It's either an amazing bit of forward planning by RTD (lining up cast and characters for a spin off before he's even written the first series), or some creative thinking when the chance to use Eve Myles again presented itself.

Either way, I am sure Torchwood will at the very least touch on the relationship between Gwen and Gwyneth. It will be very frustrating if it's never mentioned.

I'm not too sure what this line on the BBC News website means though.

"The drama is inspired by Doctor Who, but there will be no fictional crossover between the two programmes. "

I'm assuming this simply means the Doctor and Rose won't be appearing in Torchwood and vice versa for the Torchwood characters. Which is fair enough.

But there's got to be some crossovers, surely? Sarah Jane and K9 for instance (as mentioned earlier) or some of the other earth-based ex-companions. And some of the Doctor's old enemies. I'm sure there's room for some decent Doctor Who cross overs whilst still giving Torchwood it's own personality.

As has been previously posted, if Harriet Jones is no longer PM I'm sure they would use her in an advisory capacity at Torchwood.

Personally I think RTD and co have boxed themselves in a bit of a corner with this no crossover between the series statement. Surely as long as the stories are self contained and don't expect to be continued in the third series, then characters which have popped up in Who..like Harriet Jones, Sarah-Jane Smith, references to Gwyneth can in Torchwood.

I think, as Harriet Jones has obvious knowledge of Project Torchwood in the Christmas Invasion, it would be an ideal opportunity to use a storyline linking the two together.

Also - The BBC finally has something worth watching again, mainly thanks to RTD, and they should exploit the fact that he's producing such high quality programmes (especially after the quality of original Dr Who sets wasn't a patch on the latest incarnation).

In this time of reality shows, cookery shows, quiz shows, and shopping channels, it is a refreshing change to have a British made programme that has me re-scheduling my diary so I don't miss it. (I'd not had to do that since Star Trek Voyager ended - till the re-appearance of Dr who in the form of Christopher Eccleston)

Anyway, I digress - I think they could use a similar link up to that used in Stargate SG-1 / Stargate Atlantis crossover. Where the original cast and new cast meet and cross over going their seperate ways.

Just my thoughts, but I'll go back into my box now

KS

You stay on your box Kris!

I think there are certain characters who have appeared in Who that could easily be brought into Torchwood without having to explain to the audience their background etc...

I wish they would elaborate further what they mean about this cross over element.

i reckon that they juts mean the Doctor and Rose won't help them out or appear at all, but hopefully they will include some Dr Who characters and villains

Hope they bring Harriet Jones back as she is such a great character and there is still a lot of potential to some interesting things with her.

I think it makes sense to keep it fairly cross-over free, at least at first. To return to the Stargate: Atlantis model, there weren't any cross overs (barring the pilot ep) between it and SG:1, until the 2nd season, and even then there haven't been many.

They already know that most Who fans (barring, perhaps, the younger viewers... ) will tune in, but I imagine they will be hoping that it may appeal to viewers who aren't big fans. So having lots of cross-overs risks putting them off, over-burdening the show with continuity etc.

I think it makes sense to avoid cross-overs for the first series at least...

VB

I've got out of my box again.....

I think you raise a valid point there (highlighted above), there is that risk, BUT... some fans might not like the idea of Torchwood 'piggy-backing' Dr Who and not having a tie in to start things off. Younger and or new viewers could have a lot less interest in the Dr Who link, as they haven't (unless they watch UKGold) experience the full Dr Who phenomenum.

KS

I guess it depends on what the cross over element is. I agree if it is too long and complicated that needs too much of an explanation then perhaps not but certain subtle references or lesser known characters could be used...from the new series rather than the classic.

True...still, I think they can happily avoid cross-overs for season 1, then start bringing them in later on, in the same way that School Reunion seems to be bringing in classic series elements to S2 of the new-Who.



VB