Rendition (TV story): Difference between revisions

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{{title|{{#sub:''{{PAGENAME}}|(|-10|}}'' (TV story)}} {{real world}}{{Infobox Torchwood
{{title dab away}}
|story name      = Rendition
{{real world}}
|image           = [[File:PoisonedJack.jpg|250px]]
{{ImageLinkTV}}
|series           = [[Torchwood]] - [[List of Torchwood television stories|TV stories]]
{{Infobox Story SMW
|series number   = [[series 4 (Torchwood)|4]]
|image                   = PoisonedJack.jpg
|number           = 2
|series                 = ''[[Torchwood (TV series)|Torchwood]]''
|featuring        = [[Jack Harkness]]<br>[[Gwen Cooper]]<br>[[Rhys Williams]] (cameo)<br>[[Rex Matheson]]<br>[[Esther Drummond]]<br> [[Oswald Danes]]
|season number           = Series 4 (Torchwood)
|enemy           = [[Central Intelligence Agency]]<br>[[Brian Friedkin]]<br>[[Lyn Peterfield]]<br> [[Rex Matheson]] (redeems himself)
|series episode number   = 2
|setting          = [[22nd March]] [[2011]]
|main character          = [[Jack Harkness|Jack]], [[Gwen Cooper|Gwen]], [[Rex Matheson|Rex]], [[Esther Drummond|Esther]], [[Oswald Danes|Oswald]], [[Rhys Williams|Rhys]]
|writer           = [[Doris Egan]]
|featuring              = Vera Juarez
|director         = [[Billy GierHart]]
|featuring2              = Jilly Kitzinger
|producer         =  
|featuring3              = Andy Davidson
|broadcast date   = [[15th July]] [[2011]] (USA)<br>[[16th July]] [[2011]] (Australia)<br>[[21st July]] [[2011]] (UK)
|featuring4              = Noah Vickers
|previous story  = [[The New World]]
|featuring5              = Anwen Williams
|next story      = [[Dead of Night]]
|enemy                   = [[Brian Friedkin]]
}}'''''Rendition''''' was the second episode of ''[[Torchwood: Miracle Day]]''.  
|setting                = A flight between [[Heathrow Airport|Heathrow]] and [[Washington Dulles International Airport|Dulles]], [[22 March]] [[2011]]
|writer                 = Doris Egan
|director               = [[Billy Gierhart]]
|producer               = [[Kelly A Manners]]
|broadcast date         = 15 July 2011
|network                = Starz
|prev                    = The New World (TV story)
|next                   = Dead of Night (TV story)
|clip                    =
|clip2                  =
|trailer                =
|format = 1x50-minute episode<br/>Part 2 of 10}}
'''''Rendition''''' was the second episode of [[Series 4 (Torchwood)|Series 4]] of ''[[Torchwood (TV series)|Torchwood]]''. It was written by [[Doris Egan]], and directed by [[Billy Gierhart]]. It reinforced that Jack had lost his [[immortality]] and showed that there were other forces at work trying to prevent him and Gwen from investigating the Miracle.


== Synopsis ==
== Synopsis ==
Jack and Gwen travel to America on a [[aeroplane|plane]], with Rhys left behind in England. Jack is poisoned en-route. Esther discovers more about Torchwood and about those seeking to stop her finding out more. Vera Juarez attends a conference and finds out there will be even more ways that the Human race will run itself to painful extinction. Oswald Danes appears to a national audience, winning, of all things; sympathy.
[[Jack Harkness]] and [[Gwen Cooper]] travel to the [[United States of America|United States]] by [[aeroplane|plane]]. [[Rhys Williams]] is left behind in [[Wales]]. Jack is [[poison]]ed en route, while [[Esther Drummond]] discovers more about [[Torchwood Three]] and those seeking to stop her. [[Vera Juarez]] attends a conference and learns there will be even more ways for the [[human]] race to run itself to painful extinction. [[Oswald Danes]] appears to a national audience, winning, of all things, sympathy.


== Plot ==
== Plot ==
Jack and Gwen are bundled onto a plane headed to America, with Rhys and [[Anwen Williams|Anwen]] being left behind. Jack's [[Vortex Manipulator]] confiscated, Jack and Gwen are stuck handcuffed on a plane with Rex and [[Lyn Peterfield]], CIA agent.
[[Rex Matheson|Rex]] and his security escort arrive [[Heathrow Airport]] with [[Jack Harkness|Jack]] and [[Gwen Cooper|Gwen]], finding fellow CIA agent [[Lyn Peterfield]] has been sent to help him, much to his annoyance. She tells him that they had better hurry up as both the Brittan and the U.S. are asking questions about this. The police force Gwen and Jack towards the plane, with Jack telling Gwen not to resist as it will only amuse Rex. Rex has also taken Jack's vortex manipulator.


Oswald Danes, convicted rapist and murderer, is being interviewed on TV. Prior to the interview, Oswald takes most of the food for the people at the station, much to a woman's disgust. On TV, when asked if he has anything to say, he cries and says he's sorry. Esther and other CIA agents watch on the TV, and Oswald wins some agents' sympathy. After the interview, Oswald and a Police Officer go into a lift, where Jilly Kitzinger congratulates him on his performance, knowing that he was acting. Jilly offers him her card, when Oswald tears the card outside the lift, after he had received news of another interview.
However, Rex stops [[Rhys Williams|Rhys]] from boarding the plane, explaining that only members of [[Torchwood Three|Torchwood]] need to be taken. Rex orders him to be taken back to [[Wales]] with [[Anwen Williams|Anwen]]. Rhys tries lying that he's a secret member, but is not believed, being taken to the van with Anwen. Gwen yells threats and swears at Rex and Lyn, telling her family that she will be back.


On the plane, Rex attempts to examine Jack's Vortex Manipulator, but just hears beeping. Jack tells him that he has low sodium levels, and that he needs salt. Rex calls Vera Juarez, who confirms that he does have low sodium levels.
[[Oswald Danes]], newly released convicted rapist and murderer, is interviewed on [[television|TV]]. Before the interview, Oswald takes most of the food for the people at the station, to a female production assistant's disgust. She tells him that she wants him to die. On the air, he is questioned about the kind of person he is. At one point, he is shown a picture of [[Susie Cabina]], his victim. Asked what he would say to Susie's mother if she's watching, Oswald is stunned but mumbles something. When asked to repeat himself, Oswald says that he's sorry for what he did, breaking down into a sobbing fit as he apologises for the person he is.


Dr. Juarez then attends a conference in [[Washington DC]], where she discovers that the miracle isn't all a miracle. People still age when they're dead, and they'll eventually shrivel up and shrink. Also, supplies will decrease radically, and the ever growing population could become a big problem.
[[Esther Drummond|Esther]] and other CIA agents watch on the TV. [[Charlotte Wills]] notes that she's not buying the act. However, Esther tells her that they should have some sympathy as the Miracle has only made life harder for people like him.


Meanwhile, Esther discovers her user has been deleted from the CIA database, after she discovered people in Rex's office. She then discovers she has had a bribe, and she gets ready to contact Rex.
Oswald and a [[police]] officer enter a lift. [[Jilly Kitzinger]] congratulates him on his performance, certain he was acting. Jilly offers her card, but Oswald makes a point of tearing it up outside the lift after he had received news of another interview. Jilly, still trying to win Oswald over, explains if Satan walked the earth, he would need representation. However, Danes counters, by saying if Satan DID walk the earth, "He would truly be working in PR."


Back on the plane, Jack asks for a Coke, when Lyn slips some arsenic into it. When she is discovered, she is handcuffed and Gwen and Rex work together, with help from Vera and the others at the conference, to create an antidote. Lyn attempts to stop them and frees herself, when Gwen punches her, knocking her unconscious. Gwen and Rex successfully save Jack and Gwen is handcuffed again.
On the plane, Gwen and Jack catch up; she's angry that he took so long, thus putting Anwen in danger. However, Jack easily counters most of her angry comments by asking, "Did you miss me?"; she does. Gwen then goes on to say that she thought the next time they met would be like a fairy tale; she'd be an old woman and he'd still be the same. Rex interrupts them, asking what Jack's vortex manipulator is. Not answering, Jack asks if anyone is investigating [[morphic field]]s, going on to explain the basics of it. He then decides to make fun of Rex, pointing out that the beeping coming from his manipulator means he has low sodium levels and needs [[salt]]. Rex calls Dr [[Vera Juarez]], who confirms this diagnosis; Rex asks for salty [[pretzel]]s.


When Jack, Gwen, Rex and Lyn arrive, Esther contacts Rex and tells him about his office and her user, and Lyn slowly removes her fake handcuffs. Rex then notices he has had a much larger bribe, as he has received a text message. He then lets Jack and Gwen go, and he knocks the guards out and twists Lyn's neck. Vera and Esther then both arrive in cars outside the airport, and Jack, Gwen and Rex get into Esther's. Vera drives off, and a Lyn with a twisted neck stumbles in front of their car, surviving still because of the miracle. The four then drive off.
Dr Juarez attends a conference in [[Washington DC|Washington, D.C]]. She learns the scope of the problems that [[Miracle Day|the Miracle]] is causing. People still age and can be critically injured; a fellow [[doctor]] compares it to the [[Greece|Greek]] story of Tithonus. She overhears that skin cells will continue to grow as old cells die and the Miracle is species-specific to [[human]]s. Germs will become resistant to medicine as they have an eternity to feed on bodies and grow stronger. Vera also learns food and medical supplies will drop rapidly and the ever growing population could become a big problem.


==Cast==
Meanwhile, Esther talks to [[Brian Friedkin]] about the malware (unable to remember that Jack released it to keep Gwen safe), saying she wants to follow up on it as investigating unusual programs are kind of her passion; she mentions that she also works closely with Rex, when prompted by Friedkin. After she leaves, Friedkin examines Esther's file to see if she is valuable or expendable. Receiving an e-mail from Lyn - "investigate morphic fields?" - Friedkin pulls out a red phone and texts the message. A single word comes back - "Remove". He e-mails the message to Lyn.
*[[Jack Harkness]] - [[John Barrowman]]
*[[Gwen Cooper]] - [[Eve Myles]]
*[[Rex Matheson]] - [[Mekhi Phifer]]
*[[Esther Drummond]] - [[Alexa Havins]]
*[[Rhys Williams]] - [[Kai Owen]]
*[[Oswald Danes]] - [[Bill Pullman]]
*[[Vera Juarez|Dr. Vera Juarez]] - [[Arlene Tur]]
*[[Jilly Kitzinger]] - [[Lauren Ambrose]]
*[[Noah Vickers]] - [[Paul James]]
*[[Charlotte Willis]] - [[Marina Benedict]]
*[[Brian Friedkin]] - [[Wayne Knight]]
*[[Andy Davidson]] - [[Tom Price]]
*[[Lyn Peterfield]] - [[Dichen Lachman]]
*[[Goeff Reed]] - [[Tug Coker]]
*[[Lianna]] - [[Halley Feiffer]]
*[[Danny (Rendition)|Danny]] - [[Finn Wittrock]]
*[[George Sayer]] - [[Richard Augustine]]
*[[Bridget Howe]] - [[Amy Benedict]]
*[[Greta]] - [[Erin Chenoweth]]
*[[Yu-King So]] - [[Ewan Chung]]
*[[Laurie]] - [[Rachel Leah Cohen]]


==Crew==
On the plane, Jack asks for a [[Cola|Coke]]. Saying that she'll supervise, Lyn heads after one of the flight attendants, [[Danny (Rendition)|Danny]]; she tells him to ask Rex what he wants, giving herself an opening to slip [[arsenic]] into Jack's drink. Danny tells her that Rex has had too many pain killers to want a drink; she hands him the Coke for Jack and cup of water for Gwen. Jack and Gwen talk about what she was up to; she planned on planting [[roses]]. Once Jack drinks his poison, Lyn smiles to herself.
''to be added''
 
Moments later, Jack gets up, noting he doesn't feel well. Rex takes him to the bathroom, where he begins vomiting repeatedly. Mocking him, Rex hopes Jack isn't airsick as it would be ironic, given he dresses like a pilot. Jack sees his reflection, reminding Rex that he told him that somebody has been trying to eliminate Torchwood the moment the Miracle began. Rex is amused, wondering if that means food poisoning; Jack counters any disease could kill him as his body has not developed any immunities to anything given his immortality meant he never needed it. Rex quips that Jack's immortality has left him a hypochondriac.
 
Back at the CIA, Esther discovers Rex's account has been deleted from the CIA database after she sees agents she doesn't know in Rex's office, altering his [[computer]]. At her station, Esther discovers that her own password no longer works; she receives a call from her bank, asking about investment options. To her horror, Esther discovers she's received a lot of money from a [[Chinese]] bank account, framing her as a double agent. She steals [[Charlotte Wills]]' ID and car keys, fleeing the building; she sets up false leads to buy herself time. Upon reaching the exit of the parking garage, she sweet-talks the guard into letting her pass.
 
Onboard the plane, Danny informs Gwen and Jack that there wasn't enough time at Heathrow for a handover of medicine. Gwen points out that Danny gave Jack a drink, and now he's feeling ill; however, she then realises that Lyn went to supervise him, finding the idea someone needs to be supervised pouring a drink ridiculous. When Lyn points out Gwen's blaming everyone now, Gwen retorts "It's either you or the big, [[sexuality|gay]] steward; so my money's on you." Danny insists that he's not gay.
 
Rex asks for Lyn's purse, but she refuses; he takes it by force and finds a bag of pills. Gwen points out she was right, but Lyn says it's medicine, Gwen and Rex try having Lyn take one to prove it isn't poison; she admits it's indeed poison, but she runs a lot of agents who would sometimes need poison. When asked what she gave Jack, Lyn remains silent; Rex handcuffs her to her seat. Jack asks for the pills, identifying each one and asking for his symptoms. Realising he's been given [[Arsenic]], Jack mentions a [[Slovenia]]n boyfriend of his that took some for better skin; Rex is confused by this as such a habit only happened in the [[1800s]].
 
Rex calls Vera at the conference, convincing her that Jack is the only mortal man left in the world and he's in danger of dying from arsenic and the only things they have to work with are chemicals on a plane. The group comes up with a plan to save Jack: improvised EDTA. When they attempt to inject Jack with the antidote, Lyn breaks frees of her cuffs and kicks the syringe away. Gwen confronts Lyn, who insults her by calling her English; Gwen proudly declares she is Welsh then punches Lyn out cold and injects Jack with the EDTA, causing him pain at the cost of curing him. A relieved Rex handcuffs Gwen again.
 
Jack, Gwen, Rex and Lyn arrive at [[Washington Dulles International Airport|Dulles]], Esther has been trying to contact Rex. She tells him about his office and her account. Having been given a key by one of the corrupt agents Friedkin sent, Lyn slowly unlocks her handcuffs. Rex notices via a text message that he has also been "bribed", and received even more money than Esther. Thinking on his feet, he babbles an excuse from the 456 amendments, which supposedly enforce him to remove Jack and Gwen's handcuffs, basing it on one important principle. Confused, Gwen asks what he means. Rex replies: "bullshit", promptly striking one guard in the face - the three fight off the agents. Still distrustful, Gwen and Jack race off. Rex goes to follow but is surprised by Lyn, who beats him to the floor. He recovers, snapping her neck. Vera and Esther arrive in cars outside the airport. Rex regroups with Jack and Gwen, informing them they need him since they are trapped in America now. The three exit the airport and get into Esther's [[car]]. Vera drives off. Lyn, with a twisted neck, stumbles in front of their car, surviving because of the Miracle. She tries to harm them, but falls over, making Vera run over to assist her. The four drive off. Panicking, Esther wonders what's happening. Calmly, Gwen says, "Welcome to Torchwood."
 
== Cast ==
* [[Jack Harkness]] - [[John Barrowman]]
* [[Gwen Cooper]] - [[Eve Myles]]
* [[Rex Matheson]] - [[Mekhi Phifer]]
* [[Esther Drummond]] - [[Alexa Havins]]
* [[Rhys Williams]] - [[Kai Owen]]
* [[Oswald Danes]] - [[Bill Pullman]]
* [[Vera Juarez|Dr Vera Juarez]] - [[Arlene Tur]]
* [[Charlotte Wills]] - [[Marina Benedict]]
* [[Noah Vickers]] - [[Paul James]]
* [[Brian Friedkin]] - [[Wayne Knight]]
* [[Andy Davidson]] - [[Tom Price]]
* [[Lyn Peterfield]] - [[Dichen Lachman]]
* [[Jilly Kitzinger]] - [[Lauren Ambrose]]
* [[Geoff Reed]] - [[Tug Coker]]
* [[Lianna (Rendition)|Lianna]] - [[Halley Feiffer]]
* [[Danny (Rendition)|Danny]] - [[Finn Wittrock]]
* [[George Sayer]] - [[Richard Augustine]]
* [[Bridget Howe]] - [[Amy Benedict]]
* [[Man 2 (Rendition)|Man #2]] - [[Sedly Bloomfield]]
* [[Airport security cop|Airport Security Cop]] - [[Antonio D. Charity]]
* [[Greta (Rendition)|Greta]] - [[Erin Chenoweth]]
* [[Yu-King So]] - [[Ewan Chung]]
* [[Laurie (Rendition)|Laurie]] - [[Rachel Leah Cohen]]
* [[Man 1 (Rendition)|Man #1]] - [[Joseph Eid]]
* [[Assistant (Rendition)|Assistant]] - [[Chrissie Marie Fit]]
* [[ER nurse (Rendition)|ER Nurse]] - [[Bari Hochwald]]
* [[Paul Goldstein]] - [[Scott Hoxby]]
* [[Simran Baidwan]] - [[Ronobir Lahiri]]
* [[Gate guard (Rendition)|Gate Guard]] - [[Don Luce]]
* [[Mandrell (Rendition)|Dr. Mandrell]] - [[David O'Donnell]]
* [[James Percey]] - [[Jefferey Self]]
* [[Woman (Rendition)|Woman]] - [[Kristi Swensson]]
* [[EMT (Rendition)|EMT]] - [[Luke White]]
* [[Government clerk|Government Clerk]] - [[A. J. Tannen]]
* [[Security chief (Rendition)|Security Chief]] - [[Glenn Taranto]]
* [[Paul Bell|Dr. Paul Bell]] - [[Richard Wharton]]
 
 
== Crew ==
{{wales crew
|CreatedBy=Russell T Davies
|Writer=Doris Egan
|Writer2=
|Director=Billy Gierhart
|Producer=Kelly A Manners
|ExecutiveProd=Russell T Davies
|ExecutiveProd2=Julie Gardner
|ExecutiveProd3=Jane Tranter
|ExecutiveProd4=
|ExecutiveProd5=
|CoExecutiveProd=Vlad Wolynetz
|CoExecutiveProd2=Doris Egan
|AssociateProducer=Skip Schoolnik
|Casting=John Frank Levey, CSA
|Casting2=Melanie Burgess
|DOP=Christopher Faloona
|Editor=Padraic McKinley
|ProductionDesigner=Gregory Melton
|ProductionDesigner2=
|UnitProductionManager=Robert D. Nellans
|1stAD=Jefferson Kibbee
|2ndAD=Carla Bowen
|3rdAD=
|Score=Murray Gold
|AssistantComposer=Stu Kennedy
|CostumeDesigner=Shawna Trpcic
|CameraOperator=Jeff Greeley
|ChiefLightingTechnician=Don Mosley
|KeyGrip=Isaac Chee
|SetDesigner=Arthur Chadwick
|SetDecorator=Natali Pope
|LocationManager=Joe Akerman
|TransportationCoordinator=Heath Culp
|ConstructionCoordinator=Chris Forster
|KeyMake-upArtist=Todd McIntosh
|KeyHairStylist=Susan Boyd
|ScienceAdvisor=John Sotos, M.D.
|PropertyMaster=Eric Bates
|ProductionAccountant=Vince Robinette
|ScriptSupervisor=Paula Hunziker
|ProductionSoundMixer=Julian Howarth
|AssistantEditor=Matt Woolley
|ProductionExec=Shelley Stevens
|SupervisingSoundEditor=Walt Newman
|Co-supervisor=Ken Young
|MusicEditor=Tom Trafalski
|Re-recordingMixer=Dan Hiland
|Re-recordingMixer2=Gary Rogers
|PostProdSupervisor=Kenneth Requa
|SpecialMake-upFX=Greg Nicotero
|SpecialMake-upFX2=Howard Berger
|ComputerGraphics=Twisted Media
|VisualEffects=Lion Visual Effects, Inc.
|VisualFXSupervisor=Michael D. Leone
|HighDefPostProduction=Modern Videofilm, Inc.
|PostProductionSound=Warner Bros.
|Note=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".
|Note2=
|Note3=
|Note4=
|Note5=
|Note6=<!--And so on, up to Note20-->
<!--
 
This is the end of the "standard" Miracle Day credit roll.  However
some episodes also had credits for UK crews.  That section begins below.
Do not fill in unless there are credits which explicitly specify a "UK Crew".
Note that Torchwood credits don't carry a "US crew" tag because it's a US show.
 
-->
|UKProducer=
|UKLineProducer=
|UKProductionExecutive=
|UKUnitManager=
|UK1stAD=
|UKProductionCoordinator=
|UKProductionDesigner=
|UKMake-UpDesigner=
|UKAssociateCostumeDesigner=
|UKProductionAccountant=
|UKLocationManager=
|UKCasting=
|UKSpecialEffects=
|UKAerialUnit=
|UKGrip=
|UKGrip2=
}}
 
== Worldbuilding ==
* According to Rex's text message, it is the [[22 March]] [[2011]] when he arrives in the [[USA]].
* Online videos about [[Oswald Danes]] include [[Oswald Danes (video)|Oswald Danes]], [[Oswald Danes Auto-Tune]] and [[Oswald Danes Remix]].
 
=== Politics ===
* Rex suggests that Gwen writes to her [[Member of Parliament|MP]].
* The Indian [[prime minister]] announces his desire to reconcile with [[Pakistan]].
* A legal campaign to reverse Danes' [[force majeure]] has already gathered over half a million [[US dollar|dollars]].
* [[China]]'s making threats to the [[UN]], escalating the trade war.
* On [[15 January]] [[2011]], the [[Senate Committee for Drugs and Alcohol]] voted to ring fence the national stockpile of surplus drugs for use only by the [[Civil Defense programme]].
 
=== Technology ===
* Rex confiscates [[Jack Harkness' vortex manipulator|Jack's vortex manipulator]]. It bleeps when it registers his low blood sodium levels.
* Following his interview, Danes is trending on [[Twitter]] with [[forgive|#forgive]].
* The [[ACRS]] is the de-icing system on a plane.
 
=== Vehicles ===
* Esther drives a blue [[Mini]].
* Gwen is sorely disappointed by the getaway car Esther has for the group, thinking the Americans should have big, boastful [[SUV]]s.
 
=== Locations ===
* Jack and Gwen are being escorted to [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] headquarters at [[Langley]].
* The [[Atlantic]] is between [[Great Britain]] and the [[USA]].
* Gwen and Jack are taken from [[Heathrow Airport]] to [[Washington Dulles International Airport]].
* Charlotte mentions an event in [[Rwanda]], where a [[Hutu]] village was destroyed.
* Eighty percent of [[India]] is [[Hindu]], and therefore believe in [[reincarnation]].
* Vera attends a panel at [[Washington DC City Hall]].
* [[Tel Aviv Medical]] is in [[Israel]].
* Esther mentions [[Beijing]] and [[Virginia]].


== References ==
=== Individuals ===
* Rex continues to refer to Jack as "[[World War II]]" and notes his clothing makes him look like a flying ace.
* Rhys refers to himself as "a secret member" of Torchwood.
* Esther handed in a report to [[Alan (Rendition)|Alan]], regarding possible conflict between [[India]] and [[Pakistan]].
* Psychologist [[Grace London]] is to be asked whether the miracle will make suicide rates go up or down.
* Oswald spent six years in [[solitary confinement]].
* Vera compares Rex to her [[Vera Juarez' ex-husband|ex-husband]], who calls her for [[drug]]s and [[sex]].
* A doctor asks [[Samuel (Rendition)|Samuel]] to start again and reorganise the patients.
* Vera requests after the [[Dean of Medicine]], but is told that she is at the panel.
* Jilly works in [[public relations]].
* [[Tepper (Rendition)|Mr Tepper]] sends Lianna after Danes, where she tells him that [[Oprah Winfrey]]'s people are on the phone.
* [[Howard (Rendition)|Howard]] at [[Mass General]] keeps asking for more [[antibiotics]].
* Jack believes it is possible that during his immortality he has never developed any resistance, and Rex replies that immortality leads to [[hypochondria]].
* Charlotte needs to pass a message to [[Alan (Rendition)|Alan]], who is writing part of the [[President of the United States|President]]'s briefing.
* [[Carla Hennessy]] calls from [[Pacific Monument Bank]] thanking Esther following a wire transfer of fifty thousand dollars from [[China]].
* Esther asks Noah to tell [[Forsyth (Rendition)|Forsyth]] that she has had to go to Cyber Division.
* Jack had a [[Slovenia]]n boyfriend in the [[1800s]] who took [[arsenic]] for his skin.
* Vera is acting [[Head of Surgery]].


===[[:Category:Biology|Biology]]===
=== CIA ===
*The continued use of [[antibiotics]] (and other [[:Category:Drugs and medicines|drugs and medicines]]) and the lack of people dying will further the production/evolution of drug resistant bacteria.
* Clandestine and Intelligence are directorates of the [[Central Intelligence Agency]], as is Cyber Division. Each has a [[CIA section chief|section chief]].
*Human flesh effected by Miracle Day continues to age.


===[[::Category:Drugs and medicines|Drugs and medicines]]===
=== Drugs and medicines ===
*Rex is given an [[aspirin]] on the plane by Danny, it was found in the co-pilot's shirt pocket.
* Rex is given an [[aspirin]] on the plane by [[Danny (Rendition)|Danny]]. It was found in the co-pilot's shirt pocket.


===[[:Category:Elements|Elements]]===
=== Foods and beverages ===
*Jack is poisoned with [[arsenic]], and saved with a concoction made with (amongst other things); [[silver]], [[cyanide]], degreaser.
* Rex asks Danny to get him a [[vodka]].
* Oswald mentions that [[prison guard]]s [[piss]]ed in his food. He tried to cover it up with [[cream]], [[gravy]] and [[salt]] but the piss had a way of enduring.
* Rex requests some [[pretzel]]s while on the plane — the [[salt]]y kind.
* Jack asks for a [[cola]] while on the plane.
* Gwen drinks [[water]] whilst on the plane.
* An assistant takes [[coffee]] orders at the panel.


===[[:Category:Foods and beverages|Food and beverages]]===
=== Theories and concepts ===
*Jack asks for a cola while on the plane.
* Jack speaks at length about the [[Sheldrake Theory]], regarding [[morphic field]]s and how their manipulation may have created the [[Miracle Day]].
*Gwen drinks [[water]] whilst on the plane.  
* An interviewer on TV talks about a [[Malthusian disaster]].
*Rex requests some [[pretzel]]s while on the plane.
* The first sixty minutes after trauma are referred to as the [[golden hour]].
* Churches are empty as people no longer want to hear about [[Heaven (afterlife)|heaven]].
* Oswald and Jilly mention [[Satan|the Devil]] in humorous context.
* Jim mentions the [[Greek]] story of [[Tithonus]], who was given immortality by [[Zeus]] but not eternal youth, so he eventually shrank into a [[cicada]].


===[[:Category:Individuals|Individuals]]===
=== Biology ===
*Jack had a boyfriend who took arsenic for his skin.
* A woman admitted to hospital has flaccid [[tetraparesis]].
* A doctor asks for [[morphine]] and [[neurosurgery]] for his patients.
* Gwen had planned to plant [[Rugosa (rose)|Rugosa]] [[rose]]s in front of the cottage.
* A man on one of the panels mentions that [[apoptosis]] is still going on in humans.
* A woman mentions that [[ape]]s, [[chimp]]s and [[bonobo]]s are all dying as usual, and only humans are affected.
* Another man states they are running out of [[organ donor]]s for [[transplant]]s.
* [[Human]] flesh affected by [[Miracle Day]] continues to age.
* [[Koontz (Rendition)|Koontz]] reports that [[cellular necrosis]] has stopped at Tel Aviv Medical.
* The continued use of [[antibiotics]] (and other drugs and medicines) and the lack of people dying will further the production/evolution of drug-resistant bacteria, such as [[MRSA]].
* Jack asks whether his lips are blue to determine whether he has [[cyanosis]] caused by [[cyanide]].
* Jack has [[headache]], [[nausea]] and [[convulsions]].


===[[:Category:Theories and concepts|Theories and concepts]]===
=== Broadcasters ===
*Jack speaks at length about [[morphic field]]s, and how that their manipulation may have created the [[Miracle Day]].
* Oswald attends an interview at [[WWCN]].


===[[:Category:Vehicles|Vehicles]]===
=== Elements ===
*Esther steals a blue [[Mini]].
* Jack is poisoned with [[arsenic]] and saved by [[chelation]] with [[EDTA]], or Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, made on the plane from (amongst other things) [[silver]], [[cyanide]], and [[ammonia]].
* Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid can be made using [[formaldehyde]] and [[ethylenediamine]].
* Formaldehyde is made by [[oxygen|oxidising]] [[methanol]].
* [[Dichloroethane]] is found in degreaser.


== Story notes ==
== Story notes ==
''to be added''
* Unlike broadcasts of ''[[Doctor Who]]'', and the previous series of ''Torchwood'', ''Miracle Day'' was broadcast in the United States, Canada and Australia before the United Kingdom.
:* United States - [[15 July (releases)|15 July]] [[2011 (releases)|2011]]
:* Australia and Canada - [[16 July (releases)|16 July]] 2011
:* United Kingdom - [[21 July (releases)|21 July]] 2011
* In the airport scene where Jack kicks a CIA officer in the face, [[John Barrowman]] announced at Comic Con that he actually kicked the actor in the nose for real and "busted" it.{{source}}


=== Ratings ===
=== Ratings ===
''to be added''
* UK: 5.75 million (Final BARB ratings)(Final BARB ratings)<ref>[https://www.barb.co.uk/viewing-data/weekly-top-10/ BARB Ratings - June, 2011]</ref>
* US: 0.98 million


=== Myths ===
=== Filming locations ===
''to be added''
''to be added''


=== Filming locations ===
=== Broadcasts ===
''to be added''
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Date
!Time
!Channel
!class="unsortable"|Notes
|-
|[[Thursday]] [[21 July (releases)|21 July]] [[2011 (releases)|2011]]
|21:00
|[[BBC One]]
|First broadcast.
|-
|[[Monday]] [[25 July (releases)|25 July]] [[2011 (releases)|2011]]
|23:20
|[[BBC HD]] & [[BBC Two]]
|
|}


=== Production errors ===
=== Production errors ===
{{Torchwood discontinuity}}
{{Torchwood discontinuity}}
*When walking in the [[Washington, D.C.]] [[Washington, D.C. City Hall|City Hall]], Dr. Juarez can clearly be seen walking past the [[Colorado]] state flag. A Colorado flag would not sensibly be an adornment in an official city building not located in Colorado.
* When Jilly is smoking a cigarette with Vera, on the camera shot behind her the lighter isn't in her hand, but on the front shot the lighter is.
*Washington has no city hall, since it's the only city in America administered by the US Congress. The closest thing to a "city hall" in Washington is the [[wikipedia:John A. Wilson Building|John A. Wilson Building]], but it's more akin to a [[state]] capitol than a city hall.
* When Lyn is writing her e-mail to Brian regarding Morphic fields, she ends with three question marks and sends; however when Brian opens to e-mail there are only two.


== Continuity ==
== Continuity ==
*Jack and Gwen discuss Jack leaving Torchwood. ([[TW]]: [[Children of Earth: Day Five]], [[DW]]: [[The End of Time (TV story)|The End of Time]])
* Rex recalls his arrival at the hospital and his concern about his undying state, as seen in [[TV]]: {{cs|The New World (TV story)}}.
*The moon landing is mentioned as being among the things the [[human]] race achieved. ([[DW]]: [[Day of the Moon]], [[Blink]])
* Jack and Gwen discuss Jack leaving Earth. She had watched him teleport away after the events shown in [[TV]]: {{cs|Children of Earth: Day Five (TV story)}}.
* Very similar to Jack's poisoning, the [[Tenth Doctor]] survived [[cyanide]] by producing an antidote out of materials around him. Also, the people who frantically gather the materials for Jack's detox are worked into a hysteria similar to that caused when the Doctor was poisoned during the events of [[TV]]: {{cs|The Unicorn and the Wasp (TV story)}}.


== Home video releases ==
== Home video releases ==
===DVD releases===
* This episode was released worldwide in a box set containing all ten episodes of ''Torchwood: Miracle Day''. In the United Kingdom, it was released on Region 2 DVD and Region Free Blu-ray on [[14 November (releases)|14 November]] [[2011 (releases)|2011]].<ref>[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Torchwood-Miracle-Day-Eve-Myles/dp/B005A5I9V2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314885858&sr=8-1 Amazon.co.uk listing]</ref> In Australia, it was released in Region 4 DVD and Region B Blu-Ray on [[1 December (releases)|1 December]] 2011.<ref>[http://www.ezydvd.com.au/blu-ray/torchwood-miracle-day-blu-ray/dp/6107286 EZYDVD.com.au listing]</ref> In New Zealand, the same sets were released on [[7 December (releases)|7 December]] 2011.<ref>[http://www.mightyape.co.nz/product/Blu-ray/Torchwood-Miracle-Day-4-Disc-Set/19261826/ Mightyape.co.nz listing]</ref> In North America, it was released on Region 1 DVD and Region Free Blu-Ray on [[3 April (releases)|3 April]] [[2012 (releases)|2012]].<ref>[http://www.amazon.com/Torchwood-Miracle-Day-John-Barrowman/dp/B007AFS118/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336194370&sr=8-1 Amazon.com listing]</ref>
''to be added''
* It was also released in the Series 1-4 boxset (Region 2 release: 14 November 2011.)
===Blu-ray releases===
 
''to be added''
== Footnotes ==
==Footnotes==
{{reflist|3}}
{{reflist|2}}
==External links==
''to be added''
{{TWTV}}
{{TWTV}}
{{TitleSort}}
{{TitleSort}}


[[fr:Rendition]]
[[Category:Torchwood television stories]]
[[Category:Torchwood television stories]]
[[category:series 4 (Torchwood) stories]]
[[Category:Series 4 (Torchwood) stories]]
[[Category:Stories set in London]]
[[Category:Stories set in London]]
[[Category:Stories set in 2011]]
[[Category:Stories set in Washington DC]]
[[Category:Stories set in the United States]]
[[Category:Stories set in New York City]]
 
[[fr:Rendition]]

Latest revision as of 11:57, 17 January 2024

RealWorld.png

Rendition was the second episode of Series 4 of Torchwood. It was written by Doris Egan, and directed by Billy Gierhart. It reinforced that Jack had lost his immortality and showed that there were other forces at work trying to prevent him and Gwen from investigating the Miracle.

Synopsis[[edit] | [edit source]]

Jack Harkness and Gwen Cooper travel to the United States by plane. Rhys Williams is left behind in Wales. Jack is poisoned en route, while Esther Drummond discovers more about Torchwood Three and those seeking to stop her. Vera Juarez attends a conference and learns there will be even more ways for the human race to run itself to painful extinction. Oswald Danes appears to a national audience, winning, of all things, sympathy.

Plot[[edit] | [edit source]]

Rex and his security escort arrive Heathrow Airport with Jack and Gwen, finding fellow CIA agent Lyn Peterfield has been sent to help him, much to his annoyance. She tells him that they had better hurry up as both the Brittan and the U.S. are asking questions about this. The police force Gwen and Jack towards the plane, with Jack telling Gwen not to resist as it will only amuse Rex. Rex has also taken Jack's vortex manipulator.

However, Rex stops Rhys from boarding the plane, explaining that only members of Torchwood need to be taken. Rex orders him to be taken back to Wales with Anwen. Rhys tries lying that he's a secret member, but is not believed, being taken to the van with Anwen. Gwen yells threats and swears at Rex and Lyn, telling her family that she will be back.

Oswald Danes, newly released convicted rapist and murderer, is interviewed on TV. Before the interview, Oswald takes most of the food for the people at the station, to a female production assistant's disgust. She tells him that she wants him to die. On the air, he is questioned about the kind of person he is. At one point, he is shown a picture of Susie Cabina, his victim. Asked what he would say to Susie's mother if she's watching, Oswald is stunned but mumbles something. When asked to repeat himself, Oswald says that he's sorry for what he did, breaking down into a sobbing fit as he apologises for the person he is.

Esther and other CIA agents watch on the TV. Charlotte Wills notes that she's not buying the act. However, Esther tells her that they should have some sympathy as the Miracle has only made life harder for people like him.

Oswald and a police officer enter a lift. Jilly Kitzinger congratulates him on his performance, certain he was acting. Jilly offers her card, but Oswald makes a point of tearing it up outside the lift after he had received news of another interview. Jilly, still trying to win Oswald over, explains if Satan walked the earth, he would need representation. However, Danes counters, by saying if Satan DID walk the earth, "He would truly be working in PR."

On the plane, Gwen and Jack catch up; she's angry that he took so long, thus putting Anwen in danger. However, Jack easily counters most of her angry comments by asking, "Did you miss me?"; she does. Gwen then goes on to say that she thought the next time they met would be like a fairy tale; she'd be an old woman and he'd still be the same. Rex interrupts them, asking what Jack's vortex manipulator is. Not answering, Jack asks if anyone is investigating morphic fields, going on to explain the basics of it. He then decides to make fun of Rex, pointing out that the beeping coming from his manipulator means he has low sodium levels and needs salt. Rex calls Dr Vera Juarez, who confirms this diagnosis; Rex asks for salty pretzels.

Dr Juarez attends a conference in Washington, D.C. She learns the scope of the problems that the Miracle is causing. People still age and can be critically injured; a fellow doctor compares it to the Greek story of Tithonus. She overhears that skin cells will continue to grow as old cells die and the Miracle is species-specific to humans. Germs will become resistant to medicine as they have an eternity to feed on bodies and grow stronger. Vera also learns food and medical supplies will drop rapidly and the ever growing population could become a big problem.

Meanwhile, Esther talks to Brian Friedkin about the malware (unable to remember that Jack released it to keep Gwen safe), saying she wants to follow up on it as investigating unusual programs are kind of her passion; she mentions that she also works closely with Rex, when prompted by Friedkin. After she leaves, Friedkin examines Esther's file to see if she is valuable or expendable. Receiving an e-mail from Lyn - "investigate morphic fields?" - Friedkin pulls out a red phone and texts the message. A single word comes back - "Remove". He e-mails the message to Lyn.

On the plane, Jack asks for a Coke. Saying that she'll supervise, Lyn heads after one of the flight attendants, Danny; she tells him to ask Rex what he wants, giving herself an opening to slip arsenic into Jack's drink. Danny tells her that Rex has had too many pain killers to want a drink; she hands him the Coke for Jack and cup of water for Gwen. Jack and Gwen talk about what she was up to; she planned on planting roses. Once Jack drinks his poison, Lyn smiles to herself.

Moments later, Jack gets up, noting he doesn't feel well. Rex takes him to the bathroom, where he begins vomiting repeatedly. Mocking him, Rex hopes Jack isn't airsick as it would be ironic, given he dresses like a pilot. Jack sees his reflection, reminding Rex that he told him that somebody has been trying to eliminate Torchwood the moment the Miracle began. Rex is amused, wondering if that means food poisoning; Jack counters any disease could kill him as his body has not developed any immunities to anything given his immortality meant he never needed it. Rex quips that Jack's immortality has left him a hypochondriac.

Back at the CIA, Esther discovers Rex's account has been deleted from the CIA database after she sees agents she doesn't know in Rex's office, altering his computer. At her station, Esther discovers that her own password no longer works; she receives a call from her bank, asking about investment options. To her horror, Esther discovers she's received a lot of money from a Chinese bank account, framing her as a double agent. She steals Charlotte Wills' ID and car keys, fleeing the building; she sets up false leads to buy herself time. Upon reaching the exit of the parking garage, she sweet-talks the guard into letting her pass.

Onboard the plane, Danny informs Gwen and Jack that there wasn't enough time at Heathrow for a handover of medicine. Gwen points out that Danny gave Jack a drink, and now he's feeling ill; however, she then realises that Lyn went to supervise him, finding the idea someone needs to be supervised pouring a drink ridiculous. When Lyn points out Gwen's blaming everyone now, Gwen retorts "It's either you or the big, gay steward; so my money's on you." Danny insists that he's not gay.

Rex asks for Lyn's purse, but she refuses; he takes it by force and finds a bag of pills. Gwen points out she was right, but Lyn says it's medicine, Gwen and Rex try having Lyn take one to prove it isn't poison; she admits it's indeed poison, but she runs a lot of agents who would sometimes need poison. When asked what she gave Jack, Lyn remains silent; Rex handcuffs her to her seat. Jack asks for the pills, identifying each one and asking for his symptoms. Realising he's been given Arsenic, Jack mentions a Slovenian boyfriend of his that took some for better skin; Rex is confused by this as such a habit only happened in the 1800s.

Rex calls Vera at the conference, convincing her that Jack is the only mortal man left in the world and he's in danger of dying from arsenic and the only things they have to work with are chemicals on a plane. The group comes up with a plan to save Jack: improvised EDTA. When they attempt to inject Jack with the antidote, Lyn breaks frees of her cuffs and kicks the syringe away. Gwen confronts Lyn, who insults her by calling her English; Gwen proudly declares she is Welsh then punches Lyn out cold and injects Jack with the EDTA, causing him pain at the cost of curing him. A relieved Rex handcuffs Gwen again.

Jack, Gwen, Rex and Lyn arrive at Dulles, Esther has been trying to contact Rex. She tells him about his office and her account. Having been given a key by one of the corrupt agents Friedkin sent, Lyn slowly unlocks her handcuffs. Rex notices via a text message that he has also been "bribed", and received even more money than Esther. Thinking on his feet, he babbles an excuse from the 456 amendments, which supposedly enforce him to remove Jack and Gwen's handcuffs, basing it on one important principle. Confused, Gwen asks what he means. Rex replies: "bullshit", promptly striking one guard in the face - the three fight off the agents. Still distrustful, Gwen and Jack race off. Rex goes to follow but is surprised by Lyn, who beats him to the floor. He recovers, snapping her neck. Vera and Esther arrive in cars outside the airport. Rex regroups with Jack and Gwen, informing them they need him since they are trapped in America now. The three exit the airport and get into Esther's car. Vera drives off. Lyn, with a twisted neck, stumbles in front of their car, surviving because of the Miracle. She tries to harm them, but falls over, making Vera run over to assist her. The four drive off. Panicking, Esther wonders what's happening. Calmly, Gwen says, "Welcome to Torchwood."

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]]

Politics[[edit] | [edit source]]

Technology[[edit] | [edit source]]

Vehicles[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Esther drives a blue Mini.
  • Gwen is sorely disappointed by the getaway car Esther has for the group, thinking the Americans should have big, boastful SUVs.

Locations[[edit] | [edit source]]

Individuals[[edit] | [edit source]]

CIA[[edit] | [edit source]]

Drugs and medicines[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Rex is given an aspirin on the plane by Danny. It was found in the co-pilot's shirt pocket.

Foods and beverages[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Rex asks Danny to get him a vodka.
  • Oswald mentions that prison guards pissed in his food. He tried to cover it up with cream, gravy and salt but the piss had a way of enduring.
  • Rex requests some pretzels while on the plane — the salty kind.
  • Jack asks for a cola while on the plane.
  • Gwen drinks water whilst on the plane.
  • An assistant takes coffee orders at the panel.

Theories and concepts[[edit] | [edit source]]

Biology[[edit] | [edit source]]

Broadcasters[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Oswald attends an interview at WWCN.

Elements[[edit] | [edit source]]

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

  • Unlike broadcasts of Doctor Who, and the previous series of Torchwood, Miracle Day was broadcast in the United States, Canada and Australia before the United Kingdom.
  • In the airport scene where Jack kicks a CIA officer in the face, John Barrowman announced at Comic Con that he actually kicked the actor in the nose for real and "busted" it.[source needed]

Ratings[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • UK: 5.75 million (Final BARB ratings)(Final BARB ratings)[1]
  • US: 0.98 million

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

to be added

Broadcasts[[edit] | [edit source]]

Date Time Channel Notes
Thursday 21 July 2011 21:00 BBC One First broadcast.
Monday 25 July 2011 23:20 BBC HD & BBC Two

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

If you'd like to talk about narrative problems with this story — like plot holes and things that seem to contradict other stories — please go to this episode's discontinuity discussion.
  • When Jilly is smoking a cigarette with Vera, on the camera shot behind her the lighter isn't in her hand, but on the front shot the lighter is.
  • When Lyn is writing her e-mail to Brian regarding Morphic fields, she ends with three question marks and sends; however when Brian opens to e-mail there are only two.

Continuity[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Rex recalls his arrival at the hospital and his concern about his undying state, as seen in TV: The New World [+]Loading...["The New World (TV story)"].
  • Jack and Gwen discuss Jack leaving Earth. She had watched him teleport away after the events shown in TV: Children of Earth: Day Five [+]Loading...["Children of Earth: Day Five (TV story)"].
  • Very similar to Jack's poisoning, the Tenth Doctor survived cyanide by producing an antidote out of materials around him. Also, the people who frantically gather the materials for Jack's detox are worked into a hysteria similar to that caused when the Doctor was poisoned during the events of TV: The Unicorn and the Wasp [+]Loading...["The Unicorn and the Wasp (TV story)"].

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

  • This episode was released worldwide in a box set containing all ten episodes of Torchwood: Miracle Day. In the United Kingdom, it was released on Region 2 DVD and Region Free Blu-ray on 14 November 2011.[2] In Australia, it was released in Region 4 DVD and Region B Blu-Ray on 1 December 2011.[3] In New Zealand, the same sets were released on 7 December 2011.[4] In North America, it was released on Region 1 DVD and Region Free Blu-Ray on 3 April 2012.[5]
  • It was also released in the Series 1-4 boxset (Region 2 release: 14 November 2011.)

Footnotes[[edit] | [edit source]]