| Doctor Who universe character | |
|---|---|
| Gwen Cooper | |
| Affiliated | South Wales Police Torchwood Institute |
| Home era | Early 21st century |
| First appearance | "Everything Changes" |
| Portrayed by | Eve Myles |
Gwen Cooper is a fictional character in the BBC television programme Torchwood, a spin-off to the long-running show Doctor Who, portrayed by Welsh actress Eve Myles. The series' lead female character, Gwen has featured in every episode of the sci-fi programme to date as well as two crossover episodes of Torchwood's parent show, Doctor Who. Additionally, Gwen appears in Expanded Universe material such as the Torchwood novels and audiobooks, comic books and radio plays. Portraying Gwen has increased Myles' profile as an actress, and her portrayal has also been cited as effective in promoting Welsh visibility on television.
Gwen is introduced as an audience surrogate, much like the typical "companion" character in Doctor Who. Within the series narrative, Gwen is a South Wales Police officer who discovers the mysterious Torchwood Institute, into which she is recruited by Captain Jack Harkness. Gwen operates as a field agent on Torchwood missions. Through her police procedural training, Gwen brings a more humane and rounded approach to her team's investigations of extraterrestrial cases; she is herself empathetic, grounded, and relatable. Despite this, Gwen's moral complexity means that she subverts typical expectations of the audience surrogate as she finds herself ethically compromised by her line of work. For example, because Gwen leads a double life in the first series she finds herself growing detached from her long-term boyfriend and is unfaithful to him.
Though Gwen starts off in the mould of the "girl next door" archetype, she becomes more militant as the series progresses, and stands in as Torchwood's de facto leader on occasions when Captain Jack is absent. Though this militancy, contrasted with Gwen's conventionally feminine characteristics, forms a contradiction, it is one from which she draws strength. As Gwen develops into a harder character, it is her relationship with cohabiting boyfriend-cum-husband Rhys Williams which keeps her "grounded". When in the second series Gwen commits herself to Rhys, and tells him about her double life, he swiftly becomes a confidante to her, and lightens her burden. The birth of daughter Anwen prior to the fourth series serves to intensify the gulf between her two roles as Torchwood agent and mother.
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Gwen is introduced in the first episode of Torchwood, where she—a Cardiff police officer partnered with Andy Davidson (Tom Price)—is witness to Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) and his team's interrogation of a dead man. Acting as an audience surrogate, she notices Jack is following her and she is led to investigate him and his team, eventually discovering by following him to his base that they are Torchwood, a team of alien hunters. Jack wipes the memories of her discovery, but they are later triggered by reports of murders committed with exotic weaponry; Torchwood's own Suzie Costello (Indira Varma) is the serial killer. Present at Suzie's attempt to kill Jack, and her ensuing suicide, Jack (who reveals that he cannot die) rewards Gwen by offering her a job in Torchwood.[1] Jack and Gwen's relationship becomes tinged with romantic implications,[2] despite her long-standing relationship with boyfriend Rhys (Kai Owen) and Jack's developing relationship with teammate Ianto Jones (Gareth David-Lloyd). Gwen falls into a short-lived destructive affair with teammate Owen (Burn Gorman), after a particularly traumatic experience with cannibals she cannot share with Rhys.[3] Confused and wracked with guilt, Gwen confesses the affair after it ends in "Combat" but drugs Rhys with an amnesia pill so he will not remember her confession.[4] In the series one finale, her desire to resurrect a murdered Rhys at any cost motivates her to mutiny against Jack, and open the rift in time and space which Torchwood monitors. After Jack sacrifices himself to the released supernatural demon, Gwen maintains that he will come back to life and stays watch over his body. Eventually, she concedes that Jack is dead, and gives him a parting kiss. As she leaves, Jack arises from death and whispers "thank you." Not long after Jack's revival he abandons Torchwood to reunite with the mysterious "Doctor" from his past.[5]
Series two, airing in 2008 begins with the newly engaged Gwen having quickly risen to replace Jack as the team's leader.[6] Early in the series, she is forced to confess to Rhys the nature of her job at Torchwood when he assumes she is having an affair with Jack and after he takes a bullet for her, she defies Jack by refusing to wipe his memory.[7] When Adam Smith (Bryan Dick) causes Gwen to lose her memory; Rhys reminds her of their early courtship.[8] In "Something Borrowed", despite having been impregnated by a Nostrovite, Gwen refuses to postpone the wedding because she wants to marry Rhys no matter what. Her marriage causes Jack to contemplate his own past marriage.[9] In the series finale, it is Gwen's leadership skills which allow her to co-ordinate Cardiff in the chaos caused by Captain John Hart (James Marsters) and Jack's younger brother Gray (Lachlan Nieboer). When Gray kills teammates Toshiko (Naoko Mori) and Owen, Gwen is desolate.[10] Following from this, Gwen makes her first crossover appearance in Doctor Who alongside Jack and Ianto in its 2008 series' two-part finale, where Torchwood is called on to help contact series protagonist the Doctor (David Tennant) during a Dalek invasion.[11] A familial connection between Gwen and the character of Gwyneth, played by Eve Myles in the 2005 Doctor Who episode "The Unquiet Dead" is alluded to by the Doctor, after he and Rose Tyler (Billie Piper) recognize the physical similarity between the two.[12]
The third series of Torchwood aired as a five-part serial in 2009, titled Children of Earth. In Children of Earth, Gwen is a more militant heroine shaped by the increased responsibilities and pressures of her job.[13] In part one, aliens called the 456 communicate to the world through taking possession of its children and one middle-aged man, Clem McDonald (Paul Copley). Gwen investigates by visiting Clem, who announces to her she is pregnant, which she later confirms using the technology at the Hub.[14] Gwen is forced to defend herself from government assassins after the Hub is destroyed, taking Rhys on the run with her,[15] and re-establishing Torchwood Three in a London warehouse. By making contact with government PA Lois Habiba (Cush Jumbo), Gwen discovers her fugitive status and is able to survey government dealings.[16] When Ianto is killed fighting the 456,[17] Gwen and Rhys return to Cardiff to protect his sister Rhiannon (Katy Wix), and her son and daughter from government plans while Jack handles the alien threat. In the dénouement of the final part, Gwen is six months pregnant when she returns Jack's vortex manipulator to him. She insists he stay for her, but he leaves her behind and abandons Earth.[18]
Fourth series Miracle Day (2011), an American co-production, establishes that Gwen, Rhys and their daughter Anwen went into hiding after the events of Children of Earth, and Torchwood is no more. Gwen is called out of hiding, however, when CIA agent Rex Matheson (Mekhi Phifer) renditions her to the United States, believing that a worldwide phenomenon wherein nobody can die is connected to Torchwood.[19] Once in America, Gwen forms part of a new Torchwood team with Jack, Rex and former CIA analyst Esther Drummond (Alexa Havins).[20] Gwen's father Geraint (William Thomas) initially survives because of the miracle, but later Gwen must rescue him from a facility where the severely injured are burned alive.[21] When her family are kidnapped in "Immortal Sins" as leverage for her to hand in Jack Harkness, Gwen tells him that she will see him die if it means saving her daughter.[22] After her dying father is re-captured by a government official, Gwen travels to Shanghai with Jack in an attempt to find "The Blessing" and put an end to the miracle.[23] In the concluding episode, Gwen is willing to sacrifice her father and the entire Torchwood team to restore order to the world; to spare him committing suicide, Gwen shoots Jack, whose mortal blood prompts the Blessing to end the miracle. Jack's immortality is restored and Gwen is later shocked to discover, at Esther's funeral, that Rex has become immortal as well.[24]
Gwen appears in all Torchwood novels, published by BBC Books to date. The first wave, Another Life,[25] Border Princes,[26] and Slow Decay,[27] set between episodes of Torchwood series one, were published in January 2007. These novels expand on the difficult period in Gwen and Rhys' relationship; in Border Princess she engages in extra marital sex with James Mayer ; whilst Rhys endangers himself for her in Slow Decay by taking an alien diet pill to try to make her take more notice of him. Published in March 2008, and tying in with the concurrently airing second series of Torchwood, Gwen appears in the novels Trace Memory,[28] The Twilight Streets,[29] and Something in the Water. Gwen's first day with Andy Davidson (played in the TV series by Tom Price) as her partner is portrayed in a flashback in the novel Trace Memory, whilst in The Twilight Streets an alternate-future Torchwood is depicted; headed by Gwen and Rhys, after the demise of Tosh, Owen, Ianto and Jack.[30] Three more Torchwood books were released in October 2008: Pack Animals,[31] SkyPoint,[32] and Almost Perfect, the last of which is set after the series two finale "Exit Wounds".[33] The May 2009 wave of books consisted of Into the Silence,[34] Bay of the Dead,[35] and The House that Jack Built,[36] whilst following on in October 2009 were the novels Risk Assessment,[37] The Undertaker's Gift,[38] and Consequences,[39] all set between "Exit Wounds" and Children of Earth. Whilst Gwen's continued use of her maiden name is not specifically addressed in the TV show, the novel SkyPoint sees her consciously reject the name "Mrs Williams" after the unfamiliarity and awkwardness of hearing Jack address her as such.[32]
| “ | "'Look, Rhys, will you stop a minute? Thanks. It's just....' She paused, took a breath. It's just I've been thinking, love, and I've decided I'll be keeping my own name. You know for work and that." | ” |
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—The novel Skypoint depicts Gwen's decision to retain her maiden name.[32] |
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First published in January 2008, the monthly Torchwood Magazine began occasionally including Torchwood comic strips, in which Gwen also appears. A scene in Gareth David-Lloyd's comic, "Shrouded", includes a scene set after Children in Earth which shows Gwen cradling her young child; as Gwen is busy, Rhys is required to team up with Captain John Hart to save the timeline.[40] During series two, the Torchwood website, www.torchwood.org.uk also hosted an interactive online game written by series writer Phil Ford. Eve Myles, as Gwen makes a brief appearance towards the end of the game, alongside Gareth David Lloyd, when Gwen and Ianto shut down a broadcast from the fictitious Dark Talk studio.[41] Throughout both series one and two, the interactive websites co-written by James Goss featured electronic literature content (such as fictitious internet messaging conversations and letters) which depict aspects of Gwen and the other Torchwood characters' work and personal lives.[42] The Torchwood Archives by Gary Russell - an insider's look into Torchwood collects much of this ancillary online literature in hardback form, along with new original material, some of which expands on Gwen's background and life before Torchwood. For example we learn about Gwen's university attendance, a previous boyfriend named Bruce, her early relationship with Rhys and that she spent a total of four years working alongside Andy in the police. The book is composed of fictitious archive notes, personnel forms, photographs, newspaper clippings and staff memos, and offers more detail about the character's home and work life. For example, we see Gwen's employee form where she lists herself as Torchwood's "Investigator. Troubleshooter. Frequent Peacemaker". We also see photos of her and Rhys together used as set dressing in the TV series, plus documents such as Gwen's wedding Invitation list and her Torchwood Case write ups.[43] In a similar vein to The Torchwood Archives but from a real-world perspective, Gary Russell's The Torchwood Encyclopedia (2009) expands on "every fact and figure" for Gwen and the Torchwood world.[44]
In addition to Torchwood literature, Gwen also appears in Torchwood audio books, the first four being Hidden written by Steven Savile and narrated by Naoko Mori,[45] Everyone Says Hello written by Dan Abnett and narrated by Burn Gorman, released February 2008,[46] In the Shadows by Joseph Lidster and narrated by Eve Myles, released September 2008,[47] and The Sin Eaters written by Brian Minchin and narrated by Gareth David-Lloyd, released September 2008.[47] Joseph Lidster also wrote a Radio 4 Torchwood drama, "Lost Souls" which aired in Summer 2008 as an Afternoon Play featuring the voices of John Barrowman, Eve Myles, Gareth David-Lloyd and Freema Agyeman (Martha). Set after the events of the 2008 series, Gwen and the team make their first international adventure to CERN in Geneva, as part of Radio 4's special celebration of the Large Hadron Collider being switched on.[48][49] The special radio episode's plot focuses on the Large Hadron Collider's activation and the doomsday scenario some predicted it might incite, as well as the team's mourning of Toshiko and Owen's recent deaths.[50] Between 1 July and 3 July 2009, Radio 4 aired three further audio dramas in The Afternoon Play slot, titled "Asylum", "Golden Age" and "The Dead Line", bridging the gap between Series 2 and 3.[51] To tie in with the shows fourth series, Torchwood: Miracle Day, the BBC produced three additional radio plays, airing between the 11 and 13 July 2011. Titled "The Devil and Miss Carew", "Submission" and "House of the Dead", these plays are take place in the gaps between "Exit Wounds" and Miracle Day and feature the voices of Myles, Barrowman and David-Lloyd.[52] Whilst Myles provides the voice of Gwen in all three plays the narrative of House of the Dead, set after Children of Earth, reveals that the presence of Gwen was actually a manipulation by a malevolent spirit to fool Ianto into thinking he was alive as usual.[53]
Russell T Davies first had the idea of an unnamed policewoman stumbling across a team of alien investigators in an alley as a premise, before Torchwood or the 2005 revival Doctor Who had been commissioned.[54] Having been enamoured by her television performances, most notably in the 2005 episode of Doctor Who in which she guest starred, Russell wrote the character of Gwen specifically for Eve Myles.[55] Speaking on her casting, Myles stated that having the part written for her was like her "own personal Oscar".[56] Part of the attraction of playing Gwen for Myles was that she has the opportunity to play an action hero with her own accent.[57] Speaking on the casting of Welsh actors on Torchwood, Davies comments that it was a deliberate intention to make the Welsh accent mainstream, "to make it as acceptable as Scottish or Irish".[58] Discussing the international co-production behind series four, Gardner comments that Gwen's involvement helps ensure that the "flavour of Wales" remains evident,[59] later commenting that Torchwood are "taking the Welsh global".[60] Although Myles describes Gwen as the most enjoyable character she has portrayed she feels that it's the most challenging role for her as an actress, because of the character's complexity and the new challenges that the role presents.[61]
| “ | "Every day playing Gwen is challenging. She’s the best character I have ever had the pleasure of playing, because some days I walk onto the set and think, 'I don’t know if I can do this. I don’t know if I can make sense of this.' But then you just do, because the writing is so good and the character is so complex." | ” |
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—Actress Eve Myles, on playing Gwen.[61] |
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In the first series of Torchwood, Gwen functions as an audience surrogate. To creator and executive producer Russell T Davies, she is of the same character type as 2005-6 Doctor Who leading woman Rose Tyler (Billie Piper): "She is the ordinary person who stumbles into something extraordinary and finds herself their equal.”[58] Eve Myles characterises Gwen as an ambitious and feisty young woman who at the same time embodies many aspects of the girl next door archetype[62] The BBC website character description focuses on Gwen's human qualities describing her as "grounded, straightforward and very determined" and the team's conscience.[63] Her distinct role within the team stems from the fact that "she's there for the people", who she feels "instinctive and passionate" about.[64] Richard Stokes feels that Gwen possesses more "human empathy" than the more mercenary members of the team,[65] who are seen to be "technology-and-alien-obsessed".[66] In this vein, lead actor John Barrowman says that Gwen brings a "little bit of soul" back to Jack. Describing the ways in which Gwen's methodology differs from the rest of the team, Myles explains how her police procedural training relates to the job: "she deals with the families, she deals with profiling, she deals with searching people's backgrounds. It's a new way of working she brings in".[64] Myles believes that Gwen would have been a "fantastic policewoman" prior to her Torchwood career. Myles cites transferable skills such as the way she is able to extract information from vulnerable characters such as Clem McDonald (Paul Copley) in Children of Earth. "She’s able to make people open up by making them feel comfortable".[67] Fundamentally, Myles perceives Gwen to be "the heart and emotion of Torchwood", and also "Torchwood's social worker" who can "run and fight and stand in her own corner and win".[68] Finding an insight into Torchwood through curiosity,[69] Gwen becomes part of Torchwood because they need her, just as she needs them.[70]
Eve Myles previously appeared in the 2005 Doctor Who episode "The Unquiet Dead" as Gwyneth, a 19th century clairvoyant, with a connection to the Cardiff Rift, which later became a central plot device in Torchwood.[71] In response to questions about the similarity of the characters' names, showrunner Russell T Davies denied that they were connected, stating that they are "just two names beginning with "G"."[72] Subsequently however, Davies' 2008 Doctor Who episode "Journey's End" later alluded to a familial relationship between the characters, explaining their physical resemblance as the result of "spatial genetic multiplicity".[12] Eve Myles said of the characters' relation, "to be playing a character who's connected to Gwyneth, to be a relation of hers, is just incredibly clever, I think. It was never on the cards as such, but something in the back of my head always said that they were going to be connected somehow."[73] Davies explains that the relationship between the characters is not literal, stating that "It's not familial as we understand it", instead characterising spatial genetic multiplicity as "an echo and repetition of physical traits across a Time Rift."[74]
| “ | ""It was completely out of character for Gwen. But that's what good drama is all about. You don't want to spoon-feed a sci-fi audience. You want to challenge them. So none of these characters are safe." | ” |
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—Actress Eve Myles, comments on Gwen's affair in series one.[75] |
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Despite being created to be the heart and moral conscience of Torchwood, the flaws in Gwen's own morality are explored throughout the series. Myles comments that Gwen's compromised morality suits the high concept nature of science fiction, and also serves to demonstrate that none of the Torchwood team "are safe" from temptation.[75] According to writer Stephen James Walker it is Gwen's moral ambiguity which makes her a compelling character. Since she was introduced as an audience surrogate, Walker claims that it would have been an easy trap to fall into to make her a "one-dimensional paragon of virtue". Instead, the writers made Gwen more "realistic" by giving her "distinct human failings", which Walker feels make her "arguably the most complex and interesting of the five regulars". He identifies these failures as her "tendency towards egotism", "self-righteousness", and "selfishness", as evident in her "highly questionable treatment" of boyfriend Rhys Williams. Walker cites her affair with Owen as an example, as well as the scene in "Combat" where she confesses this betrayal to Rhys after dosing him with the amnesia drug Retcon so he won't remember.[76] Gwen admits herself that because of her sexual misdemeanors she isn't in a place to pass judgement on Toshiko, or indeed any other member of the Torchwood team.[77] Valerie Estelle Frankel argues that Gwen finds "the missing side of herself" with her immersion into the world of Torchwood, represented by "affairs and homosexuality and the threat of death" rather than her ordinary domestic life with Rhys. According to Frankel Gwen's confrontation with Suzie mirrors her confrontation with her "inner self"; her literal journey into death giving her "the wisdom and duality of both worlds, life and death, mundane and magical" and eventually allowing her to become a stronger woman.[78] Danielle Rawcliffe notes that Indira Varma's character Suzie, featured in the premiere episode and in "They Keep Killing Suzie", is used as a "doppelgänger" (a trope of Gothic fiction; compare with terms "Gothic double" and literary foil) for Gwen. Suzie's actions and parallels with Gwen help to illuminate some of Gwen's own ethically ambiguous decisions in the first series. Gwen must constantly fight against Suzie, and Suzie's example, "if she is to be proved worthy of working alongside Captain Jack".[79]
Whilst Lynette Porter feels that Gwen becomes a "fallen women" through her affair with Owen she observes that this makes Gwen's role in relation to Jack in "End of Days" to be analogous to that of Mary Magdalene to Jesus, which reinforces the prevalent Biblical imagery present in the episode. Like Magdalene, Gwen is rewarded for her loyalty through being the first to lay eyes upon the risen saviour.[80] David Cornelius states that Gwen's Torchwood adventures take her to the brink, but also show "she's strong enough to pull herself back".[81] Frankel surmises that "Gwen's journey is one we all face... she discovers the dominant intuition within, and then embraces it within the darkest caves of her inner self".[78] Walker, too feels that Gwen is still a redeemable character because she recognises her own moral failings, as seen in "Combat" where she sits alone sobbing over pizza before picking herself up and trying to do better in the future.[76] On this tract, Torchwood actor Kai Owen justifies Gwen's treatment of Rhys in her darkest moments by arguing that Gwen's intentions always remained pure; no matter how badly she treated Rhys.[82] Myles feels Gwen's dubious morality also keeps the character fresh; Myles feels constantly challenged, "physically", "mentally" and "morally" by portraying the character.[83] The disparity between the character's intentions and her actions is addressed in a series four press release which describes Gwen as both selfless and selfish.[84] io9's Charlie Jane Anders comments that the TV episode "The Categories of Life" exposes Gwen's human vanity by observing that the character is essentially responsible for her father's second heart attack through her rash actions.[85]
| “ | "She's got a huge responsibility on her shoulders. A few years ago she was working as a young policewoman in Cardiff. A couple of years later here she is saving the world with Captain Jack. One way or another something's got to give." | ” |
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—Actress Eve Myles, on Gwen becoming less compromising.[86] |
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Original lead writer Chris Chibnall feels Gwen develops into a stronger character between series one and series two, becoming less "wide-eyed" in regards to events happening around her.[87] Frankel writes that "she is a whole woman now, integrated with all the parts of herself".[78] In the second series, Eve Myles states, Gwen now "knows where her feet are".[88] It is Gwen's ability to co-ordinate team activity which leads to her becoming recognised as Torchwood's deputy leader.[63] Costume Designer Ray Holman explains how these developments are reflected in how production team dresses the character. In the first series Gwen is dressed in a "faded high street look" and keeps away from leather clothing. However, as she becomes more confident in her new vocation, her clothes becomes "a lot more designer and heroic looking". In the second series she wears more leather from brands such as Diesel and G-star which Holman describes as "sexy" but "practical". The overall effect is that Gwen's leathers "toughen her up a bit, but keep her stylish at the same time".[89] CultBox TV's Rob Smedley takes note of the effect of clothing ensemble, describing her as the 9th best-dressed character on TV, possessing "the ideal rugged ensemble that gives the impression she means business and is all too ready to prove it".[90]
The process of maturing for Gwen is furthered in Children of Earth where she becomes a more militant heroine, shaped by the increased responsibilities and pressures of her job.[13] Director Euros Lyn remarks that in terms of experience and decision making Gwen has grown so that "she now is on a par with Jack, in terms of having the knowledge and the experience to make decisions and to be a heroine".[13] Daniel Martin remarks favourably on this more developed Gwen in The Guardian, opining that her assertive reaction to her attempted assassination "shows just how far she's come".[91] Although Gwen comes across as harsher, she has had to become this way because it is pragmatic. "If she wasn't, people would die", Myles explains. She sees Gwen's loss of innocence as an inevitable development for her, commenting "everybody's got to lose something to gain something".[86] David Corenlius also observes that Gwen is no longer the kind-hearted outsider she was when she first joined Torchwood. By Children of Earth, she has become "colder and much more aggressive".[81] In Children of Earth, Gwen's horrific experiences turn her into "a biting cynic";[81] when both government and army betray the British people, Gwen contemplates abortion. She claims to finally be able to understand why the Doctor does not save humanity from world crises. She believes he "must look at this planet and turn away in shame".[18] According to a press release, Miracle Day will see Gwen "make the most terrible decisions, on behalf of all mankind".[84] This is evidenced in "The Blood Line" where the character is shown to be willing to sacrifice her entire Torchwood team, in addition to her dying father, for the good of the world.[24]
Critical attention has drawn out comparisons with famous screen action heroines, such as Ellen Ripley, portrayed by Sigourney Weaver in the original Alien trilogy. Ripley is seen as a ground-breaking depiction of a heroine whose heroism is neither derived from male support or hampered by femininity.[92] Rawcliffe writes that Gwen's strength of character makes her a "half Ripley", insofar as she possesses all of Ripley's strength, and yet "is hampered by her reliance on the male characters of Jack, Rhys and Owen".[79] Gwen has also been compared, at least superficially, is Buffy Summers, as portrayed by Sarah Michelle Gellar. Reflecting on a shot from Miracle Day, one critic comments that Gwen is "channeling Season Two Buffy the Vampire Slayer" when she shoots at a helicopter from her bazooka (recalling the shot depicted in Buffy episode "Innocence").[93] Gwen has also drawn implicit comparisons with Lara Croft from the Tomb Raider video game and film franchise. Commenting after viewing the first episode of Torchwood: Miracle Day Den of Geek's Simon Brew states that "Whoever Hollywood producers cast in the planned reboot of the Tomb Raider movie franchise, I’m fully confident that Myles could kick their ass. Twice. Before breakfast".[94] Whilst critical of the typical characterisation of British female science fiction characters, The Guardian's Krystina Nellis singles out Gwen and Doctor Who's River Song (Alex Kingston) as positive depictions of strong female characters, stating: "It'd be difficult to find two superwomen in less need of a man to save them." [95]
Press releases describe Gwen in light of contradictions between her heroic and conventionally feminine roles in the series; despite becoming a "tough, ruthless warrior, who loves the thrill of the fight" Gwen remains a "funny, salty, earthy woman who loves home and family".[84] As part of her continuing characterisation we are introduced (in series 2) to her parents Geraint and Mary Cooper, as well as her in-laws.[9] Children of Earth sees Gwen become pregnant by husband Rhys;[14] a development the character attributes to the failure of the contraceptive pill when used alongside Torchwood-related contaminants.[18] She gives birth to a baby girl, Anwen, in between the third and fourth series.[84] Both Eve Myles and creator Russel T Davies have described this plot development as emblematic of a contradiction at the heart of Gwen's character. Myles believes that Gwen becoming a mother alongside her duties with Torchwood is demonstrative of her dual commitments both to saving the earth also to her romantic partner, Rhys. Becoming a mother gives Gwen a greater sense of responsibility, but it makes her "even more human, and yet even more of a wonder woman".[67] Davies jokingly suggests that the image of "Gwen Cooper with baby in one arm and gun in the other" will be used as promotion for the new series, highlighting her dual roles.[96] The production team have continued to emphasise this contradictory aspect to Gwen's character, which has proved popular with critics and viewers. For example, a promotional clip for Miracle Day features Gwen firing from her gun in one hand while protectively holding her baby in the other. Zap2it's Mikey O'Connell praised this as one of the trailer's best aspects, praising Gwen as "the coolest mum ever."[93] The Telegraph's Catherine Gee also praises the dichotomy between the character's two roles, stating that "Eve Myles’s homely yet badass agent is incredibly charming".[97]
| “ | "It would be a bridge too far - she wouldn’t choose a job over (Rhys) in that circumstance. She would have blamed Torchwood forever. She would have taken herself away. I’m glad that relationship is still intact. It’s a show where you’ve got to contrast the ordinary everyday with the extraordinary and (with) Gwen going home to Rhys and then going to work in an underground secret base... it's right to have that balance." | ” |
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—Executive Producer Julie Gardner, speaking in July 2008, explains why the production team chose not to kill off Rhys.[98] |
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Much of Gwen's characterisation centers on her developing relationship with long term partner Rhys Williams. Exposition in the series two episode "Adam" reveals that the two have been in a relationship together since meeting at college.[8] Despite working with Torchwood bringing about a total transformation in her life, Rhys remains a constant presence with actress Eve Myles describing him as Gwen's "normality base".[13] The relationship is tested by Gwen's affair with colleague Owen Harper (Gorman) which Myles believes to be "completely out of character" for Gwen;[75] explaining that the guilt experienced over her actions tears her to pieces.[88] Rhys had originally been slated to die in the first series but was given a reprise. Producer Richard Stokes states that Rhys' presence keeps Gwen from losing her "heart" and that without him "it simply becomes a sci-fi show about sci-fi people, running around and hunting aliens".[99] Julie Gardner adds that in the discussion, the writers had felt they could not have written Gwen as ever recovering from Rhys' loss, and so chose not to kill off the character.[98]
The newly engaged Gwen becomes completely monogamous in the second series and "fights everyday to be with [Rhys]" even though Jack remains "a huge temptation".[100] Producer Russell T Davies felt that it was essential that Rhys could not remain ignorant over Gwen's vocation[101] and the episode Meat focusses on Rhys discovering and coming to terms with Gwen's job.[7] Richard Edwards of SFX comments that this development allows their relationship to become the most convincing on the show and makes it clear why Gwen would want to marry Rhys.[102] Richard Stokes feels that the marriage in "Something Borrowed" shows of Gwen's character that "even though she’s put him through some really difficult times, she really does love him and want to be with him."[99] When asked about her character's complex relationship with both Jack and Rhys, Eve Myles explains that Gwen wouldn't be as much of a "strong character" without her ordinary life with Rhys.[103] After the two enter a marriage based on honesty he becomes a “confidant, someone to share the burden with."[104] Delivering on this, the end sequences of "Adrift" and "Exit Wounds" both show Gwen seeking comfort in Rhys' arms after a traumatic work experience.[10][105] Ben Rawson Jones of Digital Spy comments that overall, the relationship serves to create "a nice contrast with the fantastical elements of the show";[106] whilst Jason Hughes opines that their marriage is "handled in a painfully honest way" and serves as "a true definition of "love" written with subtlety and perfection".[107] Talking about the show's exploration of human sexuality, Russell T Davies highlights the importance of Gwen and Rhys stating that "open sexuality has to include everything" including "a husband/wife great big crime-fighting team [...] happily in love".[96]
| “ | "Jack’s arrival represents these insecurities, the repressed desire for sex and romance rather than tea and hotpot at the kitchen table. Part of her longs for the first kiss, the outrageous flirting, the unpredictability of a new relationship. Jack, once again acting out her innermost desires obliges her. But they never take it beyond the romantic tension.." | ” |
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—Valerie Estelle Frankel comments on the Gwen/Jack relationship.[78] |
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In addition to Gwen's long standing relationship with Rhys, the series explores possibilities of a romantic connection between Gwen and Jack. In a 2007 interview, Eve Myles, who portrays Gwen, describes the relationship between Jack and Gwen as a "palpable love" and opines that "with Jack and Gwen, it’s the real thing and they’re going to make you wait for that."[2] The first two series depict a romantic frission behind Gwen and Jack's working relationship, with Stephen James Walker drawing on the firing range sequence in Ghost Machine as a key example; as well as the scene where Jack discovers that Gwen has become engaged to Rhys.[76] According to AfterElton's Locksley Hall Jack is attracted to Gwen because of "her warmth, her sense of justice, her very ordinariness and lack of glamour".[108] Gwen's division between Jack and Rhys becomes a central theme in the second series. Frankel believes that Gwen's is stuck between "Rhys, the sweet, kind handsome prince, and Jack, the compelling trickster".[78] She suggests that Jack is not mature enough to occupy the role of "steady prince" for Gwen,[78] whilst Barrowman feels that if Jack were to settle down with her, "he'd have to commit completely"; this is why he does not act on his feelings, because though Gwen would let him flirt with other people, he could "never afford to do anything more".[109]
Stephen James Walker feels that Gwen's decision not to wipe Rhys' memory a second time in the episode "Meat" symbolises the end of any potential relationship between Gwen and Jack,[76] although Gwen later confesses that "I love [Rhys]... but not in the way I love you [Jack]."[8] Myles doesn't begrudge the fact that Gwen has feelings for Jack in addition to Rhys, stating that "the most monogamous woman in the world would probably go for him – it'd be hard not to".[103] Myles later clarifies that following Gwen's marriage to Rhys she doesn't see a pressing need for Jack and Gwen to consummate their feelings stating that "it's kind of like feeding the baby when it's not hungry".[13] Reinforcing this view, Julie Gardner feels the love between Gwen and Jack is self-evident and that it doesn't need saying.[59] Gareth David Lloyd, who portrayed Jack's other romantic interest, Ianto Jones, believes that although Jack feels two different types of love for Ianto and Gwen,[110] both have been instrumental in helping him open up and become less socially and emotionally isolated.[111] By Children of Earth Gwen is comfortable referring to Jack as her "best friend" although Lynette Porter interprets Gwen's view of Jack as apotheosis arguing her expectations of him to be the hero cause him to flee Earth as the hero is a role he cannot play because of the responsibility he feels for the deaths of those he loved.[80] Although Gwen retreats to a rural idyll with the family she loves, she still retains feelings for Jack, and misses the exciting life she once led alongside him. Similarly, it is stated in the press release that it is Jack's "unstated love" for Gwen which brings him back to earth.[84] Speaking ahead of the fourth series Myles explains that Gwen and Jack's relationship is a composite of several different types of relationships. She describes it as a "love-hate-love relationship", stating that it is that of a sibling relationship, a husband and wife relationship and also "the best friendship known to mankind". Myles feels that Gwen is not complete without Jack and that they are like "two missing parts of a jigsaw" and because the relationship works on these different levels it cannot be labelled.[112] Episode seven of Miracle Day features a scenario where Gwen states that she would have Jack killed to save her daughter. Writer Jane Espenson explains that the two characters differing needs means that they inevitably "clash like steel blades".[113] Simon Brew of Den of Geek describes Jack and Gwen as "a terrific double act" and opines that "Torchwood is at, or near, its best when the two of them are working in tandem".[114]
British tabloid newspaper The Sun had claimed all the members of Torchwood were bisexual[115] and despite her character appearing "ostensibly straight",[116] "Day One" features a scene in which Gwen reciprocates the advances of a sex-driven alien in a woman's body whilst under the influences of alien-enhanced pheromones.[117] In order to convey the correct sense of passion in the scene where Gwen and Carys kiss, actresses Eve Myles and Sara Gregory discussed how they would execute it beforehand and agreed that they would have to imagine Gregory as Johnny Depp, and Myles as Brad Pitt.[118] This particular scene drew criticism from AfterEllen.com reviewer Karman Kregloe who comments that it falls prey to "nearly every negative lesbian stereotype imaginable". Kregloe considers Gwen's inability to satiate the sex crazed alien as a "play on a traditional, sexist social construct", whilst the decision to never have Gwen never mention the experience again also draws criticism.[116] The first series also sees Gwen embark on a short lived destructive affair with colleague Owen Harper. Executive producer Russell T Davies explains that the episode "Countrycide" was deliberately structured in order to make the affair seem inevitable as she struggles to cope with her Torchwood life.[119] For Davies, the affair is recounted in adult manner, being characterised by "lust and anger and hurt and the joy you get out of the initial stages of having an affair". The situation is a very "human one",[108] with Stephen James Walker arguing that it is Gwen's acknowledgement in her human failings which makes her betrayal of Rhys redeemable.[76] Academic Linnie Blake analyses Gwen's fluid sexuality in the first series as a response to her eye opening surroundings and Jack's "glorious affirmation of all possible sexual permutations", citing Gwen's fling with the "dangerous" Owen and "enthusiastic" encounter with Carys as evidence of her heterosexist normality becoming enveloped by the uncanny. The Gothic situations in Torchwood continue to find parallels in the "invasion" of Gwen's sexuality, reaching a climax at her wedding when she is forcibly impregnated.[120] In addition to her affair with Owen, the novel Border Princes features Gwen being manipulated into an afffair with alien infiltrator James Mayer. However, the canonicity of these events is unclear.[121]
Gwen's friendship with former colleague Andy also juxtaposes her extraordinary life with mundane one, as well as highlighting her transformation into a harder woman.[76] Andy is present immediately before Gwen first encounters Torchwood, and according to Myles his appearances "takes you right back to the beginning, it reminds you where she came from, how Jack found Gwen". Later, the episode "Adrift" reveals that Andy has harboured feelings for Gwen over the course of several years.[105] Tom Price, who portrays Andy, speculates that Gwen had been the subject of a clumsy pass when the two of them worked together.[122] Andy's feelings cause him to remain absent on Gwen's wedding day,[105] and to constantly bicker with her husband Rhys,[10][18] but despite this Gwen's influence remains a decisive factor in Andy's begrudging trust in Torchwood.[123]
Eve Myles has generally enjoyed an increased profile since being cast as Gwen Cooper in Torchwood and is now considered one of Wales biggest Drama exports.[124] On casting her, Russell T Davies described Myles as "Wales best kept secret," and the actress has also been described as a "Welsh icon" since appearing in Torchwood,[125] with the Western Mail listing Myles' turn as "Torchwood's feisty female lead" as a contributing factor in making her one of Wales' sexiest women, as well as a national institution.[126] In an analysis of Welsh representation in television, Geraint Telfan Davies cited Myles' role in Torchwood, coupled with the popularity of sitcom Gavin and Stacey, as combating prejudice against the Welsh accent.[127] Backing up this claim, Samantha Bennet of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette describes Myles' "silvery, flowing" accent as "exotic" and Myles herself as a bona fide star.[128] Shortly after Torchwood's premiere, Conservative MP Michael Gove described Gwen Cooper as a "Celtic Rosselini" and an example of Welsh sensuality,[129] whilst in 2006, Wales on Sunday named Myles as its "Bachelorette of the Year".[130] In July 2011, The Scotsman's Aidan Smith described Gwen Cooper as "the sexiest woman in Wales".[131]
The Guardian's "Organ Grinder" reviewer was full of praise for Myles' portrayal of Cooper in "Everything Changes", expressing the opinion that her portrayal of Gwen Cooper managed to outshine Captain Jack.[132] Myles, as Cooper, is described by The Stage as "the solid, down to earth character needed to anchor Torchwood to the real world"; functioning well as a foil to Captain Jack Harkness,[133] whilst David Cornelius comments that her character succeeds as a strong female character that does not pander to stereotypes. For Cornelius, the writers avoid defining Gwen by any aspect of her adventures, making her better developed than most male TV characters in the bargain.[81] The more assertive Gwen in Torchwood's third series has generally attracted praise from reviewers: Robert Lloyd, writing for the Los Angeles Times describes her as a "soulful leather-jacketed action heroine",[134] whilst Paul Collins of Total Sci-Fi online felt that Children of Earth finally shows Gwen's heroic characteristics in a way that had been missing in the first two series.[135] Daniel Martin from the Guardian felt that "it's great to see Gwen being so completely badass", and also commented on character's interactions, singling out the stowaway scene with Rhys as "just lovely".[91] IGN writer Asham Haque also credits Gwen's pregnancy storyline as "one of the few hope-giving threads" in Children of Earth, providing much of the serials "tender and humorous moments".[136] Comic Book Resources' Remy Minnick describes Gwen "the true heart of Torchwood", her speech referencing The Doctor being "so stirring and completely heartbreaking at the same time",[137] whilst Wired magazine also view Myles' portrayal as forming the conscience of the Torchwood Team, and the show itself.[138] Jonathan Wilkins felt that the five part serial marked the emergence of Eve Myles as a talented star in her own right; believing that she shows complete conviction in playing every aspect of her character; and that she could potentially carry the show without co-star Barrowman; should he not return.[139] Maureen Ryan of the Chicago Tribune opined that the third series' climax indicates just how Eve Myles has "grown into the role", describing her performance as "outstanding".[140] Ryan later gives an "Honourable Mention" to Gwen when discussing Sci-Fi TV's Most Memorable Female Characters, making her the only Doctor Who franchise character to receive a mention.[141]
Eve Myles won the 2007 Bafta Cymru Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Gwen Cooper, winning over the parent series' actress Billie Piper.[142] She was nominated again for the award in 2008,[143] and again in 2010.[144] In 2010 Eve also won the 'Best Actress" award in the SFX Reader's Awards poll,[145] and was crowned best actress in the 11th annual Airlock Alpha Portal Awards.[146] Action figures have also been created in her likeness, which Myles' describes as "bizarre and wonderful" but at the same time "really kind of strange".[147] In a reader's awards poll in the sixth issue of Torchwood Magazine, Gwen was voted second favourite Torchwood character behind Captain Jack,[148] a ranking she also received in a 2011 poll published by the Liverpool Daily Post as part of a live Interview with writer John Fay.[149] Myles has represented the character of Gwen at various sci-fi conventions and has praised the fan response as "incredible" and "just extraordinary".[150] Some fans have taken to blacking out their teeth at sci-fi conventions to mimic her gap toothed appearance, which Myles finds particularly flattering.[151]
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