I is for Ianto Jones

A Change in the Programme

Originally, “I” was supposed to be “Its bigger on the inside,” but since my “blue” post was already about Doctor Who, I thought that it was better to find something else. Ianto Jones is a fictional character from the British television show, Torchwood. Yes, yes. It is a spin-off from Doctor Who series, but dammit, Russell Davies is an amazing writer.

Such a stern picture, but he is really a big teddy bear. Just ask Captain Jack. Image from http://www.blastr.com/2010/11/steven-moffat-wont-bring.php

Just the “help” (spoiler alerts)

Ianto is referred to as the General Support Officer for Torchwood Three based in Cardiff, Wales. This is the third division of Torchwood and they hunted aliens and their technology. Originally, the role of Ianto was to last for five episodes and then he was done, but he appealed so strongly to fans that lasted for three series (seasons). He was a quiet character that ran the administrative duties, made tea, and keep track of the ammunitions.

Ianto comes to the fore in episode four of season one. In “Cyberwoman,” we see him trying to save his girlfriend who has been partially assimilated as a Cyberman as seen in the Doctor Who episode, “Doomsday.” We all know that this will end badly, and Ianto looses his girlfriend. From this point, Ianto does not have much to hide, and we are treated to his sense of humor by way of one-liners peppering the scripts.  It is in the middle of series one, where we Davies hand in exploring human sexuality. What begins as a bit of a fling, turns into a deepening relationship between Ianto and Captain Jack.

Fun in the fauna. Image from http://lgbttvcouples.tumblr.com/

We are lucky to see their relationship build, and see the tragic death of Ianto while trying to save ten percent of Earth’s children. The Ianto fans, however, lost their shit. They wrote letters. They wrote to anyone who was in any way connected to the Doctor Who franchise. They made websites. They called the writer and producer homophobic (really?). They designated donations in Ianto’s name for the BBC charity, Children in Need.

A memorial at Mermaid quay for Ianto Jones. Image from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ianto_Jones_memorial_at_Mermaid_Quay.jpg

The character of Ianto Jones made quite the impression in British cult television. Again, this is a science fiction drama that is relatable to the viewer through the character’s personal struggles. Geek, gay or both it is nice to see it all being portrayed as a normal attribute.