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Aug 05, 2011 Web Exclusive By Laura Studarus

Throughout its three seasons, Torchwood has always been the most engaging when dealing with humans. Sure supernatural events and aliens happen—but at the end of the day, it’s the best—and worst—of humanity that drives the show to its greatest heights. This week, in The Categories of Life, episode five of Torchwood: Miracle Day, people are acting very badly indeed.

The government health panels have been suspended, and public health has now become a matter of categories—isolating the dead and dying, and flippantly deciding who deserves treatment. (Hint: Now may be a good time to check up on your health insurance policy.) Disturbed by the system she helped create, Dr. Vera Juarez (Arlene Tur) joins the fight alongside Torchwood—throwing herself into both the line of fire, and back into Rex’s (Mekhi Phifer) heart.

The team launches an investigation on both sides of the Atlantic to infiltrate the newly created “overflow” camps. What they find is…disturbing. (Then again, for a show that over the years has covered both cannibalism and aliens who get high off children, would we expect any less?)

Uncharacteristly absent from the action is the only mortal man on earth, Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman), who’s left to curse his fragile fate and haunt the increasingly messianic Oswald Danes (Bill Pullman—whose fiery performance is quickly becoming an indisputable career best). No longer just a figurehead of Miracle Day, he is now the only figurehead—openly challenging Torchwood’s mission. But who is pulling the strings? (Hint: Does your insurance policy cover name brand medication?)

Halfway through the season, the set up is over. This isn’t just a disaster—this is war.

(www.starz.com/originals/Torchwood)

Author rating: 8/10