Utopian Delights

I've finally managed to grab myself the latest issue of Doctor Who Magazine - and inside at last we're given an official confirmation: Captain Jack Harkness is back for episodes 11, 12 and 13 of Doctor Who season three. He will not be appearing in Steven Moffat's untitled episode ten (as rumours suggested).

Episode eleven, "Utopia", forms part of recording 'Block Seven' and is directed by Graeme Harper. Filming began on the production block on January 15th - although it appears much of what's been recorded so far is for Chris Chibnall's mysterious episode seven, "42" (which by the way, is rumoured to be set in real time). This holds up with current mumblings that filming begins on "Utopia" as of today.

Guest starring in the episode alongside John Barrowman, David Tennant and Freema Agyeman are Rene Zagger, Chipo Chung, Neil Reidman, Paul Marc Davis and the winner of Blue Peter's recent competition winner.

Preperations have already started for the final episodes of the series (the untitled episodes twelve and thirteen) both of which are fronted by Torchwood director Colin Teague. Aside from John Barrowman (and possibly Derek Jacobi) no other guest stars are known for the adventure.

Elsewhere, there's an interesting interview with Helen Raynor who talks about her forthcoming Dalek 'epic' "Daleks in Manhatten". The woman finds time to discuss the challenges of being both Doctor Who and Torchwood script editor, as well as her Torchwood episode "Ghost Machine". Apparently, writing Torchwood was "no hassle" at all...

This month's "Matrix Data Bank" attempts to explain the complicated timeline of New Who, and suggests that Torchwood's adventures take place no earlier than Summer 2007. The whole timeline thing is incredibly confussing, so best not get into it here...

There's a review of the Torchwood Volume One DVD; and the reviewer, the ever reliable Vanessa Bishop, doesn't seem entirely satisfied with either "Day One" or "Cyberwoman" - calling them 'adolescent fantasties'. She isn't that kind about "Everything Changes" come to think of it... but at least she agrees with the common perception that Torchwood got better as the series continued.

The Magazine also supplies a full rundown of all Torchwood season one ratings, and runs the news story of Torchwood being recommisioned for a second year (but come on, we knew that AGES ago!). Finally, there's a neat competition where you could win a copy of the Volume Two DVD - all you need do is answer one simply question...

What's the question? "What sort of monstrous flying creature lives in the rafters of the Torchwood hub?". Answers on a postcard please...

You can pick up Doctor Who Magazine issue 379 at all good newsagents now; priced a very reasonable £3.99.