TV Club: Random Shoes

Television TV Club
1

Eugene Jones discovers the secrets of Torchwood:

Watch on BBC iPlayer:

Or purchase on DVD:

Rate and review below:

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0 voters
3 Likes
2

This is easily my favourite episode from the 1st season of Torchwood. Random Shoes is very much ‘Love and Monsters’ type of story and I think it works better here than in parent show. I found it to be really touching. 10/10

10 Likes
3

I know that there are some conflicting opinions about this episode, where some love it and some hate it. I find it to be okay but pretty boring. It feels like nothing really matters in this episode. I feel like Gwen has a couple of good moments but is mostly boring and out of character.

9 Likes
4

Zzzzz…

Love & Monsters did this particular premise much more justice. Eugene is such a dull character to follow around, and the story could be better told in a five minute minisode…

Honestly the biggest question I have after this episode is why anyone would think his standard breakfast at that cafe would look appealing in the slightest? :grimacing::eyes:

“Random Shoes” commits the cardinal sin of entertainment media: it’s boooring :person_shrugging:

Zzzzz…

A solitary 1/5 :star: from me

7 Likes
5

I have fun with this one. In my mind it’s a better execution of the premise of Love & Monsters.
8/10

7 Likes
6

I don’t think that they are as similar as people say. But Love and Monsters has much more heart than this one.

8 Likes
7

No they are very different tonally, but the outside narrator role is a very similar storytelling device.

Elton and Eugene are even somewhat similar in regards to their social awkwardness. Eugene just never found “his London Investigation’N’Detective Agency” to bring him out of his shell.

9 Likes
8

I guess. The part that makes them kind of dissimilar is Gwen’s presence in this. To me, it makes the episode very different. Eugene is also much more boring as a character then Elton.

6 Likes
9

Yeah, I’m also not a fan. Eugene is just not a very fun character to follow around. It’s boring. It’s forgettable.

5 Likes
10

Must be the only TW ep I’ve never rewatched lol.

And isn’t it also the one with that prop…? Gross.

3 Likes
11

0.5/5.

I genuinely despise this episode so, so much I can’t find the right words to express my hatred for it

7 Likes
12

I genuinely want to know why. I am not a fan but I don’t feel like that.

8 Likes
13

I rather enjoy this one. Interesting story style, interesting narrative, well acted.

7 Likes
14

I’m still not really a Torchwood person, I can respect that a lot of it is good and have really enjoyed some audios, but it’s just not one of my fave niches. Still, I thought this one was pretty well executed and the premise is pretty strong.

There are objectively worse written Doctor Who things that I love with a passion, so this is probably more a comment on my preferences than it’s actual quality.

7 Likes
15

Well, I didn’t remember anything about this one, which says a lot, I guess. It’s not the worst episode ever, but it’s not particularly good either. A meh episode, pretty much.

5.6/10

Random Shoes is a gentle, introspective ghost story with a heart, but not much narrative muscle. Its slow pace, bland central character, and limp sci-fi twist stop it from soaring. Gwen gets some solid material, and the premise—viewing Torchwood through an outsider’s eyes—isn’t without merit. But despite its emotional ambition, it doesn’t quite pack the punch it wants to. A slightly awkward oddity with a glowing heart but not much fire.

You’re welcome to read my full review below (spoilers hidden):

6 Likes