Ep 4. Cyberwoman

In Torchwood season 1 episode 4 titled "Cyberwoman," the Torchwood team faces one of their most challenging and disturbing cases yet. Ianto Jones, the team's archivist, has been keeping a secret: his girlfriend, Lisa Hallett, was partially converted into a Cyberman during the events of Doctor Who's "Army of Ghosts" and "Doomsday."

Ianto manages to sneak Lisa into the Hub - Torchwood's secret base hidden beneath Cardiff - and he attempts to restore her humanity with a device he's been secretly building for months. But things quickly go awry as Lisa's programming takes over, and she begins attacking the Torchwood team and turning their technology against them.

"Cyberwoman" is a tense and emotional episode that explores the consequences of living in a world where alien technology can be both powerful and dangerous. As the team tries to find a way to stop Lisa without harming her, they also grapple with their own moral and personal dilemmas. Ianto is forced to confront his own guilt and grief over losing Lisa to the Cybermen, and he's willing to do anything to try to save her - even if it means betraying his colleagues and risking the lives of innocent civilians.

The episode also showcases the strong chemistry and complex dynamics between the Torchwood team members. Gwen Cooper, the team's newest recruit, is sympathetic to Ianto's situation but also challenges him to think about the consequences of his actions. Captain Jack Harkness, the enigmatic and charismatic leader of Torchwood, is torn between his duty to protect the world and his empathy for Ianto. And Toshiko Sato and Owen Harper, both brilliant scientists with their own secrets and vulnerabilities, find themselves caught in the crossfire of the escalating conflict.

"Cyberwoman" is notable for its exploration of the Cybermen as a villain, taking a deeper dive into the emotional and psychological trauma inflicted on their victims. Lisa is not just a mindless killing machine, but rather a tragic figure who has been robbed of her humanity and forced to endure a horrific existence as a "cyber zombie." The episode also highlights the dangers of Torchwood's own technology, which can be just as threatening as the alien threats they face on a daily basis.

Overall, "Cyberwoman" is a standout episode of Torchwood that combines sci-fi thrills, emotional depth, and strong character development. It's a must-watch for fans of the show and for anyone interested in exploring the darker side of the Doctor Who universe.