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Changes: Immortal Sins (TV story)

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{{ImageLinkTV}}
  
{{ImageLinkTV}}
 
{{Infobox Story
  
{{Infobox Story
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|image = Immortal sins main.jpg
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|image = Immortal sins main.jpg
−
|series = ''[[Torchwood (TV series)|Torchwood]]''
 +
|series = ''[[Torchwood (TV series)|Torchwood]]''
−
|season number = Series 4 (Torchwood)
 +
|season number = Series 4 (Torchwood)
−
|series episode number = 7
 +
|series episode number = 7
−
|main character = [[Jack Harkness|Jack]], [[Gwen Cooper|Gwen]], [[Rhys Williams|Rhys]], [[Rex Matheson|Rex]], [[Esther Drummond|Esther]]
 +
|main character = [[Jack Harkness|Jack]], [[Gwen Cooper|Gwen]], [[Angelo Colasanto|Angelo]]
−
|featuring = Angelo Colasanto|Angelo
 +
|featuring = Andy Davidson
−
|featuring2 = Andy Davidson|Andy
 +
|featuring2 = Mary Cooper
−
|featuring3 = Mary Cooper|Mary
 +
|featuring3 = Anwen Williams
−
|featuring4 = Anwen Williams
 +
|featuring4 = Rhys Williams
−
|enemy = [[Olivia Colasanto]], [[Trickster's Brigade]]
 +
|featuring5 = Rex Matheson
  +
|featuring6 = Esther Drummond
⚫
|setting = {{il|[[New York City]], [[1927]] and [[1928]]|[[Swansea]] Bay and [[Los Angeles]], [[2011]]}}
  
−
|writer = [[Jane Espenson]]
 +
|enemy = [[Olivia Colasanto]], [[Trickster's Brigade]]
  ⚫
|setting = {{il|[[New York City]], [[1927]] and [[1928]]|[[Swansea]] Bay and [[Los Angeles]], [[2011]]}}
⚫
|director = [[Gwyneth Horder-Payton]]
  
−
|producer = [[Kelly A Manners]]
 +
|writer = [[Jane Espenson]]
  ⚫
|director = [[Gwyneth Horder-Payton]]
⚫
|broadcast date = [[19 August (releases)|19 August]] [[2011 (releases)|2011]]
  
−
|network = [[Starz]]
 +
|producer = [[Kelly A Manners]]
  ⚫
|broadcast date = [[19 August (releases)|19 August]] [[2011 (releases)|2011]]
⚫
|prev = The Middle Men (TV story)
  
−
|next = End of the Road (TV story)
 +
|network = [[BBC One]], [[Starz]]
−
|trailer = Torchwood Miracle Day - Episode 107 "Immortal Sins" Preview
 +
|prev = The Middle Men (TV story)
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|clip = Torchwood Miracle Day - Gwen presses Jack for answers
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|next = End of the Road (TV story)
−
|clip2 = Torchwood Miracle Day - There's a Plan
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|trailer =
  ⚫
|clip =
  +
|clip2 =
 
}}
  
}}
 
'''''{{StoryTitle}}''''' was the seventh episode of [[Series 4 (Torchwood)|Series 4]] of ''[[Torchwood (TV series)|Torchwood]]''. It was written by [[Jane Espenson]], directed by [[Gwyneth Horder-Payton]] and featured [[John Barrowman]] as [[Jack Harkness]], [[Eve Myles]] as [[Gwen Cooper]], [[Kai Owen]] as [[Rhys Williams]], [[Mekhi Phifer]] as [[Rex Matheson]] and [[Alexa Havins]] as [[Esther Drummond]].
  
'''''{{StoryTitle}}''''' was the seventh episode of [[Series 4 (Torchwood)|Series 4]] of ''[[Torchwood (TV series)|Torchwood]]''. It was written by [[Jane Espenson]], directed by [[Gwyneth Horder-Payton]] and featured [[John Barrowman]] as [[Jack Harkness]], [[Eve Myles]] as [[Gwen Cooper]], [[Kai Owen]] as [[Rhys Williams]], [[Mekhi Phifer]] as [[Rex Matheson]] and [[Alexa Havins]] as [[Esther Drummond]].
   
−
For the most part, it consisted of a flashback in pre-[[Great Depression|Depression]] era [[New York City]]. It importantly introduced the character of [[Angelo Colasanto]], a lover that [[Jack Harkness]] met while standing in line at [[Ellis Island]]. Colasanto's granddaughter [[Olivia Colasanto|Olivia]] — played by ''[[Star Trek (franchise)|Star Trek]]'' regular [[Nana Visitor]] — also made her debut. [[Rex Matheson]] and [[Esther Drummond]] were resigned to cameo roles, while [[Gwen Cooper]] played an important part in the final acts of the episode. From a continuity standpoint, it was clearly the single episode of ''Miracle Day'' which made the most references to the broader [[DWU]], even giving a shout-out to a ''[[Sarah Jane Adventures]]'' [[the Trickster|character]]. Narratively speaking, it was the only episode in the Miracle Day arc to feature the appearance of an [[Brainspawn|alien]].
 +
For the most part, it consisted of a flashback in pre-[[Great Depression|Depression]] era [[New York City]]. It importantly introduced the character of [[Angelo Colasanto]], a lover that [[Jack Harkness]] met while standing in line at [[Ellis Island]]. Colasanto's granddaughter [[Olivia Colasanto|Olivia]] — played by ''[[Star Trek (franchise)|Star Trek]]'' regular [[Nana Visitor]] — also made her debut. [[Rex Matheson]] and [[Esther Drummond]] were resigned to cameo roles while [[Gwen Cooper]] played an important part in the final acts of the episode. From a continuity standpoint, it was clearly the single episode of ''Miracle Day'' which made the most references to the broader [[DWU]], even giving a shout-out to a ''[[Sarah Jane Adventures]]'' [[the Trickster|character]]. Narratively speaking, it was the only episode in the Miracle Day arc to feature the appearance of an [[Brainspawn|alien]].
   
 
This showed a first in Jack's long life, albeit a flashback. Jack had wanted to take Angelo along with him as both his lover and companion, having been inspired by how the Doctor (a near-immortal) made the loneliness of a long life more bearable by having someone to share some time with.
  
This showed a first in Jack's long life, albeit a flashback. Jack had wanted to take Angelo along with him as both his lover and companion, having been inspired by how the Doctor (a near-immortal) made the loneliness of a long life more bearable by having someone to share some time with.
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Angelo takes Jack to the [[butcher]] shop beneath their room. There are people terrified of Jack. They sadistically attack him with knives, [[Firearm|guns]] and meat hooks to kill him and collect his [[blood]]. Three men visit Jack. They seem to know something about his immortality. Angelo, overwhelmed with horror and guilt, eventually lets Jack go. Jack quickly recovers and flees with Angelo to a rooftop, where he explains his immortality before jumping off to his "death". When Angelo reaches the ground, Jack is gone.
  
Angelo takes Jack to the [[butcher]] shop beneath their room. There are people terrified of Jack. They sadistically attack him with knives, [[Firearm|guns]] and meat hooks to kill him and collect his [[blood]]. Three men visit Jack. They seem to know something about his immortality. Angelo, overwhelmed with horror and guilt, eventually lets Jack go. Jack quickly recovers and flees with Angelo to a rooftop, where he explains his immortality before jumping off to his "death". When Angelo reaches the ground, Jack is gone.
   
−
As Gwen and Jack arrive, [[Rex Matheson|Rex]] and [[Esther Drummond|Esther]] have contacted [[Andy Davidson]] in [[Wales]]. He has freed Gwen's family. They train snipers on the three people who want Jack. Jack says he has won, but they say that Jack will come with them anyway. They have the information about [[the Miracle]] he wants. Angelo is still alive. He has something to do with the Miracle.
 +
As Gwen and Jack arrive, [[Rex Matheson|Rex]] and [[Esther Drummond|Esther]] have contacted [[Andy Davidson]] in [[Wales]]. He has freed Gwen's family. They train snipers on the three people who want Jack. Jack says he has won, but they say that Jack will come with them anyway. They have the information about [[Miracle Day|the Miracle]] he wants. Angelo is still alive. He has something to do with the Miracle.
   
 
== Cast ==
  
== Cast ==
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* [[Esther Drummond]] - [[Alexa Havins]]
  
* [[Esther Drummond]] - [[Alexa Havins]]
 
* [[Rhys Williams]] - [[Kai Owen]]
  
* [[Rhys Williams]] - [[Kai Owen]]
  +
* [[Mary Cooper]] - [[Sharon Morgan]]
  +
* [[Olivia Colasanto]] - [[Nana Visitor]]
  +
* [[Andy Davidson]] - [[Tom Price]]
  +
* [[Angelo Colasanto]] - [[Daniele Favilli]]
 
* [[Inspector (Immortal Sins)|Inspector]] - [[Pat Asanti]]
  
* [[Inspector (Immortal Sins)|Inspector]] - [[Pat Asanti]]
 
* [[SWAT member|SWAT Member]] - [[Michael Chomiak]]
  
* [[SWAT member|SWAT Member]] - [[Michael Chomiak]]
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some episodes also had credits for UK crews. That section begins below.
  
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".
  
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 — and this is
 +
Note that Torchwood credits don't carry a "US crew" tag because it's a US show.
−
hard for some to accept — it's a US show.
  
   
 
-->
  
-->
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== References ==
  
== References ==
  +
⚫
* Grazie means thanks you in [[Italian]].
  
  +
=== Language ===
  ⚫
* "Grazie" means "thank you" in [[Italian language|Italian]].
  +
  +
=== Locations ===
 
* Jack says that the British [[consul]]ate arranged his travel through the [[embassy]] in [[Rome]].
  
* Jack says that the British [[consul]]ate arranged his travel through the [[embassy]] in [[Rome]].
−
* Jack's waiting for a boat to [[Manhattan]], while Angel is imprisoned and waiting for a boat back to [[Italy]].
 +
* Jack waits for a boat to [[Manhattan]], while Angelo is imprisoned and waiting for a boat back to [[Italy]].
  ⚫
* Vera was from [[San Antonio, Texas|San Antonio]].
  +
* Angelo comes from a tiny village on the [[Amalfi Coast]], right on the edge of a clifftop. The village contained around 200 people.
  ⚫
* Jack and Angelo have a room in [[Little Italy]] in [[1927]].
  ⚫
* In 1927, Jack and Angelo visit [[Blessed Saints' Cathedral]].
  ⚫
* A [[Brainspawn|mysterious box]] is located at [[Gallaco Wharf]], Bay Five.
  ⚫
* Someone above Maranzano found a weapon and told him to hold it until after the state [[election]] and then ship it to [[Albany]].
  ⚫
* [[Sing Sing Prison]] was founded in [[1826]].
  ⚫
* Gwen and Jack travel to [[Mesa, California|Mesa]], [[California]].
  +
  +
=== Individuals ===
 
* Jack questions whether he looks like a [[bureaucrat]]. Angelo replies that he looks like a [[soldier]].
  
* Jack questions whether he looks like a [[bureaucrat]]. Angelo replies that he looks like a [[soldier]].
−
* Angelo comes from a tiny village on the [[Amalfi Coast]], right on the edge of a clifftop. The village contained around 200 people. He had a [[teacher|schoolmaster]] there who taught him [[English]]. He also had sex in the woods with a boy from his village.
 +
* Angelo had a [[teacher|schoolmaster]] in his village who taught him [[English]].
⚫
* Jack uses his [[vortex manipulator]] to change the name on the visa.
  
⚫
* Jack states that [[magic]] and [[technology]] can sometimes appear indistinguishable. This is known as [[Clarke's Law]].
  
 
* Random people are setting up memorial services for [[Vera Juarez]].
  
* Random people are setting up memorial services for [[Vera Juarez]].
⚫
* Vera was from [[San Antonio, Texas|San Antonio]].
  
⚫
* The [[overflow camp]]s have been paused following Vera's death. The [[politician]]s are denying everything.
  
 
* Gwen says that she wants to show Jack [[souvenir]]s from back home. She then [[taser]]s him.
  
* Gwen says that she wants to show Jack [[souvenir]]s from back home. She then [[taser]]s him.
⚫
* Jack and Angelo have a room in [[Little Italy]] in [[1927]].
  
 
* Angelo has [[scar]]s.
  
* Angelo has [[scar]]s.
⚫
* A girl on the fire escape opposite smokes a [[cigarette]].
  
⚫
* It is the [[Fourth of July]] when Jack and Angelo become lovers. Angelo thinks that the [[firework]]s are [[bomb]]s.
  
⚫
* In 1927, Jack and Angelo visit [[Blessed Saints' Cathedral]].
  
⚫
* Angelo is a [[Christianity|Christian]].
  
 
* Jack confesses to having [[sex]] with triplets.
  
* Jack confesses to having [[sex]] with triplets.
−
* Jack was sent to the church by [[Timothy (Immortal Sins)|Father Timothy]].
 +
* Jack is sent to the church by [[Timothy (Immortal Sins)|Father Timothy]].
⚫
* The [[Volstead Act]] is mentioned.
  
 
* Maranzano calls Jack and Angelo a pair of [[finocchi]].
  
* Maranzano calls Jack and Angelo a pair of [[finocchi]].
⚫
* A [[Brainspawn|mysterious box]] was located at [[Gallaco Wharf]], Bay Five.
  
 
* Angelo ask if Jack is working for the [[English government]].
  
* Angelo ask if Jack is working for the [[English government]].
⚫
* Jack says he hears Angelo's [[prayer beads|beads]] clicking at night.
  
 
* Jack and Angelo are working as [[bootlegger]]s.
  
* Jack and Angelo are working as [[bootlegger]]s.
⚫
* [[Ammonia]] refrigeration is being practised in [[1927]].
  
⚫
* Someone above Maranzano found a weapon and told him to hold it until after the state [[election]] and then ship it to [[Albany]]. Jack calls the parasite a species of [[Brainspawn]] which tastes like [[oyster]]s. The head of the parasite drills into the brain of the host and deposits larvae, turning the host insane.
  
 
* [[Franklin Delano Roosevelt]] is due to be elected [[Governor of New York]] in [[November]] [[1927]].
  
* [[Franklin Delano Roosevelt]] is due to be elected [[Governor of New York]] in [[November]] [[1927]].
⚫
* Had the [[Trickster's Brigade]] succeeded, they would have to America pulling out of [[World War II]] and the triumph of [[Germany]] and the [[Third Reich]].
  
⚫
* [[Sing Sing Prison]] was founded in [[1826]].
  
⚫
* Angelo and [[Mr Giardano]] believe Jack to be "[[satan|il diavolo]]" after he learns Jack can resurrect and by how he "seduces with confidence".
  
 
* While in the [[Giardano's Butchers Shop]], Jack is shot and slashed with various [[knife|knives]] and [[meat hook]]s.
  
* While in the [[Giardano's Butchers Shop]], Jack is shot and slashed with various [[knife|knives]] and [[meat hook]]s.
−
* Giardano is asking for [[US dollar|$10000]] for Jack.
 +
* Giardano is asking for [[US dollar|$10,000]] for Jack.
  +
⚫
* Gwen and Jack travel to [[Mesa, California|Mesa]], [[California]].
  
  +
=== Technology ===
⚫
* A [[Firebird (species)|Firebird]] is a bird made of fire.
 
  ⚫
* Jack uses [[Jack Harkness' vortex manipulator|his vortex manipulator]] to change the name on the visa.
  ⚫
* Jack states that [[magic]] and [[technology]] can sometimes appear indistinguishable. This is known as [[Clarke's Law]].
  +
  +
=== The Miracle ===
  ⚫
* The [[overflow camp]]s have been paused following Vera's death. The [[politician]]s are denying everything.
  +
  +
=== Culture ===
  ⚫
* A girl is seen smoking a [[cigarette]].
  ⚫
* It is the [[Fourth of July]] when Jack and Angelo become lovers. Angelo thinks that the [[firework]]s are [[bomb]]s.
  +
  +
=== Religion ===
  ⚫
* Angelo is a [[Christianity|Christian]].
  ⚫
* Jack says he hears Angelo's [[prayer beads|beads]] clicking at night.
  ⚫
* Angelo and [[Mr Giardano]] believe Jack to be "[[Satan|il diavolo]]" after he learns Jack can resurrect and by how he "seduces with confidence".
  +
  +
=== Law ===
  ⚫
* The [[Volstead Act]] is mentioned.
  +
  +
=== Substances ===
  ⚫
* [[Ammonia]] refrigeration is being practised in [[1927]].
  +
  +
=== Species ===
  +
* Jack calls the parasite a species of [[Brainspawn]] which tastes like [[oyster]]s. The head of the parasite drills into the brain of the host and deposits larvae, turning the host insane.
  ⚫
* A [[Firebird (species)|Firebird]] is a bird made of fire.
  +
  +
=== History ===
  ⚫
* Had the [[Trickster's Brigade]] succeeded, they would have had America pulling out of [[World War II]] and the triumph of [[Germany]] and the [[Third Reich]].
   
 
== Story notes ==
  
== Story notes ==
−
* Jack explains that the [[Brainspawn|brain parasite]] would rewrite history by enabling the [[Third Reich]] to win the [[World War II|Second World War]]. One week and a day after this episode was broadcast in the US and only two days after it was broadcast in the UK, the ''Doctor Who'' episode ''[[Let's Kill Hitler]]'' featured [[Adolf Hitler]] in a cameo role and was set in [[Nazi]] [[Germany]] in [[1938]]. In this episode [[Melody Pond]] expressed an interest in killing Hitler.
 +
* Jack explains that the [[Brainspawn|brain parasite]] would rewrite history by enabling the [[Third Reich]] to win the [[World War II|Second World War]]. One week and a day after this episode was broadcast in the US and only two days after it was broadcast in the UK, the ''Doctor Who'' episode ''[[Let's Kill Hitler (TV story)|Let's Kill Hitler]]'' featured [[Adolf Hitler]] in a cameo role and was set in [[Nazi]] [[Germany]] in [[1938]]. In this episode [[Melody Pond]] expressed an interest in killing Hitler.
−
* This is the first time that Jack is killed onscreen during Series 4. He is killed at least seven times in this episode, including being shot, being stabbed, being disembowelled, having his throat slashed, and falling from a high place.
 +
* This is the first time that Jack is killed onscreen during Series 4. He is killed at least seven times in this episode, including being shot, being stabbed, being disembowelled, having his throat slashed, and falling from a great height.
 
* Writer [[Jane Espenson]] cites ''Immortal Sins'' as her favourite thing she's written.<ref>http://www.buzzfeed.com/jarettwieselman/the-write-stuff#.knGpmYoyR</ref>
  
* Writer [[Jane Espenson]] cites ''Immortal Sins'' as her favourite thing she's written.<ref>http://www.buzzfeed.com/jarettwieselman/the-write-stuff#.knGpmYoyR</ref>
   
 
=== Ratings ===
  
=== Ratings ===
  +
* UK: 4.48 million (Final BARB ratings)<ref>[https://www.barb.co.uk/viewing-data/weekly-top-10/ BARB Ratings - June, 2011]</ref>
−
* UK: 4.48 million
 +
* US: 0.92 million
   
 
=== Filming locations ===
  
=== Filming locations ===
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== Continuity ==
  
== Continuity ==
−
* The [[Seventh Doctor]], the [[Fourth Doctor]] and [[the Captain]] also mentioned [[Clarke's Law]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Battlefield (TV story)|Battlefield]]'', [[TV]]: ''[[The Pirate Planet]]'')
 +
* The [[Fourth Doctor]] and [[the Captain]] discussed [[Clarke's Law]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Pirate Planet (TV story)|The Pirate Planet]]'') It has also been mentioned by the [[Seventh Doctor]] ([[TV]]: ''[[Battlefield (TV story)|Battlefield]]'') and the [[Thirteenth Doctor|Thirteenth]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Witchfinders (TV story)|The Witchfinders]]'')
−
* Jack had a dialogue with Angelo similar to the one the [[Ninth Doctor]] had with [[Rose Tyler]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Rose (TV story)|Rose]]'')
 +
* Jack had a dialogue with Angelo similar to one the [[Ninth Doctor]] had with [[Rose Tyler]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Rose (TV story)|Rose]]'')
 
* Gwen talks about when she first joined Torchwood. ([[TV]]: ''[[Everything Changes (TV story)|Everything Changes]]'', ''[[Day One (TV story)|Day One]]'')
  
* Gwen talks about when she first joined Torchwood. ([[TV]]: ''[[Everything Changes (TV story)|Everything Changes]]'', ''[[Day One (TV story)|Day One]]'')
−
* Angelo thinks that Jack has been possessed by the [[Satan|Devil]]. [[Jilly Kitzinger]] and [[Oswald Danes]] would later (or earlier, depending on what you mean) reference the Devil. ([[TV]]: ''[[Rendition (TV story)|Rendition]]'') [[Stuart Owens]] would also say that Jack seemed to think he was the Devil in suit. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Middle Men (TV story)|The Middle Men]]'')
 +
* Angelo thinks that Jack has been possessed by the [[Satan|Devil]]. [[Jilly Kitzinger]] and [[Oswald Danes]] have also reference the Devil. ([[TV]]: ''[[Rendition (TV story)|Rendition]]'') [[Stuart Owens]] would also say that Jack seemed to think he was the Devil in suit. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Middle Men (TV story)|The Middle Men]]'')
−
** The [[Tenth Doctor]] would also meet [[The Beast (The Impossible Planet)|the Beast]] who claimed to be the origins of the Devil/Satan. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Impossible Planet (TV story)|The Impossible Planet]]''/''[[The Satan Pit (TV story)|The Satan Pit]]'')
 +
** The [[Tenth Doctor]] would also meet [[The Beast (The Impossible Planet)|the Beast]] who claimed to be the origin of the Devil/Satan. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Impossible Planet (TV story)|The Impossible Planet]]''/''[[The Satan Pit (TV story)|The Satan Pit]]'')
−
* [[The Doctor]] and his way of travelling with [[companion]]s is mentioned. ([[TV]]: ''[[An Unearthly Child (TV story)|An Unearthly Child]]'' et.al.)
 +
* [[The Doctor]] and his way of travelling with [[companion]]s is mentioned. ([[TV]]: ''[[An Unearthly Child (TV story)|An Unearthly Child]]'' et al.)
−
* Jack told Angelo that he is a "fixed point in time" (due to the [[Bad Wolf (entity)|events on Satellite Five]]). ([[TV]]: ''[[The Parting of the Ways (TV story)|The Parting of the Ways]]'') Although the [[Tenth Doctor]] did not tell him this until [[Malcassairo]], eighty-one years later in his personal timeline, ([[TV]]: ''[[Utopia (TV story)|Utopia]]'') Jack had prior knowledge of temporal theory. ([[TV]]: ''[[Boom Town (TV story)|Boom Town]]'', ''[[The Parting of the Ways (TV story)|The Parting of the Ways]]'')
+
* Jack told Angelo that [[Bad Wolf (entity)|something happened to him]], ([[TV]]: ''[[The Parting of the Ways (TV story)|The Parting of the Ways]]'') and that he is a [[fixed point in time]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Utopia (TV story)|Utopia]]'') Jack has previously shown knowledge of temporal theory. ([[TV]]: ''[[Boom Town (TV story)|Boom Town]]'', ''[[The Parting of the Ways (TV story)|The Parting of the Ways]]'')
−
* Jack stated to Angelo, "Men like you kill me.", a reference to his former lover Captain [[John Hart (Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang)|John Hart]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang]]''; ''[[Fragments (TV story)|Fragments]]''; ''[[Exit Wounds (TV story)|Exit Wounds]]'')
  
 
* The creature Jack and Angelo found was intended to infect [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] and disrupt history for [[the Trickster's Brigade]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Turn Left (TV story)|Turn Left]]'', ''[[Whatever Happened to Sarah Jane? (TV story)|Whatever Happened to Sarah Jane?]]'', ''[[The Temptation of Sarah Jane Smith (TV story)|The Temptation of Sarah Jane Smith]]'', ''[[The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith (TV story)|The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith]]'')
  
* The creature Jack and Angelo found was intended to infect [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] and disrupt history for [[the Trickster's Brigade]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Turn Left (TV story)|Turn Left]]'', ''[[Whatever Happened to Sarah Jane? (TV story)|Whatever Happened to Sarah Jane?]]'', ''[[The Temptation of Sarah Jane Smith (TV story)|The Temptation of Sarah Jane Smith]]'', ''[[The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith (TV story)|The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith]]'')
 
* When Esther opens the Eye-5 computer programme, past dialogue can be found. ([[TV]]: ''[[Escape to LA (TV story)|Escape to LA]]'', ''[[The Middle Men (TV story)|The Middle Men]]'')
  
* When Esther opens the Eye-5 computer programme, past dialogue can be found. ([[TV]]: ''[[Escape to LA (TV story)|Escape to LA]]'', ''[[The Middle Men (TV story)|The Middle Men]]'')
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{{reflist|3}}
  
{{reflist|3}}
 
{{TWTV}}
  
{{TWTV}}
  +
{{Trickster's Brigade stories}}
 
{{TitleSort}}
  
{{TitleSort}}
  +
 
[[Category:Torchwood television stories]]
  
[[Category:Torchwood television stories]]
 
[[Category:Series 4 (Torchwood) stories]]
  
[[Category:Series 4 (Torchwood) stories]]
 
[[Category:Stories set in New York City]]
  
[[Category:Stories set in New York City]]
−
[[Category:Stories set in 2011]]
  
−
[[Category:2011 television stories]]
  
 
[[Category:Stories set in Los Angeles]]
  
[[Category:Stories set in Los Angeles]]
 
[[Category:Stories set in Swansea]]
  
[[Category:Stories set in Swansea]]
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[[Category:Stories set in 1927]]
  
[[Category:Stories set in 1927]]
 
[[Category:Stories set in 1928]]
  
[[Category:Stories set in 1928]]
  +
−
[[Category:SH ok]]
  
  +
[[de:Immortal Sins]]
−
[[Category:Jack Harkness television stories]]
  
−
[[Category:Stories that use the Murray Gold Torchwood: Miracle Day theme]]
  
−
[[Category:The Committee television stories]]
  
−
[[de:{{StoryTitle}}]]
  
 
[[fr:Immortal Sins]]
  
[[fr:Immortal Sins]]

Revision as of 18:50, 3 September 2020

RealWorld
ImagesAvailable

Immortal Sins was the seventh episode of Series 4 of Torchwood. It was written by Jane Espenson, directed by Gwyneth Horder-Payton and featured John Barrowman as Jack Harkness, Eve Myles as Gwen Cooper, Kai Owen as Rhys Williams, Mekhi Phifer as Rex Matheson and Alexa Havins as Esther Drummond.

For the most part, it consisted of a flashback in pre-Depression era New York City. It importantly introduced the character of Angelo Colasanto, a lover that Jack Harkness met while standing in line at Ellis Island. Colasanto's granddaughter Olivia — played by Star Trek regular Nana Visitor — also made her debut. Rex Matheson and Esther Drummond were resigned to cameo roles while Gwen Cooper played an important part in the final acts of the episode. From a continuity standpoint, it was clearly the single episode of Miracle Day which made the most references to the broader DWU, even giving a shout-out to a Sarah Jane Adventures character. Narratively speaking, it was the only episode in the Miracle Day arc to feature the appearance of an alien.

This showed a first in Jack's long life, albeit a flashback. Jack had wanted to take Angelo along with him as both his lover and companion, having been inspired by how the Doctor (a near-immortal) made the loneliness of a long life more bearable by having someone to share some time with.

Synopsis

Gwen must fight to protect her family. She takes a terrifying journey covering miles and decades with Jack as the long history of the Miracle is partially revealed.

Plot

Gwen drives Jack through California to bring him to the people holding her family.

Flashbacks are seen of Jack's past. In 1920s New York City, he awaits his visa at Ellis Island. Angelo Colasanto steals it. Jack confronts him, retrieves his visa and visits Angelo in his cell. They talk, and Jack uses technology to create a visa for Angelo.

Angelo is freed and enters a relationship with Jack. At one point, they are retrieving an alien from a base when Jack is shot dead. Angelo is captured and imprisoned. Jack returns to America after Angelo's release. Angelo is terrified by Jack's immortality.

Angelo takes Jack to the butcher shop beneath their room. There are people terrified of Jack. They sadistically attack him with knives, guns and meat hooks to kill him and collect his blood. Three men visit Jack. They seem to know something about his immortality. Angelo, overwhelmed with horror and guilt, eventually lets Jack go. Jack quickly recovers and flees with Angelo to a rooftop, where he explains his immortality before jumping off to his "death". When Angelo reaches the ground, Jack is gone.

As Gwen and Jack arrive, Rex and Esther have contacted Andy Davidson in Wales. He has freed Gwen's family. They train snipers on the three people who want Jack. Jack says he has won, but they say that Jack will come with them anyway. They have the information about the Miracle he wants. Angelo is still alive. He has something to do with the Miracle.

Cast

Crew

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".


References

Language

  • "Grazie" means "thank you" in Italian.

Locations

  • Jack says that the British consulate arranged his travel through the embassy in Rome.
  • Jack waits for a boat to Manhattan, while Angelo is imprisoned and waiting for a boat back to Italy.
  • Vera was from San Antonio.
  • Angelo comes from a tiny village on the Amalfi Coast, right on the edge of a clifftop. The village contained around 200 people.
  • Jack and Angelo have a room in Little Italy in 1927.
  • In 1927, Jack and Angelo visit Blessed Saints' Cathedral.
  • A mysterious box is located at Gallaco Wharf, Bay Five.
  • Someone above Maranzano found a weapon and told him to hold it until after the state election and then ship it to Albany.
  • Sing Sing Prison was founded in 1826.
  • Gwen and Jack travel to Mesa, California.

Individuals

  • Jack questions whether he looks like a bureaucrat. Angelo replies that he looks like a soldier.
  • Angelo had a schoolmaster in his village who taught him English.
  • Random people are setting up memorial services for Vera Juarez.
  • Gwen says that she wants to show Jack souvenirs from back home. She then tasers him.
  • Angelo has scars.
  • Jack confesses to having sex with triplets.
  • Jack is sent to the church by Father Timothy.
  • Maranzano calls Jack and Angelo a pair of finocchi.
  • Angelo ask if Jack is working for the English government.
  • Jack and Angelo are working as bootleggers.
  • Franklin Delano Roosevelt is due to be elected Governor of New York in November 1927.
  • While in the Giardano's Butchers Shop, Jack is shot and slashed with various knives and meat hooks.
  • Giardano is asking for $10,000 for Jack.

Technology

The Miracle

Culture

Religion

  • Angelo is a Christian.
  • Jack says he hears Angelo's beads clicking at night.
  • Angelo and Mr Giardano believe Jack to be "il diavolo" after he learns Jack can resurrect and by how he "seduces with confidence".

Law

Substances

Species

  • Jack calls the parasite a species of Brainspawn which tastes like oysters. The head of the parasite drills into the brain of the host and deposits larvae, turning the host insane.
  • A Firebird is a bird made of fire.

History

Story notes

  • Jack explains that the brain parasite would rewrite history by enabling the Third Reich to win the Second World War. One week and a day after this episode was broadcast in the US and only two days after it was broadcast in the UK, the Doctor Who episode Let's Kill Hitler featured Adolf Hitler in a cameo role and was set in Nazi Germany in 1938. In this episode Melody Pond expressed an interest in killing Hitler.
  • This is the first time that Jack is killed onscreen during Series 4. He is killed at least seven times in this episode, including being shot, being stabbed, being disembowelled, having his throat slashed, and falling from a great height.
  • Writer Jane Espenson cites Immortal Sins as her favourite thing she's written.[1]

Ratings

  • UK: 4.48 million (Final BARB ratings)[2]
  • US: 0.92 million

Filming locations

to be added

Production errors

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.

to be added

Continuity

Home video 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 2011.[3] In Australia, it was released in Region 4 DVD and Region B Blu-Ray on 1 December 2011.[4] In New Zealand, the same sets were released on 7 December 2011.[5] In North America, it was released on Region 1 DVD and Region Free Blu-Ray on 3 April 2012.[6]

Footnotes

  1. ↑ http://www.buzzfeed.com/jarettwieselman/the-write-stuff#.knGpmYoyR
  2. ↑ BARB Ratings - June, 2011
  3. ↑ Amazon.co.uk listing
  4. ↑ EZYDVD.com.au listing
  5. ↑ Mightyape.co.nz listing
  6. ↑ Amazon.com listing
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1AD
Jefferson Kibbee +
2AD
Matt Buckler +
Associate producer
Skip Schoolnik +
Camera operator
Jeff Greeley +
Casting director
John Frank Levey, CSA +  and Melanie Burgess +
Chief lighting technician
Don Mosley +
Co-executive producer
Jane Espenson +  and Vlad Wolynetz +
Co-supervisor
Ken Young +
Computer graphics
Twisted Media +
Construction co-ordinator
Chris Forster +
Continuity
Anne Melville +
Costume designer
Shawna Trpcic +
Creator
Russell T Davies +
DOP
Nate Goodman +
Director
Gwyneth Horder-Payton +
Dubbing mixer
Dan Hiland +  and Gary Rogers +
Editor
Hunter M. Via, A.C.E. +
Episode code
2TW 04.07 +
Executive producer
Russell T Davies +, Julie Gardner +  and Jane Tranter +
Featuring
Andy Davidson +, Mary Cooper +, Anwen Williams +, Rhys Williams +, Rex Matheson +  and Esther Drummond +
Hair
Susan Boyd +
Has image
File:Immortal sins main.jpg +
High-definition post-production
Modern Videofilm, Inc. +
Key grip
Isaac Chee +
Key make-up
Todd McIntosh +
Location manager
Brad Bemis +
Music
Murray Gold +  and Stu Kennedy +
Music editor
Tom Trafalski +
Post-production sound
Warner Bros. +
Post-production supervisor
Peter M. Tassler +
Producer
Kelly A Manners +
Production accountant
Vince Robinette +
Production designer
Gregory Melton +
Production executive
Shelley Stevens +
Props master
Eric Bates +
Science
John Sotos, M.D. +
Season
Series 4 (Torchwood) +
Series episode number
7 +
Set decorator
Natali Pope +
Set designer
Arthur Chadwick +
Sound mixer
Julian Howarth +
Special make-up FX
Greg Nicotero +  and Howard Berger +
Supervising sound editor
Walt Newman +
Transportation co-ordinator
Heath Culp +
Unit production manager
Robert D. Nellans +
VFX
Lion Visual Effects, Inc. +
VFX supervisor
Michael D. Leone +
Writer
Jane Espenson +