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* HoistByHisOwnPetard: The 456 are finally defeated by [[spoiler: turning the signal they used to control the children against them]].
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* HoistByHisOwnPetard: The 456 are finally defeated by [[spoiler: turning the signal they used to control the children against them. Moreover, ''they themselves'' broadcast the signal that was used to defeat them]].
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This doesn\'t match the trope. Ianto was dead at that point, and Gwen\'s just reiterating a lie he said.
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* OutOfCharacterAlert: Gwen tries to gain the trust of Ianto's sister Rhiannon, but because Ianto has lied about his family details she naturally thinks Gwen is an impostor.
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trope was renamed
* OutOfCharacterAlert: Gwen tries to gain the trust of Ianto's sister Rhiannon, but because Ianto has lied about his family details she naturally thinks Gwen is an impostor.
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* SomethingHeWouldNeverSay: Gwen tries to gain the trust of Ianto's sister Rhiannon, but because Ianto has lied about his family details she naturally thinks Gwen is an impostor.
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* IdiotBall: Actually dancing back and forth across the line to IdiotPlot:
** Confronted by an alien threat, the government decides to blow up the Torchwood Hub, which is packed to the rafters with alien technology they might employ in Earth's defense.
** Government assassins sent to kill Gwen never bothered to research her home address and have to abduct P.C. Andy and force him to lead them there. He gives them the runaround.
** The government military base where Jack is imprisoned seemingly has no perimeter security, as Ianto is able to raid the place with a piece of construction equipment. After blocking what is apparently the only exit to the compound, the Torchwood team is able to escape on the slow-moving vehicle with the military seemingly unable to mount any kind of pursuit.
** Jack knows that the 456 use biological weapons. Yet his strategy for confronting them involves going into their chamber without so much as gas masks for protection. Predictably, [[spoiler: Ianto gets killed]].
** Confronted by an alien threat, the government decides to blow up the Torchwood Hub, which is packed to the rafters with alien technology they might employ in Earth's defense.
** Government assassins sent to kill Gwen never bothered to research her home address and have to abduct P.C. Andy and force him to lead them there. He gives them the runaround.
** The government military base where Jack is imprisoned seemingly has no perimeter security, as Ianto is able to raid the place with a piece of construction equipment. After blocking what is apparently the only exit to the compound, the Torchwood team is able to escape on the slow-moving vehicle with the military seemingly unable to mount any kind of pursuit.
** Jack knows that the 456 use biological weapons. Yet his strategy for confronting them involves going into their chamber without so much as gas masks for protection. Predictably, [[spoiler: Ianto gets killed]].
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* VanInBlack: The dark gray Land Rovers used by Johnson's mooks. Also lampshaded in a scene where Ianto thinks a BlackVan is sneaking up on him, but it turns out to be delivering newspapers.
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* VanInBlack: The dark gray Land Rovers used by Johnson's mooks. Also lampshaded in a scene where Ianto thinks a BlackVan black van is sneaking up on him, but it turns out to be delivering newspapers.
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-->'''PC Andy:''' "If she's Anti-Terrorist, I would not mind being Uncle Terrorist."
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-->'''PC Andy:''' "If she's Anti-Terrorist, [[HotAmazon I would not mind being Uncle Terrorist.Terrorist]]."
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** That said, they do seem pretty sadistic when Torchwood try and call them out on their behaviour and they respond by [[spoiler: killing everyone in the building with a virus]] after saying HumansAreBastards by invoking AMillionIsAStatistic (saying that millions of humans die every day and nobody does anything about it). Their behaviour is more consistent with [[spoiler: a narcissistic drug-addict; its less that they don't "get" humanities beef than they are too high and self-centred to give a damn.]]
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** That said, they do seem pretty sadistic when Torchwood try and call them out on their behaviour and they respond by [[spoiler: killing everyone in the building with a virus]] after saying HumansAreBastards by invoking AMillionIsAStatistic (saying that millions of humans die every day and nobody does anything about it). Their behaviour is more consistent with [[spoiler: a narcissistic drug-addict; its less that they don't "get" humanities beef than they are too high and self-centred to give a damn.]]]] Essentially, their InsaneTrollLogic reeks of excuses and rationalizations- the truth is, they just want the kids, and didn't need to justify themselves until humanity objected.
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* BlueAndOrangeMorality: There are lee-ways that the 456 are simply "misunderstood" and don't understand themselves the harm they're doing to [[spoiler:the children]] or that humanity means anything in the universe. They don't seem to be either particularly ashamed or proud of [[spoiler:their addiction]], not that much reluctant to admit what they use [[spoiler:the children]] for (if they'd anticipate the humans' reactions, maybe they wouldn't have admitted that easily). They show signs of PsychopathicManchild throughout the series.
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* BlueAndOrangeMorality: There are lee-ways that the 456 are simply "misunderstood" and don't understand themselves the harm they're doing to [[spoiler:the children]] or that humanity means anything in the universe. They don't seem to be either particularly ashamed or proud of [[spoiler:their addiction]], not nor that much reluctant to admit what they use [[spoiler:the children]] for (if they'd anticipate the humans' reactions, maybe they wouldn't have admitted that easily). They show signs of PsychopathicManchild throughout the series.series.
** That said, they do seem pretty sadistic when Torchwood try and call them out on their behaviour and they respond by [[spoiler: killing everyone in the building with a virus]] after saying HumansAreBastards by invoking AMillionIsAStatistic (saying that millions of humans die every day and nobody does anything about it). Their behaviour is more consistent with [[spoiler: a narcissistic drug-addict; its less that they don't "get" humanities beef than they are too high and self-centred to give a damn.]]
** That said, they do seem pretty sadistic when Torchwood try and call them out on their behaviour and they respond by [[spoiler: killing everyone in the building with a virus]] after saying HumansAreBastards by invoking AMillionIsAStatistic (saying that millions of humans die every day and nobody does anything about it). Their behaviour is more consistent with [[spoiler: a narcissistic drug-addict; its less that they don't "get" humanities beef than they are too high and self-centred to give a damn.]]
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* AliensSpeakingEnglish: An important plot point, as it's a clue the aliens have been to Earth -- and specifically the United Kingdom -- before. Jack suggests the aliens might simply be speaking the most common language on Earth, but Ianto points out that's actually Mandarin Chinese.
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* AliensSpeakingEnglish: An important plot point, as it's a clue the aliens have been to Earth -- and specifically the United Kingdom -- before. Jack suggests the aliens might simply be speaking the most common language on Earth, but Ianto points out that's actually Mandarin Chinese.Chinese (though, that said, English is more widespread).
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* WhatHappenedToTheMouse: The representatives from other countries seem to be completely forgotten about in the latter half of the mini-series, with the story focusing entirely on the British government's response to 456. (This is especially absurd given that 456 wanted 10% of ''all'' the children on Earth, so the British government playing ball is surely irrelevant if any other country refuses.)
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* AllGirlsLikePonies: "We want a pony...we want a pony..."
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* CreepyChild: Try [[UptoEleven ''every child on Earth'']] becoming this.
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* CreepyChild: Try [[UptoEleven ''every ''[[UptoEleven every child on Earth'']] Earth]]'' becoming this.
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** Of course it didn't help that they blew up Torchwood's stash of alien tech (Arguably the largest such collection on Earth) right at the start, either.
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* CreepyChild: Try ''every child on Earth'' becoming this.
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* CreepyChild: Try [[UptoEleven ''every child on Earth'' Earth'']] becoming this.
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* KarmaHoudini: Well, considering their actions across the whole mini, the entire UK government getting off with anything less than being publically lynched could be considered this. But specifically, there is also Bridget Spears, Frobisher's assistant who looks like she'll be coming out of the series smelling roses, despite being just as loathsome as the rest of her colleagues.
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* KarmaHoudini: Well, considering their actions across the whole mini, the entire UK government getting off with anything less than being publically lynched could be considered this. But specifically, there is also Bridget Spears, Frobisher's assistant who looks like she'll be coming out of the series smelling of roses, despite being just as loathsome as the rest of her colleagues.
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* KillThePoor: The actions taken by the British government verge on this. [[spoiler: When aliens require 10% of the children of the world, the government eventually decides to take those 10% from the most impoverished sections of society. One politician in particular implies that, given the world's overpopulation in general, this may not be a bad thing at all in the long run.]]
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* MeaningfulEcho: "I can survive anything... [[spoiler: but you ''can't''."]]
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In 2009 the authorities have become alarmed by reports that every child on Earth became motionless at exactly the same time. A few hours later the same thing happens again, but this time the children deliver a chilling message en masse: "We are coming." As Torchwood investigates the affair in Cardiff, in London the Permanent Secretary to the Home Office, John Frobisher, is also trying to manage the crisis. The government then receives a secret transmission from an alien species referred to only as "456" who have apparently made contact with Earth before. Whatever took place on that occasion, it is a secret so terrible that Frobisher orders the death of all those involved in the affair -- which includes Captain Jack Harkness and, by extension, all other members of Torchwood. As the team go on the run, the world waits for the impending arrival of the aliens. Over the next few days, humanity will discover just what lengths it will go -- and to what depths it will sink -- to ensure its own survival.
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In 2009 2009, the authorities have become alarmed by reports that every child on Earth became motionless at exactly the same time. A few hours later the same thing happens again, but this time the children deliver a chilling message en masse: "We are coming." As Torchwood investigates the affair in Cardiff, in London the Permanent Secretary to the Home Office, John Frobisher, is also trying to manage the crisis. The government then receives a secret transmission from an alien species referred to only as "456" who have apparently made contact with Earth before. Whatever took place on that occasion, it is a secret so terrible that Frobisher orders the death of all those involved in the affair -- which includes Captain Jack Harkness and, by extension, all other members of Torchwood. As the team go on the run, the world waits for the impending arrival of the aliens. Over the next few days, humanity will discover just what lengths it will go -- and to what depths it will sink -- to ensure its own survival.
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In 1965 a busload of children, on their way to a new orphanage, stops on a country road in the middle of the night. The children dismount and -- except for one -- walk towards a [[LightIsNotGood bright light in the sky]].
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Removing red links to ymmv
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* DieForOurShip: Gwen is perceived as getting in the way of Jack/Ianto, especially after [[spoiler:Ianto's death]].
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Has a [[Recap/{{Torchwood{{ recap page]].
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Has a [[Recap/{{Torchwood{{ [[Recap/{{Torchwood}} recap page]].
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Also see the [[Recap/Torchwood recap page]].
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Also see the [[Recap/Torchwood recap page]].
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* DieForOurShip: Gwen is perceived as getting in the way of Jack/Ianto, especially after [[spoiler:Ianto's death]].
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* FanDisservice: Rhiannon's husband Johnny in the nude.
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* TheGhost: Ianto's father, who died before the show began, once broke his son's leg and provoked his leaving home for London and Torchwood 1. Ianto lies about his profession to impress Jack, and Gwen's mistaken beliefs about the man reveal how little Ianto's colleagues actually know him.
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* GuiltComplex: While Jack is usually seen as a clever, charming, flirtatious and impulsive man who doesn't like dwelling much on the bad stuff, ''Children of Earth'' shows us that there are many things he has been blamed for over the course of his life, which has been long enough to make for a massive Guilt Complex; he just had not spoken his guilt out loud. Most of these things were not his fault at all, but being in a privileged position (as the leader of Torchwood Three, but he also can't die) makes him feel responsible for the lives of those around him.
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* PleaseDontLeaveMe: Jack to [[spoiler: Ianto]].
-->'''Jack:''' [[spoiler: Ianto? Ianto?]] Don't leave me, please. Please.
-->'''Jack:''' [[spoiler: Ianto? Ianto?]] Don't leave me, please. Please.
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* PoweredByAForsakenChild: The 456's "message". This was also used against them in the end.
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* PlayingAgainstType: Peter Capaldi is best known for playing MagnificentBastard AntiHero Malcolm Tucker in ''TheThickOfIt'' -- a man with no scruples or shame over the corrupt government he works for. In ''Children Of Earth'' he plays John Frobisher, a ButtMonkey AntiVillain who is so ashamed of his governments' acts he commits suicide after murdering his family to spare them from [[spoiler:being turned over to the 456]]. The two characters are polar opposites.
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* PlayingAgainstType: Peter Capaldi is best known for playing MagnificentBastard AntiHero Malcolm Tucker in ''TheThickOfIt'' -- a man with no scruples or shame over the corrupt government he works for. In ''Children Of Earth'' he plays John Frobisher, a ButtMonkey AntiVillain who is so ashamed of his governments' acts he commits [[spoiler:commits suicide after murdering his family family]] to spare them his family from [[spoiler:being turned over to the 456]]. The two characters are polar opposites.
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* ImmuneToBullets: The 456 is smart enough to make sure the chamber built for him is bulletproof.
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* AlasPoorVillain: [[spoiler: Frobisher.]]
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The third series of ''Series/{{Torchwood}}'', with a format changed from 13 mostly-standalones in series 1 and 2 to a five-part miniseries aired over a week in July 2009.
In 1965 a busload of children, on their way to a new orphanage, stops on a country road in the middle of the night. The children dismount and -- except for one -- walk towards a [[LightIsNotGood bright light in the sky]].
In 2009 the authorities have become alarmed by reports that every child on Earth became motionless at exactly the same time. A few hours later the same thing happens again, but this time the children deliver a chilling message en masse: "We are coming." As Torchwood investigates the affair in Cardiff, in London the Permanent Secretary to the Home Office, John Frobisher, is also trying to manage the crisis. The government then receives a secret transmission from an alien species referred to only as "456" who have apparently made contact with Earth before. Whatever took place on that occasion, it is a secret so terrible that Frobisher orders the death of all those involved in the affair -- which includes Captain Jack Harkness and, by extension, all other members of Torchwood. As the team go on the run, the world waits for the impending arrival of the aliens. Over the next few days, humanity will discover just what lengths it will go -- and to what depths it will sink -- to ensure its own survival.
!!This miniseries contains examples of:
* ActionGirl: Alice Carter and Gwen Cooper have their moments, but of course the prize goes to Agent Johnson.
-->'''PC Andy:''' "If she's Anti-Terrorist, I would not mind being Uncle Terrorist."
* ActionMom: Alice sticks a long kitchen knife in her belt -- and moments later knocks out a kevlar-clad soldier -- the instant she thinks her child is in danger.
* AlasPoorVillain: [[spoiler: Frobisher.]]
* AliensSpeakingEnglish: An important plot point, as it's a clue the aliens have been to Earth -- and specifically the United Kingdom -- before. Jack suggests the aliens might simply be speaking the most common language on Earth, but Ianto points out that's actually Mandarin Chinese.
* AlwaysSaveTheGirl: Well, guy. Jack is willing to surrender to the 456 if it will save Ianto.
* AnythingButThat: Jack cries out tremulously, [[spoiler: "Not him!" when the 456 expel the virus into the air and Ianto falls victim.]]
* BewareTheNiceOnes: PC Andy rips off his police uniform and starts punching out the soldiers who are trying to seize [[spoiler:the children]].
* BlackComedy: Even this season has its moments of humor.
** Gwen pistol-whips a fake ambulance officer, next to a poster warning of the consequences of assaulting ambulance officers.
** Soldiers kick down the bedroom door of Ianto's brother-in-law and demand to know where he is.
-->"Well, you won't find him in my bed, will you? I'm a married man!"
** The whole scene where Gwen and Rhys are disguised as undertakers.
** When Gwen gets Clem out of jail, there's an anti-drug ad on the wall.
* BlueAndOrangeMorality: There are lee-ways that the 456 are simply "misunderstood" and don't understand themselves the harm they're doing to [[spoiler:the children]] or that humanity means anything in the universe. They don't seem to be either particularly ashamed or proud of [[spoiler:their addiction]], not that much reluctant to admit what they use [[spoiler:the children]] for (if they'd anticipate the humans' reactions, maybe they wouldn't have admitted that easily). They show signs of PsychopathicManchild throughout the series.
* BreakingTheFellowship
* ButtMonkey: Frobisher.
* CrazyHomelessPeople: Clement [=McDonald=], the only one of the 12 children left behind in 1965.
* CreepyChild: Try ''every child on Earth'' becoming this.
* DeadStarWalking: The promotional material suggested that Dr Rupesh Patanjali would be joining the team as TheMedic (to replace Owen Harper). He turns out to be TheMole sent to infiltrate Torchwood, and is left dead on the floor so Jack will return directly to Torchwood with his bomb and not waste time try to find him.
* DirtyCoward: Prime Minister Brian Greene is probably the worst for handing all responsibility to John Frobisher, leaving him to take the blame for any of the government's reprehensible acts. In the end this turns even Bridget Spears and cabinet member Denise Riley against him.
* DownerEnding: Although it could have been far, far worse in the larger scheme of things, the series does not end well on a ''personal'' level for any of the heroes.
* DrivenToSuicide: Frobisher.
* {{Eagleland}}: General Pierce appears to be there either to embody this trope, or he was there to show that America isn't the one doing the evil. He constantly points out that they kept America in the dark.
* EvenEvilHasStandards: The Prime Minister's first reaction after the crisis ends is relief that he can blame all their actions on the Americans. This is regarded as the final straw by the other members of his cabinet, who've taken no joy in crossing the MoralEventHorizon.
* EvilDetectingDog: Alice ignores a barking dog, until it suddenly whimpers and goes quiet. Then she starts getting out the kitchen knives.
* {{Expy}}: Lois Habiba for Martha Jones (who was originally intended to appear in it), though she plays a more naive, innocent version. No doubt that if it was actually Martha in the position, she would have been far more forthcoming in helping Torchwood in the beginning.
* FullNameBasis: Jack, with Lois Habiba.
* GenreSavvy: Mr. Dekker. When the alarms go off to signify that the 456 have begun [[spoiler:filling Thames House with poison gas]] and sealed it off, instead of futilely trying to escape, he runs into an equipment room and quickly puts on a hot-suit. Incidentally, he's the only one in the building who survives.
* GovernmentConspiracy
* GunsAkimbo: Gwen Cooper, including a LeapAndFire at one stage.
* HeelFaceTurn: When [[spoiler:Agent Johnson]] finds out just what her superiors in the government are up to, she and her Black Ops troops goes from hunting Torchwood to helping them.
* HeKnowsTooMuch: Everyone who handled the original 'exchange' back in 1965 is subject to a 'blank page' by the government. As one of these people is Jack Harkness, that means killing everyone in Torchwood 3.
* HoistByHisOwnPetard: The 456 are finally defeated by [[spoiler: turning the signal they used to control the children against them]].
* HollywoodSilencer: If you look closely at the sniper rifle when it's being fired at Ianto, there's no actual silencer attached, despite the sound effect.
* HollywoodSpelling: Averted -- Gwen asks Ianto to look up both "Clement [=MacDonald=]" and "Clement [=McDonald=]", as she has only heard his name and doesn't know the spelling.
* HopeSpot: Most of Day Four lulls you into a false sense of security thinking Torchwood will save the day. Then [[spoiler:Ianto dies]] and things go horribly GrimDark from there.
* HumanResources: [[spoiler:The children]] produce chemicals which the 456 use -- not to [[NecessaryEvil stay alive]], or run technology that can only be PoweredByAForsakenChild, but [[spoiler:[[DrugsAreBad simply to get high]]]].
* IconicItem: Ianto, whilst escaping from a ticking bomb, tries to save Jack's coat.
* IDidWhatIHadToDo: Everyone's excuse for [[spoiler:handing over children to aliens]] for an unknown purpose. However, what's originally justified as a NecessaryEvil to save the entire human race quickly becomes [[spoiler:a social eugenics program]].
* IfItsYouItsOkay: Ianto explains to Rhiannon that it's not just men, it's just... Jack.
* IHaveYourWife: Jack and Frobisher play this with each other.
* ImminentDangerClue: See EvilDetectingDog.
* InfantImmortality: Averted with the (unseen) deaths of children in road accidents (because they froze while crossing the street), [[spoiler:Frobisher's daughters]], and the onscreen death of [[spoiler:Jack's grandson]].
* ImmuneToBullets: The 456 is smart enough to make sure the chamber built for him is bulletproof.
* ImperialStormtrooperMarksmanshipAcademy: The black-clad soldiers have difficulty hitting fleeing Torchwood members (in one case, a sniper with laser-sighted rifle trying to hit someone running directly away from him at short range).
* InsaneTrollLogic: The 456 are masters of this, maybe conditioned by their ValuesDissonance.
** First, they go with the theory that "it worked once, it will work again". This is ignoring the fact that the terms of the first arrangement were completely different, as one character partially points out. First, in 1965 they only asked for [[spoiler:12 children]], which was feasible. Secondly, they gave something in apparent bigger value - the salvation for 25 million people. It was a trade. Now they're claming ''nearly as much as they saved'' while giving ''absolutely nothing'' except "Well, I let you live, isn't that enough?"
** Another problem is with their logic that if people accept that [[spoiler:children]] ''are dying of natural causes'', they won't mind if aliens took them from them, which they consider almost identical. Nevermind [[spoiler:maternal instinct]] and having [[spoiler:your child]] plucked out of your hands, literally, by the state or some aliens, is completely different than being plucked by death, with [[spoiler:the parents]] being unable to stop it or fight it.
* InvasionOfTheBabySnatchers: [[spoiler:The 456]].
-->"[[spoiler:We want ten percent of the children of this world.]]"
* {{Irony}}: Alice threatens Johnson with the vengeance of Jack Harkness if [[spoiler:her child is harmed]], only to have Jack do it instead.
* KarmaHoudini: Well, considering their actions across the whole mini, the entire UK government getting off with anything less than being publically lynched could be considered this. But specifically, there is also Bridget Spears, Frobisher's assistant who looks like she'll be coming out of the series smelling roses, despite being just as loathsome as the rest of her colleagues.
** She pales in comparison with Home Secretary Denise Riley, who had the monstrous MoralMyopia to be indignant at the idea that the lottery wouldn't exclude [[spoiler:her relative's children as well as her own]], but was the first to suggest giving the 456 the "expendable" [[spoiler:children]]. And she implies that she expects to succeed Green as Prime Minister after his deeds come to light.
* KryptoniteFactor: Johnson's people believe the Torchwood Hub is somehow linked to Harkness' immortality, and hope that by destroying it they will destroy him. They're GenreSavvy enough not to rely on this however, and make sure to throw his remains in a cell just in case they're wrong.
* LaserGuidedKarma: John Frobisher (and possibly Prime Minister Brian Green).
* LaserSight: Both Ianto and Gwen see the laser-sight of the backup assassin trying to shoot them.
* LastNameBasis: The first names of Agent Johnson and Mr Dekker are never revealed.
* MamaBear: Alice threatens to kill Johnson if she harms her child, and even though the latter is a BadAss ActionGirl she takes this threat seriously.
* AMillionIsAStatistic: People are willing to accede to the 456's demands as long as it's not [[spoiler:''their'' children]] being handed over, or [[spoiler:someone they know]]. [[spoiler:Children]] are even referred to as "units" by the Cabinet.
-->'''Jack:''' "It was easier if you didn't know their names."
* MoodDissonance: 456 hisses, thrashes against the sides of its container and projectile-vomits green goo, yet speaks in the deep, calm voice of its translator. Those listening are noticeably spooked.
* MrExposition: Lois Habiba. The third series drew in a lot of new viewers and the producers seemed to have anticipated this. Lois was used to explain the origins of Torchwood to anyone who hadn't seen the first two series.
* TheNameless: 456 is merely a placeholder name for the aliens, derived from the frequency on which they first contacted humanity. Even when asked directly for the name of its species, the 456 tells Frobisher to just keep using that designation. Also it's never actually stated which government organisation Johnson works for.
* PlayingAgainstType: Peter Capaldi is best known for playing MagnificentBastard AntiHero Malcolm Tucker in ''TheThickOfIt'' -- a man with no scruples or shame over the corrupt government he works for. In ''Children Of Earth'' he plays John Frobisher, a ButtMonkey AntiVillain who is so ashamed of his governments' acts he commits suicide after murdering his family to spare them from [[spoiler:being turned over to the 456]]. The two characters are polar opposites.
* PowerPerversionPotential: Apparently, Gwen and Rhys have been using the Torchwood camera contact lenses for "fun". Yes, ''this'' kind of fun.
* PragmaticVillainy: Furthering the AlternateCharacterInterpretation, Denise Riley stating 'what everyone was thinking' qualifies for this, if you consider her a CompleteMonster - no one in the Cabinet is going to sign [[spoiler:their children up]] to be taken by the 456, and if there's no other choice, why not get rid of [[spoiler:the underperforming children]] who are likely to become the [[spoiler:'future drain on society']] and protect the future leaders?
* PunchClockVillain: Most of the UK government is portrayed this way (''especially'' Frobisher); it's one of the major themes of the miniseries.
* SexySecretary: Lois.
* SenselessSacrifice: [[spoiler:John Frobisher]]'s murder-suicide, though only senseless in hindsight.
* SinisterSurveillance: For once Torchwood are on the receiving end. By a government unit with the same software and intel.
* SomethingHeWouldNeverSay: Gwen tries to gain the trust of Ianto's sister Rhiannon, but because Ianto has lied about his family details she naturally thinks Gwen is an impostor.
* [[SillyRabbitIdealismIsForKids Silly Rabbit, Idealism Is For UNIT]]: Cabinet member Denise Riley, who says "what everyone here is thinking". None of the government big shots want [[spoiler:their own children handed over]], and if they're exempt, why not get rid of the ratbag element of society?
* SoundOnlyDeath: John Frobisher's [[spoiler:PaterFamilicide]].
* SoundtrackDissonance: When [[spoiler:the children]] are seized.
* StealthInSpace: The one thing hampering even the idea of fighting back is that the government can't locate any spaceships in orbit, even with the alien tech they've scavenged over the past few years.
* SuperSenses: Clement's brain was somehow altered by the aliens, giving him the ability to [[TheNoseKnows smell]] if someone is lying. Or pregnant. Or gay.
* SupermanStaysOutOfGotham: Lampshaded by Gwen when she wonders why the Doctor doesn't come to help.
* TrashTheSet: The Torchwood Hub.
* VanInBlack: The dark gray Land Rovers used by Johnson's mooks. Also lampshaded in a scene where Ianto thinks a BlackVan is sneaking up on him, but it turns out to be delivering newspapers.
* VideoWill: Gwen leaves one in the final episode for anyone who's still around to see it.
* WhatASenselessWasteOfHumanLife: The whole army vs. its people was utterly ''useless'', as would have been [[spoiler:handling the children to the aliens]], or worse, ''not handling them''.
* WhoWantsToLiveForever: Alice now looks older than her father Jack.
%%% Please no natter about the actors' chronological ages.
* WhyAmITicking: Jack is 'killed' so he can be cut open and a bomb hidden inside his body, in order to destroy both him and the Torchwood Hub.
In 1965 a busload of children, on their way to a new orphanage, stops on a country road in the middle of the night. The children dismount and -- except for one -- walk towards a [[LightIsNotGood bright light in the sky]].
In 2009 the authorities have become alarmed by reports that every child on Earth became motionless at exactly the same time. A few hours later the same thing happens again, but this time the children deliver a chilling message en masse: "We are coming." As Torchwood investigates the affair in Cardiff, in London the Permanent Secretary to the Home Office, John Frobisher, is also trying to manage the crisis. The government then receives a secret transmission from an alien species referred to only as "456" who have apparently made contact with Earth before. Whatever took place on that occasion, it is a secret so terrible that Frobisher orders the death of all those involved in the affair -- which includes Captain Jack Harkness and, by extension, all other members of Torchwood. As the team go on the run, the world waits for the impending arrival of the aliens. Over the next few days, humanity will discover just what lengths it will go -- and to what depths it will sink -- to ensure its own survival.
!!This miniseries contains examples of:
* ActionGirl: Alice Carter and Gwen Cooper have their moments, but of course the prize goes to Agent Johnson.
-->'''PC Andy:''' "If she's Anti-Terrorist, I would not mind being Uncle Terrorist."
* ActionMom: Alice sticks a long kitchen knife in her belt -- and moments later knocks out a kevlar-clad soldier -- the instant she thinks her child is in danger.
* AlasPoorVillain: [[spoiler: Frobisher.]]
* AliensSpeakingEnglish: An important plot point, as it's a clue the aliens have been to Earth -- and specifically the United Kingdom -- before. Jack suggests the aliens might simply be speaking the most common language on Earth, but Ianto points out that's actually Mandarin Chinese.
* AlwaysSaveTheGirl: Well, guy. Jack is willing to surrender to the 456 if it will save Ianto.
* AnythingButThat: Jack cries out tremulously, [[spoiler: "Not him!" when the 456 expel the virus into the air and Ianto falls victim.]]
* BewareTheNiceOnes: PC Andy rips off his police uniform and starts punching out the soldiers who are trying to seize [[spoiler:the children]].
* BlackComedy: Even this season has its moments of humor.
** Gwen pistol-whips a fake ambulance officer, next to a poster warning of the consequences of assaulting ambulance officers.
** Soldiers kick down the bedroom door of Ianto's brother-in-law and demand to know where he is.
-->"Well, you won't find him in my bed, will you? I'm a married man!"
** The whole scene where Gwen and Rhys are disguised as undertakers.
** When Gwen gets Clem out of jail, there's an anti-drug ad on the wall.
* BlueAndOrangeMorality: There are lee-ways that the 456 are simply "misunderstood" and don't understand themselves the harm they're doing to [[spoiler:the children]] or that humanity means anything in the universe. They don't seem to be either particularly ashamed or proud of [[spoiler:their addiction]], not that much reluctant to admit what they use [[spoiler:the children]] for (if they'd anticipate the humans' reactions, maybe they wouldn't have admitted that easily). They show signs of PsychopathicManchild throughout the series.
* BreakingTheFellowship
* ButtMonkey: Frobisher.
* CrazyHomelessPeople: Clement [=McDonald=], the only one of the 12 children left behind in 1965.
* CreepyChild: Try ''every child on Earth'' becoming this.
* DeadStarWalking: The promotional material suggested that Dr Rupesh Patanjali would be joining the team as TheMedic (to replace Owen Harper). He turns out to be TheMole sent to infiltrate Torchwood, and is left dead on the floor so Jack will return directly to Torchwood with his bomb and not waste time try to find him.
* DirtyCoward: Prime Minister Brian Greene is probably the worst for handing all responsibility to John Frobisher, leaving him to take the blame for any of the government's reprehensible acts. In the end this turns even Bridget Spears and cabinet member Denise Riley against him.
* DownerEnding: Although it could have been far, far worse in the larger scheme of things, the series does not end well on a ''personal'' level for any of the heroes.
* DrivenToSuicide: Frobisher.
* {{Eagleland}}: General Pierce appears to be there either to embody this trope, or he was there to show that America isn't the one doing the evil. He constantly points out that they kept America in the dark.
* EvenEvilHasStandards: The Prime Minister's first reaction after the crisis ends is relief that he can blame all their actions on the Americans. This is regarded as the final straw by the other members of his cabinet, who've taken no joy in crossing the MoralEventHorizon.
* EvilDetectingDog: Alice ignores a barking dog, until it suddenly whimpers and goes quiet. Then she starts getting out the kitchen knives.
* {{Expy}}: Lois Habiba for Martha Jones (who was originally intended to appear in it), though she plays a more naive, innocent version. No doubt that if it was actually Martha in the position, she would have been far more forthcoming in helping Torchwood in the beginning.
* FullNameBasis: Jack, with Lois Habiba.
* GenreSavvy: Mr. Dekker. When the alarms go off to signify that the 456 have begun [[spoiler:filling Thames House with poison gas]] and sealed it off, instead of futilely trying to escape, he runs into an equipment room and quickly puts on a hot-suit. Incidentally, he's the only one in the building who survives.
* GovernmentConspiracy
* GunsAkimbo: Gwen Cooper, including a LeapAndFire at one stage.
* HeelFaceTurn: When [[spoiler:Agent Johnson]] finds out just what her superiors in the government are up to, she and her Black Ops troops goes from hunting Torchwood to helping them.
* HeKnowsTooMuch: Everyone who handled the original 'exchange' back in 1965 is subject to a 'blank page' by the government. As one of these people is Jack Harkness, that means killing everyone in Torchwood 3.
* HoistByHisOwnPetard: The 456 are finally defeated by [[spoiler: turning the signal they used to control the children against them]].
* HollywoodSilencer: If you look closely at the sniper rifle when it's being fired at Ianto, there's no actual silencer attached, despite the sound effect.
* HollywoodSpelling: Averted -- Gwen asks Ianto to look up both "Clement [=MacDonald=]" and "Clement [=McDonald=]", as she has only heard his name and doesn't know the spelling.
* HopeSpot: Most of Day Four lulls you into a false sense of security thinking Torchwood will save the day. Then [[spoiler:Ianto dies]] and things go horribly GrimDark from there.
* HumanResources: [[spoiler:The children]] produce chemicals which the 456 use -- not to [[NecessaryEvil stay alive]], or run technology that can only be PoweredByAForsakenChild, but [[spoiler:[[DrugsAreBad simply to get high]]]].
* IconicItem: Ianto, whilst escaping from a ticking bomb, tries to save Jack's coat.
* IDidWhatIHadToDo: Everyone's excuse for [[spoiler:handing over children to aliens]] for an unknown purpose. However, what's originally justified as a NecessaryEvil to save the entire human race quickly becomes [[spoiler:a social eugenics program]].
* IfItsYouItsOkay: Ianto explains to Rhiannon that it's not just men, it's just... Jack.
* IHaveYourWife: Jack and Frobisher play this with each other.
* ImminentDangerClue: See EvilDetectingDog.
* InfantImmortality: Averted with the (unseen) deaths of children in road accidents (because they froze while crossing the street), [[spoiler:Frobisher's daughters]], and the onscreen death of [[spoiler:Jack's grandson]].
* ImmuneToBullets: The 456 is smart enough to make sure the chamber built for him is bulletproof.
* ImperialStormtrooperMarksmanshipAcademy: The black-clad soldiers have difficulty hitting fleeing Torchwood members (in one case, a sniper with laser-sighted rifle trying to hit someone running directly away from him at short range).
* InsaneTrollLogic: The 456 are masters of this, maybe conditioned by their ValuesDissonance.
** First, they go with the theory that "it worked once, it will work again". This is ignoring the fact that the terms of the first arrangement were completely different, as one character partially points out. First, in 1965 they only asked for [[spoiler:12 children]], which was feasible. Secondly, they gave something in apparent bigger value - the salvation for 25 million people. It was a trade. Now they're claming ''nearly as much as they saved'' while giving ''absolutely nothing'' except "Well, I let you live, isn't that enough?"
** Another problem is with their logic that if people accept that [[spoiler:children]] ''are dying of natural causes'', they won't mind if aliens took them from them, which they consider almost identical. Nevermind [[spoiler:maternal instinct]] and having [[spoiler:your child]] plucked out of your hands, literally, by the state or some aliens, is completely different than being plucked by death, with [[spoiler:the parents]] being unable to stop it or fight it.
* InvasionOfTheBabySnatchers: [[spoiler:The 456]].
-->"[[spoiler:We want ten percent of the children of this world.]]"
* {{Irony}}: Alice threatens Johnson with the vengeance of Jack Harkness if [[spoiler:her child is harmed]], only to have Jack do it instead.
* KarmaHoudini: Well, considering their actions across the whole mini, the entire UK government getting off with anything less than being publically lynched could be considered this. But specifically, there is also Bridget Spears, Frobisher's assistant who looks like she'll be coming out of the series smelling roses, despite being just as loathsome as the rest of her colleagues.
** She pales in comparison with Home Secretary Denise Riley, who had the monstrous MoralMyopia to be indignant at the idea that the lottery wouldn't exclude [[spoiler:her relative's children as well as her own]], but was the first to suggest giving the 456 the "expendable" [[spoiler:children]]. And she implies that she expects to succeed Green as Prime Minister after his deeds come to light.
* KryptoniteFactor: Johnson's people believe the Torchwood Hub is somehow linked to Harkness' immortality, and hope that by destroying it they will destroy him. They're GenreSavvy enough not to rely on this however, and make sure to throw his remains in a cell just in case they're wrong.
* LaserGuidedKarma: John Frobisher (and possibly Prime Minister Brian Green).
* LaserSight: Both Ianto and Gwen see the laser-sight of the backup assassin trying to shoot them.
* LastNameBasis: The first names of Agent Johnson and Mr Dekker are never revealed.
* MamaBear: Alice threatens to kill Johnson if she harms her child, and even though the latter is a BadAss ActionGirl she takes this threat seriously.
* AMillionIsAStatistic: People are willing to accede to the 456's demands as long as it's not [[spoiler:''their'' children]] being handed over, or [[spoiler:someone they know]]. [[spoiler:Children]] are even referred to as "units" by the Cabinet.
-->'''Jack:''' "It was easier if you didn't know their names."
* MoodDissonance: 456 hisses, thrashes against the sides of its container and projectile-vomits green goo, yet speaks in the deep, calm voice of its translator. Those listening are noticeably spooked.
* MrExposition: Lois Habiba. The third series drew in a lot of new viewers and the producers seemed to have anticipated this. Lois was used to explain the origins of Torchwood to anyone who hadn't seen the first two series.
* TheNameless: 456 is merely a placeholder name for the aliens, derived from the frequency on which they first contacted humanity. Even when asked directly for the name of its species, the 456 tells Frobisher to just keep using that designation. Also it's never actually stated which government organisation Johnson works for.
* PlayingAgainstType: Peter Capaldi is best known for playing MagnificentBastard AntiHero Malcolm Tucker in ''TheThickOfIt'' -- a man with no scruples or shame over the corrupt government he works for. In ''Children Of Earth'' he plays John Frobisher, a ButtMonkey AntiVillain who is so ashamed of his governments' acts he commits suicide after murdering his family to spare them from [[spoiler:being turned over to the 456]]. The two characters are polar opposites.
* PowerPerversionPotential: Apparently, Gwen and Rhys have been using the Torchwood camera contact lenses for "fun". Yes, ''this'' kind of fun.
* PragmaticVillainy: Furthering the AlternateCharacterInterpretation, Denise Riley stating 'what everyone was thinking' qualifies for this, if you consider her a CompleteMonster - no one in the Cabinet is going to sign [[spoiler:their children up]] to be taken by the 456, and if there's no other choice, why not get rid of [[spoiler:the underperforming children]] who are likely to become the [[spoiler:'future drain on society']] and protect the future leaders?
* PunchClockVillain: Most of the UK government is portrayed this way (''especially'' Frobisher); it's one of the major themes of the miniseries.
* SexySecretary: Lois.
* SenselessSacrifice: [[spoiler:John Frobisher]]'s murder-suicide, though only senseless in hindsight.
* SinisterSurveillance: For once Torchwood are on the receiving end. By a government unit with the same software and intel.
* SomethingHeWouldNeverSay: Gwen tries to gain the trust of Ianto's sister Rhiannon, but because Ianto has lied about his family details she naturally thinks Gwen is an impostor.
* [[SillyRabbitIdealismIsForKids Silly Rabbit, Idealism Is For UNIT]]: Cabinet member Denise Riley, who says "what everyone here is thinking". None of the government big shots want [[spoiler:their own children handed over]], and if they're exempt, why not get rid of the ratbag element of society?
* SoundOnlyDeath: John Frobisher's [[spoiler:PaterFamilicide]].
* SoundtrackDissonance: When [[spoiler:the children]] are seized.
* StealthInSpace: The one thing hampering even the idea of fighting back is that the government can't locate any spaceships in orbit, even with the alien tech they've scavenged over the past few years.
* SuperSenses: Clement's brain was somehow altered by the aliens, giving him the ability to [[TheNoseKnows smell]] if someone is lying. Or pregnant. Or gay.
* SupermanStaysOutOfGotham: Lampshaded by Gwen when she wonders why the Doctor doesn't come to help.
* TrashTheSet: The Torchwood Hub.
* VanInBlack: The dark gray Land Rovers used by Johnson's mooks. Also lampshaded in a scene where Ianto thinks a BlackVan is sneaking up on him, but it turns out to be delivering newspapers.
* VideoWill: Gwen leaves one in the final episode for anyone who's still around to see it.
* WhatASenselessWasteOfHumanLife: The whole army vs. its people was utterly ''useless'', as would have been [[spoiler:handling the children to the aliens]], or worse, ''not handling them''.
* WhoWantsToLiveForever: Alice now looks older than her father Jack.
%%% Please no natter about the actors' chronological ages.
* WhyAmITicking: Jack is 'killed' so he can be cut open and a bomb hidden inside his body, in order to destroy both him and the Torchwood Hub.
