Torchwood and the Whoniverse

[Roranicus]

With word from RTD that Torchwood will contain very little reference to Doctor Who in the upcoming series, how important do you think it is that Torchwood remains in the Whoniverse? It will always have its roots there, but after series 3 the show really proved that it can stand on its own two feet and work seperatly away from the main show with very little mention, reference or cameo.

Do you think that the show should continue in this trend and step further out of Doctor Who's shadow, or do you think that it is important to keep those ties in place?

[Nyki]

I don't think it should be dependent on DW links, but I wouldn't want to see the connection completely cut.  That doesn't necessarily mean cameos, but while the Doctor and Torchwood are both in the business of saving Earth from alien invasions (assuming and hoping Torchwood will continue to be at least partly about that) it would make sense for there to be some kind of crossover.

On the other hand, of course, there's the question of whether Torchwood is taking place in the original universe, the partly deleted one or the rebooted version.   Or in yet another.  That might make a difference.

[Peri-Peri]

I think that there needs to be a certain amount of links in the show to remind people of where it comes from, but at the same time it should be quite limited. It annoyed me in COE when everyone kept saying 'Well this would never happen because the Doctor would save them'. I think people need to accept that it is part of DW while apart from DW.

[TheRealHeatherG]

I'm of two minds about this.

On the one hand, I would really miss the Whoniverse connection and I think it's an integral part of the show's identity. To completely sever it would be a shame -- and sort of an insult to fans.

On the other hand, the show can definitely stands on its own. CoE, love it or hate it (I loved it) was proof of that. And since MD is going to be in a similar vein (a singular story encompassing a season), I think they can pull it off.

But I'm hoping they'll retain SOME connection to DW. However, it wouldn't be the first spin-off in history to completely deviate from its original source.

Time will tell. 

[Aneurin]

I'm of two minds about this.

On the one hand, I would really miss the Whoniverse connection and I think it's an integral part of the show's identity. To completely sever it would be a shame -- and sort of an insult to fans.

On the other hand, the show can definitely stands on its own. CoE, love it or hate it (I loved it) was proof of that. And since MD is going to be in a similar vein (a singular story encompassing a season), I think they can pull it off.

But I'm hoping they'll retain SOME connection to DW. However, it wouldn't be the first spin-off in history to completely deviate from its original source.

Time will tell. 

I would pretty much agree with everything Heather has said. There is a fine line but if they keep a good balance then I think it could work out nicely. It doesnt need to completely break free but at the same time it doesnt need to rely on DW for support

[RiverandTheDoctor]

I definitely think that Jack will be without his vortex manipulator, because his was the wrist that River got her VM from, and that will be the connection between the two shows.

Although, Moffat does seem like he might like to bring Jack back for a cameo at some point, if John was available. He admitted as much in a recent interview.

[Tardis-Console]

The latest series didn't even feel like Torchwood particularly, let alone the wider whoniverse. I think if it comes back again it will have pretty much broken away completely