Remakes Galore: No "Torchwood" US (and there was much rejoicing)

Today I read the best news I've seen in a while: FOX is not going ahead with their American version of "Torchwood." (The idea could potentially go to another network, but let's celebrate the momentary victory at hand.) I still have no idea why they pursued this idea in the first place, considering these few points:

1. FOX's track record with SciFi shows ("Firefly," anyone?). Well, shows in general. They have a quick trigger finger over there.


2. Either trying to create an audience, which would be difficult for a US version of a UK show/franchise that few Americans outside the cult TV world even know or care about, or


3. Trying to bring in the American "Torchwood" fans. Which is very divisive. US fans already love the original, so why would they be clamoring for a US version rather than another season of the original? Especially after the spectacular "Children of Earth" miniseries that had pretty great ratings, if I'm not mistaken.


4. The inevitable character changes. I didn't buy for a second that FOX wouldn't change the Captain Jack Harkness character. The network of "24" and he-man Jack Bauer is going to have omnisexual Captain Jack saving the day? Hell, an American network like FOX is going to have all those gay storylines? Yes, US TV is getting better with this, but I cannot see a show like "Torchwood" in primetime becoming vastly popular anytime soon (The Parents Television Council would have a collective heart attack if they saw Captain Jack in primetime).


5. An American version would lack those ties to "Doctor Who." Granted, they don't reference "Who" that much on the original, but when they do, it's really significant. Like bringing in Martha Jones for a few episodes, or crossing over with "Who" for the fourth season finale. What fun is a spin-off show of a famous franchise if you can't even keep it in the same universe? Between the de-gaying of Captain Jack and the de-Who-ing of the show history, you might as well make an entirely new show as all the charm and appeal of the original would be lost.


6. It's totally pointless. That's my humble opinion here. Much like the US version of "Life on Mars," you'd be remaking a show that's already pretty good. (In the case of "Mars," insanely good.) "Torchwood" has never had the quality level of "Doctor Who," but it was fun and satisfying enough for fans. Leave well enough alone. Contrary to popular belief among TV execs, remaking a British show word-for-word but with an American accent will not equal the same ratings success it had in the UK.

Personally, I would love to see more "Torchwood." As long as they fix some things, like hiring some new team members, developing them, and NOT killing them off as soon as they get really interesting. And I've always wanted to know more about Captain Jack's past; they could do so much more with that. I know the 21st century is when it all changes, but I was hoping it wasn't an American "Torchwood" that I'd have to be ready for.