking down as he enters his office. Toshiko joins him. They toast to the real Captain Jack Harkness.


==Cast==
== Cast ==
*Captain [[Jack Harkness]] - [[John Barrowman]]
* [[Jack Harkness|Captain Jack Harkness]] - [[John Barrowman]]
*[[Gwen Cooper]] - [[Eve Myles]]
* [[Gwen Cooper]] - [[Eve Myles]]
*[[Owen Harper]] - [[Burn Gorman]]
* [[Owen Harper]] - [[Burn Gorman]]
*[[Toshiko Sato]] - [[Naoko Mori]]
* [[Toshiko Sato]] - [[Naoko Mori]]
*[[Ianto Jones]] - [[Gareth David-Lloyd]]
* [[Ianto Jones]] - [[Gareth David-Lloyd]]
*The real [[Jack Harkness (1940s)|Jack Harkness]] - [[Matt Rippy]]
* [[Jack Harkness (Captain Jack Harkness)|The Captain]] - [[Matt Rippy]]
*[[Bilis Manger]] - [[Murray Melvin]]
* [[Bilis Manger|Bilis]] - [[Murray Melvin]]
*[[Nancy Floyd]] - [[Elen Rhys]]
* [[Nancy Floyd|Nancy]] - [[Elen Rhys]]
*[[Audrey (Captain Jack Harkness)|Audrey]] - [[Nadine Beaton]]
* [[Audrey (Captain Jack Harkness)|Audrey]] - [[Nadine Beaton]]
*[[George (Captain Jack Harkness)|George]] - [[Gavin Brocker]]
* [[George (Captain Jack Harkness)|George]] - [[Gavin Brocker]]
*[[Tim]] - [[Peter Sandys-Clarke]]
* [[Tim (Captain Jack Harkness)|Tim]] - [[Peter Sandys-Clarke]]
*[[Young Solider]] - [[Ciaran Joyce]]
* [[Young soldier (Captain Jack Harkness)|Smiler]] - [[Ciaran Joyce]]
*Singer - [[Melissa Moore]]
* [[Singer (Captain Jack Harkness)|Singer]] - [[Melissa Moore]]


==Crew==
== Crew ==
''to be added''
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|2DArtist10=
|OnlineConform=
|OnlineConform2=
|OnlineEditor=Jon Everett
|OnlineEditor2=Matthew Clarke
|RightsExecutive=
|FinanceManager=
|VisualFXProducer=Will Cohen
|VisualFXProducer2=Marie Jones
|VisualFXSupervisor=Barney Curnow
|VisualFXSupervisor2=
|Thanks=
|Thanks2=
|WithThanksTo=
|WithThanksTo2=
|SpecialThanks=
|ConductedAndOrchestratedBy=
|Vocals=
|CounterTenor=
|RecordedBy=
|MixedBy=
|CrouchEnd=
|FromIdeaBy=
|Character1=
|CharCreatedBy1a=
|CharCreatedBy1b=
|Character2=
|CharCreatedBy2a=
|CharCreatedBy2b=
|Character3=
|CharCreatedBy3a=
|CharCreatedBy3b=
|OriginalTheme=
|CastingDirector=Andy Pryor CDG
|CastingDirector2=
|ProductionExec=Julie Scott
|SeniorProductionAccountant=Endaf Emyr Williams
|ProductionAccountant=Ceri Tothill
|SoundRecordist=Dave Baumber
|CostumeDesigner=Ray Holman
|Make-upDesigner=Marie Doris
|VisualEffects=The Mill
|SpecialEffects=Any Effects
|Prosthetics=
|Music=Murray Gold
|Music2=Ben Foster
|Editor=Nick Ames
|ProductionDesigner=Edward Thomas
|ProductionDesigner2=
|DOP=Ray Orton
|LineProducer=
|CoProducer=Chris Chibnall
|AssociateProducer=Sophie Fante
|Writer=Catherine Tregenna
|Writer2=
|Producer=Richard Stokes
|Producer2=
|Director=Ashley Way
|ExecutiveProd=Russell T Davies
|ExecutiveProd2=Julie Gardner
|ExecutiveProd3=
|DedicatedTo=<!--This exact credit never actually used as of April 2010; left for future use-->
|InMemoryOf=
|Note=
}}


==References==
== Worldbuilding ==
*Outside the present day dance hall, there are posters with the text "Vote [[Aliases of the Master#Mr Saxon|Saxon]]".
* Outside the present day dance hall, there are posters with the text "[[Harold Saxon|Vote Saxon]]".
*When Jack and Tosh walk up the stairs at [[The Ritz|the Ritz]] (present-day), there is graffiti on the wall saying [[Bad Wolf meme|Bad Wolf]]. There is also a ''circled P emblem'', which was the emblem of [[the Preachers]].
* There is graffiti on the wall of the Ritz saying [[Bad Wolf meme|Bad Wolf]].
*Some of the objects Owen removes from the safe include the [[life knife]] and [[quantum transducer]].
* The two Jacks dance to the song "[[A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square]]".
===Music===
* Jack mentions that [[Attack on Pearl Harbor|Pearl Harbor]] won't happen until the end of the year.
*''Cocktail Piano'' - Traditional
*''Girl with a Pink Rose'' - Traditional
*''Melancholy Baby'' - Traditional
*''A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square ''- Traditional
*''One O'Clock Jump'' - [[Count Basie]]
*''Unforgettable You'' - Traditional
*''The White Cliffs of the Dover'' - Traditional


==Story notes==
== Story notes ==
''to be added''
* The episode was repeated on [[BBC Two]], two days later at 9:00pm on Wednesday [[3 January (releases)|3 January]] [[2007 (releases)|2007]]; it was edited together with ''[[End of Days (TV story)|End of Days]]'' into an omnibus.
* The events of this episode begin a minor crossover story arc that continue into ''[[End of Days (TV story)|End of Days]]'', then follow on into ''Doctor Who'' with ''[[Utopia (TV story)|Utopia]]'', ''[[The Sound of Drums (TV story)|The Sound of Drums]]'', ''[[Last of the Time Lords (TV story)|Last of the Time Lords]]'', and then coda back into ''Torchwood'' with ''[[Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang (TV story)|Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang]]''.
* There are four Jack Harknesses in this time period. One is the one from this episode that goes back through the rift with Toshiko, the second is the Jack who has volunteered for the RAF seen in [[TV]]: ''[[The Empty Child (TV story)|The Empty Child]]''. The third Jack is the one who attempted to return to the 21st century using his vortex manipulator, but accidentally ended up in 1869 and had to wait until the present day as his vortex manipulator broke thus he is currently living in the era with Torchwood, as established in [[TV]]: ''[[Utopia (TV story)|Utopia]]''. A fourth Jack was also buried in 27 AD only to be dug up in 1901 by Torchwood and put in a cryo-chamber to be awakened later in the 21st century so he is present, just frozen, as revealed in [[TV]]: ''[[Exit Wounds (TV story)|Exit Wounds]]''.
* Jack's original name would later be established as "Javic Piotr Thane" in [[Big Finish]]'s audio story ''[[Month 25 (audio story)|Month 25]]'' in [[2017 (releases)|2017]], ten years after this episode aired.
* The episode essentially came from the idea that the only person that Captain Jack could truly fall in love with would be himself.
* [[John Barrowman]] named this episode as a favourite episode - "Now on a personal level, I was so proud of this because, and I didn't know this. The gentleman who played the other Captain Jack actually said to me afterwards, he said "you know", because he was in tears he was crying, and I said are you okay? Have I done something? Did I do a [[James Marsters]]? Did I slip you a little tongue? And he went 'no no' and he started laughing. and he said "I'm actually, I'm overwhelmed because. I want you to know. what you're doing as a show, as a character is absolutely wonderful for all of us out here you know watching you, because my brother committed suicide a few years back, because he couldn't deal with it, and society wouldn't allow who he was, and he took his own life, and for me to stand here and play a character that represents who my brother was, is an honor for me, but also it means my brother's life wasn't lived in any sort of vain, or his death wasn't anything meaningless" and I had no clue, so for me as the actor for that episode, that was one of the most touching moments, but also It made me realize that in every episode from now on, that we're not only telling stories we're actually impacting people's lives with the messages that we can put across. As we do, were making a difference. And that is why the episode ''Captain Jack Harkness'' is probably one of the most important episodes to me."{{Fact}}


===Ratings===
=== Ratings ===
*BBC3 - 1.2 million viewers
* 1.23 million viewers<ref>[https://www.barb.co.uk/viewing-data/weekly-top-10/ BARB Ratings - October, 2006]</ref>
*BBC2 - 2.1 million viewers


===Myths===
=== Myths ===
*It was rumoured, since it was announced the episode will take place in World War II, the the [[Ninth Doctor]] and [[Rose Tyler|Rose]] would appear. ''This did not happen''.
* The creatures who tortured Captain Jack Harkness' friend and made him watch him die were [[Dalek]]s.


===Filming locations===
=== Filming locations ===
Old Town Hall (Newcastle Street) - Jack and Toshiko investigate a report of ghosts
* Old Town Hall (Newcastle Street) - Jack and Toshiko investigate a report of ghosts
* Baltica - The Ritz dance hall
* Hensol Castle - Ground floor of the Ritz


Baltica - The Ritz dancehall
=== Production errors ===
{{Torchwood discontinuity}}
''to be added''


Hensol Castle - Ground floor of the Ritz
== Continuity ==
* Owen and Ianto argue about their loves for [[Diane Holmes]] and [[Lisa Hallett]] while trying to manipulate and prevent manipulation of the Rift-machine as occurred in [[TV]]: {{cs|Cyberwoman (TV story)}} and {{cs|Out of Time (TV story)}}.
* Owen states that, after [[Suzie Costello]] died during the events of [[TV]]: {{cs|Everything Changes (TV story)}}, he has become second-in-command of Torchwood Three.
* When searching for a book on the Rift-machine, Owen put aside the [[Life Knife]] displayed in [[TV]]: {{cs|Everything Changes (TV story)}}, and {{cs|They Keep Killing Suzie (TV story)}} and the [[Quantum transducer|Ghost Machine]] from [[TV]]: {{cs|Ghost Machine (TV story)}}.
* Jack tells Tosh how he became immortal, as seen in [[TV]]: {{cs|The Parting of the Ways (TV story)}} and how he stole Jack Harkness' identity while posing as a RAF volunteer during World War Two, which he did in [[TV]]: {{cs|The Empty Child (TV story)}}, and {{cs|The Doctor Dances (TV story)}}.
* Owen insults Ianto by saying that he's nothing but a servant, something he had previously described as feeling like by how he is treated, first shown in [[TV]]: {{cs|Cyberwoman (TV story)}}.


===Production errors===
== Home video releases ==
''to be added''
[[File:TWS1Part3.jpg|thumb|Series one, part three DVD cover]]


==Continuity==
=== DVD releases ===
*Jack references the events that take place at the end of [[DW]]: ''[[The Parting of the Ways]]''.
* ''Captain Jack Harkness'' was first released on DVD with three other episodes in ''Torchwood: Series 1, part 3'' on [[26 March (releases)|26 March]] [[2007 (releases)|2007]].
*This episode marks the first of the continuous arc (the end of one episode immediately leading into another) that later switches over to ''Doctor Who'' in ''[[Utopia (TV story)|Utopia]]'' and ends in ''[[Voyage of the Damned]]''.
* It was later included in ''Torchwood: The Complete First Series'' on [[19 November (releases)|19 November]] 2007.
* It was also released in the Series 1-4 boxset (Region 2 release: [[14 November (releases)|14 November]] [[2011 (releases)|2011.]])


*If the events of ''Torchwood'' and ''Doctor Who'' are taken into account there are four Jack Harness's in this time period. One is the one from this episode that goes back through the rift with Toshiko, the second is the Jack who first appeared in [[DW]]: ''[[The Empty Child]]''. It was revealed in [[DW]]: ''[[Utopia (TV story)|Utopia]]'' that after ''[[The Parting of the Ways]]'' Jack attempted to return to the 21st century using his vortex manipulator but accidentally ended up in 1869 and had to wait until present day as his vortex manipulator broke. This would mean that he lived through World War II and would be the third Jack in this era. In [[TW]]: ''[[Exit Wounds]]'' Jack is buried in 27 AD only to be dug up in 1901 by Torchwood and put in a cryo-chamber to be awakened in 2009 meaning that a fourth Jack is in this time period, only frozen.
=== Blu-ray releases ===
* Released in the US with the rest of Series 1 as a Complete First Season set on [[16 September (releases)|16 September]] [[2008 (releases)|2008]].


==Home video releases==
* It was released in the Series 1-3 Blu-ray boxset on [[26 October (releases)|26 October]] [[2009 (releases)|2009]] in the UK. The US release was on [[19 July (releases)|19 July]] [[2011 (releases)|2011]].
Released in Torchwood: The Complete First Series
* It was also released in the Series 1-4 Blu-ray boxset. (Region 2 release: [[14 November (releases)|14 November]] [[2011 (releases)|2011]])


==See also==
== External links ==
''to be added''
{{dwrefguide|torchwood_12.htm|Captain Jack Harkness}}
* {{briefhistory|torchwood/2006l.html|Captain Jack Harkness}}
* {{locguide|captainjackharkness|Captain Jack Harkness}}
* {{whoniverse|tw1_12|Captain Jack Harkness}}


==External links==
== Footnotes ==
*{{dwrefguide|torchwood_12.htm|Captain Jack Harkness}}
=== Notes ===
*{{briefhistory|torchwood/2006l.html|Captain Jack Harkness}}
{{notelist}}
*{{locguide|captainjackharkness|Captain Jack Harkness}}
=== Citations ===
==Footnotes==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
{{Torchwood series 1}}
{{TV stub}}


{{TWTV}}
{{TitleSort}}
[[fr:Captain Jack Harkness]]
[[fr:Captain Jack Harkness]]
[[Category:Torchwood episodes]]
[[he:קפטן ג'ק הארקנס (סיפור טלוויזיה)]]
[[ru:Капитан Джек Харкнесс]]
 
[[Category:Torchwood television stories]]
[[Category:2007 television stories]]
[[Category:Series 1 (Torchwood) stories]]
[[Category:Stories set in Cardiff]]
[[Category:Stories set in the 2000s]]
[[Category:Stories set in 1941]]
[[Category:Stories set in 1941]]
[[Category:Stories set in Cardiff]]
[[Category:Stories set in World War II]]
[[Category:Stories set in 2008]]
[[Category:Abaddon arc]]
[[Category:Harold Saxon arc]]
[[Category:2007 television stories]]

Latest revision as of 14:06, 4 November 2024

RealWorld.png

You may wish to consult Captain Jack Harkness (disambiguation) for other, similarly-named pages.

Captain Jack Harkness was the twelfth episode in the first series of Torchwood. It was written by Catherine Tregenna, and directed by Ashley Way.

By returning Jack Harkness to the Blitz during World War II, it allowed for a story that explored the origins of the "Jack Harkness" alias. However, in so doing, it left Jack's teammates with even less understanding of who he really was. The episode also introduced the character of Bilis Manger, someone who would play an important role in the series 1 finale, but who remained a mystery that was never fully unpacked in the television series.

This episode marked the breaking point for Owen Harper after letting Diane Holmes return to her era. Driven wild with pangs to see her again by opening the Cardiff Rift, he instinctively tried to set off Torchwood Three's rift manipulator, which led to a falling out with Ianto Jones at gunpoint. Despite being shot in the shoulder by Ianto, Owen's succeeds in setting off the manipulator. Although his choice rescued Jack and Tosh, it set off a chain of chaotic events leading directly into the next episode.

Synopsis[[edit] | [edit source]]

Investigating reports of ghostly music, Jack and Tosh find themselves stranded in a packed dance hall — in 1941. As Gwen, Owen and Ianto work to rescue their colleagues, Jack and Toshiko meet a handsome young American squadron leader by the name of Captain Jack Harkness.

Plot[[edit] | [edit source]]

Captain Jack Harkness and Toshiko Sato investigate a report that music from the 1940s has been drifting out of a derelict dance hall called "the Ritz". They enter the dance hall and are transported back to 20 January 1941 through a temporal shift. The hall is full of people dancing to live music. They go downstairs to return to the present, but cannot resist going back to 1941 once more. When they go downstairs for the second time they do not go back to the present, and they realise they are trapped.

Jack encounters an American captain by the name of Captain Jack Harkness. Torchwood's Jack quickly invents the name "Captain James Harper". When Toshiko asks him, "James Harper" admits he used to be a con-man. He took Jack Harkness's name as a disguise. The real Captain Jack will die the next day in a routine training exercise.

"James Harper" and Toshiko devise a plan to leave the second half of an equation on something that will last through time so back in the present day, Torchwood can find it and combine it with the half they have already. The full equation will let them bring Toshiko and "James Harper" back to the present. Toshiko finds the manager, Bilis Manger, has a Polaroid camera, which has not yet been invented. While taking the photo, Toshiko misses the first part of the equation. When Bilis gets the camera, she must find another way to get this part back to present. She decides to use her own blood and writes the missing bit of the equation on a card. She puts the card inside a can for the Torchwood team. Back in the present day, Ianto and Owen find they cannot get through to Toshiko when they try to call her. They order Gwen to investigate. Just as Gwen hears music drifting from 1941, "James Harper" and Toshiko hear Gwen's calls drifting the other way. Back at the Hub, Ianto and Owen argue over the best way to bring them back. Ianto realises the real reason why Owen wants to open the rift is to bring back Diane Holmes.

Meanwhile, at the Ritz, Gwen encounters the caretaker called "Bilis Manger." He opens the hall for her to look around. After Ianto checks with the records, he realises the Bilis Manger of now is the Bilis Manger from 1941 and orders her to withdraw. Outside, Gwen finds the photograph left by Toshiko and notices part is missing. She continues searching.

At the Hub, Owen ignores Ianto's protests and tries to open the rift with the rift manipulator. Owen finds there is a piece missing and decides to look for it in Bilis's office.

At the Ritz, Owen finds the missing piece in a grandfather clock. Gwen also finds the card left by Toshiko in 1941 and informs Ianto. She also tells them three of the numbers have been scraped out by someone (most likely Bilis) and reads the message that Toshiko has written below the equation: "Tell my family, I love them."

Jack and "James" exchange war stories.

While all this is happening, "James Harper" gets to know the real Captain Jack and slowly begins to fall in love with him. "James" and Jack are joined by Jack's girlfriend, who wishes to be with him. She makes to leave hoping he will follow. When he does not, "James " insists that Jack kiss her goodbye, hinting at his death tomorrow. Jack takes "James'" advice, but thinks it has made things worse; now she thinks she loves him. On the stairs, Jack and "James" recount their worst war stories. Jack tells how he saw a young boy shot through the eyes. He yelled for his mother as he died. "James" tells how he had to watch his best friend, whom he had persuaded to enlist, tortured by the enemy and killed in front of him.

Later, during a bomb raid, Jack confesses he is scared. They sit down at a table for a private talk. Jack slowly realises "James" knows something bad is going to happen and goes to his girlfriend.

Jack returns later, however, to find "James" on his own and joins him. They hold hands for a few seconds but are interrupted by a couple who want the "lover's corner". Jack tells the couple he and "James" were just discussing strategies. Jack turns down "James's" offer to go somewhere else.

Disheartened, "James" returns to the edge of the dance floor where he is joined by Toshiko. He says tomorrow Jack will lead his men in a routine training exercise to be surprised by the Messerschmitts. Jack kills three of them before dying when his plane bursts into flames. His men all make it back to safety.

Ianto tries to stop Owen from opening the Rift.

Back in the present day and at the Hub, Owen and Ianto are still arguing about the rift. When Owen goes into Jack's safe to retrieve the rift manipulator's blueprints, Ianto tries to snatch the blueprints. Owen overpowers Ianto and kicks him to the ground before heading towards the rift manipulator. Ianto orders him to stop. He is now pointing a gun at him. After Owen taunts Ianto about his relationship with Jack, Ianto shoots Owen in the shoulder to stop him. He is too late. The manipulator activates. Owen falls unconscious while Ianto screams at him.

Back in 1941, "James" and Toshiko sit at a table. "James" explains someone brought him back to life one day and hints he has not been able to die ever since. "James" apologises to Toshiko for "dragging" her into "James's" business. Toshiko replies it was her choice to get involved. "James" promises her he will look after her but breaks down when he realises that there is nothing that can be done to save Jack.

During the next song, Jack stands at the other side of the dance floor, thinking about what "James" has told him. He takes "James's" hand and they begin to dance to the slow music, not even taking mind of the shocked dancers stopping to look at them. They start to kiss, but are interrupted by the rift bursting open in the doorway. Toshiko rushes to it and pleads with "James" to follow her. James" explains to Jack that it is his duty, unwillingly lets go and heads towards the rift. At the last minute, "James" turns back to kiss Jack passionately before letting him go again. In the rift, "James" turns around to face the real Jack who salutes him before he vanishes.

Back in the present day, Gwen gleefully greets Jack and Toshiko as they leave the Ritz. Jack takes one last look at the dance hall before returning to the Hub.

Jack and Tosh toast his namesake.

At the Hub, Owen is performing self-aid on the bullet wound courtesy of Ianto. Ianto says he never meant to kill Owen. He meant to hit his shoulder. He also says there is no sign of Bilis. Toshiko, who is helping Owen, explains what she and Jack saw in 1941, while Owen taunts Ianto about opening the rift not having any immediate side-effects. Owen and Toshiko flirt mildly. Jack walks past them looking down as he enters his office. Toshiko joins him. They toast to the real Captain Jack Harkness.

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

Casting

General post-production staff

Special and visual effects

Sound



Not every person who worked on this adventure was credited. The absence of a credit for a position doesn't necessarily mean the job wasn't required. The information above is based solely on observations of the actual end credits of the episodes as broadcast, and does not relay information from IMDB or other sources.


Worldbuilding[[edit] | [edit source]]

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

  • The episode was repeated on BBC Two, two days later at 9:00pm on Wednesday 3 January 2007; it was edited together with End of Days into an omnibus.
  • The events of this episode begin a minor crossover story arc that continue into End of Days, then follow on into Doctor Who with Utopia, The Sound of Drums, Last of the Time Lords, and then coda back into Torchwood with Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang.
  • There are four Jack Harknesses in this time period. One is the one from this episode that goes back through the rift with Toshiko, the second is the Jack who has volunteered for the RAF seen in TV: The Empty Child. The third Jack is the one who attempted to return to the 21st century using his vortex manipulator, but accidentally ended up in 1869 and had to wait until the present day as his vortex manipulator broke thus he is currently living in the era with Torchwood, as established in TV: Utopia. A fourth Jack was also buried in 27 AD only to be dug up in 1901 by Torchwood and put in a cryo-chamber to be awakened later in the 21st century so he is present, just frozen, as revealed in TV: Exit Wounds.
  • Jack's original name would later be established as "Javic Piotr Thane" in Big Finish's audio story Month 25 in 2017, ten years after this episode aired.
  • The episode essentially came from the idea that the only person that Captain Jack could truly fall in love with would be himself.
  • John Barrowman named this episode as a favourite episode - "Now on a personal level, I was so proud of this because, and I didn't know this. The gentleman who played the other Captain Jack actually said to me afterwards, he said "you know", because he was in tears he was crying, and I said are you okay? Have I done something? Did I do a James Marsters? Did I slip you a little tongue? And he went 'no no' and he started laughing. and he said "I'm actually, I'm overwhelmed because. I want you to know. what you're doing as a show, as a character is absolutely wonderful for all of us out here you know watching you, because my brother committed suicide a few years back, because he couldn't deal with it, and society wouldn't allow who he was, and he took his own life, and for me to stand here and play a character that represents who my brother was, is an honor for me, but also it means my brother's life wasn't lived in any sort of vain, or his death wasn't anything meaningless" and I had no clue, so for me as the actor for that episode, that was one of the most touching moments, but also It made me realize that in every episode from now on, that we're not only telling stories we're actually impacting people's lives with the messages that we can put across. As we do, were making a difference. And that is why the episode Captain Jack Harkness is probably one of the most important episodes to me."[source needed]

Ratings[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • 1.23 million viewers[1]

Myths[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • The creatures who tortured Captain Jack Harkness' friend and made him watch him die were Daleks.

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

  • Old Town Hall (Newcastle Street) - Jack and Toshiko investigate a report of ghosts
  • Baltica - The Ritz dance hall
  • Hensol Castle - Ground floor of the Ritz

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.

to be added

Continuity[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Owen and Ianto argue about their loves for Diane Holmes and Lisa Hallett while trying to manipulate and prevent manipulation of the Rift-machine as occurred in TV: Cyberwoman [+]Loading...["Cyberwoman (TV story)"] and Out of Time [+]Loading...["Out of Time (TV story)"].
  • Owen states that, after Suzie Costello died during the events of TV: Everything Changes [+]Loading...["Everything Changes (TV story)"], he has become second-in-command of Torchwood Three.
  • When searching for a book on the Rift-machine, Owen put aside the Life Knife displayed in TV: Everything Changes [+]Loading...["Everything Changes (TV story)"], and They Keep Killing Suzie [+]Loading...["They Keep Killing Suzie (TV story)"] and the Ghost Machine from TV: Ghost Machine [+]Loading...["Ghost Machine (TV story)"].
  • Jack tells Tosh how he became immortal, as seen in TV: The Parting of the Ways [+]Loading...["The Parting of the Ways (TV story)"] and how he stole Jack Harkness' identity while posing as a RAF volunteer during World War Two, which he did in TV: The Empty Child [+]Loading...["The Empty Child (TV story)"], and The Doctor Dances [+]Loading...["The Doctor Dances (TV story)"].
  • Owen insults Ianto by saying that he's nothing but a servant, something he had previously described as feeling like by how he is treated, first shown in TV: Cyberwoman [+]Loading...["Cyberwoman (TV story)"].

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

Series one, part three DVD cover

DVD releases[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Captain Jack Harkness was first released on DVD with three other episodes in Torchwood: Series 1, part 3 on 26 March 2007.
  • It was later included in Torchwood: The Complete First Series on 19 November 2007.
  • It was also released in the Series 1-4 boxset (Region 2 release: 14 November 2011.)

Blu-ray releases[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Released in the US with the rest of Series 1 as a Complete First Season set on 16 September 2008.
  • It was released in the Series 1-3 Blu-ray boxset on 26 October 2009 in the UK. The US release was on 19 July 2011.
  • It was also released in the Series 1-4 Blu-ray boxset. (Region 2 release: 14 November 2011)

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

Footnotes[[edit] | [edit source]]

Notes[[edit] | [edit source]]

  1. ↑ Episodes 11-13 of the first series of Torchwood are set anywhere from 2007-2010 as a result of conflicting evidence shown in the episodes Ghost Machine [+]Loading...["Ghost Machine (TV story)"], Greeks Bearing Gifts [+]Loading...["Greeks Bearing Gifts (TV story)"], Random Shoes [+]Loading...["Random Shoes (TV story)"], To the Last Man [+]Loading...["To the Last Man (TV story)"], Reset [+]Loading...["Reset (TV story)"], Adrift [+]Loading...["Adrift (TV story)"], Fragments [+]Loading...["Fragments (TV story)"], Exit Wounds [+]Loading...["Exit Wounds (TV story)"], and The New World [+]Loading...["The New World (TV story)"]. As episode 10, Out of Time [+]Loading...["Out of Time (TV story)"], is set at the end of December, this means that episodes 11-13 are almost certainly set the year after episodes 1-10.

Citations[[edit] | [edit source]]

  1. ↑ BARB Ratings - October, 2006
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