Let’s say that TV shows fall somewhere on a 1-5 ‘quality’ scale. Let’s also say that ‘quality’ can be an individual judgment.

A ’1′ is a show that should not have been green lit. Something so deeply flawed in every way that there is near universal agreement that it’s existence is a mistake (Homeboys in Outer Space).

A ’5′ is a show that consistently produces episodes that move the medium forward. TV is not the same after this show. (Band of Brothers)

Torchwood is a 2. This is not to say that Torchwood is so monumentally flawed that it has no positives or that it cannot be saved, but it has failed to reach the quality of ER- a ’3′. Why do I give Torchwood a 2? Let’s look at some pro’s and con’s.

Pro: On occasion we see some authentically touching moments of character development.

Con: Authentically touching moments of character development occur about once every three or four episodes so the characters stay 2-dimensional stereotypes.

Pro: The rift/advanced technology of the world is kind of cool.

Con: In two years there has been no real advancement in the status of the rift (‘sometimes it takes people’ doesn’t count) and the rules regarding technology are not always consistent.

Pro: The show has a unifying arc that holds everything together.

Con: The show doesn’t actually have an arc that holds it together.

Pro: If you love Doctor Who, Torchwood might fill a need in between seasons/series.

Con: If you love Doctor Who, Torchwood might drive you crazy from its failure to even attempt the quality of the Doctor.

Plus, as Jeff has observed in the podcast, there is no evidence that the writers have any familiarity with the scifi genre. The story conventions are old and painful for anyone who has seen Star Trek: TNG or X-Files or anyone who has read much of anything.

So give up on Torchwood or better yet, never start. It may turn itself around next year and if it does, we’ll let you know.